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Irisin modulates glucose metabolism and inhibits steroidogenesis in bovine granulosa cells

Mathilde Daudon, Christelle Ramé, Christopher Price, and Joëlle Dupont

In brief

Fertility in the dairy cow is low during the post-partum period of negative energy balance and high plasma irisin concentrations. This study shows irisin modulates granulosa cell glucose metabolism and impairs steroidogenesis.

Abstract

Fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 (FNDC5) is a transmembrane protein discovered in 2012 that is cleaved to release the adipokine-myokine, irisin. Originally described as an exercise hormone that browns white adipose tissue and increases glucose metabolism, irisin secretion also increases during periods of rapid adipose mobilization, such as the post-partum period in dairy cattle when ovarian activity is suppressed. The effect of irisin on follicle function is unclear and may be species-dependent. In this study, we hypothesized that irisin may compromise granulosa cell function in cattle using a well-established in vitro cell culture model. We detected FNDC5 mRNA and both FNDC5 and cleaved irisin proteins in follicle tissue and in follicular fluid. The abundance of FNDC5 mRNA was increased by the treatment of cells with the adipokine visfatin but not by other adipokines tested. The addition of recombinant irisin to granulosa cells decreased basal and insulin-like growth factor 1- and follicle-stimulating hormone-dependent estradiol and progesterone secretion and increased cell proliferation but had no effect on viability. Irisin decreased GLUT1, GLUT3, and GLUT4 mRNA levels in granulosa cells and increased lactate release in the culture medium. The mechanism of action is in part through MAPK3/1 but not Akt, MAPK14, or PRKAA. We conclude that irisin may regulate bovine folliculogenesis by modulating granulosa cell steroidogenesis and glucose metabolism.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-22-0404
Volume 165: Issue 5,
Pages:
533–542 (10 total)
Restricted access

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Alters Gene Expression and Upregulates Motility of Human Endometrial Stromal Cells

Qingshi Zhao, Karla Larios, Yahaira Naaldijk, Lauren Sherman, Anat Chemerinski, Kennisha Okereke, Pranela Rameshwar, Alexander Lemenze, Nataki C. Douglas, and Sara S. Morelli

Cyclic regeneration and repair of the endometrium are crucial for successful reproduction. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow (BM-MSC) and umbilical cord (UC-MSC) facilitate tissue repair via their secretome, which contains growth factors and cytokines that promote wound healing. Despite the implication of MSCs in endometrial regeneration and repair, mechanisms remain unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that the BM-MSC and UC-MSC secretomes upregulate human endometrial stromal cell (HESC) proliferation, migration, and invasion, and activate pathways to increase HESC motility. BM-MSCs were purchased from ATCC and cultured from the BM aspirate of three healthy female donors. UC-MSCs were cultured from umbilical cords of two healthy male term infants. Using indirect co-culture of MSCs and hTERT-immortalized HESCs via a transwell system, we demonstrated that co-culture of HESCs with BM-MSCs or UC-MSCs from all donors significantly increased HESC migration and invasion, whereas effects on HESC proliferation varied among BM-MSC and UC-MSC donors. Analysis of gene expression by mRNA sequencing and RT-qPCR showed that expression of CCL2 and HGF was upregulated in HESCs that had been cocultured with BM-MSCs or UC-MSCs. Validation studies revealed that exposure to recombinant CCL2 for 48 hours significantly increased HESC migration and invasion. Increased HESC motility by the BM-MSC and UC-MSC secretome appears to be mediated in part by upregulated HESC CCL2 expression. Our data support the potential for leveraging MSC secretome as a novel cell-free therapy to treat disorders of endometrial regeneration.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-22-0485
Accepted Manuscripts
Free access

Negative effects of endocrine disruptor bisphenol A on ovarian granulosa cells and the protective role of folic acid

Dominika Celar Sturm and Irma Virant-Klun

In brief

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely produced chemical, mostly used in the production of polycarbonate plastics, and can act as an endocrine disruptor. This paper focuses on the different effects of BPA on ovarian granulosa cells.

