Hormone Receptor Gene Expression Research Articles

P-564 Decoding ovarian response: the predictive power of FSH receptor gene expression in controlled ovarian stimulation

Abstract Study question Can profiling of variation in follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene expression forecast response to Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) in Assisted Reproductive Techniques? Summary answer Full-length FSHR transcript was the most common mRNA species. Nine distinct transcripts were characterised, but only one (deletion Exon 6) was associated with altered response. What is known already AMH levels and age are considered useful predictors of ovarian response to COS (high AMH and young age typically associated with high yields of oocytes; older ages and low AMH associated with fewer oocytes). However, it is not uncommon to see patients who do not fit this pattern, highlighting the limitations of these parameters in predicting response. Age-independent biomarkers capable of revealing patients at elevated risk of hyperstimulation, or those who might produce fewer than the optimal number of oocytes, are desirable. Alternative transcripts of the FSHR gene have been proposed as an explanation for variation in response to COS. Study design, size, duration FSHR splice variants in mRNA in granulosa cells from 126 patients were examined utilising long-read nanopore sequencing. This strategy permitted the sequencing of mRNA variants without fragmentation, allowing the detection of all splicing events in each mRNA strand. In addition to being categorised based on age and AMH levels, patients were also classified by the expression of FSHR transcript variants and their response to stimulation (high, low, or normal response). Participants/materials, setting, methods Patterns of FSHR mRNA splice variants were analysed in each of 126 patients. This involved extraction of RNA from the granulosa cells, followed by long-read nanopore sequencing, permitting analysis of whole transcripts in a single, contiguous sequence ‘read’. Patients were classified based upon their level of response to COS (low, normal, high), taking into account their age, AMH level and the number of oocytes retrieved. Patterns of FSHR transcript variation were compared to COS response. Main results and the role of chance Full-length FSHR transcript was detected in 97.6% of patients and skipping of Exon 6 was observed in 68%. Five novel transcripts were discovered, including partial insertion of ∼100bp segments of introns 1 or 2, seen in 6.55% of samples. In total, nine distinct FSHR mRNA variants were detected. As expected, increasing age was associated with higher FSH requirement per oocyte collected (p = 0.018), and AMH levels declined with age (2.8± 1.42 in women <38 versus 1.58 ±1.29 in women ≥38; p = 0.011). Consistent with previous analyses, AMH levels and amount of FSH per oocyte retrieved were negatively correlated (p < 0.001). One-third of the patients (33%) in this cohort displayed responses to COS that were not considered to be consistent with expectations based upon age and AMH levels. Expression of the novel FSHR transcript variants was not associated with FSH needed per oocyte retrieved (p = 0.78), nor the proportion of mature oocytes (p = 0.95).The only transcript potentially linked to an altered response to COS was the previously reported mRNA species, lacking exon 6, associated with significantly greater numbers of oocytes produced (p = 0.0087). Interestingly, women ≥38 expressed novel variants more frequently than their younger counterparts (p = 0.018), potentially indicative of an age-related decline in transcriptional fidelity. Limitations, reasons for caution It is possible that the use of controlled ovarian stimulation might alter the dynamics of transcription in cumulus cells. Therefore, it is possible that the spectrum of transcripts seen in this study might differ from those present in unstimulated cycles. Wider implications of the findings Expected associations between age, AMH levels and response to COS were observed. Skipping exon 6 may be associated with a superior response to COS, suggesting FSHR mRNA profiling might have a role in tailoring controlled ovarian stimulation protocols. Novel transcript variants were detected and seen most often in older women. Trial registration number not applicable

Effect of dietary vitamin E supplement on the reproductive performance and gene expression profiling in Ompok bimaculatus during breeding period

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin E on the reproductive responses and the expression of reproductive genes in butter catfish (Ompok bimaculatus). Diets with different levels of vitamin E supplementation (0, 100, and 150 mg/kg) were provided to groups of fish for 60 days. After rearing for 60 days fish were induced with synthetic hormone, that is, Ovatide to study the breeding performance. Ovatide was administrated intramuscularly at the rate of 0.5 and 0.25 mL/kg of body weight for females and males, respectively, in all the treatments. Breeding performance result shows that supplements of vitamin E positively influenced the GSI%, fertilization rate, fecundity, and hatching rate. To understand the relationship between vitamin E and the breeding performance of the fish at the molecular level, a gene expression study was conducted. This study employed real‐time PCR for the selected genes critical for reproductive function. In the brain, testis, and ovary dietary vitamin E supplementation of 100 mg/kg significantly enhanced the mRNA transcription of FSHR, Brdt, ESR1, 17beta2, and LHR. Hence, it can be said that 100 mg/kg of vitamin E supplementation in the diet during the reproductive period of O. bimaculatus could improve breeding performance and the mRNA expression of reproductive hormone receptor genes in both males and females of O. bimaculatus.

