microRNA-449a reduces growth hormone-stimulated senescent cell burden through PI3K-mTOR signaling.

Cellular senescence, a hallmark of aging, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many major age-related disorders, including neurodegeneration, atherosclerosis, and metabolic disease. Therefore, investigating novel methods to reduce or delay the accumulation of senescent cells during aging may attenuate age-related pathologies. microRNA-449a-5p (miR-449a) is a small, noncoding RNA down-regulated with age in normal mice but maintained in long-living growth hormone (GH)-deficient Ames Dwarf (df/df) mice. We found increased fibroadipogenic precursor cells, adipose-derived stem cells, and miR-449a levels in visceral adipose tissue of long-living df/df mice. Gene target analysis and our functional study with miR-449a-5p have revealed its potential as a serotherapeutic. Here, we test the hypothesis that miR-449a reduces cellular senescence by targeting senescence-associated genes induced in response to strong mitogenic signals and other damaging stimuli. We demonstrated that GH downregulates miR-449a expression and accelerates senescence while miR-449a upregulation using mimetics reduces senescence, primarily through targeted reduction of p16Ink4a, p21Cip1, and the PI3K-mTOR signaling pathway. Our results demonstrate that miR-449a is important in modulating key signaling pathways that control cellular senescence and the progression of age-related pathologies.

Dwarf mice as models for reproductive ageing research.

Dwarf mice are characterized by extremely long lifespan, delayed ovarian ageing, altered metabolism, lower age-related oxidative damage and cancer incidence rate. Snell dwarf, Ames dwarf and growth hormone receptor knockout mice are three commonly used models. Despite studies focusing on ageing and metabolism, the reproductive features of female dwarf mice have also attracted interest over the last decade. Female Snell and Ames dwarf mice have regular oestrous cycles and ovulation rates, as in normal mice, but with a larger ovarian reserve and delayed ovarian ageing. The primordial follicle reserve in dwarf mice is greater than in normal littermates. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration is seven times higher in Ames dwarf mice than in their normal siblings, and ovarian transcriptomic profiling showed distinctive patterns in older Ames dwarf mice, especially enriched in inflammatory and immune response-related pathways. In addition, microRNA profiles also showed distinctive differences in Ames dwarf mice compared with normal control littermates. This review aims to summarize research progress on dwarf mice as models in the reproductive ageing field. Investigations focusing on the mechanisms of their reserved reproductive ability are much needed and are expected to provide additional molecular biological bases for the clinical practice of reproductive medicine in women.

Oral Microbial Species and Virulence Factors Associated with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

The human microbiome has been the focus of numerous research efforts to elucidate the pathogenesis of human diseases including cancer. Oral cancer mortality is high when compared with other cancers, as diagnosis often occurs during late stages. Its prevalence has increased in the USA over the past decade and accounts for over 40,000 new cancer patients each year. Additionally, oral cancer pathogenesis is not fully understood and is likely multifactorial. To unravel the relationships that are associated with the oral microbiome and their virulence factors, we used 16S rDNA and metagenomic sequencing to characterize the microbial composition and functional content in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tumor tissue, non-tumor tissue, and saliva from 18 OSCC patients. Results indicate a higher number of bacteria belonging to the Fusobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes phyla associated with tumor tissue when compared with all other sample types. Additionally, saliva metaproteomics revealed a significant increase of Prevotella in five OSCC subjects, while Corynebacterium was mostly associated with ten healthy subjects. Lastly, we determined that there are adhesion and virulence factors associated with Streptococcus gordonii as well as from known oral pathogens belonging to the Fusobacterium genera found mostly in OSCC tissues. From these results, we propose that not only will the methods utilized in this study drastically improve OSCC diagnostics, but the organisms and specific virulence factors from the phyla detected in tumor tissue may be excellent biomarkers for characterizing disease progression.

