Punicalagin increases follicular activation, development and activity of superoxide dismutase 1, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase 1 in cultured bovine ovarian tissues.

Context The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during in vitro culture of ovarian tissues impairs follicular development and survival. Aims To evaluate the effects of punicalagin on the development and survival of primordial follicles, stromal cell and collagen fibres, as well as on the levels of mRNA for nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2 ), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1 ), catalase (CAT ), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1 ) and perirredoxin 6 (PRDX6 ), and activity of antioxidant enzymes in cultured bovine ovarian tissues. Methods Bovine ovarian cortical tissues were cultured for 6days in α-MEM+ alone or with 1.0, 10.0, or 100.0µM punicalagin at 38.5°C with 5% CO2 . Follicle morphology and growth, stromal cell density, and collagen fibres were evaluated by classical histology, while the expression of mRNA was evaluated by real-time PCR. The activity of enzymes was analysed by the Bradford method. Key results Punicalagin improved follicle survival and development, reduced mRNA expression for SOD1 and CAT , but did not influence stromal cells or collagen fibres. Punicalagin (10.0µM) increased the levels of thiol and activity of SOD1, CAT , and GPX1 enzymes. Conclusions Punicalagin (10.0µM) promotes follicle survival and development and activates SOD1, CAT , and GPX1 enzymes in bovine ovarian tissues. Implications Punicalagin improves follicle development and survival in cultured ovarian tissues.

Inhibitory effects of parabens on human and rat 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1: Mechanisms of action and impact on hormone synthesis.

Parabens are commonly used preservatives in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical products. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of nine parabens on human and rat 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (17ß-HSD1) in human placental and rat ovarian cytosols, as well as on estradiol synthesis in BeWo cells. The results showed that the IC50 values for these compounds varied from methylparaben with the weakest inhibition (106.42 µM) to hexylparaben with the strongest inhibition (2.05 µM) on human 17ß-HSD1. Mode action analysis revealed that these compounds acted as mixed inhibitors. For rats, the IC50 values ranged from the weakest inhibition for methylparaben (no inhibition at 100 µM) to the most potent inhibition for hexylparaben (0.87 µM), and they functioned as mixed inhibitors. Docking analysis indicated that parabens bind to the region bridging the NADPH and steroid binding sites of human 17ß-HSD1 and the NADPH binding site of rat 17ß-HSD1. Bivariate correlation analysis demonstrated negative correlations between LogP, molecular weight, heavy atoms, and apolar desolvation energy, and the IC50 values of these compounds. In conclusion, this study identified the inhibitory effects of parabens and their binding mechanisms on human and rat 17ß-HSD1, as well as their impact on hormone synthesis.

Characterization of an agmatine N-acetyltransferase from Bactrocera dorsalis that modulates ovary development.

Agmatine N-acetyltransferase (AgmNAT), which catalyzes the formation of N-acetylagmatine from acetyl-CoA and agmatine, is a member of the GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase family. So far, knowledge of the physiological roles of AgmNAT in insects is limited. Here, we identified one gene encoding protein homologous to that of Drosophila AgmNAT using sequence information from an activity-verified Drosophila AgmNAT in a BLAST search of the Bactrocera dorsalis genome. We expressed and purified B. dorsalis AgmNAT in Escherichia coli and used the purified enzyme to define the substrate specificity for acyl-CoA and amine substrates. Our application of the screening strategy to BdorAgmNAT led to the identification of agmatine as the best amine substrate for this enzyme, with the highest kcat/Km value. We successfully obtained a BdorAgmNAT knockout strain based on a wild-type strain (WT) using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. The ovary development of the BdorAgmNAT knockout mutants was delayed for 10 days compared with the WT specimens. Moreover, mutants had a much smaller mature ovary size and laid far fewer eggs than WT. Loss of function of BdorAgmNAT caused by RNAi with mature WT females did not affect their fecundity. These findings indicate that BdorAgmNAT is critical for oogenesis. Our data provide the first evidence for AgmNAT in regulating ovary development.