Glucocorticoid and Adrenergic Receptor Distribution Across Human Organs and Tissues: A Map for Stress Transduction.

Psychosocial stress is transduced into disease risk through energy-dependent release of hormones from the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and sympathetic-adrenal-medullary axes. The levels of glucocorticoid and adrenergic hormones, together with the sensitivity of tissues to their signaling, define stress responses. To understand existing pathways responsible for the psychobiological transduction of stressful experiences, we provide a quantitative whole-body map of glucocorticoid and adrenergic receptor (AR) expression. We systematically examined gene expression levels for the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), α- and β-ARs (AR-α1B, AR-α2B AR-β2, and AR-β3), across 55 different organs using the Human Protein Atlas and Human Proteome Map datasets. Given that mitochondria produce the energy required to respond to stress, we leveraged the Human Protein Atlas and MitoCarta3.0 data to examine the link between stress hormone receptor density and mitochondrial gene expression. Finally, we tested the functional interplay between GR activation and AR expression in human fibroblast cells. The GR was expressed ubiquitously across all investigated organ systems, whereas AR subtypes showed lower and more localized expression patterns. Receptor co-regulation, meaning the correlated gene expression of multiple stress hormone receptors, was found between GR and AR-α1B, as well as between AR-α1B and AR-α2B. In cultured human fibroblasts, activating the GR selectively increased AR-β2 and AR-α1B expression. Consistent with the known energetic cost of stress responses, GR and AR expressions were positively associated with the expression of specific mitochondrial pathways. Our results provide a cartography of GR and AR expression across the human body. Because stress-induced GR and AR signaling triggers energetically expensive cellular pathways involving energy-transforming mitochondria, the tissue-specific expression and co-expression patterns of hormone receptor subtypes may in part determine the resilience or vulnerability of different organ systems.

Knockout of ecdysis triggering hormone receptor (ETHr) gene adversely affects the nymphal molting and adult reproduction in Bemisia tabaci

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is one of the most dangerous polyphagous pests in the world causing damage to various crops by sucking sap during the nymphal and adult stages. Chemical management of whiteflies is challenging because of the emergence of pesticide resistance. RNA interference has been well established in whitefly to study the functions of various genes. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important targets for development of new generation insecticides. In this study, Ecdysis triggering hormone receptor (ETHr) gene expression was recorded in different stages of whitefly and its function has been studied through RNAi. The expression of ETHr is highest in third-instar nymphs followed by other nymphal instars, pupae and newly emerged adults. Silencing of ETHr resulted in significantly higher adult mortality (68.88%), reduced fecundity (4.46 eggs /female), reduced longevity of male and female (1.05 and 1.40 days, respectively) when adults were fed with dsETHr @ 1.0 μg/μl. Silencing of ETHr in nymphs lead to significantly higher mortality (81.35%) as compared to control. This study confirms that ETHr gene is essential for growth and development of whitefly nymphs and adults. Hence, it can be future target for developing dsRNA based insecticides for management of whitefly.

The Developmental Toxicity and Endocrine-Disrupting Effects of Fenpropathrin on Gobiocypris rarus during the Early Life Stage.

In the present study, the developmental toxicity and endocrine-disrupting effects of fenpropathrin on Gobiocypris rarus during the early life stage were studied using a semi-static water exposure method. The results showed that the LOEC (lowest observed effect concentration) of fenpropathrin on the incubation of rare minnow embryos was above 2.5 μg·L-1. The LOEC and NOEC (no observed effect concentration) of fenpropathrin on the developmental malformations and death indicators were 2.0 and 1.5 μg·L-1, respectively. After exposure to 1.5 μg·L-1 of fenpropathrin for 31 days, the expressions of androgen receptor genes (AR) and sex hormone-synthesis-related genes (CYP17 and CYP19a) were significantly decreased and the expressions of thyroid hormone receptor genes (TRβ) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor genes (AhR1a and AhR2) were significantly increased in juvenile Gobiocypris rarus. The expression levels of the androgen receptor gene (AR), estrogen receptor gene (ER1), and the sex hormone-synthesis-related genes (HMGR, CYP17, and CYP19a) were significantly decreased, while the estrogen receptor gene (ER2a), thyroid hormone receptor gene (TRβ), and aromatic hydrocarbon receptor genes (AhR1a and AhR2) were upregulated in juvenile Gobiocypris rarus under exposure to 2.0 μg·L-1 of fenpropathrin. Relatively low concentrations of fenpropathrin can affect the expression of sex hormone receptor genes, genes related to sex hormone synthesis, thyroid hormone receptor genes, and aromatic hydrocarbon receptor genes, thus interfering with the reproductive system, thyroid system, and metabolic level in Gobiocypris rarus. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the endocrine-disrupting effect caused by the pyrethroid insecticides in the water environment. Furthermore, studies on the internal mechanism of the endocrine-disrupting effect of pyrethroid insecticides on fish is needed in the future.

