Krüppel-like factor 12 regulates aging ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis by repressing SPHK1 transcription and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) production.

Oxidative stress triggered by aging, radiation, or inflammation impairs ovarian function by inducing granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis. However, the mechanism inducing GC apoptosis has not been characterized. Here, we found that ovarian GCs from aging patients showed increased oxidative stress, enhanced reactive oxygen species activity, and significantly decreased expression of the known antiapoptotic factor sphingosine-1-phosphate/sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) in GCs. Interestingly, the expression of Krüppel-like factor 12 (KLF12) was significantly increased in the ovarian GCs of aging patients. Furthermore, we determined that KLF12 was significantly upregulated in hydrogen peroxide-treated GCs and a 3-nitropropionic acid-induced in vivo model of ovarian oxidative stress. This phenotype was further confirmed to result from inhibition of SPHK1 by KLF12. Interestingly, when endogenous KLF12 was knocked down, it rescued oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Meanwhile, supplementation with SPHK1 partially reversed oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. However, this function was lost in SPHK1 with deletion of the binding region to the KLF12 promoter. SPHK1 reversed apoptosis caused by hydrogen peroxide-KLF12 overexpression, a result further confirmed in an in vitro ovarian culture model and an in vivo 3-nitropropionic acid-induced ovarian oxidative stress model. Overall, our study reveals that KLF12 is involved in regulating apoptosis induced by oxidative stress in aging ovarian GCs and that sphingosine-1-phosphate/SPHK1 can rescue GC apoptosis by interacting with KLF12 in negative feedback.

Gonadal white adipose tissue is important for gametogenesis in mice through maintenance of local metabolic and immune niches.

Gonadal white adipose tissue (gWAT) can regulate gametogenesis via modulation of neuroendocrine signaling. However, the effect of gWAT on the local microenvironment of the gonad was largely unknown. Herein, we ruled out that gWAT had a neuroendocrine effect on gonad function through a unilateral lipectomy strategy, in which cutting off epididymal white adipose tissue could reduce seminiferous tubule thickness and decrease sperm counts only in the adjacent testis and epididymis of the affected gonad. Consistent with the results in males, in females, ovary mass was similarly decreased by lipectomy. We determined that the defects in spermatogenesis were mainly caused by augmented apoptosis and decreased proliferation of germ cells. Transcriptome analysis suggested that lipectomy could disrupt immune privilege and activate immune responses in both the testis and ovary on the side of the lipectomy. In addition, lipidomics analysis in the testis showed that the levels of lipid metabolites such as free carnitine were elevated, whereas the levels of glycerophospholipids such as phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines were decreased, which indicated that the metabolic niche was also altered. Finally, we show that supplementation of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine could partially rescue the observed phenotype. Collectively, our findings suggest that gWAT is important for gonad function by not only affecting whole-body homeostasis but also via maintaining local metabolic and immune niches.

Comparison of embryo implantation potential between time-lapse incubators and standard incubators: a randomized controlled study.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the potential clinical benefits of embryo culture and assessment in a time-lapse incubator compared with a standard incubator using static assessment? DESIGN: This large multicentre, single-blinded, randomized controlled study included 1224 participants randomly assigned (1:1) to the time-lapse or standard incubator group. In all patients one or two embryos were transferred on day 3. The primary outcome was the implantation rate in the first embryo transfer cycle. Secondary outcomes included the cumulative implantation rate, live birth rate in the first embryo transfer cycle and cumulative live birth rate. RESULTS: Among 1224 participants recruited, 1182 underwent embryo transfer. The number of successfully implanted embryos in the first transfer cycle was significantly higher in the time-lapse incubator group (time-lapse group: 52.35%, standard incubator group: 47.11%, P = 0.014). The implantation rate in the first embryo transfer cycle was still significantly higher in the time-lapse group than the standard incubator group after adjusting for age, body mass index, medical centre and embryo status (relative risk 1.11, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.20, P = 0.020). However, the cumulative implantation rate, live birth rate in the first embryo transfer cycle and cumulative live birth rate were not statistically different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The implantation rate in the first embryo transfer cycle was significantly improved in the time-lapse group, but the effect of the time-lapse system on the cumulative implantation rate or cumulative live birth rate was not significant. The embryo assessment method offered by time-lapse systems rather than an undisturbed environment may play an important role in improving the implantation rate in the first embryo transfer cycle. These results are only applicable to young patients.

