FMR1 expression in human granulosa cells increases with exon 1 CGG repeat length depending on ovarian reserve.

BACKGROUND: Fragile-X-Mental-Retardation-1- (FMR1)-gene is supposed to be a key gene for ovarian reserve and folliculogenesis. It contains in its 5'-UTR a triplet-base-repeat (CGG), that varies between 26 and 34 in general population. CGG-repeat-lengths with 55-200 repeats (pre-mutation = PM) show instable heredity with a tendency to increase and are associated with premature-ovarian-insufficiency or failure (POI/POF) in about 20%. FMR1-mRNA-expression in leucocytes and granulosa cells (GCs) increases with CGG-repeat-length in PM-carriers, but variable FMR1-expression profiles were also described in women with POI without PM-FMR1 repeat-length. Additionally, associations between low numbers of retrieved oocytes and elevated FMR1-expression levels have been shown in GCs of females with mid-range PM-CGG-repeats without POI. Effects of FMR1-repeat-lengths-deviations (n < 26 or n > 34) below the PM range (n < 55) on ovarian reserve and response to ovarian stimulation remain controversial. METHODS: We enrolled 229 women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF/ICSI-treatment and devided them in three ovarian-response-subgroups: Poor responder (POR) after Bologna Criteria, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) after Rotterdam Criteria, or normal responder (NOR, control group). Subjects were subdivided into six genotypes according to their be-allelic CGG-repeat length. FMR1-CGG-repeat-length was determined using ALF-express-DNA-sequencer or ABI 3100/3130 × 1-sequencer. mRNA was extracted from GCs after follicular aspiration and quantitative FMR1-expression was determined using specific TaqMan-Assay and applying the ΔΔCT method. Kruskall-Wallis-Test or ANOVA were used for simple comparison between ovarian reserve (NOR, POR or PCO) and CGG-subgroups or cohort demographic data. All statistical analysis were performed with SPSS and statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in FMR1-mRNA-expression-levels was detected in GCs of PORs with heterozygous normal/low-CGG-repeat-length compared with other genotypes (p = 0.044). CONCLUSION: Female ovarian response may be negatively affected by low CGG-alleles during stimulation. In addition, due to a low-allele-effect, folliculogenesis may be impaired already prior to stimulation leading to diminished ovarian reserve and poor ovarian response. A better understanding of FMR1 expression-regulation in GCs may help to elucidate pathomechanisms of folliculogenesis disorders and to develop risk-adjusted treatments for IVF/ICSI-therapy. Herewith FMR1-genotyping potentially provides a better estimatation of treatment outcome and allows the optimal adaptation of stimulation protocols in future.

FMR1 and AKT/mTOR signalling pathways: potential functional interactions controlling folliculogenesis in human granulosa cells.

Granulosa cells (GCs) play a major role in folliculogenesis and are crucial for oocyte maturation and growth. In these cells, the mTOR/AKT signalling pathway regulates early folliculogenesis by maintaining the dormancy of primordial follicles, while FSH induces their further differentiation and maturation. Because changes in number of CGG triplets in FMR1 exon 1 (below or beyond normal values of 26-34 triplets) affect ovarian reserve and pre-mutations containing >54 CGG triplets represent a known risk factor for premature ovarian insufficiency/failure, we investigated in the human GC model (COV434) how FMR1/FMRP and mTOR/AKT are expressed and potentially interact during GC proliferation. As FMR protein (FMRP) is expressed mainly in human ovarian GCs, we used these after inducing their proliferation using recombinant FSH (rFSH) and the repression of the mTOR/AKT signalling pathway. We showed that AKT and mTOR expression levels significantly increase after stimulation with rFSH, while S6K and FMR1 expression decrease. After inhibiting mTOR and AKT, FMR1 and S6K expression significantly increased. Only AKT inhibition led to decreased FMRP levels, as expected due to the known FMR1/FMRP negative feedback loop. But rFSH and the mTOR inhibition increased them, indicating a decoupling of this FMR1/FMRP negative feedback loop in our model system.

Developmental potential of in vitro or in vivo matured oocytes.