Effects of feeding diets with zinc-l-selenomethionine on growth performance of broilers subjected to cyclic heat stress.

Limited information exists on the use of zinc-l-selenomethionine (Zn-L-SeMet) in broiler diets and its effects on the growth performance, body temperature, mortality rates, blood profile, and gene expression, especially when animals are reared under cyclic heat stress conditions. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Zn-L-SeMet in broiler diets from 1 to 42days of age reared under cyclic heat stress and its effects on growth performance, cloacal temperatures, mortality rate, blood parameters, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene expression in the breast muscle. A total of 1000 male Cobb 500® broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five treatments: 0, 0.15, 0.23, 0.47, and 1.30mg/kg of Zn-L-SeMet. Each treatment consisted of 10 replicates with 20 birds each. No statistically significant differences in growth performance were observed from 1 to 21days of age (P > 0.05). However, from 1 to 42days, feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased linearly (P < 0.05). Cloacal temperatures showed no significant effects (P > 0.05), while overall mortality rate exhibited a quadratic response (P < 0.05), with the optimal inclusion level predicted to reduce broiler mortality at 0.71mg/kg. Triglyceride (TRG) levels increased with 0.97mg/kg (P < 0.05), and gama-glutamil transferase (GGT) levels decreased with the inclusion of 1.19mg/kg (P < 0.05). No significant effects on IGF-1 and GHR gene expression were found (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of 1.30mg/kg of Zn-L-SeMet in diets of heat-stressed broilers improved growth performance from 1 to 42days of age. An inclusion of 0.71mg/kg reduced mortality rate, while 0.97mg and 1.19mg increased and reduced TRG and GGT levels, respectively.

Validation of the Xpert Breast Cancer STRAT 4 Assay on the GeneXpert instrument to Assess Hormone Receptor, Ki67, and HER2 Gene Expression Status in Breast Cancer Tissue Samples.

Breast cancer is the commonest cause of cancer-related mortality in African females where patients often present later and with advanced disease. Causes for delayed diagnosis include restricted diagnostic access and international controversy on interpretation of ancillary tests like immunohistochemistry (IHC). Fine needle aspirates (FNAC) are an attractive alternative although may have reduced sensitivity. The Xpert Breast Cancer STRAT4 (STRAT4) (CE-IVD*) assay (Cepheid, Sunnyvale) is a semi-quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assay which detects messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in breast samples for estrogen receptor ( ESR1 ), progesterone receptor ( PGR1 ), human epidermal growth factor receptor/Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (HER2/ ERBB2 ) and the proliferation marker, MKi67 . We assessed the performance of this assay on both formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE, n=31) and matched FNAC (n=20) samples from patients presenting with breast cancer to the Johannesburg academic hospitals. IHC and Fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis (performed on HER2-indeterminate samples) was compared with the mRNA expression of the corresponding target genes in FFPE samples, and mRNA expression on FNAC samples was compared with the FFPE results for both mRNA expression and IHC. Concordance between IHC/FISH and Xpert Breast Cancer STRAT4 in FFPE and FNAC samples using the Quick lysis (Q) method (a research-use-only modification of the validated FFPE-lysis method), showed an overall percentage agreement for ESR1 expression of 90.3% and 81.3%, and for PGR1 expression at 86.7% and 81.3% respectively in FFPE and FNAC samples. Concordance was lowest for Ki67 expression, using a binary IHC cutoff for Ki67 positivity at ≥20% staining) at 83.9% and 62.5%, for FFPE and FNAC samples, respectively. This suggests that the STRAT4 assay may be a useful ancillary test in determining HR and Ki67 status in FFPE samples and that use on FNAC samples may be feasible. Future studies should expand the sample numbers and establish locally relevant cutoffs.

Gut-derived peptide hormone receptor expression in the developing mouse hypothalamus.