Aurora-A kinase is differentially expressed in the nucleus and cytoplasm in normal Müllerian epithelium and benign, borderline and malignant serous ovarian neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: Aurora-A kinase is important for cellular proliferation and is implicated in the tumorigenesis of several malignancies, including of the ovary. Information regarding the expression patterns of Aurora-A in normal Müllerian epithelium as well as benign, borderline and malignant epithelial ovarian neoplasms is limited. METHODS: We investigated Aurora-A expression by immunohistochemistry in 15 benign, 19 borderline and 17 malignant ovarian serous tumors, and 16 benign, 8 borderline, and 2 malignant ovarian mucinous tumors. Twelve fimbriae from seven patients served as normal Müllerian epithelium controls. We also examined Aurora-A protein expression by western blot in normal fimbriae and tumor specimens. RESULTS: All normal fimbriae (n = 12) showed nuclear but not cytoplasmic Aurora-A immunoreactivity by immunohistochemistry. Benign ovarian tumors also showed strong nuclear Aurora-A immunoreactivity. Forty-eight percent (13/27) of borderline tumors demonstrated nuclear Aurora-A immunoreactivity, while the remainder (52%, 14/27) lacked Aurora-A staining. Nuclear Aurora-A immunoreactivity was absent in all malignant serous tumors, however, 47% (8/17) demonstrated perinuclear cytoplasmic staining. These results were statistically significant when tumor class (benign/borderline/malignant) was compared to immunoreactivity localization or intensity (Fisher Exact Test, p < 0.01). Western blot analysis confirmed the greater nuclear Aurora-A expression in control Müllerian epithelium compared to borderline and malignant tumors. CONCLUSION: Aurora-A kinase is differentially expressed across normal Müllerian epithelium, benign and borderline serous and mucinous ovarian epithelial neoplasms and malignant serous ovarian tumors., with nuclear expression of unphosphorylated Aurora-A being present in normal and benign neoplastic epithelium, and lost in malignant serous neoplasms. Further studies of the possible biological and clinical implications of the loss of nuclear Aurora-A expression in ovarian tumors, and its role in ovarian carcinogenesis are warranted.

Localization of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIP5K) α confined to the surface of lipid droplets and adjacent narrow cytoplasm in progesterone-producing cells of in situ ovaries of adult mice.

Phosphatidylinositol(4,5)bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) produced by phosphatidylinositol phosphate 5 kinase (PIP5K) plays not only as a precursor of second messengers in the phosphoinositide signal transduction, but also multiple roles influencing a variety of cellular activities. From this viewpoint, the present study attempted to localize PIP5Kα in the ovaries in situ of adult mice. PIP5Kα-immunoreactivity was confined to the surfaces of lipid droplets (LDs) and their adjacent cytoplasm in progesterone-producing cells of the interstitial glands, corpora lutea and theca interna. The LDs often contained membranous tubules/lamellae along their surfaces and within their interior whose membranes were continuous with those delineating LDs composed of a monolayer of phospholipids and were partially PIP5Kα-immunoreactive. Although granulosa cells of healthy-looking follicles were immunonegative, as the atresia progressed, PIP5Kα-immunoreactivity first appeared in sparsely dispersed dot forms in mural cells of the follicular epithelia, and then were dominant in almost all mural cells that remained after desquamation of the antral cells. The present study provides evidence suggesting that PI(4,5)P2 locally synthesized by PIP5K in LDs is involved in the lipid transfer between lipid droplets (LDs) and the endoplasmic reticulum, which eventually regulates ovarian progesterone production through control of multiple dynamic activities of LDs. It is also suggested that PIP5Kα and PI(4,5)P2 are implicated in the modulation of programmed cell death and/or acquiring the ability of progesterone production in some follicular cells surviving atresia.

NUAK Kinases: Brain-Ovary Axis.

Liver kinase B (LKB1) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) are two major kinases that regulate cellular metabolism by acting as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) sensors. During starvation conditions, LKB1 and AMPK activate different downstream pathways to increase ATP production, while decreasing ATP consumption, which abrogates cellular proliferation and cell death. Initially, LKB1 was considered to be a tumor suppressor due to its loss of expression in various tumor types. Additional studies revealed amplifications in LKB1 and AMPK kinases in several cancers, suggesting a role in tumor progression. The AMPK-related proteins were described almost 20 years ago as a group of key kinases involved in the regulation of cellular metabolism. As LKB1-downstream targets, AMPK-related proteins were also initially considered to function as tumor suppressors. However, further research demonstrated that AMPK-related kinases play a major role not only in cellular physiology but also in tumor development. Furthermore, aside from their role as regulators of metabolism, additional functions have been described for these proteins, including roles in the cell cycle, cell migration, and cell death. In this review, we aim to highlight the major role of AMPK-related proteins beyond their functions in cellular metabolism, focusing on cancer progression based on their role in cell migration, invasion, and cell survival. Additionally, we describe two main AMPK-related kinases, Novel (nua) kinase family 1 (NUAK1) and 2 (NUAK2), which have been understudied, but play a major role in cellular physiology and tumor development.