Immune checkpoint molecules in pregnancy: Focus on regulatory T cells.

Regulatory T (Treg) cells are a specialized subpopulation of T cells that plays critical roles in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Although efforts have been done, their role in human pregnancy is not fully understood. Numerous studies reported the presence of Treg cells throughout gestation by promoting maternal-fetal tolerance and fetal development. Furthermore, Treg population is heterogeneous as it is expressing different immune checkpoint molecules favoring immune suppressive function. Therefore, better understanding of the heterogeneity and function of Treg cells during pregnancy is critical for an effective immune intervention. Latest evidence has shown that several immune checkpoint molecules are closely associated with pregnancy outcome via multiple inhibitory mechanisms. Majority of these studies demonstrated the modulatory effects of immune checkpoint molecules on effector T-cell immunity, but their effects on Treg activation and function are still an enigma. In this review, we emphasize the potential influence of multiple immune checkpoint molecules, including CTLA-4, PD-1, Tim-3, LAG-3, and TIGIT, either in membrane or soluble form, on the function of decidual and peripheral Treg cells during pregnancy. Additionally, we discuss the promising future of targeting Treg cells via immune checkpoint molecules for pregnancy maintenance and prevention of complicated pregnancies.

Far upstream element-binding protein 1 facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and metastasis.

Previous research suggests that far upstream element-binding protein 1 (FUBP1) plays an important role in various tumors including epatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role of FUBP1 in liver cancer remains controversial, and the regulatory pathway by FUBP1 awaits to be determined. This study aims to identify the role of FUBP1 in HCC progression. Our result shows that the high level of FUBP1 expression in HCC predicts poor prognosis after surgery. Overexpression of FUBP1 promotes HCC proliferation, invasion, and metastasis by activating transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß)/Smad pathway and enhancing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and in vivo. Inhibitor of Thrombospondin-1 (LSKL) could inhibit HCC proliferation and invasion in vitro and in vivo by blocking the activation of TGF-ß/Smad pathway mediated by thrombospondin-1 (THBS1). Our study identified the critical role of FUBP1-THBS1-TGF-ß signaling axis in HCC and provides potentially new therapeutic modalities in HCC.

Up-regulation of CD81 inhibits cytotrophoblast invasion and mediates maternal endothelial cell dysfunction in preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is initiated by abnormal placentation in the early stages of pregnancy, followed by systemic activation of endothelial cells of the maternal small arterioles in the late second or third trimester (TM) of pregnancy. During normal pregnancy, placental cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) invade the maternal uterine wall and spiral arteries, whereas this process is interrupted in PE. However, it is not known how the malformed placenta triggers maternal endothelial crisis and the associated manifestations. Here, we have focused on the association of CD81 with PE. CD81, a member of the tetraspanin superfamily, plays significant roles in cell growth, adhesion, and motility. The function of CD81 in human placentation and its association with pregnancy complications are currently unknown. In the present study, we have demonstrated that CD81 was preferentially expressed in normal first TM placentas and progressively down-regulated with gestation advance. In patients with early-onset severe PE (sPE), CD81 expression was significantly up-regulated in syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), CTBs and the cells in the villous core. In addition, high levels of CD81 were observed in the maternal sera of patients with sPE. Overexpressing CD81 in CTBs significantly decreased CTB invasion, and culturing primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in the presence of a high dose of exogenous CD81 resulted in interrupted angiogenesis and endothelial cell activation in vitro. Importantly, the phenotype of human PE was mimicked in the CD81-induced rat model.

GGPP-Mediated Protein Geranylgeranylation in Oocyte Is Essential for the Establishment of Oocyte-Granulosa Cell Communication and Primary-Secondary Follicle Transition in Mouse Ovary.