In adult organisms, a number of receptors have been identified which modulate metabolic processes related to peptides derived from the intestinal tract. These receptors play significant roles in glucose homeostasis, food intake and energy balance. Here we assess these classical metabolic receptors and their expression as well as their potential role in early development of hypothalamic neuronal circuits. Chow-fed C57BL6/N female mice were mated and hypothalamic tissue was collected from offspring across postnatal development (postnatal day 7-21). Subsequent qPCR and Western Blot analyses were used to determine mRNA and protein changes in gut-derived peptide hormone receptors. Correlations to body weight, blood glucose and circulating leptin levels were analyzed. We describe the gene expression and dynamic protein regulation of key gut-derived peptide hormone receptors in the early postnatal period of the mouse brain. Specifically, we show changes to Gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIPR), glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R), and cholecystokinin receptor 2 (CCK2R) in the developing hypothalamus. The changes to GIPR and InsR seem to be strongly negatively correlated with body weight. This comprehensive analysis underscores the need to understand the roles of maternal-derived circulating gut hormones and their direct effect on offspring brain development.

Fluoxetine partially alleviates inflammation in the kidney of socially stressed male C57 BL/6 mice.

Stress-related illnesses are linked to the onset and progression of renal diseases and depressive disorders. To investigate stress-induced changes in the renal transcriptome associated with the development of depressive behaviors, we generated here a chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) model of C57 BL/6 male mice and then performed RNA sequencing of the kidneys to obtain an inflammation-related transcriptome. Administration of the antidepressant drug fluoxetine (10 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 ) during CSDS induction could partially alleviate renal inflammation and reverse CSDS-induced depression-like behaviors. Moreover, fluoxetine also modulated gene expression of stress-related hormone receptors, including prolactin and melanin-concentrating hormone. These results suggest that CSDS can induce gene expression changes associated with inflammation in the kidney of C57 BL/6 male mice, and this inflammation can be treated effectively by fluoxetine.

O-206 Growth hormone supplementation reduces aneuploidy and improves the quality of aged oocytes by activating the JAK2-ERK1/2 pathway

Abstract Study question Does growth hormone (GH) supplementation improves the quality of oocytes in aged mice via reducing aneuploidy? Summary answer Daily injections of GH for 8 weeks reduces aneuploidy by activating JAK2-ERK1/2 pathway and improves the quality of oocyte in aged mice. What is known already Aging-induced low-quality oocytes, which are mainly caused by aneuploidy, decrease female fertility. However, few treatments are available to improve the poor quality of oocytes in aged women. Age-related decline in GH levels may be related to the insufficient reproductive potential in aged women. Several studies have reported that GH improves assisted reproductive technology outcomes in poor ovarian response patients, although its role is still controversial. In animal models, GH supplementation improved the oocyte quality by enhancing mitochondrial function. However, whether GH reduces the aneuploidy rate in aged oocytes, and if so the underlying mechanisms, are unclear. Study design, size, duration The aged (8-month-old) C57BL/6J female mice were used in the study. For the in vivo experiments, the aged mice were intraperitoneally injected with GH (GenSci, Changchun, China; 1.6 mg/kg body weight) or an equivalent volume of normal saline for 8 weeks; For the in vitro experiments, germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes from aged mice were treated with GH (200 ng/mL) or PBS in M16 medium. Participants/materials, setting, methods We counted oocytes by immunohistochemistry to assess ovarian reserve. The expression of growth hormone receptor and mitochondrial genes were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Time–lapse incubator was utilized to record the developmental potential of early embryos. Immunofluorescence was performed to assess parameters of oocyte quality (mitochondrial functions, spindle/chromosome defects, and DNA damage). Chromosome spread and DNA sequencing were used to analyze aneuploidy rate. We performed quantitative proteomics analysis to identify the potential targets of GH. Main results and the role of chance Firstly, we found that GH promoted GHR expression in aged oocytes (30.64±1.70 vs 21.68±1.08, P &amp;lt; 0.001). GH ameliorated aging-induced decline in ovarian reserve of aged mice, with increased ovarian index (0.040%±0.0031 vs 0.023%±0.0019, P &amp;lt; 0.01), and number of antral follicles (8.67±1.2 vs 3.33±0.88, P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared to the controls. In addition, GH improved the quality of aged oocytes, representing restored mitochondrial functions (P &amp;lt; 0.05), decreased DNA damage (23.37±1.76 vs 38.35±2.52, P &amp;lt; 0.001) . As expected, GH promoted the fertilization rate (39.9%±1.10 vs 14.4%±0.62, P &amp;lt; 0.001) and early embryo development (P &amp;lt; 0.01) of aged oocytes. Of note, GH recovered the spindle/chromosome defects (42.6%±2.12 vs 63.9%±1.83, P &amp;lt; 0.01, and reduced aneuploidy rate (20.9%±1.61 vs 39.3%±1.84, P &amp;lt; 0.01) in aged oocytes. GH activated ERK1/2 expression to decrease aneuploidy rate in aged oocytes. In addition, JAK2 might be involved in the regulation of GH on ERK1/2 expression in aged oocytes. Altogether, GH restored age-related decline in oocyte number, and decreased the occurrence rate of aneuploidy by activating JAK2-ERK1/2 pathway, thereby improving the quality of aged oocytes. Limitations, reasons for caution The molecular action mechanism of GH to regulate aneuploidy remains to be determined. Besides, future work should be extended to human oocyte to determine whether this mechanism is conserved between mice and humans Wider implications of the findings Our work expounds a theoretical basis for application of GH to improve the fertility of aged women. Besides, the results also feed new ideas for the prevention and treatment of oocyte quality decline in assisted reproductive technology. Trial registration number not applicable