Modulation of the PGE2-Mediated Pathway in the Eclosion Blocking Effect of Flumethrin and Terpenoid Subfraction Isolated from Artemesia nilagirica in Rhipicephalus annulatus.

Prostaglandins are a group of important cell-signaling molecules involved in the regulation of ovarian maturation, oocyte development, egg laying and associated behaviors in invertebrates. However, the presence of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), the key enzymes for PGE2 biosynthesis and its interference by drugs were not investigated previously in the ovary of ticks. The present study was undertaken to assess the modulation of the PGE2-mediated pathway in the eclosion blocking effect of flumethrin and terpenoid subfraction isolated from Artemisia nilagirica in Rhipicephalus annulatus ticks. The acaricidal activities and chemical profiling of the terpenoid subfraction were performed. The localization of the cyclooxygenase1 (COX1) and prostaglandin E synthase (PGES) enzymes and the quantification of PGE2 in the ovaries of the ticks treated with methanol (control), flumethrin and terpenoid subfraction were also undertaken. In addition, the vitellogenin concentration in hemolymph was also assayed. Both flumethrin and the terpenoid subfraction of A. nilagirica elicited a concentration-dependent inhibition of fecundity and blocking of hatching of the eggs. The COX1 could not be detected in the ovaries of treated and control ticks, while there was no significant difference observed in the concentration of vitellogenin (Vg) in them. The presence of PGES in the oocytes of control ticks was confirmed while the immunoreactivities against PGES were absent in the vitellogenic oocytes of ticks treated with flumethrin and terpenoid subfraction. The levels of PGE2 were below the detection limit in the ovaries of the flumethrin-treated ticks, while it was significantly lower in the ovaries of the terpenoid subfraction-treated ticks. Hence, the prostaglandin E synthase and PGE2 were identified as very important mediators for the signaling pathway for ovarian maturation and oviposition in ticks. In addition, the key enzyme for prostaglandin biosynthesis, PGES and the receptors for PGE2 can be exploited as potential drug targets for tick control. The detection of PGES by immunohistochemistry and quantification of PGE2 by LC-MSMS can be employed as valuable tools for screening newer compounds for their eclosion blocking acaricidal effects.

DGAT1 Expression Promotes Ovarian Cancer Progression and Is Associated with Poor Prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer is the most fatal gynecological malignancy. Owing to its insidious onset, rapid development, and poor prognosis, ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cause of death in women. Although immunotherapy-related drugs, such as Olaparib, can alleviate ovarian cancer progression, there are no remarkable breakthroughs for its effective treatment. It is considered that the transformation of normal cells to cancerous ones involves "recoding" of certain metabolic pathways. Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) can synthesize triglycerides by transferring acyl-CoA to diacylglycerol, which plays a key role in lipid synthesis. However, the role of DGAT1 in ovarian cancer is not yet elucidated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the correlation between DGAT1 and ovarian cancer staging, grading, vascular invasion, and prognosis by collating the information of ovarian cancer specimens from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Furthermore, the effects of DGAT1 expression on proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth were studied using ovarian cancer cell lines. GSEA was used to analyze the KEGG pathways and biological function enriched because of DGAT1 expression in ovarian cancer. RESULTS: The expression of DGAT1 was elevated in advanced (p = 0.0432), poorly differentiated (p = 0.0148), and vascular invaded (p = 0.0002) ovarian cancer specimens. Prognosis among patients with high expression of DGAT1 was poor. After DGAT1 expression was interfered, proliferation, migration, invasion, colony forming, and tumor growth of ovarian cancer cells were inhibited. In addition, GSEA showed that DGAT1 may be involved in the immune process. CONCLUSION: DGAT1 expression is associated with the clinical phenotype of ovarian cancer. We suggest that DGAT1 has potential implications in the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Characterization of Glutathione Peroxidase 4 in Rat Oocytes, Preimplantation Embryos, and Selected Maternal Tissues during Early Development and Implantation.