Folliculogenesis is a progressive and highly regulated process, which is essential to provide ova for later reproductive life, requires the bidirectional communication between the oocyte and granulosa cells. This physical connection-mediated communication conveys not only the signals from the oocyte to granulosa cells that regulate their proliferation but also metabolites from the granulosa cells to the oocyte for biosynthesis. However, the underlying mechanism of establishing this communication is largely unknown. Here, we report that oocyte geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP), a metabolic intermediate involved in protein geranylgeranylation, is required to establish the oocyte-granulosa cell communication. GGPP and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (Ggpps) levels in oocytes increased during early follicular development. The selective depletion of GGPP in mouse oocytes impaired the proliferation of granulosa cells, primary-secondary follicle transition and female fertility. Mechanistically, GGPP depletion inhibited Rho GTPase geranylgeranylation and its GTPase activity, which was responsible for the accumulation of cell junction proteins in the oocyte cytoplasm and the failure to maintain physical connection between oocyte and granulosa cells. GGPP ablation also blocked Rab27a geranylgeranylation, which might account for the impaired secretion of oocyte materials such as Gdf9. Moreover, GGPP administration restored the defects in oocyte-granulosa cell contact, granulosa cell proliferation and primary-secondary follicle transition in Ggpps depletion mice. Our study provides the evidence that GGPP-mediated protein geranylgeranylation contributes to the establishment of oocyte-granulosa cell communication and then regulates the primary-secondary follicle transition, a key phase of folliculogenesis essential for female reproductive function.

New insight into BIRC3: A novel prognostic indicator and a potential therapeutic target for liver cancer.

BACKGROUND: Prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains poor due to high recurrence rate and ineffective treatment options, highlighting the need to better understand the mechanism of recurrence and metastasis in HCC. METHODS: We first collected messenger RNA (mRNA) expression data from 442 cases of HCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database as well as 251 HCC patients from Zhongshan Hospital during 2009 and 2010 to analyze the expression pattern from tissue microarray (TMA) of baculoviral IAP repeat containing 3 (BIRC3). Then, we used BIRC3 gain-of-function (overexpression) and loss-of-function (knockdown) studies to examine the effect of BIRC3 on HCC cell proliferation and invasion. In addition, we also investigated the undying mechanism by which BIRC3 contributes to HCC tumor progression. Functionally, we also used a BIRC3-specific inhibitor AT-406 in HCC xenograft model to explore the potential therapeutic benefit of targeting BIRC3 in liver cancer. RESULTS: BIRC3 serves as a novel prognostic indicator for HCC patients undergoing curative resection. BIRC3 promotes HCC epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell migration, and metastasis via upregulating MAP3K7, therefore, inducing ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The specific BIRC3 inhibitor AT-406 can inhibit HCC cell proliferation and reduce pulmonary metastases. CONCLUSION: BIRC3 induces tumor proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. BIRC3 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for liver cancer.

CXCL16/CXCR6 interaction promotes endometrial decidualization via the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Decidualization renders the endometrium transiently receptive to an implanting blastocyst although the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to determine the role of chemokine CXCL16 and its receptor CXCR6 in the decidualization during pregnancy. Here, the expression of CXCL16 was investigated in endometrial tissues, decidua and placenta in this study. Compared with endometrial tissue, protein expression of CXCL16 was significantly higher in tissues from the fertile control samples, especially in villus. Meanwhile, the primary trophoblast cells and decidual stromal cells (DSCs) secreted more CXCL16 and expressed higher CXCR6 compared to endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) in vitro. Stimulation with the inducer of decidualization (8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic with medroxyprogesterone acetate, 8-Br-cAMP plus MPA) significantly upregulated the expression of CXCL16 and CXCR6 in ESCs in vitro. After treatment with exogenous recombinant human CXCL16 (rhCXCL16) or trophoblast-secreted CXLC16, decidualised ESCs showed a significant decidual response, mainly characterised by increased prolactin (PRL) secretion. Simultaneously, PI3K/PDK1/AKT/Cyclin D1 pathway in decidualised ESCs were activated by rhCXCL16, and AKT inhibitor GS 690693 abolished the PRL secretion of ESCs that was triggered by rhCXCL16. Finally, the impaired CXCL16/CXCR6 expression could be observed at the maternal-foetal interface from patients who have experienced spontaneous abortion. This study suggests that the CXCL16/CXCR6 axis contributes to the progression of ESC decidualization by activating PI3K/PDK1/AKT/Cyclin D1 pathway. It unveils a new paradigm at the maternal-foetal interface in which CXCL16 is an initiator for the molecular crosstalk that enhances decidualization of ESCs.

Differential network analysis depicts regulatory mechanisms for hepatocellular carcinoma from diverse backgrounds.