Calorie restriction during gestation affects ovarian reserve in offspring in the mouse.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of calorie restriction (CR) during pregnancy in mice on metabolism and ovarian function in the offspring. Pregnant female mice were divided into two groups, a control group and a CR group (n=7 in each). Mice in the CR group were fed 50% of the amount consumed by control females from Day 10 of gestation until delivery. After weaning, the offspring received diet ad libitum until 3 months of age, when ovaries were collected. Ovaries were serially cut and every sixth section was used for follicle counting. Female offspring from CR dams tended to have increased bodyweight compared with offspring from control females (P=0.08). Interestingly, fewer primordial follicles (60% reduction; P=0.001), transitional follicles (P=0.0006) and total follicles (P=0.006) were observed in offspring from CR mothers. The number of primary, secondary and tertiary follicles did not differ between the groups (P>0.05). The CR offspring had fewer DNA double-strand breaks in primary follicle oocytes (P=0.03). In summary, CR during the second half of gestation decreased primordial ovarian follicle reserve in female offspring. These findings suggest that undernutrition during the second half of gestation may decrease the reproductive lifespan of female offspring.

Molecular targets for NF1-associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.

Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor (MPNST) is a soft-tissue neurosarcoma. It can occur sporadically, after radiotherapy or in patients with Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). The hereditary disorder, NF1, is a common cancer predisposition syndrome. The main genetic feature is the mutation of the NF1 tumor suppressor gene that is inherited in an autosomal dominant, progressive manner. Mutations of the NF1 gene increase the activity of Ras signaling and cause the development of different types of tumors, including subcutaneous and plexiform neurofibromas. These can have further mutations that mediate the transformation into MPNST. Somatic mutations that have been observed are the loss of cell cycle regulators of the CDKN2A gene, and the inactivation of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), mainly embryonic ectoderm development (EED) or suppressor of zeste 12 homologue (SUZ12). Other molecular pathways that have been targeted for treatment are dual MAPK-mTOR targeting, p53 protein, and MEK-ERK pathway. To advance the therapies focused on delaying or inhibiting malignant tumor formation in NF1, we need to understand the implications of the molecular and genetic pathway that are involved in the transformation into MPNST.

Cathepsin B regulates hepatic lipid metabolism by cleaving liver fatty acid-binding protein.

Synthesis and secretion of hepatic triglycerides (TAG) associated with very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) play a major role in maintaining overall lipid homeostasis. This study aims to identify factors affecting synthesis and secretion of VLDL-TAG using the growth hormone-deficient Ames dwarf mouse model, which has reduced serum TAG. Proteomic analysis coupled with a bioinformatics-driven approach revealed that these mice express greater amounts of hepatic cathepsin B and lower amounts of liver fatty acid-binding protein (LFABP) than their wildtype littermates. siRNA-mediated knockdown of cathepsin B in McA-RH7777 cells resulted in a 39% increase in [3H]TAG associated with VLDL secretion. Cathepsin B knockdown was accompanied by a 74% increase in cellular LFABP protein levels, but only when cells were exposed to 0.4 mm oleic acid (OA) complexed to BSA. The cathepsin B knockdown and 24-h treatment with OA resulted in increased CD36 expression alone and additively. Co-localization of LFABP and cathepsin B was observed in a distinct Golgi apparatus-like pattern, which required a 1-h OA treatment. Moreover, we observed co-localization of LFABP and apoB, independent of the OA treatment. Overexpression of cathepsin B resulted in decreased OA uptake and VLDL secretion. Co-expression of cathepsin B and cathepsin B-resistant mutant LFABP in McA-RH7777 cells resulted in an increased TAG secretion as compared with cells co-expressing cathepsin B and wildtype LFABP. Together, these data indicate that cathepsin B regulates VLDL secretion and free fatty acid uptake via cleavage of LFABP, which occurs in response to oleic acid exposure.

Human Papillomavirus and the use of nanoparticles for immunotherapy in HPV-related cancer: A review.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) remains one of the most commonly contracted sexually transmitted diseases around the world. There are a multitude of HPV types, some of which may never present any symptoms. Others, however, are considered high-risk types, which increase the chance of the person infected to develop cancer. In recent years, the utilization of nanotechnology has allowed researchers to employ and explore the use of nanoparticles in immunotherapies. The new nanoparticle frontier has opened many doors in this area of research as a form of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in cancers resulting from HPV. This review will provide a brief background of HPV, its relationship to head and neck cancer (HNC) and present some insight into the field of immunotherapeutic nanoparticles.

Characteristic miRNA expression signature and random forest survival analysis identify potential cancer-driving miRNAs in a broad range of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma subtypes.