This study aimed to describe glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) in rat oocytes, preimplantation embryos, and female genital organs. After copulation, Sprague Dawley female rats were euthanized with anesthetic on the first (D1), third (D3), and fifth days of pregnancy (D5). Ovaries, oviducts, and uterine horns were removed, and oocytes and preimplantation embryos were obtained. Immunohistochemical, immunofluorescent, and Western blot methods were employed. Using immunofluorescence, we detected GPx4 in both the oocytes and preimplantation embryos. Whereas in the oocytes, GPx4 was homogeneously diffused, in the blastomeres, granules were formed, and in the blastocysts, even clusters were present mainly around the cell nuclei. Employing immunohistochemistry, we detected GPx4 inside the ovary in the corpus luteum, stroma, follicles, and blood vessels. In the oviduct, the enzyme was present in the epithelium, stroma, blood vessels, and smooth muscles. In the uterus, GPx4 was found in the endometrium, myometrium, blood vessels, and stroma. Moreover, we observed GPx4 positive granules in the uterine gland epithelium on D1 and D3 and cytoplasm of fibroblasts forming in the decidua on D5. Western blot showed the highest GPx4 levels in the uterus and the lowest levels in the ovary. Our results show that the GPx4 is necessary as early as in the preimplantation development of a new individual because we detected it in an unfertilized oocyte in a blastocyst and not only after implantation, as was previously thought.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase δ-Specific Inhibitor-Induced Changes in the Ovary and Testis in the Sprague Dawley Rat and Cynomolgus Monkey.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) δ is a lipid kinase primarily found in leukocytes, which regulates important cell functions. AMG2519493 was a PI3K δ-specific inhibitor in development for treatment of various inflammatory diseases. AMG2519493-related changes in the male and/or female reproductive organs were observed in the 1- and 3-month oral repeat dose toxicology studies in the rat and cynomolgus monkey. Hemorrhagic corpora lutea cysts and increased incidence of corpora lutea cysts without hemorrhage were observed in the ovaries at supra pharmacological doses in the rat. A decrease in seminiferous germ cells in the testis, indicative of spermatogenesis maturation arrest, was observed in both the rat and cynomolgus monkey. Although the characteristics were comparable, the drug systemic exposures associated with the testicular changes were very different between the 2 species. In the rat, the testicular change was only observed at supra pharmacologic exposure. Isotype assessment of PI3K signaling in rat spermatogonia in vitro indicated a role for PI3K ß, but not δ, in the c Kit/PI3K/protein kinase B signaling pathway. Therefore, changes in both the ovary and testis of the rat were considered due to off target effect as they only occurred at suprapharmacologic exposure. In contrast, the testicular changes in the cynomolgus monkey (decrease in seminiferous germ cells) occurred at very low doses associated with PI3K δ-specific inhibition, indicating that the PI3K δ isoform may be important in spermatogenesis maturation in the cynomolgus monkey. Our results suggest species-related differences in PI3K isoform-specific control on reproductive organs.

Bcl2l10 induces metabolic alterations in ovarian cancer cells by regulating the TCA cycle enzymes SDHD and IDH1.

Bcl2­like­10 (Bcl2l10) has both oncogenic and tumor suppressor functions depending on the type of cancer. It has been previously demonstrated that the suppression of Bcl2l10 in ovarian cancer SKOV3 and A2780 cells causes cell cycle arrest and enhances cell proliferation, indicating that Bcl2l10 is a tumor suppressor gene in ovarian cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to identify possible downstream target genes and investigate the underlying mechanisms of action of Bcl2l10 in ovarian cancer cells. RNA sequencing (RNA­Seq) was performed to obtain a list of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Bcl2l10­suppressed SKOV3 and A2780 cells. The RNA­Seq data were validated by reverse transcription­quantitative PCR (RT­qPCR) and western blot analysis, and the levels of metabolites after Bcl2l10­knockdown were measured using colorimetric assay kits. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the commonly downregulated genes in SKOV3 and A2780 cells after Bcl2l10­knockdown were significantly enriched in metabolic pathways. The analysis of the DEGs identified from RNA­Seq and validated by RT­qPCR revealed that succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit D (SDHD) and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), which are key enzymes of the TCA cycle that regulate oncometabolite production, may be potential downstream targets of Bcl2l10. Furthermore, Bcl2l10­knockdown induced the accumulation of succinate and isocitrate through the downregulation of SDHD and IDH1. The present study was the first to elucidate the metabolic regulatory functions of Bcl2l10 in ovarian cancer cells, and the results indicated that Bcl2l10 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.

