Involvement of theca cells and steroids in the regulation of granulosa cell apoptosis in rabbit preovulatory follicles

Follicular atresia is characterized by a rapid loss of granulosa cells and, to a lesser extent, theca cells, via apoptosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible involvement of theca cell secretions in the regulation of apoptosis of rabbit granulosa cells. The annexin-V binding method based on externalization of phosphatidylserine to the outer layer of plasma membrane during apoptosis was used to detect apoptotic granulosa cells in flow cytometry. Regulation of apoptosis of granulosa cells was studied in three different culture systems: (i) isolated cultured granulosa cells, (ii) granulosa cells obtained from cultured preovulatory follicles and (iii) granulosa cells co-cultured with theca cells. The results of this study indicate that: (i) the rate of apoptosis of granulosa cells was significantly reduced when granulosa cells were co-cultured with theca cells or obtained from cultured preovulatory follicles in comparison with isolated cultured granulosa cells; (ii) FSH exerts its anti-apoptotic effect only on granulosa cells issued from cultured preovulatory follicles; (iii) ovarian steroids do not affect the percentage of isolated apoptotic granulosa cells; and (iv) the occurrence of an apoptotic process in rabbit theca cells could be upregulated in vitro by hCG and an analogue of the gonadotrophin second messenger cAMP. The results of this study indicate that in rabbits (i) steroids were ineffective in vitro in protecting isolated granulosa cells against apoptosis in comparison with observations in vivo in rats, and (ii) the presence of theca cells was efficient to reduce granulosa cell apoptosis but not sufficient to allow the anti-apoptotic effect of gonadotrophins observed in cultured follicles.

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The role of IGFs in the regulation of ovarian follicular growth in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/rep-10-0142 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 140 (2) ◽

pp. 295-303 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Jennifer L Juengel ◽

Lisa J Haydon ◽

Brigitta Mester ◽

Brian P Thomson ◽

Michael Beaumont ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Granulosa Cell ◽

Granulosa Cells ◽

Cell Function ◽

Antral Follicle ◽

Brushtail Possum ◽

Follicular Growth ◽

Theca Cells ◽

Ovarian Follicular Growth

IGFs are known to be key regulators of ovarian follicular growth in eutherian mammals, but little is known regarding their role in marsupials. To better understand the potential role of IGFs in the regulation of follicular growth in marsupials, expression of mRNAs encoding IGF1, IGF2, IGF1R, IGF-binding protein 2 (IGFBP2), IGFBP4 and IGFBP5 was localized by in situ hybridization in developing ovarian follicles of the brushtail possum. In addition, the effects of IGF1 and IGF2 on granulosa cell function were tested in vitro. Both granulosa and theca cells synthesize IGF mRNAs, with the theca expressing IGF1 mRNA and granulosa cell expressing IGF2 mRNA. Oocytes and granulosa cells express IGF1R. Granulosa and theca cells expressed IGFBP mRNAs, although the pattern of expression differed between the BPs. IGFBP5 mRNA was differentially expressed as the follicles developed with granulosa cells of antral follicles no longer expressing IGFBP5 mRNA, suggesting an increased IGF bioavailability in the antral follicle. The IGFBP protease, PAPPA mRNA, was also expressed in granulosa cells of growing follicles. Both IGF1 and IGF2 stimulated thymidine incorporation but had no effect on progesterone production. Thus, IGF may be an important regulator of ovarian follicular development in marsupials as has been shown in eutherian mammals.

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Annexin V decreases PS-mediated macrophage efferocytosis and deteriorates elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema in mice

AJP Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajplung.00066.2012 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 303 (10) ◽

pp. L852-L860 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

S. Yoshida ◽

N. Minematsu ◽

S. Chubachi ◽

H. Nakamura ◽

M. Miyazaki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mrna Expression ◽

Cell Apoptosis ◽

Pulmonary Emphysema ◽

Keratinocyte Growth Factor ◽

Annexin V ◽

Phenotypic Change ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Mrna Levels