This study compared the embryological features of mature and immature oocytes (different stages) collected from stimulated cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Immature oocytes were identified, classified as PI (prophase I - germinal vesicle, GV) or MI (metaphase I), were matured in vitro and fertilized using the intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique. Fertilization potential, cleavage, and subsequent transfer/cryopreservation of the embryos derived from these in vitro matured oocytes were compared with those of in vivo matured oocytes (collected at the MII stage). The characteristics of embryos derived from gametes recovered in the MI and MII stages were similar. The fertilization rate of immature oocytes recovered in PI was significantly lower than that of MII oocytes (P = 0.031), and the cleavage rate of the PI group was also lower than that of the MI (P = 0.004) and MII (P < 0.001) groups. In vitro maturation of MI oocytes is a suitable alternative when immature oocytes are recovered, as their characteristics and development are similar to those of in vivo matured oocytes. Optimization of outcomes for PI oocytes will require development of techniques that can distinguish which of these gametes will mature and fertilize.

Effect of progesterone on the expression of GABA(A) receptor subunits in the prefrontal cortex of rats: implications of sex differences and brain hemisphere.

Progesterone is a neuroactive hormone with non-genomic effects on GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)R). Changes in the expression of GABA(A)R subunits are related to depressive-like behaviors in rats. Moreover, sex differences and depressive behaviors have been associated with prefrontal brain asymmetry in rodents and humans. Thus, our objective was to investigate the effect of progesterone on the GABA(A)R α1 and γ2 subunits mRNA expression in the right and left prefrontal cortex of diestrus female and male rats exposed to the forced swimming test (FST). Male and female rats (n = 8/group) were randomly selected to receive a daily dose of progesterone (0·4 mg·kg⁻¹) or vehicle, during two complete female estrous cycles (8-10 days). On the experiment day, male rats or diestrus female rats were euthanized 30 min after the FST. Our results showed that progesterone significantly increased the α1 subunit mRNA in both hemispheres of male and female rats. Moreover, there was an inverse correlation between depressive-like behaviors and GABA(A)R α1 subunit mRNA expression in the right hemisphere in female rats. Progesterone decreased the GABA(A)R γ2 mRNA expression only in the left hemisphere of male rats. Therefore, we conclude that the GABA(A) system displays an asymmetric distribution according to sex and that progesterone, at lower doses, presents an antidepressant effect after increasing the GABA(A) R α1 subunit expression in the right prefrontal cortex of female rats.

SARS-CoV-2 RNA in dental biofilms: Supragingival and subgingival findings from inpatients in a COVID-19 intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Saliva, salivary glands, gingival crevicular fluid, and supragingival biofilms may harbor SARS-CoV-2 RNA. This observational study aimed to investigate the presence and load of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in supragingival, and subgingival biofilms obtained from intensive care unit (ICU) patients. METHODS: A convenience sample, composed of 52 COVID-19+ participants (48.6 ± 14.8 years, 26.9% females), were evaluated for pre-existing comorbidities, number of teeth, and periodontal data [visible plaque (VPI), bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal probing depth (PPD), and attachment loss (AL)]. Supragingival and subgingival samples (SubDeep: four sites with the deepest PPD; SubRemain: remaining shallower sites) were analyzed by RT-qPCR with corresponding cycle quantification (Cq). Statistical analyses considered the individual (P = 5%). RESULTS: Twenty-six participants tested positive for dental biofilms (Biofilm+) with 96.2% of them being positive for subgingival samples. Pre-existing comorbidities, number of teeth examined, VPI, PPD, AL, and BOP were similar between Biofilm+ and Biofilm-. SubDeep PPD (3.72 ± 0.86), AL (4.34 ± 1.33), and % of BOP (66.0 ± 31.1) values were significantly greater compared to SubRemain values (2.84 ± 0.48, 3.37 ± 0.34, and 20.4 ± 24.1, respectively). Biofilm+ Cqs showed no association with the periodontal condition. Cqs from Nasopharynx/Oropharynx (Naso/Oro; n = 36) were similar between Biofilm+ and Biofilm- participants. Length of time since ICU intake, last Naso/Oro RT-qPCR readings, onset of COVID-19 symptoms, and biofilm samplings were greater for Biofilm-. CONCLUSIONS: ICU patients harbored SARS-CoV-2 RNA in supragingival and subgingival biofilms, irrespective of the periodontal condition, and systemic viral load. The high number of positive patients highlights the need to better understand this habit to provide adequate oral care.