AIM: To characterize the miRNA expression profile in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSSC) accounting for a broad range of cancer subtypes and consequently identify an optimal miRNA signature with prognostic value. BACKGROUND: HNSCC is consistently among the most common cancers worldwide. Its mortality rate is about 50% because of the characteristic aggressive behavior of these cancers and the prevalent late diagnosis. The heterogeneity of the disease has hampered the development of robust prognostic tools with broad clinical utility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Cancer Genome Atlas HNSC dataset was used to analyze level 3 miRNA-Seq data from 497 HNSCC patients. Differential expression (DE) analysis was implemented using the limma package and multivariate linear model that adjusted for the confounding effects of age at diagnosis, gender, race, alcohol history, anatomic neoplasm subdivision, pathologic stage, T and N stages, and vital status. Random forest (RF) for survival analysis was implemented using the randomForestSRC package. RESULTS: A characteristic DE miRNA signature of HNSCC, comprised of 11 upregulated (i.e., miR-196b-5p, miR-1269a, miR-196a-5p, miR-4652-3p, miR-210-3p, miR-1293, miR-615-3p, miR-503-5p, miR-455-3p, miR-205-5p, and miR-21-5p) and 9 downregulated (miR-376c-3p, miR-378c, miR-29c-3p, miR-101-3p, miR-195-5p, miR-299-5p, miR-139-5p, miR-6510-3p, miR-375) miRNAs was identified. An optimal RF survival model was built from seven variables including age at diagnosis, miR-378c, miR-6510-3p, stage N, pathologic stage, gender, and race (listed in order of variable importance). CONCLUSIONS: The joint differential miRNA expression and survival analysis controlling for multiple confounding covariates implemented in this study allowed for the identification of a previously undetected prognostic miRNA signature characteristic of a broad range of HNSCC.

Multivariate analysis as an advantageous approach for prediction of the adverse outcome in head and neck microvascular reconstructive surgery.

BACKGROUND: The use of a free flap has become a mainstay of reconstruction following the ablative surgery in head and neck. The success rates are about 90%, however, several factors have been described to have an adverse effect on free flap survival. METHODS: We have performed a retrospective analysis of the treatment outcome of 93 microvascular flaps and evaluated the factors influencing the risk of flap loss including patients' age, body mass index, smoking, general medical history and previous oncological treatment. RESULTS: Out of 93 flaps the total necrosis have been observed in 15 flaps with gradual improvement in the consecutive years. In individual analysis the patients age, BMI, and comorbidities did not reveal any significant relation. The history of any previous oncological treatment represented a significant adverse factor of success rate (p=0.035), and was even more significant when patients experienced all treatment modalities prior to the reconstructive procedure (p=0.009). Multivariate logistic regression model indicated that only surgery (p=0.0008), chemotherapy (p=0.02), cardiovascular diseases (p=0.05) and patient's age (p=0.02) represented significant factors impairing the success rate. CONCLUSION: Incorporating multivariate analysis represents important statistical approach for better prediction of free flaps survival in head and neck reconstructive surgery. Incorporation of additional collective information could provide more precise approach in the risk of the flap loss assessment.

Is immunohistochemical evaluation of p16 in oropharyngeal cancer enough to predict the HPV positivity?

AIM: Our goal was to determine the expression levels of p16 in the cohort of the OPSCC patients and evaluation of the pathological and clinical differences between these two groups including patients' survival. BACKGROUND: HPV infection is the main causative factor of oropharyngeal cancer (OPSCC). Identification of HPV status in OPSCC requires positive evaluation of viral DNA integration into host cell however, p16 accumulation in the proliferating cell layers has been accepted as an alternative marker for HPV infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The IHC staining for p16 has been performed in tumor tissue from 382 OPSCC patients. The sample was considered positive based on more than 70% of carcinoma tissue showing strong and diffused nuclear and cytoplasmic immunostaining. The clinicopathological characteristics of the patients including site, age, gender, tumor grade, tumor stage, the nodal status, smoking and survival have been analyzed when comparing p16 positive and p16 negative tumors. RESULTS: Out of our cohort in 38.2% cases positive staining for p16 has been recorded. Our analysis did not indicate significant differences in the distribution of the p16 positive patients and age of the patients, stage of the disease. Among the patients who have presented with the N+ neck, there were significantly more p16 positive tumors than in the group with N0 neck (p = 0.0062). There was highly significant correlation between the expression of p16 and smoking (p < 0.0001). The significant difference in survival (p < 0.0001) with more favorable prognosis in the p16 positive group has been observed. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of p16 is accepted as a surrogate diagnostic marker for detecting HPV infection in oropharyngeal cancer. However, one should remember about existence of the small subgroups of p16 positive but HPV negative tumors, with relatively worse prognosis. Immunostaining for p16, however useful on everyday basis, should be complemented with other techniques in terms of reliable identification of the HPV infection.