Addressing the role of 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome and the putative therapeutic effects of its selective inhibition in a preclinical model.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common metabolic and endocrine disorder among reproductive-age women, and the leading cause of anovulatory infertility. 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases-1 (11ß-HSD1) catalysing the conversion of inactive cortisone to active cortisol plays a crucial role in various metabolic diseases. However, whether 11ß-HSD1 is associated with the pathogenesis of PCOS and whether 11ß-HSD1 can be a treating target of PCOS remain unknown. METHODS: This study was first designed to explore the role of 11ß-HSD1 in PCOS development and the effect of selective 11ß-HSD1 inhibitor administration on PCOS treatment. Follicular fluid and granulosa cells (GCs) were collected from 32 non-PCOS patients and 37 patients with PCOS to measure cortisol and 11ß-HSDs levels. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (3-week-old) were injected with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to induce PCOS and their ovaries were collected to measure the abundance of corticosterone (CORT) and 11ß-HSDs. To determine the role of 11ß-HSD1 in PCOS development, we overexpressed 11ß-HSD1 in the ovaries of female rats (5-week-old) or knocked down the expression of 11ß-HSD1 in the ovaries from PCOS rats via lentivirus injection. After lentivirus infection, the body weights, ovarian weights, estrous cycles, reproductive hormones and morphology of the ovary were analysed in rats from different experimental groups. Then to figure out the translational potential of the selective 11ß-HSD1 inhibitor in treating PCOS, PCOS rats were treated with BVT.2733, a selective 11ß-HSD1 inhibitor and a cluster of PCOS-like traits were analysed, including insulin sensitivity, ovulatory function and fertility of rats from the Control, PCOS and PCOS+BVT groups. Rat ovarian explants and human GCs were used to explore the effect of CORT or cortisol on ovarian extracellular matrix remodelling. RESULTS: The elevated expression of 11ß-HSD1 contributed to the increased cortisol and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations observed in the ovaries of PCOS patients and PCOS rats respectively. Our results showed that ovarian overexpression of 11ß-HSD1 induced a cluster of PCOS phenotypes in rats including irregular estrous cycles, reproductive hormone dysfunction and polycystic ovaries. While knockdown of ovarian 11ß-HSD1 of PCOS rats reversed these PCOS-like changes. Additionally, the selective 11ß-HSD1 inhibitor BVT.2733 alleviated PCOS symptoms such as insulin resistance (IR), irregular estrous cycles, reproductive hormone dysfunction, polycystic ovaries, ovulatory dysfunction and subfertility. Moreover, we showed that cortisol target ovarian insulin signalling pathway and ovarian extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling in vivo, in ovarian explants and in GCs. CONCLUSION: Elevated 11ß-HSD1 abundance in ovarian is involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS by impairing insulin signalling pathway and ECM remodelling. Selective inhibition of 11ß-HSD1 ameliorates a cluster of PCOS phenotypes. Our study demonstrates the selective 11ß-HSD1 inhibitor as a novel and promising strategy for the treatment of PCOS.

Hippocampal Aromatase Knockdown Aggravates Ovariectomy-Induced Spatial Memory Impairment, Aß Accumulation and Neural Plasticity Deficiency in Adult Female Mice.