Pre- and postnatal developmental exposure to the polychlorinated biphenyl mixture aroclor 1221 alters female rat pituitary gonadotropins and estrogen receptor alpha levels

Polychlorinated-biphenyls (PCBs) are industrial compounds, which were widely used in manufacturing of electrical parts and transformers. Despite being banned in 1979 due to human health concerns, they persist in the environment. In humans and experimental model systems, PCBs elicit toxicity in part by acting as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Aroclor 1221 (A1221) is a weakly estrogenic PCB mixture known to alter reproductive function in rodents. EDCs can impact hormone signaling at any level of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and we investigated the effects of A1221 exposure during the prenatal and postnatal developmental periods on pituitary hormone and steroid receptor expression in female rats. Examining offspring at 3 ages, postnatal day 8 (P8), P32 and P60, we found that prenatal exposure to A1221 increased P8 neonate pituitary luteinizing hormone beta (Lhb) mRNA and LHβ gonadotrope cell number while decreasing LH serum hormone concentration. No changes in pituitary hormone or hormone receptor gene expression were observed peri-puberty at P32. In reproductively mature rats at P60, we found pituitary follicle stimulating hormone beta (Fshb) mRNA levels increased by prenatal A1221 exposure with no corresponding alterations in FSH hormone or FSHβ expressing cell number. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) mRNA and protein levels were also increased at P60, but only following postnatal A1221 dosing. Together, these data illustrate that exposure to the PCB A1221, during critical developmental windows, alters pituitary gonadotropin hormone subunits and ERα levels in offspring at different phases of maturation, potentially impacting reproductive function in concert with other components of the HPG axis.

Abstract P2-20-16: Hormone receptor expression is associated with specific immunological profiles in the breast cancer microenvironment

Abstract Purpose: Elucidating the unique immunomodulatory mechanisms in breast cancer microenvironment should provide useful insights to aid the development of new therapeutic strategies for this disease. Some studies suggested the immune regulatory function of hormone receptor such as estrogen receptor-α (ER) and androgen receptor (AR), but their mechanism has not been fully understood because of the complexity of immune milieu in breast cancer microenvironment. In this study, we systematically analyzed the relationships between ER, progesterone receptor (PgR), and AR expression and the immunological profile in breast cancer tissue. Methods: Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to screen the biological processes associated with the expression of human sex hormone receptor genes (ESR1, PGR, and AR), using a gene expression profile dataset of the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC). Then, using METABRIC and a gene expression profile dataset of The Sweden Cancerome Analysis Network - Breast (SCAN-B), the correlation between the immune cell composition in breast cancer tissue (estimated with the CIBERSORTx) and hormone receptor expression was analyzed. In our previous study of 45 breast cancer tissues, we evaluated the level of human tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (hTILs), expression of human programmed death-ligand 1 (hPD-L1), and infiltration of 11 types of immune cells, using hematoxylin–eosin staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and multicolor flow cytometry, respectively. In this study, the levels of ER, PgR, and AR expression were further evaluated using IHC, and their relationship with the immunological profile of breast cancer tissues was analyzed. Results: GSEA showed that the expression levels of the ESR1, PGR, and AR genes were negatively correlated with multiple immunological processes, including “INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE.” Analysis of the correlations between the immune cell composition and hormone receptor gene expression showed that ESR1 expression was inversely correlated with Macrophage M1, CD4 memory activated T cells, Macrophage M0, CD8 T cells, and CD4 memory resting T cells; PGR expression was inversely correlated with Macrophage M1, CD4 memory activated T cells, and Macrophage M0; and AR expression was inversely correlated with Macrophage M0 and Macrophage M1. Immunohistochemical evaluation of ER and AR expression revealed both receptors to be inversely associated with hTIL, hPD-L1 expression, and leukocyte infiltration in breast cancer tissue. Analysis of the immune cell composition in these tissues revealed that ER expression was associated with the decreased infiltration of total T cells, CD4+ T cells, monocytes/macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, dendritic cells, and myeloid dendritic cells; PgR expression was associated with the decreased infiltration of dendritic cells; and AR expression was associated with the decreased infiltration of CD4+ T cells, monocytes/macrophages, nonclassical monocytes, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, dendritic cells, myeloid dendritic cells, and minor natural killer cells. Conclusion: The correlation of hormone receptor expression with specific immunological profiles in the breast cancer microenvironment both at the genetic and protein levels strongly suggests that hormonal signals may preferentially affect certain subsets of immune cells. Citation Format: Toru Hanamura, Shigehisa Kitano, Hiroshi Kagamu, Makiko Yamashita, Mayako Terao, Takuho Okamura, Nobue Kumaki, Katsuto Hozumi, Takayuki Iwamoto, Chikako Honda, Sasagu Kurozumi, Naoki Niikura. Hormone receptor expression is associated with specific immunological profiles in the breast cancer microenvironment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-20-16.