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor (ED), widely used as a comonomer or an additive in the plastics industry. It can be found in food and beverage plastic packaging, epoxy resins, thermal paper and other common products. To date, there have only been several experimental studies to have examined how BPA exposure affects human and mammalian follicular granulosa cells (GCs) in vitro and in vivo; the collected evidence data show that BPA negatively affects the GCs by altering steroidogenesis and gene expression, inducing autophagy, apoptosis and cellular oxidative stress through reactive oxygen species production. Exposure to BPA can also lead to abnormally constrained or elevated cellular proliferation and can even reduce cell viability. Therefore, research on EDs such as BPA is important as it provides some important insights into the causes and development of infertility, ovarian cancer and other conditions related to impaired ovarian and GC function. Folic acid, a biologic form of vitamin B9, is a methyl donor that can neutralize the toxic effects of the BPA exposure and is, as a common food supplement, an interesting option for researching its protective role against ubiquitous harmful EDs such as BPA.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-22-0257
Volume 165: Issue 5,
Pages:
R117–R134
Restricted access

Pendimethalin exposure disrupts mitochondrial function and impairs processes related to implantation

Miji Kim, Junho Park, Garam An, Whasun Lim, and Gwonhwa Song

In brief

Pendimethalin as a dinitroaniline herbicide is used to eliminate weeds during the cultivation of various crops such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. This study reveals that pendimethalin exposure at various concentrations led to disruption in Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as dysregulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and implantation-related genes in porcine trophectoderm and uterine luminal epithelial cells.

Abstract

The use of herbicides is a major control method in agriculture. Pendimethalin (PDM) has been increasingly used as a herbicide for approximately 30 years. PDM has been reported to cause various reproductive problems, but its toxicity mechanism in the pre-implantation stage has not been investigated in detail. Herein, we studied the effects of PDM on porcine trophectoderm (pTr) and uterine luminal epithelial (pLE) cells and identified a PDM-mediated anti-proliferative effect in both cell types. PDM exposure generated intracellular reactive oxygen species, induced excessive Ca2+ influx into mitochondria, and activated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Ca2+ burden resulted in the dysfunction of mitochondria and eventual disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis. Further, PDM-exposed pTr and pLE cells showed cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death. In addition, a decrease in migration ability and dysregulated expression of genes related to the functioning of pTr and pLE cells was evaluated. This study provides insight into time-dependent transitions within the cell environment after PDM exposure and elucidates a detailed mechanism of induced adverse effects. These results imply that PDM exposure can potentially cause toxic effects on the implantation-related process in pigs. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the mechanism by which PDM induces these effects, enhancing our understanding of the toxicity of this herbicide.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-22-0397
Volume 165: Issue 5,
Pages:
491–505 (15 total)
Restricted access

Pre-estrus progesterone does not affect post-estrus luminal metabolome in cross-bred beef cows

Felipe A. C. C. Silva, Thiago Martins, Mariana Sponchiado, Cecilia C. Rocha, Nadia Ashrafi, Stewart F. Graham, Ky Pohler, Francisco Peñagaricano, Angela Gonella-Diaza, and Mario Binelli

In cattle, the concentration of sex steroids modulates uterine function, which is reflected in the composition of the luminal metabolome. Ultimately, the uterine luminal metabolome influences embryonic growth and development. Our objectives were (1) to compare the luminal metabolome 4, 7, and 14 days after estrus of cows that were exposed to greater (HP4; n = 16) vs. lower (LP4; n = 24) concentrations of progesterone before displaying estrus and ovulating spontaneously and (2) to identify changes in the luminal concentration of metabolites across these time points. Luminal epithelial cells and fluid were collected using a cytology brush and gene expression and metabolite concentrations were assessed by RNAseq and targeted mass spectrometry, respectively. Metabolome profile was similar between treatments within each of days 4, 7, and 14 (FDR ≥ 0.1). Concentrations of 53 metabolites changed, independent of treatment, across the diestrus. Metabolites were mostly lipids (40 out 53) and the greatest concentrations were at d 14 (FDR ≤ 0.1). On d 7, the concentration of putrescine and the gene expression of ODC1, PAOX, SLC3A2, and SAT1 increased (P ≤ 0.05). On d 14, the concentration of three ceramides, four glucosylceramides, and 12 sphingomyelins and the expression of SGMS2 were increased, in addition to the concentration of choline and 20 phosphatidylcholines. Collectively, the post-estrus concentration of luminal metabolites changed dynamically, independent of the concentration of sex steroids on the previous cycle, and the greatest magnitude changes were on day 14, when lipid metabolism was the most enriched pathway.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-22-0372
Accepted Manuscripts
Restricted access

Prolonged stretching of rat uteri causes hypoxia and inhibits contractility via potassium channel TREK1

