scholarly journals Lysophosphatidic Acid (LPA) Signaling in Human and Ruminant Reproductive Tract

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Izabela Wocławek-Potocka ◽  
Paulina Rawińska ◽  
Ilona Kowalczyk-Zieba ◽  
Dorota Boruszewska ◽  
Emilia Sinderewicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lysophosphatidic Acid ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Cellular Effects ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Tract Function ◽  
Human Reproductive ◽  
Cycle Regulation

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) through activating its G protein-coupled receptors (LPAR 1–6) exerts diverse cellular effects that in turn influence several physiological processes including reproductive function of the female. Studies in various species of animals and also in humans have identified important roles for the receptor-mediated LPA signaling in multiple aspects of human and animal reproductive tract function. These aspects range from ovarian and uterine function, estrous cycle regulation, early embryo development, embryo implantation, decidualization to pregnancy maintenance and parturition. LPA signaling can also have pathological consequences, influencing aspects of endometriosis and reproductive tissue associated tumors. The review describes recent progress in LPA signaling research relevant to human and ruminant reproduction, pointing at the cow as a relevant model to study LPA influence on the human reproductive performance.

scholarly journals Adipokines Expression and Effects in Oocyte Maturation, Fertilization and Early Embryo Development: Lessons from Mammals and Birds

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 3581
Author(s):  
Anthony Estienne ◽  
Adeline Brossaud ◽  
Maxime Reverchon ◽  
Christelle Ramé ◽  
Pascal Froment ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Early Embryo Development ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Physiological Processes

Some evidence shows that body mass index in humans and extreme weights in animal models, including avian species, are associated with low in vitro fertilization, bad oocyte quality, and embryo development failures. Adipokines are hormones mainly produced and released by white adipose tissue. They play a key role in the regulation of energy metabolism. However, they are also involved in many other physiological processes including reproductive functions. Indeed, leptin and adiponectin, the most studied adipokines, but also novel adipokines including visfatin and chemerin, are expressed within the reproductive tract and modulate female fertility. Much of the literature has focused on the physiological and pathological roles of these adipokines in ovary, placenta, and uterine functions. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the involvement of leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, and chemerin in the oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development in both mammals and birds.

Impact of Heat Stress and Nutritional Stress on Early Embryo Development

2021 ◽  
pp. 113-134
Author(s):  
Golden Gokhale ◽  
Pir Mohammad Ishfaq ◽  
Gurudutt Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Ovarian Follicle ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Nutritional Stress ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Early Embryos

The nutritional, physiological, and reproductive function has detrimental effects on heat stress, which is found in many species of mammals. High ambient temperature in mammals cause a decrease in the length and intensity of estrus by disturbing ovarian function as well as decreasing pregnancy rate after artificial insemination. The effects of nutritional stress on developing oocytes in the ovarian follicle and in the reproductive tract on early embryos are because of the environment where a breeding female lives before conception and at the early stages of pregnancy. Maturity of oocyte, blastocyst yield, prenatal survival, and the number of offspring born alive are affected by change in consumption and quantity of the food taken during the pre-mating period. To improve reproductive efficiency and offspring quality, it is necessary to detect and evaluate the deteriorating effects of heat stress on reproductive organs and cells and to plan nutrition related strategies.

scholarly journals Anterior Gradient Protein 3 and S100 Calcium-Binding Protein P Levels in Different Endometrial Epithelial Compartments May Play an Important Role in Recurrent Pregnancy Failure

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 3835
Author(s):  
Nicola Tempest ◽  
Elizabeth Batchelor ◽  
Christopher J. Hill ◽  
Hannan Al-Lamee ◽  
Josephine Drury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Binding ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Calcium Signalling ◽  
Premenopausal Women ◽  
Subcellular Location ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Calcium Binding Protein ◽  
Regulatory Function ◽  
S100 Calcium Binding Protein