Efferocytosis is believed to be a key regulator for lung inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In this study we pharmacologically inhibited efferocytosis with annexin V and attempted to determine its impact on the progression of pulmonary emphysema in mouse. We first demonstrated in vitro and in vivo efferocytosis experiments using annexin V, an inhibitor for phosphatidylserine-mediated efferocytosis. We then inhibited efferocytosis in porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE)-treated mice. PPE-treated mice were instilled annexin V intranasally starting from day 8 until day 20. Mean linear intercept (Lm) was measured, and cell apoptosis was assessed in lung specimen obtained on day 21. Cell profile, apoptosis, and mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and growth factors were evaluated in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells on day 15. Annexin V attenuated macrophage efferocytosis both in vitro and in vivo. PPE-treated mice had a significant higher Lm, and annexin V further increased that by 32%. More number of macrophages was found in BAL fluid in this group. Interestingly, cell apoptosis was not increased by annexin V treatment both in lung specimens and BAL fluid, but macrophages from mice treated with both PPE and annexin V expressed higher MMP-2 mRNA levels and had a trend for higher MMP-12 mRNA expression. mRNA expression of keratinocyte growth factor tended to be downregulated. We showed that inhibited efferocytosis with annexin V worsened elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema in mice, which was, at least partly, attributed to a lack of phenotypic change in macrophages toward anti-inflammatory one.

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MiRNA-143 mediates the proliferative signaling pathway of FSH and regulates estradiol production

Journal of Endocrinology ◽

10.1530/joe-16-0488 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 234 (1) ◽

pp. 1-14 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Li Zhang ◽

XiaoXin Zhang ◽

Xuejing Zhang ◽

Yu Lu ◽

Lei Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Signaling Pathway ◽

Granulosa Cell ◽

Granulosa Cells ◽

Loss Of Function ◽

Cellular Processes ◽

Cell Functions ◽

Genes Expression ◽

Underlying Mechanisms

MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) play important regulatory roles in many cellular processes. MiR-143 is highly enriched in the mouse ovary, but its roles and underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In the current study, we show that miR-143 is located in granulosa cells of primary, secondary and antral follicles. To explore the specific functions of miR-143, we transfected miR-143 inhibitor into primary cultured granulosa cells to study the loss of function of miR-143 and the results showed that miR-143 silencing significantly increased estradiol production and steroidogenesis-related gene expression. Moreover, our in vivo and in vitro studies showed that follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) significantly decreased miR-143 expression. This function of miR-143 is accomplished by its binding to the 3’-UTR of KRAS mRNA. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that miR-143 acts as a negative regulating molecule mediating the signaling pathway of FSH and affecting estradiol production by targeting KRAS. MiR-143 also negatively acts in regulating granulosa cells proliferation and cell cycle-related genes expression. These findings indicate that miR-143 plays vital roles in FSH-induced estradiol production and granulosa cell proliferation, providing a novel mechanism that involves miRNA in regulating granulosa cell functions.

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MACC1 Suppresses Cell Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Targeting the HGF/c-MET/AKT Pathway

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry ◽

10.1159/000369754 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 35 (3) ◽

pp. 983-996 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Yingmin Yao ◽

Chanwei Dou ◽

Zhongtang Lu ◽

Xin Zheng ◽

Qingguang Liu

Keyword(s):

Cell Apoptosis ◽

Target Genes ◽

Nuclear Translocation ◽

Annexin V ◽

Akt Pathway ◽

Caspase 9 ◽

Dapi Staining ◽

In Vivo Experiments

Background & Aims: To investigate the expression and prognostic value of MACC1 in patients with HCC and identify the mechanism by which MACC1 inhibits HCC cell apoptosis. Methods: MACC1 and p-AKT expression was studied using immunohistochemistry of both HCC tissues and adjacent liver tissues. qRT-PCR and western immunoblotting were used to examine the expression of target genes at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. The MTT assay was used to assess cell viability, and cell apoptosis was determined by DAPI staining, Annexin V/PI staining and Caspase 3/7 assay. Nude mice were used to perform in vivo experiments. Results: The overexpression of MACC1 was found in HCC tissues and was correlated with poor postsurgical prognosis. There was a positive relationship between MACC1 and p-AKT expression in HCC tissues. In vitro experiments showed that MACC1 repressed HCC cell apoptosis and promoted cell growth. Knockdown of c-MET abolished the anti-apoptotic function of MACC1. Next, MACC1 was verified to activate PI3K/AKT signaling by sensitizing HGF/c-MET signaling in HCC. MACC1 overexpression enhanced the HGF-driven phosphorylation of BAD, Caspase 9 and FKHRL1 and inhibited their pro-apoptotic functions in HCC cells. Finally, MACC1 was shown to inhibit cell apoptosis and promote HCC growth in vivo. Conclusions: This investigation revealed that MACC1 overexpression predicted worse prognosis after liver resection, which was attributed to the repression of HCC cell apoptosis via a molecular mechanism in which MACC1 accelerated the activation of the HGF/c-MET/PI3K/AKT pathway and phosphorylated BAD, Caspase 9 and FKHRL1, ultimately preventing their nuclear translocation and their pro-apoptotic function.