Impact of fermented Broussonetia papyrifera on laying performance, egg quality, lipid metabolism, and follicular development of laying hens

Hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera (BP) has been widely planted and commonly used as ruminant forage source after fermentation in China. Very less information is available to know the impact of fermented BP on laying hens, thus, we have investigated effects of dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus plantarum-fermented B. papyrifera (LfBP) on laying performance, egg quality, serum biochemical parameters, lipid metabolism, and follicular development of laying hens. A total of 288 HY-Line Brown hens (age, 23 wk) were randomly assigned into 3 treatment groups: control group (Con, a basal diet), LfBP1 and LfBP5 group (a basal diet supplemented with 1% or 5% LfBP). Each group has 8 replicates of twelve birds each. The results demonstrated that dietary supplementation of LfBP increased average daily feed intake (linear, P < 0.05), feed conversion ratio (linear, P < 0.05), and average egg weight (linear, P < 0.05) during the entire experimental period. In addition, dietary inclusion of LfBP enhanced the egg yolk color (linear, P < 0.01) but decreased the eggshell weight (quadratic, P < 0.05) and eggshell thickness (linear, P < 0.01). In serum, the LfBP supplementation linearly decreased the content of total triglyceride (linear, P < 0.01) but increased the content of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (linear, P < 0.05). The gene expression related to hepatic lipid metabolism including acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARα) was down-regulated whereas liver X receptor was up-regulated in LfBP1 group. Moreover, LfBP1 supplementation remarkably reduced the F1 follicle number and ovarian gene expression of reproductive hormone receptors including estrogen receptor, follicle stimulating hormone receptor, luteinizing hormone receptor, progesterone receptor, prolactin receptor, and B cell lymphoma-2. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of LfBP could improve feed intake, egg yolk color, and lipid metabolism, but may cause a decline in eggshell quality with higher inclusion level, herein, 1% is suggested.

Resolving the challenge of insoluble production of mature human growth differentiation factor 9 protein (GDF9) in E. coli using bicistronic expression with thioredoxin

Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) is an oocyte-derived protein with fundamental functions in folliculogenesis. While the crucial contributions of GDF9 in follicular survival have been revealed, crystallographic studies of GDF9 structure have not yet been carried out, essentially due to the insoluble expression of GDF9 in E. coli and lack of appropriate source for structural studies. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the impact of different expression rate of bacterial thioredoxin (TrxA) using bicistronic expression constructs to induce the soluble expression of mature human GDF9 (hGDF9) driven by T7 promoter in E. coli. Our findings revealed that in BL21(DE3), the high rate of TrxA co-expression at 30 °C was sufficiently potent for the soluble expression of hGDF9 and reduction of inclusion body formation by 4 fold. We also successfully confirmed the bioactivity of the purified soluble hGDF9 protein by evaluation of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene expression in bovine cumulus cells derived from small follicles. This study is the first to present an effective approach for expression of bioactive form of hGDF9 using TrxA co-expression in E. coli, which may unravel the current issues regarding structural analysis of hGDF9 protein and consequently provide a better insight into hGDF9 functions and interactions.