Aim: To elucidate the integrative combinational gene regulatory network landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) molecular carcinogenesis from diverse background. Materials & methods: Modified gene regulatory network analysis was used to prioritize differentially regulated genes and links. Integrative comparisons using bioinformatics methods were applied to identify potential critical molecules and pathways in HCC with different backgrounds. Results: E2F1 with its surrounding regulatory links were identified to play different key roles in the HCC risk factor dysregulation mechanisms. Hsa-mir-19a was identified as showed different effects in the three HCC differential regulation networks, and showed vital regulatory role in HBV-related HCC. Conclusion: We describe in detail the regulatory networks involved in HCC with different backgrounds. E2F1 may serve as a universal target for HCC treatment.

[Advances in the study of ovarian dysfunction with aging].

Societal changes regarding the role of women have significant impacts on women's willingness and the timing of childbearing. Ovarian reserve in woman typically begins to decline at the age of 35, and it is primarily characterized by a reduction in the number of ovarian follicles and a decline in oocyte quality. The clinical diagnosis of ovarian insufficiency relies on multiple variables including changes of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B, antral follicle count, menstruation and age. It is proven that ovarian cells demonstrate dysfunction associated with aging including mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere shortening, impaired DNA repair, epigenetic changes and metabolic/energetic disorders. In this review, we introduce the clinical diagnosis and management of ovarian insufficiency. We mainly discuss the molecular mechanism and potential interventions. We are optimistic that this information and knowledge will inform the important decisions for women and society regarding childbearing.

Inhibition of casein kinase 2 blocks G2/M transition in early embryo mitosis but not in oocyte meiosis in mouse.

Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a highly conserved, ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine protein kinase with hundreds of substrates. The role of CK2 in the G2/M transition of oocytes, zygotes, and 2-cell embryos was studied in mouse by enzyme activity inhibition using the specific inhibitor 4, 5, 6, 7-tetrabromobenzotriazole (TBB). Zygotes and 2-cell embryos were arrested at G2 phase by TBB treatment, and DNA damage was increased in the female pronucleus of arrested zygotes. Further developmental ability of arrested zygotes was reduced, but that of arrested 2-cell embryos was not affected after releasing from inhibition. By contrast, the G2/M transition in oocytes was not affected by TBB. These results indicate that CK2 activity is essential for mitotic G2/M transition in early embryos but not for meiotic G2/M transition in oocytes.

Electroacupuncture decreases the progression of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in a rat model.

This study aimed to elucidate the effect of electroacupuncture treatment on preventing early ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and the potential mechanisms involved using an induced rat model. The ovarian response was examined by measuring ovary weight, vascular permeability, levels of inflammation (interleukin-6), tumour necrosis factor alpha, chemokine ligand 2 (also known as monocyte chemoactic protein 1), vascular endothelial growth factor and hormone concentrations (oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone and prolactin). Sprague-Dawley female rats underwent ovarian stimulation to induce OHSS. Hyperstimulated rats received consecutive electroacupuncture treatment from 3 days before the beginning of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin treatment or the time point of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin treatment respectively, and last until 3 days after HCG administration. Electroacupuncture treatment reduced ovary weight and vascular permeability in hyperstimulated rats. Electroacupuncture treatment also reduced the levels of serum steroid hormones (progesterone and testosterone), inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor in hyperstimulated rats. The results indicate that electroacupuncture can modulate endocrine hormone secretion and affect the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor, and thus prevent the progress of OHSS. Electroacupuncture may provide a simple and effective method for the prevention and treatment of OHSS.

A polymeric nanoparticle formulation of curcumin in combination with sorafenib synergistically inhibits tumor growth and metastasis in an orthotopic model of human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Curcumin, a yellow polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of turmeric root (Curcuma longa) has potent anti-cancer properties in many types of tumors with ability to reverse multidrug resistance of cancer cells. However, widespread clinical application of this agent in cancer and other diseases has been limited due to its poor aqueous solubility. The recent findings of polymeric nanoparticle formulation of curcumin (NFC) have shown the potential for circumventing the problem of poor solubility, however evidences for NFC's anti-cancer and reverse multidrug resistance properties are lacking. Here we provide models of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer, in vitro and in vivo to evaluate the efficacy of NFC alone and in combination with sorafenib, a kinase inhibitor approved for treatment of HCC. Results showed that NFC not only inhibited the proliferation and invasion of HCC cell lines in vitro, but also drastically suppressed primary tumor growth and lung metastases in vivo. Moreover, in combination with sorafenib, NFC induced HCC cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Mechanistically, NFC and sorafenib synergistically down-regulated the expression of MMP9 via NF-κB/p65 signaling pathway. Furthermore, the combination therapy significantly decreased the population of CD133-positive HCC cells, which have been reported as cancer initiating cells in HCC. Taken together, NanoCurcumin provides an opportunity to expand the clinical repertoire of this agent. Additional studies utilizing a combination of NanoCurcumin and sorafenib in HCC are needed for further clinical development.