Ovarian estrogens (mainly 17ß estradiol, E2) have been involved in the regulation of the structure of hippocampus, the center of spatial memory. In recent years, high levels of aromatase (AROM), the estrogen synthase, has been localized in hippocampus; and this hippocampus-derived E2 seems to be functional in synaptic plasticity and spatial memory as ovarian E2 does. However, the contribution of ovarian E2 and hippocampal E2 to spatial memory and neural plasticity remains unclear. In this study, AROM-specific RNA interference AAVs (shAROM) were constructed and injected into the hippocampus of control or ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Four weeks later the spatial learning and memory behavior was examined with Morris water maze, the expression of hippocampal Aß related proteins, selected synaptic proteins and CA1 synapse density, actin polymerization related proteins and CA1 spine density were also examined. The results showed that while OVX and hippocampal shAROM contributed similarly to most of the parameters examined, shAROM induced more increase in BACE1 (amyloidogenic ß-secretase), more decrease in neprilysin (Aß remover) and Profilin-1 (actin polymerization inducer). More importantly, combined OVX and shAROM treatment displayed most significant impairment of spatial learning and memory as well as decrease in synaptic plasticity compared to OVX or shAROM alone. In conclusion, the above results clearly demonstrated the crucial role of hippocampal E2 in the regulation of the structure and function of hippocampus besides ovarian E2, indicating that hippocampal E2 content should also be taken into consideration during estrogenic replacement.

Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2) in the Oviduct: Roles in Fertilization and Early Embryo Development.

The mammalian oviduct is a dynamic organ where important events such as final maturation of oocytes, transport of gametes, sperm capacitation, fertilization, embryo development, and transport take place. Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), also known as cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), is the rate-limiting enzyme in the production of prostaglandins (PGs) and plays an essential role during early pregnancy, including ovulation, fertilization, implantation, and decidualization. Even though the maternal-embryo communication originates in the oviduct, not many studies have systemically investigated PTGS2 signaling during early development. Most of the studies investigating implantation and decidualization processes in Ptgs2-/- mice employed embryo transfer into the uterus, thereby bypassing the mammalian oviduct. Consequently, an understanding of the mechanistic action as well as the regulation of PTGS2 and derived PGs in oviductal functions is far from complete. In this review, we aim to focus on the importance of PTGS2 and associated PGs signaling in the oviduct particularly in humans, farm animals, and laboratory rodents to provide a broad perspective to guide further research in this field. Specifically, we review the role of PTGS2-derived PGs in fertilization, embryo development, and transport. We focus on the actions of ovarian steroid hormones on PTGS2 regulation in the oviduct. Understanding of cellular PTGS2 function during early embryo development and transport in the oviduct will be an important step toward a better understanding of reproduction and may have potential implication in the assisted reproductive technology.

The KMT2A gene: mRNA differential expression in the ovary and a novel 13-nt nucleotide sequence variant associated with litter size in cashmere goats.

A genome-wide association study had shown that lysine methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A), which encodes the histone 3 lysine 4 methyltransferase and reportedly can regulate gametogenesis, steroidogenesis, and development as well as other biological processes, is a potential candidate gene influencing litter size in the dairy goat, suggesting its key function in animal reproduction. Here, we aimed to explore the genetic effects of the KMT2A gene on litter size in females of the Chinese indigenous cashmere goat, using a large sample size (n > 1,000), based on their levels of RNA transcription and DNA variation. First, mRNA expression levels of this gene in ovarian tissues between the low-prolific group (first-born litter size = 1) and high-prolific group (first-born litter size ≥2) were significantly different, revealing the potential functioning of KMT2A in goat prolific. Moreover, a novel 13-nt nucleotide sequence variant was identified in Shaanbei white cashmere goats (n = 1,616). In accordance with the independent chi-square (χ2) analysis, the distribution of genotypes (P = 2.57 × 10-9) and allelotypes (P = 3.00 × 10-7) between the low- and high-prolific groups differed significantly, indicating the 13-nt mutation was associated with litter size. Further analysis showed that the insertion/insertion (II) genotype was significantly different with insertion/deletion (ID) (P = 1.76 × 10-9) and deletion/deletion (DD) (P = 7.00 × 10-6), with goats having the DD genotype producing an average litter size larger than the other genotypes. Taken together, these findings suggest KMT2A can serve as a candidate gene for breeding goats, which may have implications for improving the future development of the goat industry.

The relationship between the mTOR signaling pathway and ovarian aging in peak-phase and late-phase laying hens.