The long pentraxin PTX3 in human endometrium: regulation by steroids and trophoblast products.

Human implantation is characterized by blastocyst attachment to endometrial epithelial cells followed by invasion of trophoblast into the maternal decidua. There has been an increasing amount of data linking higher levels of the pentraxin PTX3, a long pentraxin, to embryo implantation. PTX3 levels were found to be higher in patients with preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction, both conditions caused by faulty implantation. Furthermore, PTX3 knockout mice have reduced fertility due to cumulus oopherus malformation as well as implantation failure. In a human implantation model, we and others have shown that trophoblast action on endometrial stromal cells induces PTX3 expression. In this study, we analyzed PTX3 expression throughout the menstrual cycle as well as its regulation by hormones involved in the implantation process. We also compared PTX3 expression in stromal cells induced by trophoblast conditioned medium to its induction by trophoblast coculture. PTX3 mRNA expression in human endometrial stromal cells is regulated by progesterone, estrogen, and IL-1 but not human chorionic gonadotropin and is increased by both trophoblast-conditioned medium as well as trophoblast explants. PTX3 protein production and regulation by these factors is shown by Western blot. Based on these findings, we conclude that estradiol and progesterone are involved in PTX3 induction and regulation during implantation. Also, of the factors secreted by trophoblast, IL-1beta induces PTX3 in human endometrial stromal cells.

Polymorphic CAG and GGC repeat lengths in the androgen receptor gene and prostate cancer risk: analysis of a Brazilian population.

Variations in transcriptional activity of the androgen receptor (AR) are related to polymorphic CAG and GGC repeats in exon 1 of the AR gene. We investigated the association between CAG and GGC repeat length and the risk of prostate cancer in a case-control study from a Brazilian population. We evaluated 49 patients and 51 healthy controls. DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes and the AR gene was analyzed by fragment analysis (GeneMapper software, Applied Biosystems, Foster City, California, USA). CAG and GGC mean lengths were not different between cases and controls. The risk for prostate cancer was higher for CAG repeats < or = 21 (OR = 2.44 [95% CI 1.03-5.81]) as well as for total repeat lengths (CAG + GGC) < or = 37 (OR = 2.46 [95% CI 0.98-6.18]). GGC repeats (< or = 17 and > 17) were not associated with risk for prostate cancer (OR = 1.13 [95% CI 0.47-2.75]). In conclusion, fewer number of CAG repeats and total repeats (CAG + GGC) in the AR gene may be associated with increased risk for prostate cancer.

Gene expression of type 2 17 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in scalp hairs of hirsute women.

Androgens are the main hormonal regulators of human hair growth and they are related to clinical conditions such as hirsutism. The aim of this study was to analyze the gene expression of androgen receptor (AR) and type 2 17 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSD) in keratinocytes of plucked scalp hairs from hirsute patients and normal subjects. We studied 58 women with hirsutism (31 with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), 27 with idiopathic hirsutism (IH)); 15 control women; and 10 control men. Hirsutism was assessed by a modified Ferriman-Gallwey method. Hormonal status was assessed between days 2 and 10 of the menstrual cycle or on any day when the patients were amenorrheic. AR and type 2 17 beta-HSD mRNA levels were estimated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). AR expression was similar in all groups. Type 2 17 beta-HSD gene expression in untreated hirsute patients was lower (2.1+/-0.10) than in normal women (3.1+/-0.17), and similar to men (1.8+/-0.22). Comparing hirsute patients, type 2 17 beta-HSD expression was higher in treated PCOS (3.0+/-0.34 versus 2.2+/-0.13) and IH patients (2.5+/-0.19 versus 2.0+/-0.15); hirsutism score was lower (P=0.003, PCOS; P=0.003, IH); and SHBG levels were higher (P=0.001, PCOS; P=0.024, IH) in treated patients. The free androgen index was lower in treated women (P=0.024 for the IH group). In conclusion, the lower expression of type 2 17 beta-HSD mRNA in scalp hairs of untreated hirsute patients suggests androgen metabolism disturbances with predominance of more potent androgens, as occurs in men. The enzyme's higher gene expression in treated hirsute patients could be an indirect evidence of restored enzyme activity and intracellular androgen metabolism.