Hypoxia inducible factor 2 alpha inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth through the transcription factor dimerization partner 3/ E2F transcription factor 1-dependent apoptotic pathway.

UNLABELLED: Hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) are activated in many tumors and show either promoter or suppressor activity, depending on tumor cell biology and background. However, the role of HIF member HIF-2α remains unclear in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, HIF-2α expression was measured in HCC and paired peritumoral tissues by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays, and the clinical significance was explored in 246 HCC patients. In cell culture, HIF-2α levels were up-regulated or down-regulated by use of expression or short hairpin RNA recombinant plasmid, respectively. Cells were analyzed by immunoblotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with microarray, coimmunoprecipitation, and immunohistochemical staining. In vivo tumor growth was analyzed in nude mice. We found that the average expression of HIF-2α was relatively low in HCC tissues, and the decreased level was associated with lower overall survival (P=0.006). High HIF-2α expression in HCC cells induced higher levels of apoptosis and expression of proapoptotic proteins and inhibited cell and tumor growth. Furthermore, HIF-2α inhibited expression of the novel target gene, transcription factor dimerization partner 3 (TFDP3). TFDP3 protein was found to bind with E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) and inhibit its transcriptional activity through both p53-dependent and -independent pathways. Reintroduction of TFDP3 expression reversed HIF-2α-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Data gathered from cell lines, tumorigenicity studies, and primary HCC samples demonstrate a negative role of HIF-2α in tumors, which is mediated by the TFDP3/E2F1 pathway. Our study provides evidence supporting a possible tumor-suppressor role for HIF-2α and has uncovered a mechanism that links HIF-2α to a fundamental biological regulator, E2F1.

Tripterygium glycosides impairs the proliferation of granulosa cells and decreases the reproductive outcomes in female rats.

This study was carried out to investigate the impact of tripterygium glycosides (TGs) on ovarian function of female rats in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies showed that TG induced cells decrease at G1 phase and inhibited cell proliferation in rat granulosa cells. In vivo, female rats were intragastrically administered with TG at the dose of 60 mg/kg/day for consecutive 50 days. TG caused a prolonged estrous cycle, and a significant reduction in ovarian index, serum E2 level, and numbers of secondary and antral follicles (p < 0.05) in these rats. A significant reduction of viable embryos was demonstrated in TG-treated female rats after mating (p < 0.01). Further, we observed observed the reduced expression level of TGF-ß1 after TG treatment in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the expression of Smad2 and AKT was also decreased after TG treatment. These results suggest that TG can impair ovarian function through Smads-mediated TGF-ß1 signal pathway.

[Clinical outcomes of fresh versus cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer in high-risk patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical outcomes of fresh embryo transfer and cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer in high-risk patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 1784 high-risk OHSS patients undergoing IVF-ET, who were divided into groups A (n=939) and B (n=845). The former received fresh embryo transfer and the latter cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer. We compared gonadotropin (Gn) administration, body mass index (BMI), the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the number of oocytes retrieved, and the rates of clinical pregnancy, embryo implantation and OHSS incidnece between the two groups. RESULTS: Totally, 657 (69.97%) and 586 (69.35%) pregnancies were achieved in groups A and B, respectively, with 33 cases of moderate OHSS (3.5%) in the former and 30 (3.6%) in the latter. The prevalence of PCOS, the E2 level at hCG trigger, the number of oocytes retrieved, the number of mature oocytes, and the number of quality embryos were significantly lower in group A than in B (P <0.01). No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in age, infertility duration, BMI, Gn administration, embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, and OHSS incidence (P >0.05). CONCLUSION: In IVF-ET cycles, cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer does not influence the clinical outcome in high-risk OHSS patients and can avoid the incidence of severe OHSS.