The importance of stem cell engineering in head and neck oncology.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is the sixth leading cause of cancer worldwide. The most common risk factors are carcinogens (tobacco, alcohol), and infection of the human papilloma virus. Surgery is still considered as the treatment of choice in case of head and neck cancer, followed by a reconstructive surgery to enhance the quality of life in the patients. However, the widespread use of artificial implants does not provide appropriate physiological activities and often cannot act as a long-term solution for the patients. Here we review the applicability of multiple stem cell types for tissue engineering of cartilage, trachea, vocal folds and nerves for head and neck injuries. The ability of the cells to self-renew and maintain their pluripotency state makes them an attractive tool in tissue engineering.

Chronological and reproductive aging-associated changes in resistance to oxidative stress in post-reproductive female mice.

Effort toward reproduction is often thought to negatively influence health and survival. Reproduction has been shown to influence metabolism, but the pathways and mechanisms have yet to be thoroughly elucidated. In the current experiments, our aim was to dissect the role of young and old ovarian tissues in the response to oxidative stress, through changes in liver oxidative stress response proteins. Liver proteins were analyzed in control mice at 4, 13, and 27 months of age and compared to 23-month-old mice which received young ovarian tissue transplants (intact or follicle-depleted) at 13 months of age. In control mice, of the 29 oxidative stress response proteins measured, 31% of the proteins decreased, 52% increased, and 17% were unchanged from 13 to 27 months. The greatest changes were seen during the period of reproductive failure, from 4 to 13 months of age. In transplanted mice, far more proteins were decreased from 13 to 23 months (93% in follicle-containing young ovary recipients; 62% in follicle-depleted young ovary recipients). Neither transplant group reflected changes seen in control mice between 13 and 27 months. Estradiol levels in transplant recipient mice were not increased compared with age-matched control mice. The current results suggest the presence of a germ cell- and estradiol-independent ovarian influence on aging-associated changes in the response to oxidative stress, which is manifest differently in reproductive-aged adults and post-reproductive-aged mice. The results presented here separate chronological and ovarian aging and the influence of estradiol in the response to aging-associated oxidative stress and support a novel, estradiol-independent role for the ovary in female health and survival.

Calorie restriction and life-extending mutation downregulate miR-34a to facilitate lipid metabolism in the liver.

Ames dwarf mice (df/df) display delayed aging relative to their normal (N) siblings, living approximately 40-60 % longer. As such, investigating the mechanisms that enable these organisms to have extended lifespan is useful for the development of interventions to slow aging and deter age-related disease. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition that is characterized by the accumulation of excess adipose tissue in the liver. Previous studies highlight the potential of calorie restriction (CR) in promoting longevity, but little is known about its effects on the biomolecular processes that govern NAFLD. In this study, we examined the role of 6-month CR on genes regulating lipid metabolism in the livers of long-living df/df mice and their N littermates. Importantly, our findings showed significant downregulation of miR-34a-5p in N-CR mice and df/df mice regardless of dietary regimen. Alongside, our RT-PCR results indicated that downregulation of miR-34a-5p is correlated with the expression of metabolism-associated mRNAs involved in modulating the processes of de novo lipogenesis (DNL), fatty acid oxidation (FAO), very-low density lipoprotein transport (VLDL-T), and reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). To further verify the role of miR-34a-5p in regulating metabolic processes, we transfected the human liver cancer (HepG2) cell line with miR-34a mimic, and studied its effect on direct targets Sirt1, Ampk, and Ppara as well as downstream lipid transport regulating genes. Our findings suggest that CR and df/df life extending mutation are robust drivers of the miR-34a-5p signaling pathway and prevent the pathogenesis of age-related diseases by improving overall lipid homeostasis.