Androgen-dependent expression of c-jun and c-fos in human non-transformed epithelial prostatic cells: association with cell proliferation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the gene expression of C-FOS and C-JUN and on the proliferation of human non-transformed epithelial prostatic (HNTEP) cells. METHODS: Cell proliferation (MTT) and C-FOS and C-JUN mRNA expression (RT-PCR) were determined in cells treated with DHT (10(-8), 10(-10), and 10(-13)M) or with control medium. RESULTS: DHT 10(-13) M had a significant stimulatory effect on cell proliferation (p < 0.05) and C-FOS and C-JUN gene expression when compared to cells treated with higher concentrations of this hormone (10(-10) and 10(-8)M) or with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that the increase in C-FOS and C-JUN expression and cell growth in HNTEP cells is maximal with the lowest DHT concentration (10(-13)M). These proto-oncogenes may play a role in the control of hormone responsiveness and cell proliferation in HNTEP cells.

Expressão dos protooncogenes c-fos, c-myc e c-jun em miométrio normal e mioma humanos / Expression of the protooncogenes c-fos, c-myc and c-jun in human normal miometrium and leiomyoma

OBJETIVO: Comparar a expressão gênica (mRNA) e protéica dos protooncogenes c-fos, c-myc e c-jun em miométrio normal e mioma humanos. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo do tipo caso-controle. O material foi coletado de 12 pacientes submetidas a histerectomia no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. A expressão do mRNA específico para c-myc, c-fos, c-jun e beta-microglobulina foi avaliada pela técnica de RT-PCR, utilizando primers específicos para cada gene. A expressão protéica destes protooncogenes foi avaliada através de Western blot com anticorpos específicos. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa para expressão gênica desses protooncogenes entre miométrio normal e mioma (c-myc: 0,87 ± 0,08 vs 0,87 ± 0,08, p = 0,952; c-fos: 1,10 ± 0,17 vs 1,01 ± 0,11, p = 0,21; c-jun: 1,03 ± 0,12 vs 0,96 ± 0,09, p = 0,168, respectivamente). Não houve diferença significativa para expressão protéica desses protooncogenes entre miométrio normal e mioma (c-myc: 1,36 ± 0,48 vs 1,53 ± 0,29, p = 0,569; c-fos: 8,85 ± 5,5 vs 6,56 ± 4,22, p = 0,434; e c-jun: 6,47 ± 3,04 vs 5,42 ± 2,03, p = 0,266, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: A expressão gênica (transcrição) e a expressão protéica (tradução) dos protooncogenes c-myc, c-fos e c-jun em mioma e miométrio normal são semelhantes.

Uterine myomas are common benign tumors of the female genital tract. The expression of growth factor signal transduction cascade components including the protooncogenes c-myc, c-fos, and c-jun seem to be involved in the development of myomas. PURPOSE: To compare the gene (mRNA) and protein expression of the protooncogenes c-fos, c-myc, and c-jun in human normal myometrium and leiomyoma. METHOD: A case-control study was performed. Samples were collected from 12 patients submitted to hysterectomy at the Hospital de Clínicas at Porto Alegre. The expression of the specific mRNA for c-myc, c-fos, c-jun, and beta-microglobulin was assessed through the RT-PCR technique, using specific primers to each gene. The protein expression of these protooncogenes was evaluated through the Western blot technique with specific antibodies. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed in the gene expression for these protooncogenes between normal myometrium and leiomyoma (c-myc: 0,87 ± 0,08 vs 0,87 ± 0,08, p = 0,952; c-fos: 1,10 ± 0,17 vs 1,01 ± 0,11, p = 0,21; c-jun: 1,03 ± 0,12 vs 0,96 ± 0,09, p = 0,168, respectively). No statiscally significant difference was observed for the protein expression of these protooncogenes between normal myometrium and leiomyoma (c-myc: 1,36 ± 0,48 vs 1,53 ± 0,29, p = 0,569; c-fos: 8,85 ± 5,5 vs 6,56 ± 4,22, p = 0,434; e c-jun: 6,47 ± 3,04 vs 5,42 ± 2,03, p = 0,266, respectively). CONCLUSION: No difference was observed in the gene expression (transcription) nor in the protein expression (translation) of the protooncogenes c-myc, c-fos, and c-jun between leiomyoma and myometrium.