Tengteng Li, Jiajia Fei, Huihui Yu, Xingxing Wang, Dan Li, and Zongzhi Yin

The mechanisms underlying pre-labor uterine quiescence and uterine atony during overdistention are unclear. TREK1 (a two-pore domain potassium channel) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) are activated by mechanical stretch, and their expression is upregulated by decreased uterine contractility. HIF-1α is a nuclear factor which regulates numerous target proteins, but whether it regulates TREK1 during uterine stretch to cause uterine quiescence and/or atony is unclear. We investigated uterine contractility at different gestational stages in rats, as well as in non-pregnant uteri, which were induced by prolonged stretching and hypoxia. We also assessed the effects of incubating the uteri with or without echinomycin or L-methionine. Moreover, we analyzed HIF-1α and TREK1 expression levels in each group, as well as at various gestational stages of pregnant human uteri. We found that contractility was significantly decreased in pregnant uteri when compared with non-pregnant uteri, and this decrease was associated with increases in HIF-1α and TREK1 expression levels. HIF-1α and TREK1 expression levels in human uteri increased with the gestational length. Decreased uterine contractility and increased HIF-1α and TREK1 expression levels were also observed in non-pregnant rat uteri under 8 g of stretching tension or hypoxia. Inhibition of hypoxia with echinomycin restored normal uterine contractility, while HIF-1α and TREK1 protein expression remained reduced. TREK1 inhibition with L-methionine also restored uterine contractility under tension or hypoxia. In conclusion, we demonstrated that prolonged stretching induces myometrial hypoxia, increases TREK1 expression, and relaxes the myometrium, which may contribute to uterine quiescence and atony.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-23-0112
Accepted Manuscripts
Open access

SHP2 participates in decidualization by activating ERK to maintain normal nuclear localization of progesterone receptor

Lin Chen, Weijie Zhao, Mengxiong Li, Yazhu Yang, Chengzi Tian, Dengyang Zhang, Zhiguang Chang, Yunzhe Zhang, Zhizhuang Joe Zhao, Yun Chen, and Lin Ma

Decidualization is the process of conversion of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) into decidual stromal cells (DSCs), which is caused by progesterone production that begins during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and then increases throughout pregnancy dedicated to support embryonic development. Decidualization deficiency is closely associated with various pregnancy complications, such as recurrent miscarriage (RM). Here, we reported that Src-homology-2-containing phospho-tyrosine phosphatase (SHP2), a key regulator in the signal transduction process downstream of various receptors, plays an indispensable role in decidualization. SHP2 expression was upregulated during decidualization. SHP2 inhibitor RMC-4550 and shRNA mediated SHP2 reduction resulted in a decreased level of phosphorylation of ERK and aberrant cytoplasmic localization of progesterone receptor (PR), coinciding with reduced expression of IGFBP1 and various other target genes of decidualization. Solely inhibiting ERK activity recapitulated these observations. Administration of RMC-4550 led to decidualization deficiency and embryo absorption in mouse. Moreover, reduced expression of SHP2 was detected in decidua of RM patients. Our results revealed that SHP2 is key to PR's nuclear localization, thereby indispensable for decidualization and that reduced expression of SHP2 might be engaged in the pathogenesis of RM.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-22-0367
Accepted Manuscripts
Restricted access

TRPM4 contribution in mouse uterine contractions

Alexandre Fouchet, Harlyne Mpweme Bangando, Margaux Aize, Christophe Simard, and Romain Guinamard

Control of uterine contractions is of interest in the context of inappropriate myometrial activity during pregnancy and at time of delivery but it is also a matter for menstrual pain. While several molecular determinants of myometrial contractions have been described, the complete distribution of roles to the various actors is far from being understood. A key phenomenon is a variation in cytoplasmic Ca2+ which leads, in smooth muscle, to the activation of calmodulin and lastly in the phosphorylation of myosin allowing contraction. The Ca2+-activated transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) channel which is known to modulate Ca2+-fluxes in several cell types was shown to participate in vascular as well as detrusor muscle contraction. We thus designed a study to determine whether it also participates in myometrial contraction.

Uterine rings were isolated from Trpm4+/+ and Trpm4-/- non-pregnant adult mice and contractions were recorded using an isometric force transducer.