Effect of calorie restriction on redox status during chemically induced estropause in female mice.

In females, there is a continuous decline of the ovarian reserve with age, which results in menopause in women or estropause in mice. Loss of ovarian function results in metabolic alterations in mice and women. Based on this, we aimed to evaluate the effect of caloric restriction (CR) on redox status and metabolic changes in chemically induced estropause in mice. For this, mice were divided into four groups (n = 10): cyclic ad libitum (AL), cyclic 30% CR, AL estropause, and estropause 30% CR. Estropause was induced using 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) for 20 consecutive days in 2-month-old females. The CR protocol started at 5 months of age and the treatments lasted for 4 months. The CR females gained less body weight than AL females (p < 0.001) and had lower glycemic curves in response to glucose tolerance test (GTT). The AL estropause females had the highest body weight and body fat, despite having lower food intake. However, the estropause females on 30% CR lost the most body weight and had the lowest amount of body fat compared to all groups. The effect of 30% CR on redox status in fat and liver tissue was similar for cyclic and estropause females. Interestingly, estropause decreased ROS in adipose tissue, while increasing it in the liver. No significant effects of CR on redox status were observed. Chemically induced estropause did not influence the response to 30% CR on glucose tolerance and redox status; however, weight loss was exarcebated compared to cyclic females.

Fisetin modulates the gut microbiota alongside biomarkers of senescence and inflammation in a DSS-induced murine model of colitis.

Colitis, a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is a multifactorial disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the colon. Among various experimental models used in the study of IBD, the chemical colitogenic dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) is most commonly employed to induce colitis in vivo. In the search for new therapeutic strategies, Fisetin, a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables, has recently garnered attention for its senolytic properties. Female mice were administered 2.5% DSS in sterile drinking water and were subsequently treated with Fisetin or vehicle by oral gavage. DSS significantly upregulated beta-galactosidase activity in colonic proteins, while Fisetin remarkably inhibited its activity to baseline levels. Particularly, qPCR revealed that the senescence and inflammation markers Vimentin and Ptgs2 were elevated by DSS exposure with Fisetin treatment inhibiting the expression of p53, Bcl2, Cxcl1, and Mcp1, indicating that the treatment reduced senescent cell burden in the DSS targeted intestine. Alongside, senescence and inflammation associated miRNAs miR-149-5p, miR-96-5p, miR-34a-5p, and miR-30e-5p were significantly inhibited by DSS exposure and restored by Fisetin treatment, revealing novel targets for the treatment of IBDs. Metagenomics was implemented to assess impacts on the microbiota, with DSS increasing the prevalence of bacteria in the phyla Bacteroidetes. Meanwhile, Fisetin restored gut health through increased abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, which is negatively correlated with senescence and inflammation. Our study suggests that Fisetin mitigates DSS-induced colitis by targeting senescence and inflammation and restoring beneficial bacteria in the gut indicating its potential as a therapeutic intervention for IBDs.

Senolytic treatment fails to improve ovarian reserve or fertility in female mice.

Senescent cell number increases with age in different tissues, leading to greater senescent cell load, proinflammatory stress, and tissue dysfunction. In the current study, we tested the efficacy of senolytic drugs to reduce ovarian senescence and improve fertility in reproductive age female mice. In the first experiment, 1-month-old C57BL/6 female mice were treated every other week with D + Q (n = 24) or placebo (n = 24). At 3 and 6 months of age, female mice were mated with untreated males to evaluate pregnancy rate and litter size. In the second experiment, 6-month-old C57BL/6 female mice were treated monthly with D + Q (n = 30), fisetin (n = 30), or placebo (n = 30). Females were treated once a month until 11 months of age, then they were mated with untreated males for 30 days to evaluate pregnancy rate and litter size. In the first experiment, D + Q treatment did not affect pregnancy rate (P = 0.68), litter size (P = 0.58), or ovarian reserve (P > 0.05). Lipofuscin staining was lower in females treated with D + Q (P = 0.04), but expression of senescence genes in ovaries was similar. In the second experiment, D + Q or fisetin treatment also did not affect pregnancy rate (P = 0.37), litter size (P = 0.20), or ovarian reserve (P > 0.05). Lipofuscin staining (P = 0.008) and macrophage infiltration (P = 0.002) was lower in fisetin treated females. Overall, treatment with D + Q or fisetin did not affect ovarian reserve or fertility but did decrease some senescence markers in the ovary.