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Gonadotropin-Induced Expression of Messenger Ribonucleic Acid for Cyclooxygenase-2 and Production of Prostaglandins E and F2α in Bovine Preovulatory Follicles Are Regulated by the Progesterone Receptor

Endocrinology ◽

10.1210/en.2005-1575 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 147 (10) ◽

pp. 4713-4722 ◽

Cited By ~ 43

Author(s):

P. J. Bridges ◽

C. M. Komar ◽

J. E. Fortune

Keyword(s):

Granulosa Cells ◽

Medroxyprogesterone Acetate ◽

Cyclooxygenase 2 ◽

Induced Expression ◽

Messenger Ribonucleic Acid ◽

Preovulatory Follicles ◽

Gonadotropin Surge ◽

Induced Changes

Follicular production of prostaglandins (PGs) is essential for ovulation, but the factors mediating gonadotropin-induced secretion of PGE and PGF2α remain largely unknown. We tested the hypothesis that gonadotropin-induced changes in progesterone and its receptor (PR) mediate the increase in periovulatory PGs. Heifers were treated with PGF2α and GnRH to induce luteolysis and the LH/FSH surge (ovulation occurs ∼30 h after GnRH). Because there are two increases in intrafollicular progesterone/PR mRNA during the bovine periovulatory period, we first examined the temporal pattern of PG production by follicles collected at 0, 3.5, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h after GnRH. Although PGs did not increase in the follicular fluid until 24 h after GnRH, acute secretion of PGs by follicle wall (theca + granulosa cells) was initiated by 18 h and had increased manyfold by 24 h after GnRH. In vitro, FSH and LH induced dramatic transient increases in PG production by follicle wall and granulosa, but not theca, cells isolated from preovulatory follicles (0 h after GnRH). PG accumulation peaked on d 2 of culture, mimicking the secretion pattern after a gonadotropin surge in vivo. In cultures of follicle wall and granulosa cells, the PR antagonist mifepristone (MIFE, 1 μm) inhibited LH-induced PG secretion and the progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate (1 or 10 μm), but not the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (1 or 10 μm), overcame the effect of MIFE on PGs. Semiquantitative RT-PCR revealed that MIFE inhibited LH-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA in granulosa cells in vitro. Again, treatment with medroxyprogesterone acetate overcame the effect of MIFE. Together these results provide strong evidence that periovulatory increases in cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA, PGE, and PGF2α are mediated by gonadotropin-induced increases in progesterone/PR, indicating that in some species there is an important functional relationship between these pathways in the ovulatory cascade.

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Effect of gonadotrophins on progesterone secretion by cultured granulosa cells obtained from human preovulatory follicles

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/acta.0.1100401 ◽

1985 ◽

Vol 110 (3) ◽

pp. 401-407 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

T. Hillensjö ◽

A. Sjögren ◽

B. Strander ◽

L. Nilsson ◽

M. Wikland ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Granulosa Cells ◽

Maximal Effect ◽

Tubal Infertility ◽

Vitro Fertilization ◽

Follicular Maturation ◽

Progesterone Secretion ◽

Preovulatory Follicles ◽

Ultrasound Guided Puncture

Abstract. Granulosa cells were obtained from human preovulatory follicles in 31 women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer due to tubal infertility. Follicular maturation was stimulated and synchronized by treatment with Clomiphene or human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG), or both, plus human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). Follicles were aspirated by ultrasound guided puncture approximately 34–36 h after the hCG injection. The granulosa cells were washed and suspended in modified medium 199 containing 10% foetal bovine serum and cultured as monolayers for 6–8 days in the absence and presence of hormones and reactants. Progesterone formation was analyzed by RIA. In general, the cells underwent morphological luteinization and secreted high amount of progesterone. Under basal conditions the secretion of progesterone was highest during the first 2 days in culture and then gradually declined. Progesterone secretion was stimulated by human LH, hCG and the adenylate cyclase stimulator forskolin, with a maximal effect between days 2–6. The β-adrenergic agonist isoproteronol in preliminary experiments potentiated the stimulatory effect of hCG but had no own stimulatory effect. No clear differences in progesterone secretion or responsiveness to in vitro stimulation relating to the various in vivo stimulation protocols were found.