Anlotinib potentiates anti-PD1 immunotherapy via transferrin receptor-dependent CD8+ T-cell infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The therapeutic potential of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) extends across various cancers; however, its effectiveness in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is frequently curtailed by both inherent and developed resistance. OBJECTIVE: This research explored the effectiveness of integrating anlotinib (a broad-spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitor) with programmed death-1 (PD-1) blockade and offers mechanistic insights into more effective strategies for treating HCC. METHODS: Using patient-derived organotypic tissue spheroids and orthotopic HCC mouse models, we assessed the effectiveness of anlotinib combined with PD-1 blockade. The impact on the tumour immune microenvironment and underlying mechanisms were assessed using time-of-flight mass cytometry, RNA sequencing, and proteomics across cell lines, mouse models, and HCC patient samples. RESULTS: The combination of anlotinib with an anti-PD-1 antibody enhanced the immune response against HCC in preclinical models. Anlotinib remarkably suppressed the expression of transferrin receptor (TFRC) via the VEGFR2/AKT/HIF-1α signaling axis. CD8+ T-cell infiltration into the tumour microenvironment correlated with low expression of TFRC. Anlotinib additionally increased the levels of the chemokine CXCL14, crucial for attracting CD8+ T cells. CXCL14 emerged as a downstream effector of TFRC, exhibiting elevated expression following the silencing of TFRC. Importantly, low TFRC expression was also associated with a better prognosis, enhanced sensitivity to combination therapy, and a favourable response to anti-PD-1 therapy in patients with HCC. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight anlotinib's potential to augment the efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in HCC by targeting TFRC and enhancing CXCL14-mediated CD8+ T-cell infiltration. This study contributes to developing novel therapeutic strategies for HCC, emphasizing the role of precision medicine in oncology. HIGHLIGHTS: Synergistic effects of anlotinib and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy demonstrated in HCC preclinical models. Anlotinib inhibits TFRC expression via the VEGFR2/AKT/HIF-1α pathway. CXCL14 upregulation via TFRC suppression boosts CD8+ T-cell recruitment. TFRC emerges as a potential biomarker for evaluating prognosis and predicting response to anti-PD-1-based therapies in advanced HCC patients.

FSH modulates the expression of inhibin-alpha and the secretion of inhibins via orphan nuclear receptor NUR77 in ovarian granulosa cells.

It has been previously reported that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) regulates the expression of inhibin-alpha in human granulosa cells, but the precise molecular pathway remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the role of the orphan nuclear receptor, NUR77, in both the transcriptional regulation of the inhibin α-subunit gene and the secretion of inhibins. Our results showed that in a human granulosa cell tumor-derived cell line (KGN) and in human granulosa-lutein cells (hGL), FSH induced the expression of NUR77 and inhibin-alpha, although inhibin-alpha expression did not increased following FSH treatment if NUR77 was knocked down. Furthermore, simply overexpressing or reducing NUR77 levels affected inhibin-alpha expression, while NUR77 overexpression improved the secretion of inhibin A and B from human granulosa cells. In addition, chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR, avidin-biotin-conjugated DNA precipitation, and luciferase reporter assays confirmed that NUR77 directly regulated the transcription of the inhibin-alpha gene through the specific NGFI-B response element located within its promoter. In the ovarian granulosa cells of the Nur77 knockout mice, the mRNA levels of inhibin-alpha were decreased relative to wild-type mice. These data indicate a role of NUR77 in the regulation of inhibin-alpha in ovarian granulosa cells.

Withdrawal of GnRH agonist decreases oestradiol and VEGF concentrations in high responders.

This study evaluated whether the withdrawal of a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist before triggering ovulation reduces the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in high-risk infertility patients who were treated with gonadotrophins. GnRH agonist was withdrawn for 2 or 3 days when dominant follicles were ≥14 mm in diameter, according to the GnRH agonist long protocol. Non-withdrawal of GnRH agonist was used as control. The serum concentration of oestradiol on the ovulation trigger day was significantly decreased in the GnRH agonist withdrawal group compared with the control group (5750.78 ± 2344.77 pg/ml versus 8076.43 ± 1981.67 pg/ml); however, the number of retrieved oocytes and the fertilization rate were similar between the groups. In addition, the concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor in plasma on day of human chorionic gonadotrophin administration and follicular fluid on the oocyte retrieval day were decreased following GnRH agonist withdrawal. In fresh embryo transfer cycles, rates of clinical pregnancy, implantation and OHSS were not different between the groups. When GnRH agonist withdrawal was followed by total embryos cryopreserved, the rate of OHSS was decreased compared with the control group (0% versus 8.70%). Clinical pregnancy rates in cryopreserved embryo transfer cycles were comparable between the two groups.