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) are distressing conditions without effective treatments. The luminal epithelium (LE) is integral in determining receptivity of the endometrium, whereas functionalis glands and stroma aid in nurturing early embryo development. Calcium signalling pathways are known to be of vital importance to embryo implantation and pregnancy establishment, and anterior gradient protein 3 (AGR3) and S100 calcium-binding protein P (S100P) are involved with these pathways. We initially examined 20 full-thickness endometrial biopsies from premenopausal women across the menstrual cycle to characterize levels of AGR3 protein in each endometrial sub-region at the cellular level. A further 53 endometrial pipelle biopsies collected in the window of implantation were subsequently assessed to determine differential endometrial AGR3 and S100P levels relevant to RIF (n = 13) and RPL (n = 10) in comparison with parous women (n = 30) using immunohistochemistry. Significantly higher AGR3 and S100P immunostaining was observed in ciliated cells of the LE of women with recurrent reproductive failure compared with parous women, suggesting aberrant subcellular location-associated pathophysiology for these conditions. The nuclear localisation of S100P may allow transcriptional regulatory function, which is necessary for implantation of a viable pregnancy. Further work is thus warranted to assess their utility as diagnostic/therapeutic targets.

scholarly journals Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Sulfation Regulates Uterine Differentiation and Signaling During Embryo Implantation

Endocrinology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 159 (6) ◽  
pp. 2459-2472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Yin ◽  
Adam Wang ◽  
Li Feng ◽  
Yu Wang ◽  
Hong Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Heparan Sulfate ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Uterine Epithelium ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Uterine Receptivity ◽  
Mouse Uterus

Abstract To prepare for embryo implantation, the uterus must undergo a series of reciprocal interactions between the uterine epithelium and the underlying stroma, which are orchestrated by ovarian hormones. During this process, multiple signaling pathways are activated to direct cell proliferation and differentiation, which render the uterus receptive to the implanting blastocysts. One important modulator of these signaling pathways is the cell surface and extracellular matrix macromolecules, heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). HSPGs play crucial roles in signal transduction by regulating morphogen transport and ligand binding. In this study, we examine the role of HSPG sulfation in regulating uterine receptivity by conditionally deleting the N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase (NDST) 1 gene (Ndst1) in the mouse uterus using the Pgr-Cre driver, on an Ndst2- and Ndst3-null genetic background. Although development of the female reproductive tract and subsequent ovarian function appear normal in Ndst triple-knockout females, they are infertile due to implantation defects. Embryo attachment appears to occur but the uterine epithelium at the site of implantation persists rather than disintegrates in the mutant. Uterine epithelial cells continued to proliferate past day 4 of pregnancy, accompanied by elevated Fgf2 and Fgf9 expression, whereas uterine stroma failed to undergo decidualization, as evidenced by lack of Bmp2 induction. Despite normal Indian hedgehog expression, transcripts of Ptch1 and Gli1, both components as well as targets of the hedgehog (Hh) pathway, were detected only in the subepithelial stroma, indicating altered Hh signaling in the mutant uterus. Taken together, these data implicate an essential role for HSPGs in modulating signal transduction during mouse implantation.

scholarly journals Zinc: A Necessary Ion for Mammalian Sperm Fertilization Competency

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 4097 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Kerns ◽  
Michal Zigo ◽  
Peter Sutovsky
Keyword(s):  
Male Fertility ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Zinc Supplementation ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sperm Maturation ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Human Reproductive ◽  
Semen Processing ◽  
New Research ◽  
And Function

The importance of zinc for male fertility only emerged recently, being propelled in part by consumer interest in nutritional supplements containing ionic trace minerals. Here, we review the properties, biological roles and cellular mechanisms that are relevant to zinc function in the male reproductive system, survey available peer-reviewed data on nutritional zinc supplementation for fertility improvement in livestock animals and infertility therapy in men, and discuss the recently discovered signaling pathways involving zinc in sperm maturation and fertilization. Emphasis is on the zinc-interacting sperm proteome and its involvement in the regulation of sperm structure and function, from spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation to sperm interactions with the female reproductive tract, capacitation, fertilization, and embryo development. Merits of dietary zinc supplementation and zinc inclusion into semen processing media are considered with livestock artificial insemination (AI) and human assisted reproductive therapy (ART) in mind. Collectively, the currently available data underline the importance of zinc ions for male fertility, which could be harnessed to improve human reproductive health and reproductive efficiency in agriculturally important livestock species. Further research will advance the field of sperm and fertilization biology, provide new research tools, and ultimately optimize semen processing procedures for human infertility therapy and livestock AI.

scholarly journals 226.Regulated expression of adhesion and anti-adhesion molecules in mouse endometrium during early pregnancy

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 226 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Jasper ◽  
A. Stocker ◽  
S. A. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Adhesion Molecules ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Luminal Epithelium ◽  
Paracrine Factors ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Actin Mrna ◽  
Further Development