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Oocyte-secreted factros regulate granulosa cell steroidogenesis

Zygote ◽

10.1017/s0967199400003324 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 4 (04) ◽

pp. 317-321 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Barbara C. Vanderhyden

Keyword(s):

Cell Proliferation ◽

Germ Cell ◽

Granulosa Cell ◽

Granulosa Cells ◽

Follicular Fluid ◽

Follicular Development ◽

Inhibitory Factor ◽

Preovulatory Follicles ◽

Loss Of Contact

Investigations of strains of mice defective in germ cell development have revealed the importance of oocytes for the initial stages of folliculogenesis (Pellaset al., 1991; Huanget al., 1993). Various aspects of follicular development are dependent upon and/or influenced by the presence of oocytes, including granulosa cell proliferation (Vanderhydenet al., 1990, 1992) and cumulus expansion (Buccioneet al., 1990; Salustriet al., 1990; Vanderhydenet al., 1990; Vanderhyden, 1993). We are investigating the possibility that oocytes influence one of the primary functions of granulosa cells: steroidogenesis. In many species, granulosa cells removed from preovulatory follicles luteinisein vitro(Channinget al., 1982), presumably due to loss of contact with follicular luteinisation inhibitory factor(s). Indeed, follicular fluid can prevent granulosa cell luteinisationin vitro(Ledwitz-Rigbyet al., 1977). Follicular fluid, however, may simply be the medium for transport of factors secreted by oocytes to regulate granulosa cell activities.

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Downregulating lncRNA NEAT1 induces proliferation and represses apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in polycystic ovary syndrome via microRNA-381/IGF1 axis

Journal of Biomedical Science ◽

10.1186/s12929-021-00749-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jingran Zhen ◽

Jiangli Li ◽

Xia Li ◽

Xue Wang ◽

Yaling Xiao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Granulosa Cell ◽

Granulosa Cells ◽

Cell Apoptosis ◽

Polycystic Ovary ◽

Pathological Changes ◽

Ovary Syndrome ◽

Ovarian Granulosa Cells ◽

Ovarian Granulosa Cell ◽

Igf1 Expression

Abstract Objective Researchers have revealed the combined functions of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNA (miRNAs) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study aimed to understand the role of nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) and miR-381 involving insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) in PCOS. Methods PCOS rat model was established by dehydroepiandrosterone induction. NEAT1, miR-381 and IGF1 expression in ovarian granulosa cells of PCOS patients and ovarian tissues of PCOS rats were tested. Bioinformatics website and dual luciferase reporter gene assay were utilized to verify the relationship between NEAT1 and miR-381 and that between miR-381 and IGF1. Levels of sex hormone, pathological changes and ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis in ovarian tissues of PCOS rats were detected. Ovarian granulosa cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed in vitro. Results NEAT1 and IGF1 expression increased while miR-381 expression decreased in the ovarian granulosa cells of patients with PCOS and the ovarian tissues of PCOS rats. In in vivo experiments, interference with NEAT1 improved the levels of sex hormones, alleviated pathological changes and suppressed ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis in the ovarian tissues of PCOS rats. In in vitro cell experiments, interference with NEAT1 suppressed apoptosis and enhanced cell proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells. NEAT1 interference-mediated effect would be reversed by up-regulating miR-381. NEAT1 acted as a ceRNA to adsorb miR-381 to target IGF1. Overexpression of IGF1 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-381 on ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. Conclusion Interference with NEAT1 increases miR-381 and reduces IGF1 levels, effectively improving the levels of sex hormones and reducing the pathological damage of ovarian tissue in rats with PCOS.