The molecular mechanisms underlying reproductive aging in avian species are poorly understood. Previous studies have shown the importance of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in aging. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the mTOR signaling pathway and ovarian aging in the peak phase and late phase of egg production in laying hens. The egg production rate and egg quality were tracked for 5 consecutive weeks in 30-week-old and 70-week-old Dawu Jinfeng hens (N = 30/group). During the peak phase (week 35) and late phase (week 75), antioxidant and immune indicators were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and mTOR signaling-related genes (CLIP-170, GRB10, LIPIN-1, ATG1, 4E-BP1, S6K, PKC, RHO, and SGK1) were detected in the follicles by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR technology. The protein expression of key genes (mTOR, PKC, 4EBP1) was evaluated by Western blot analysis. The egg production rate and the antioxidant indexes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and the levels of total antioxidant capacity and immunoglobulins (IgM and IgG) were significantly higher at week 35 than those at week 75 (P < 0.01), while malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower (P < 0.01). At week 75, there were fewer follicles in the different stages of development than were detected at week 35. The number of white follicles (large and small) and primary follicles were significantly higher at week 75 than those detected at week 35 (P < 0.01). The mRNA expression of avTOR, CLIP-170, GRB10, LIPIN-1, 4E-BP1, S6K, RHO, and SGK genes in small white follicles (SWF), large white follicles (LWF), F3, F1, and ovary at week 75 was lower than that in the hens at week 35 (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression in small yellow follicle (SYF) was significantly higher than that at week 35 (P < 0.05), while the mRNA expression of ULK1 in SWF, LWF, F3, F1, and ovary at week 75 was higher than that of hens at week 35 (P＜0.01), and SYF was lower (P < 0.05). Treatment of chicken granulosa cells with the mTOR agonist MHY1485 significantly enhanced granulocyte proliferation (P < 0.01) and inhibited apoptosis (P < 0.01) and significantly increased avTOR, S6K, 4E-BP1, and PKC gene expression (P < 0.01). The protein expression levels of mTOR, S6K, p-mTOR, and p-S6K were consistent with mRNA expression levels. The mTOR activity is age-specific, and a compensatory enhancement of the mTOR signaling cascade can regulate ovarian follicular development in aged laying hens.

Upregulation of Cyp19a1 and PPAR-γ in ovarian steroidogenic pathway by Ficus religiosa: A potential cure for polycystic ovary syndrome.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Quite a few plants are in use to treat female infertility and associated problems. Availing the cues from traditional knowledge, phytochemical studies and ethnopharmacological evidences, the aphrodisiac plant Ficus religiosa (F. religiosa) is widely in use to cure infertility in women. For instance, the juice of leaf and aerial root of F. religiosa is reported to normalize the dysregulated menstrual cycle in women. Besides, it is believed that regular circumambulation of F. religiosa during the early hours of the morning helps women in alleviating infertility which could be attributed to the potential phytovolatiles released from F. religiosa. However, the evidences for therapeutic potential of F. religiosa in treating female infertility are arbitrary and mostly anecdotal. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was aimed at examining if extracts of fresh and/or dry leaf of F. religiosa would cure polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in the rat model. METHODS: Rats were divided into seven groups; control (Group I), PCOS-induced (P.O, Letrozole -1 mg/kg BW for 21 days) and untreated (Group II), PCOS-induced and treated with the leaf extracts of F. religiosa (Groups III-VI), and, PCOS-induced and treated with pioglitazone (Group VII). The estrous intervals, body and organ weights (ovary and uterus), and serum hormones (testosterone, luteinizing hormone [LH], estrogen, and progesterone) were measured, and the expression of Cyp19a1 (aromatase), and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) were assessed in the experimental rats. The levels of 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ß-HSD), 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17ß-HSD), and antioxidants (MDA, GSH, GPx, SOD, and CAT) were also quantified. Besides, the putative volatile compounds in the esterified leaf extracts were identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS: Letrozole treatment induced irregular estrous and altered weight of organs and hormonal milieu, which were reverted to normal in leaf extracts-treated PCOS-induced rats. Remarkably, fresh leaf treatment up-regulated Cyp19a1and PPAR-γ and increased the levels of 3ß-HSD and 17ß-HSD. We found 3-acetoxy-3-hydroxy-propionic acid in fresh and dry leaf extracts, which we attribute to efficacy of the extracts in alleviating PCOS. CONCLUSION: Put together, our findings suggest the leaves of F. religiosa as potential in alleviating PCOS, mainly due to the presence of putative volatile molecules. Further screening of the leaves of F. religiosa is recommended to identify other key molecules and to develop a systematic therapeutic intervention for PCOS.