To implant and establish the connections that are vital for further development, the early embryo must attach to and then breech the barrier posed by the epithelium of the maternal tract. Expression of adhesion and anti-adhesion molecules in the luminal epithelium of the endometrium are thought to fluctuate in a temporal pattern to 'frame' the implantation site, with their expression regulated by endocrine and paracrine factors. Anti-adhesion molecules, such as members of the mucin family, provide a barrier to implantation in sites or at times unsuitable for embryo development. Expression of adhesion molecules, or specific integrins, are thought to aid in the adhesion of the embryo, allowing it to induce changes in the underlying tissue promoting embryo invasion and pregnancy. The aim of this study was to quantitate the expression of mRNA encoding the integrins αυ, α4 and β3 and MUC1 and MUC4 from Day 0 (oestrous) to Day 4 of pregnancy (implantation) using quantitative real time RT-PCR. Uterine tissues were collected at oestrous and at Days 1, 2, 3 and 4 of pregnancy (Day 1 corresponding to the presence of a vaginal plug), total RNA was extracted, DNAse treated, reverse transcribed into cDNA, and quantified by real-time PCR using SYBR Green chemistry. All specific primers were designed using GenBank sequences and data were normalised to β-actin mRNA expression. Expression of MUC1 and MUC4 mRNAs was dramatically reduced, with mean values 20-fold and 100-fold less than at oestrous respectively, by Day 4 of pregnancy. In contrast, expression of mRNAs encoding integrins αυ, α4 and β3 was detected throughout early pregnancy. These data demonstrate that adhesion and anti-adhesion molecules are differentially expressed in the murine uterus during early pregnancy and may be key mediators in embryo implantation, promoting attachment of the embryo to the luminal epithelium in an environment conducive to embryo growth and development. Supported by a Clive & Vera Ramaciotti Project Grant to MJ Jasper.

scholarly journals Proteomics and metabolomics in cow fertility: a systematic review

Reproduction ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 160 (5) ◽  
pp. 639-658
Author(s):  
Nicolas Aranciaga ◽  
James D Morton ◽  
Debra K Berg ◽  
Jessica L Gathercole
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Technical Standards ◽  
The Impact

Cow subfertility is a multi-factorial problem in many countries which is only starting to be unravelled. Molecular biology can provide a substantial source of insight into its causes and potential solutions, particularly through large scale, untargeted omics approaches. In this systematic review, we set out to compile, assess and integrate the latest proteomic and metabolomic research on cow reproduction, specifically that on the female reproductive tract and early embryo. We herein report a general improvement in technical standards throughout the temporal span examined; however, significant methodological limitations are also identified. We propose easily actionable avenues for ameliorating these shortcomings and enhancing the reach of this field. Text mining and pathway analysis corroborate the relevance of proteins and metabolites related to the triad oxidative stress-inflammation-disease on reproductive function. We envisage a breakthrough in cattle reproductive molecular research within the next few years as in vivo sample techniques are improved, omics analysis equipment becomes more affordable and widespread, and software tools for single- and multi-omics data processing are further developed. Additional investigation of the impact of local oxidative stress and inflammation on fertility, both at the local and systemic levels, is key towards realising the full potential of this field.

Phthalate affect the reproductive function and sexual behavior of male Wistar rats

2006 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 297-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
P R Dalsenter ◽  
G M Santana ◽  
S W Grande ◽  
A Jm Andrade ◽  
S L Araújo
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
In Utero ◽  
Ventral Prostate ◽  
Sperm Counts ◽  
Male Wistar Rats ◽  
Plastic Toys ◽  
Ethylhexyl Phthalate

Phthalates are chemicals used in many industrial products (plastic toys, shampoos, soaps), and are suspected of inducing adverse effects on the male reproductive system. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of the plasticizer di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) on the reproductive function and sexual behavior of male offspring rats, exposed in utero and during lactation (0, 20, 100 and 500 mg/kg per day by gavage). The effects produced clearly demonstrate the ability of DEHP to disrupt the androgen-regulated development of the male reproductive tract. Absolute and relative weights of androgen-dependent tissue organs (ventral prostate and seminal vesicle) were significantly reduced at the highest dose level tested (500 mg/kg per day). Impairment of male sexual behavior (500 mg/kg per day) was also observed. Moreover, the reduction in daily sperm production and epididymal sperm counts observed after administration of the highest dose suggests an impairment of the spermatogenic processes. Most of the adverse effects reported here were observed both during puberty and during adulthood, indicating permanent effects of in utero and lactational DEHP exposure.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document