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CXCL12 and its receptors regulate granulosa cell apoptosis in PCOS rats and human KGN tumor cells

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/rep-20-0451 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ling Jin ◽

Liang Ren ◽

Jing Lu ◽

Xue Wen ◽

Siying Zhuang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Granulosa Cell ◽

Granulosa Cells ◽

Polycystic Ovary ◽

Low Grade ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Cxcr4 Antagonist ◽

Concentration Dependent Manner ◽

Apoptosis Rate

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder accompanied by chronic low-grade inflammation; its etiology is still undefined. This study investigated the expression of CXCL12, CXCR4, and CXCR7 in PCOS rats and their role in regulation of apoptosis. To accomplish this, we established an in vivo PCOS rat model and studied KGN cells (human ovarian granulosa cell line) in vitro. In PCOS rats, the ovarian expression of CXCL12, CXCR4, and CXCR7 was reduced, and the apoptosis rate of granulosa cells was increased, accompanied by decreased expression of BCL2 and increased expression of BAX and cleaved CASPASE3 (CASP3). We further showed that recombinant human CXCL12 treatment upregulated BCL2, downregulated BAX, and cleaved CASP3 in KGN cells to inhibit their apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner; moreover, the effect of CXCL12 was weakened by CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 and anti-CXCR7 neutralizing antibody. In conclusion, PCOS rats showed decreased CXCL12, CXCR4, and CXCR7 expression and increased apoptosis rate of ovarian granulosa cells. Further, in human KGN cells, CXCL12 regulated the expression of BAX, BCL2, and cleaved CASP3 to inhibit apoptosis through CXCR4- and CXCR7-mediated signal transmission. These findings may provide a theoretical and practical basis for illuminating the role of proinflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of PCOS.

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Modulating effect of growth hormone on the functional state of cultured cells from hen preovulatory follicles

Genetika i razvedenie zhivotnyh ◽

10.31043/2410-2733-2021-4-108-113 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 108-113

Author(s):

A. Smekalova ◽

O. Mityashova ◽

O. Aleinikova ◽

E. Montvila ◽

I. Lebedeva

Keyword(s):

Granulosa Cells ◽

Final Stage ◽

Proliferative Activity ◽

Laying Hens ◽

Theca Cells ◽

Apoptotic Protein ◽

Thecal Cells ◽

Preovulatory Follicles ◽

Regulation Of Growth

Somatotropic hormone (STH) is an important positive modulator of ovarian function in mammals. Local production of STH and the expression of the corresponding specific receptors were also detected in hen ovarian follicles, which indicates the participation of this hormone in the endocrine/paracrine control of folliculogenesis in birds. Nevertheless, the role of STH in the regulation of growth of avian follicles at the final stage of maturation is still not clear.Objective: To study in vitro the effect of STH on the proliferative activity and apoptotic changes of granulosa and theca cells from preovulatory follicles of domestic hens.Materials and methods. Young laying hens aged 34-35 weeks with a long clutch were used in the experiments. Granulosa and theca cells were isolated from the largest yellow follicle in the hierarchy (F1). The cells were cultured in a medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum until a monolayer was formed, and then for 24 h in the medium without serum in the absence (control) or in the presence of STH at various concentrations (1-100 ng/ml). The proliferative activity and apoptotic changes in the cells were assessed by immunocytochemical assay, based on the expression level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen PCNA and pro-apoptotic protein Bax, respectively.Results. The proportion of PCNA-positive granulosa cells increased 1.3-1.8 times (P<0.01-0.05) as compared to control with increasing the content of STH in the medium to 10-100 ng/ml. Furthermore, within this concentration range, the studied hormone reduced 1.2-1.6 times (P<0.05) the relative number of granulosa cells with the positive reaction to Bax. The sensitivity of theca cells to the growth-stimulating effect of STH was lower than that of granulosa cells. Such the effect of STH led to an increase in the proportion of PCNA-positive thecal cells by 1.2-1.3 times (P<0.05) and was detected only at concentrations of 25 and 100 ng/ml. Meanwhile, STH (25-100 ng/ml) increased 1.3 times (P<0.05) the level of Bax expression in theca cells.Conclusions. The results of the present study indicate the stimulating effect of STH in vitro on the proliferative activity of granulosa and theca cells from the most mature hen preovulatory follicle. In addition, STH is able to reduce the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax in granulosa cells and increase this expression in thecal cells. Thus, the data obtained indicate the possible participation of STH in the regulation of growth and development of follicles at the final stage of maturation during the period of maximum egg-laying intensity in laying hens.

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