In basal conditions, spontaneous contractions were similar in both groups. Application of 9-phenanthrol, a pharmacological TRPM4 inhibitor, dose-dependently reduced contraction parameters in Trpm4+/+ rings with an IC50 around 2.10-6 mol.L-1. The effect of 9-phenanthrol was significantly reduced in Trpm4-/- rings. The effect of oxytocin was tested and was found to be stronger in Trpm4+/+ rings compared to Trpm4-/-. Under a constant stimulation by oxytocin, 9-phenanthrol still reduced contraction parameters in Trpm4+/+ rings with a smaller effect on Trpm4-/-.

Altogether it indicates that TRPM4 participates in uterine contractions in mice and may thus be evaluated as a new target to control such contractions.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-22-0484
Accepted Manuscripts
Open access

Visfatin increases the invasive potential of ovarian granulosa tumor spheroids by reprogramming glucose metabolism

Justyna Gogola-Mruk, Weronika Marynowicz, Kinga Krawczyk, and Anna Ptak

In brief

The role of visfatin in ovarian granulosa cell tumor (GCT) invasion and glucose metabolism reprogramming is largely unexplored. These studies imply that visfatin or its inhibitor is involved in regulating ovarian granuloma invasion by reprogramming glucose metabolism and may be a potential candidate for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian GCT.

Abstract

Visfatin is an adipokine with nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) activity, the concentration of which is higher in ascitic fluid than in serum, and is associated with ovarian cancer peritoneal dissemination. Potentially important effects of visfatin on glucose metabolism have been previously reported. However, the mechanism underlying the effects of visfatin on ovarian cancer cell invasion, and whether this involves altered glucose metabolism, has not been elucidated. Here, we tested the hypothesis that visfatin, which can reprogram cancer metabolism, promotes invasion by ovarian cancer spheroids. Visfatin increased glucose transporter (GLUT)1 expression and glucose uptake in adult granulosa cell tumor-derived spheroid cells (KGN) and also increased the activities of hexokinase 2 and lactate dehydrogenase. We showed a visfatin-induced increase in glycolysis in KGN cells. Moreover, visfatin increased the potential invasiveness of KGN spheroid cells by upregulating MMP2 (matrix metalloproteinase 2) and downregulating CLDN3 and CLDN4 (claudin 3 and 4) gene expression. Interestingly, an inhibitor of GLUT1 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA) abolished the stimulatory effect of visfatin on the potential invasiveness of KGN cells. More importantly, silencing expression of the NAMPT gene in KGN cells demonstrated its important effect on glycolysis and invasiveness in adult granulosa cell tumor cells (AGCTs). In summary, visfatin appears to increase AGCT invasiveness through effects on glucose metabolism and to be an important regulator of glucose metabolism in these cells.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-22-0443
Volume 165: Issue 5,
Pages:
521–531 (11 total)
Restricted access

Whole-genome DNA methylation analysis of the sperm in relation to bull fertility

Ying Zhang, Camila Bruna de Lima, Rémi Labrecque, and Marc André Sirard

In brief

Bull fertility is an important economic trait, this study identified some DNA methylation biomarkers that are associated with bull fertility.

Abstract

Subfertile bulls may cause huge economic losses in dairy production since their semen could be used to inseminate thousands of cows by artificial insemination. This study adopted whole-genome enzymatic methyl sequencing and aimed to identify candidate DNA methylation markers in bovine sperm that correlate with bull fertility. Twelve bulls were selected (high bull fertility = 6; low bull fertility = 6) based on the industry’s internally used Bull Fertility Index. After sequencing, a total of 450 CpG had a DNA methylation difference higher than 20% (q < 0.01) had been screened. The 16 most significant differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified using a 10% methylation difference cut-off (q < 5.88 × 10−16). Interestingly, most of the differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) and DMRs were distributed on the X and Y chromosomes, demonstrating that the sex chromosomes play essential roles in bull fertility. Additionally, the functional classification showed that the beta-defensin family, zinc finger protein family, and olfactory and taste receptors could be clustered. Moreover, the enriched G protein-coupled receptors such as neurotransmitter receptors, taste receptors, olfactory receptors, and ion channels indicated that the acrosome reaction and capacitation processes are pivotal for bull fertility. In conclusion, this study identified the sperm-derived bull fertility-associated DMRs and DMCs at the whole genome level, which could complement and integrate into the existing genetic evaluation methods, increasing our decisive capacity to select good bulls and explain bull fertility better in the future.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-22-0283
Volume 165: Issue 5,
Pages:
557–568 (12 total)