Immunohistochemical determination of mTOR pathway molecules in ovaries and uterus in rat estrous cycle stages.

mTOR is a member of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway that participates in cell growth, proliferation, protein synthesis, transcription, angiogenesis, apoptosis and autophagy. mTOR and MAPK pahways are two important key signal pathways which are related to each other. We investigated the role of mTOR and other signaling molecules in rat ovaries and uteruses in stages of the estrous cycle. Young adult female rats were divided into four groups as proestrous, estrous, metestrous and diestrous according to vaginal smears. Immunohistochemical staining of mTORC1, IGF1, PI3K, pAKT1/2/3, ERK1 and pERK1/2 was performed and pAKT1/2/3 and ERK1 were also analyzed using western blotting on ovarian and uterine tissue samples. According to our results, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and ERK/pERK showed an increase in the rat ovulation period. When all the groups were evaluated the immunoreactivities for all of the antibodies were detected in the oocytes, granulosa and theca cells, corpus luteum and stroma of ovary and lamina propria, surface and glandular epithelium of uterus with the strongest observed with anti-ERK1 antibody and then with a decreasing trend with anti-mTORC1, anti-pAkt1/2/3, anti-IGF1, anti-PI3K and anti-pERK1/2 antibodies in the proestrus and estrus stages. Differently from other parts of the ovary, highest antibody expression in the corpus luteum was observed in the metestrous stage. Moreover, the existence of pAKT1/2/3 and ERK1 proteins was confirmed with the Western blotting technique. We suggest that mTOR and mTOR-related ERK signaling molecules may participate in the rat ovulation process.

Genomic Characterization and Expression of Juvenile Hormone Esterase-Like Carboxylesterase Genes in Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei.

The sesquiterpenoid methyl farnesoate (MF), a juvenile hormone (JH) analog, plays important roles in many physiological processes of crustaceans, such as morphogenesis, molting and reproduction. Juvenile hormone esterase-like (JHE-like) carboxylesterase (CXE) is a key enzyme in MF degradation, playing a significant role in regulating MF titer. However, its function is barely known in shrimp. In this study, a total of 21 JHE-like CXEs (LvCXEs) were characterized in Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, based on the full genome and multi-transcriptomic data. LvCXE has a conserved triplet catalytic site (Ser-Glu-His) and a characteristic GxSxG motif. Most LvCXEs were highly expressed in the hepatopancreas, which was the main site for MF degradation. LvCXEs containing a GESAG motif showed a specific expansion in the L. vannamei genome. Those GESAG-containing LvCXEs presented differential expressions at different larvae stages and different molting stages of L. vannamei, which suggested their potential functions in development and molting. Additionally, when the transcription level of CXEs was inhibited, it could lead to failed molt and death of L. vannamei. When we further detected the expression levels of the key ecdysone responsive transcription factors including LvE75, LvBr-C, LvHr3 and LvFtz-f1 after the CXE inhibitor was injected into L. vannamei, they all showed apparent down-regulation. These results suggested that the expansion of LvCXEs in the L. vannamei genome should contribute to the regulation of metamorphosis at larvae stages and frequent molting during the growth of L. vannamei.

Calliandra portoricensis ameliorates ovarian and uterine oxido-inflammatory responses in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and benzo[a]pyrene-treated rats.

IMPACT STATEMENT: Infertility resulting from reproductive impairment is traumatic in families. Exposure to chemicals may play insidious roles not easily connected to infertility. We examined benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), and N-methyl nitrosourea (NMU)-induced ovarian and uterine toxicity and the role of Calliandra portoricensis in mitigating toxicity. In a bid to illuminate folk medical claims cloaked in mystery, unearthing lost knowledge, advance natural chemopreventive agents, and report new evidence lacking in the literature attributed to CP. Although CP is known to exhibit anticonvulsant, antidiarrheal, antipyretic, antirheumatic, and analgesic effects in humans, its possible roles for mitigating toxicity stemming from inadvertent chemical exposures are reported here. Our findings affirm and further show that CP abates toxic response incumbent on oxidative damage and inflammatory responses associated with NMU and BaP exposure. Development of phytochemical derived from CP may serve as a potential natural therapy against chemical toxicities in individuals inadvertently exposed, and promote human health and reproductive satiety.