Letrozole increases preantral follicle growth and decreases estradiol production without impairing follicle survival

BackgroundLetrozole has been reported to be effective in treating anovulation, preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and retrieving oocytes in breast cancer patients. However, the role and mechanism of letrozole in follicular development remain unclear.ResultsWe treated mouse preantral follicles with various treatments; we found no significant difference in follicle survival rates in the letrozole (LET) group compared with the control group, but the average diameter of follicles in the LET group tended to be larger (CTRL vs. LET 30, p = 0.064; CTRL vs. LET 100, p = 0.025). The estradiol concentrations in culture media of the LET group were significantly lower than those observed in the control group (CTRL vs. LET 30, p = 0.038; CTRL vs. LET 100, p = 0.025). We further found a marked increase in follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene expression in response to letrozole treatment (CTRL vs. LET 30, p = 0.075; CTRL vs. LET 100, p = 0.034). This result suggested that increased FSHR expression promotes follicle development. Letrozole inhibited aromatase activity, but the effect was limited. Letrozole did not significantly reduce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression.ConclusionsLetrozole may promote follicle development by increasing the expression of FSHR. Letrozole may be useful for fertility preservation of patients with estrogen-dependent cancers such as breast cancer and various other cancers. Whether letrozole has a direct effect in reducing OHSS requires further investigation.

Impact of One-Week Administration of Dihydrotestosterone in Rat Anterior Pituitary Gland.

Hyperandrogenism causes dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis in reproductive women. In this study, we examined the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on characteristic changes in rat anterior pituitary gland samples. DHT was administered to ovary-intact 6-week postnatal female rats for 7 days, after which the anterior pituitary glands were examined and compared with those in control rats. Estrous cyclicity was not drastically disrupted by DHT treatment. Common gonadotropin α subunit (Cga), luteinizing hormone β subunit (Lhb), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) β subunit (Fshb) gene expression levels were not modulated by DHT treatment, while prolactin (Prl) gene expression was significantly repressed by DHT. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor (Gnrh-r) gene expression was significantly inhibited by DHT, whereas pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) receptor (Pca1-r) gene expression was increased by DHT. Gene expression levels of the receptors encoded by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (Trh-r) and kisspeptin (Kiss1-r) genes were unchanged. Expression of inhibin α subunit (Inha) and activin βA subunits (Actba) within the pituitary was inhibited by DHT treatment, while activin B subunit (Actbb) and follistatin (Fst) gene expression was unchanged by DHT. In mouse pituitary gonadotroph LβT2 cells, DHT did not modulate the gene expression of Gnrh-r, but it inhibited the expression of Inha and Actba subunits within the LβT2 cells. In rat prolactin-producing GH3 cells, DHT did not modulate prolactin gene expression, but it increased Pac1-r gene expression. The present observations suggest that DHT directly or indirectly affects the anterior pituitary gland and induces characteristic changes in hormone-producing cells.

Reproductive toxicity of long-term exposure to environmental relevant concentrations of cyprodinil in female zebrafish (Danio rerio)

In recent years, the widespread use of the pesticide cyprodinil has attracted attention due to its harmful effects on aquatic organisms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adverse effects of long-term exposure to cyprodinil on the reproductive system of female zebrafish. After the embryos had been treated with 0.1, 1 and 10 μg/L cyprodinil for 180 days, we observed that female fish treated with 1 and 10 μg/L cyprodinil showed decreased sexual attractiveness, a decreased proportion of primordial follicles in the ovary, an increased proportion of mature follicles, and increased egg production. Moreover, exposed females that mated with normal males produced offspring with increased rates of mortality and deformity (the F1 generation). In addition, the levels of gonadotropin and testosterone (T) were increased in females after cyprodinil exposure, especially in the 10 μg/L treated group. After cyprodinil treatment, some key genes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis underwent significant changes. For example, gene expression of brain gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors (gnrhr1, gnrhr2 and gnrhr4) was significantly downregulated after cyprodinil treatment. The study found that expression of the aromatase (cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A polypeptide 1a, cyp19a1a) responsible for converting T into estradiol was significantly downregulated after cyprodinil treatment, consistent with elevated T levels in the ovaries and muscles. In summary, these data provide a more comprehensive understanding of the toxicity of cyprodinil and may inform evaluation of the ecotoxicity of cyprodinil to female reproduction at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Prolactin promotes parental responses and alters reproductive axis gene expression, but not courtship behaviors, in both sexes of a biparental bird