Impact of repeated ovarian hyperstimulation on the reproductive function.

One of six couples (17.5 % of the adult population) worldwide is affected by infertility during their lifetime. This number represents a substantial increase in the prevalence of this gynecological condition over the last decade. Ovulatory dysfunction and anovulation are the main causes of female infertility. Timed intercourse, intrauterine insemination, and assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), are the most common interventions for infertile couples. Ovulation induction protocols for IVF/ICSI routinely use supraphysiological doses of gonadotropins to stimulate many preovulatory follicles. Animal and human studies suggested that ovarian hyperstimulation, alone or repeatedly, for ART cycles can induce changes in the immune response and increase the oxidative stress (OS) in the ovarian microenvironment. The consequences of repeated ovarian hyperstimulation on the human ovary remain poorly understood, particularly in relation to the effects of ovarian stimulation on the immune system and the potential for ovarian stimulation to cause OS. Animal studies have observed that repeated cycles of ovarian hyperstimulation can accelerate ovarian aging. Changes in ovarian hormone levels, accelerated loss of ovarian reserve, disorders in ovarian ultrastructure, ovarian senescence, and decreased reproductive performance represent possible long-term effects of repeated ovarian hyperstimulation. The short and long-term impact of the combination of antioxidant agents in ovarian hyperstimulation protocols in women undergoing ART must urgently be better understood. The recent increase in the number of ART and fertility preservation cycles may accelerate ovarian aging in these women, promoting consequences beyond the reproductive function and including health deterioration.

Circulating microRNA profile of long-lived Okinawans identifies novel potential targets for optimizing lifespan and health span.

Nonagenarians and centenarians serve as successful examples of aging and extended longevity, showcasing robust regulation of biological mechanisms and homeostasis. Given that human longevity is a complex field of study that navigates molecular and biological mechanisms influencing aging, we hypothesized that microRNAs, a class of small noncoding RNAs implicated in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, are differentially regulated in the circulatory system of young, middle-aged, and nonagenarian individuals. We sequenced circulating microRNAs in Okinawan males and females <40, 50-80, and >90 years of age accounting for FOXO3 genetic variations of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2802292 (TT - common vs. GT - longevity) and validated the findings through RT-qPCR. We report five microRNAs exclusively upregulated in both male and female nonagenarians with the longevity genotype, play predictive functional roles in TGF-ß, FoxO, AMPK, Pi3K-Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways. Our findings suggest that these microRNAs upregulated in nonagenarians may provide novel insight into enhanced lifespan and health span. This discovery warrants further exploration into their roles in human aging and longevity.

Effects of calorie, protein, and branched chain amino acid restriction on ovarian aging in mice.

Calorie restriction (CR) is an intervention that promotes longevity and preserves the ovarian reserve. Some studies have observed that the positive impacts of CR can be linked to restriction of protein (PR) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) independent of calorie intake. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of protein and BCAA restriction to 30% CR on the ovarian reserve of female mice. For this, 3 month-old C57BL/6 female mice (n = 35) were randomized into four groups for four months dietary interventions including: control group (CTL; n = 8), 30% CR (CR; n = 9), protein restriction (PR; n = 9) and BCAA restriction (BCAAR; n = 9). Body mass gain, body composition, food intake, serum levels of BCAAs, ovarian reserve and estrous cyclicity were evaluated. We observed that CR, protein and BCAA restriction prevented weight gain and changed body composition compared to the CTL group. The BCAA restriction did not affect the ovarian reserve, while both PR and CR prevented activation of primordial follicles. This prevention occurred in PR group despite the lack of reduction of calorie intake compared to CTL group, and CR did not reduce protein intake in levels similar to the PR group. BCAA restriction resulted in increased calorie intake compared to CTL and PR mice, but only PR reduced serum BCAA levels compared to the CTL group. Our data indicates that PR has similar effects to CR on the ovarian reserve, whereas BCAA restriction alone did not affect it.