Prolactin, a hormone involved in vertebrate parental care, is hypothesized to inhibit reproductive hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis activity during parenting, thus maintaining investment in the current brood as opposed to new reproductive efforts. While prolactin underlies many parental behaviors in birds, its effects on other reproductive behaviors, such as courtship, remain unstudied. How prolactin affects neuropeptide and hormone receptor expression across the avian HPG axis also remains unknown. To address these questions, we administered ovine prolactin (oPRL) or a vehicle control to both sexes in experienced pairs of the biparental rock dove (Columba livia), after nest removal at the end of incubation. We found that oPRL promoted parental responses to novel chicks and stimulated crop growth compared to controls, consistent with other studies. However, we found that neither courtship behaviors, copulation rates nor pair maintenance differed with oPRL treatment. Across the HPG, we found oPRL had little effect on gene expression in hypothalamic nuclei, but increased expression of FSHB and hypothalamic hormone receptor genes in the pituitary. In the gonads, oPRL increased testes size and gonadotropin receptor expression, but did not affect ovarian state or small white follicle gene expression. However, the oviducts of oPRL-treated females were smaller and had lower estrogen receptor expression compared with controls. Our results highlight that some species, especially those that show multiple brooding, may continue to express mating behavior despite elevated prolactin. Thus, mechanisms may exist for prolactin to promote investment in parental care without concurrent inhibition of reproductive function or HPG axis activity.

Ovarian expression of follicle stimulating hormone and activin receptors genes in a prenatally-androgenized rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome in adulthood.

The expression of genes involved in basic pathways, such as folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis may be affected following prenatal androgen exposure. Besides, exposure to androgens during prenatal life plays a central role in developing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in females in later life. In the present study, we aimed to examine the expression of the follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and activin receptor (actR) genes in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) of a prenatally-androgenized rat model of PCOS in adulthood. In the adult rat model of PCOS and their controls (n = 8 in each group), different phases of the estrous cycle were determined by vaginal smear. Total RNA was extracted from the ovarian GCs using the TRIzol protocol, a reverse transcription kit was used for complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis, and the expression of FSHR and actR genes was measured by SYBR-Green Real-Time PCR. GraphPad Prism was used for statistical analysis of data, and the t-Student'stestwasused to compare the results between the two groups. PCOS rats had longer and irregular estrous cycles compared to controls. The expression of FSHR and actR genes were significantly decreased in the rat model of PCOS compared to control rats. In PCOS rats, genes expression ratios for FSHR and actR were 0.91 ± 0.11 times (P = 0.008) and 0.42 ± 0.13 times (P = 0.048) less than controls, respectively. Reduced expression of the FSHR and actR genes in ovarian GCs may be one of the mechanisms mediating PCOS-related disorders, especially abnormal ovarian folliculogenesis and ovulation dysfunction, following exposure to androgens during fetal life.

Performance, Blood Lipid Profile, and the Expression of Growth Hormone Receptor (GHR) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) Genes in Purebred and Crossbred Quail Lines.

Simple SummaryPoultry breeding programs are established to ameliorate the genetic potential of domestic birds through a selection process and crossbreeding programs. In this context, crossbreeding has been considered as an essential tool to produce favorable genotypes, which are affected by different genetic resources and non-genetic factors. Thus, the aim was to evaluate the impact of crossing white and brown quail lines on growth performance, carcass traits, and the relative expression of growth-related genes. The crossbred WBQ quail line (male white × female brown) exhibited a significantly greater dressing percentage and better feed conversion ratio (FCR), as well as higher mRNA expression of growth hormone receptor (GHR) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) genes.The aim was to evaluate the performance, blood lipid profile, and the relative expression of growth-related genes in purebred white and brown quail lines and their crossbred lines. A total of 240 one-day-old Japanese quail chicks of white and brown line, their crossbred line (WBQ: male white × female brown), and reciprocal crossbred line (BWQ: male brown × female white) were divided into four equal groups (60 birds each). The white quail line showed significantly higher final body weight, daily gain, and feed intake compared with the other quail lines (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, both crossbred quail lines (WBQ and BWQ) showed significantly lower FCR compared with both purebred quail lines (p = 0.001). Both crossbred quail lines showed greater dressing percentages compared with both purebred quail lines (p = 0.038). The brown quail line showed significantly (p = 0.05) higher levels of serum triglycerides and VLDL compared with the white and BWQ lines. The WBQ crossbred line exhibited significantly higher mRNA expression of GHR and IGF-1 genes compared with other quail lines (p < 0.001). Both crossbred lines (WBQ and BWQ) exhibited negative heterosis percentages for body weight (−4.39 and −3.90%, respectively) and feed intake (−10.87 and −14.59%, respectively). Meanwhile, heterosis percentages for FCR (−6.46 and −9.25%, respectively) and dressing percentage (7.54 and 6.38%, respectively) were improved in both crossbred lines. The WBQ line showed high heterosis percentages for the expression of GHR and IGF-1 genes (52.28 and 88.81%, respectively). In conclusion, the WBQ line exhibited significantly greater dressing percentage and better FCR, as well as higher mRNA expression of GHR and IGF-1 genes. These results may be helpful to improve breeding programs and to develop commercial lines of meat-type Japanese quail.