Human Follicles Research Articles

Salmon nasal cartilage proteoglycan stimulates hair growth.

Hair loss is a commonly encountered problem. In this study, hair growth was enhanced by daily oral ingestion of salmon nasal cartilage proteoglycan (PG) in mice. Proteoglycan stimulated vesicular endothelial growth factor production in human follicle dermal papilla cells through insulin growth factor-1 receptor signaling, suggesting the possibility of hair loss improvement by PG ingestion.

Curcumin attenuates replicative senescence in human dental follicle cells and restores their osteogenic differentiation

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the therapeutic effects of curcumin against replicative senescence in dental follicle cells (DFCs). MethodsHuman DFCs were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium with growth supplements. Replicative senescence in DFCs at different passages was assessed using β-galactosidase activity assay. Cell proliferation and size of DFCs at different passages were determined by CCK-8 kit and microscopy method, respectively. In addition, curcumin's effect on replicative senescence, cell proliferation, and size of DFCs at different passages was analyzed. Using western-blot analysis and siRNA-mediated gene silencing, we determined the molecular mechanisms involved in curcumin's effect against replicative senescence and osteogenic differentiation in DFCs at different passages. ResultsWe observed decreased proliferation and increased cell size and replicative senescence in cultured human DFCs at higher passages. Intriguingly, despite not showing any effect on cell size, curcumin (50 μM) significantly restored proliferation ability in DFCs and inhibited their replicative senescence. Concerning mechanisms, we found that curcumin inhibits replicative senescence in DFCs via down-regulation of senescence markers (P16 & P21) and restoration of proliferation markers (E2F1 & P53). Additionally, curcumin also rescued the osteogenic differentiation potential in higher-passage DFCs via restoration of osteogenic markers RUNX2 and OPN. ConclusionOur findings reveal for the first time that curcumin could act as a potential anti-senescence therapeutic for DFCs via regulation of proliferation, senescence, and osteogenic differentiation markers.

FRI392 Functional Interrelationship Between Oxytocin And Bone Morphogenetic Proteins In Ovarian Steroidogenesis By Granulosa Cells

Abstract Disclosure: K. Yamamoto: None. Y. Nakano: None. N. Iwata: None. Y. Soejima: None. A. Suyama: None. T. Hasegawa: None. F. Otsuka: None. Oxytocin (OXT) is a neuropeptide that is produced in the hypothalamus and is secreted from the posterior pituitary. OXT has diverse physiological roles mediated by the OXT receptor (OXTR), including not only stimulation of uterine contractions during labor and peripheral functions of milk ejection during lactation but also functions in pair bonding, maternal nurturing, and social behavior related to the action of OXT on the brain. It has been shown that OXT and OXTR are expressed in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) in several species including humans. Secretion of OXT by bovine GCs is reported to be increased after the preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge, which is coincident with an increase in progesterone secretion and a decrease in secretion of estradiol and androgen, suggesting a functional interrelationship between OXT and ovarian steroidogenesis. It has been demonstrated that application of OXT to cultures of GCs from preovulatory follicles in bovines, marmoset monkeys, and humans led to increases in progesterone production. However, the precise molecular mechanism by which OXT modulates ovarian steroidogenesis in GCs remains unknown. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which belong to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily, play important roles in steroidogenesis and cellular proliferation in ovarian follicles via autocrine/paracrine fashion. BMP ligands and receptors are expressed in a cell-dependent manner in the ovary and have a pivotal role in female fertility. Throughout folliculogenesis, BMPs commonly inhibit follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-induced progesterone production, and oocyte-derived factors BMP-6 and BMP-15 are known to act on GCs through BMP receptors and suppress FSH-induced progesterone synthesis. To clarify the reproductive role of OXT in ovarian steroidogenesis and its functional interaction with BMPs, the effects of OXT on ovarian steroidogenesis were investigated by using primary culture of rat GCs and human granulosa KGN cells. Here we found that the OXT receptor was expressed in both rat GCs and human KGN cells and that OXT treatment significantly increased FSH- and forskolin (FSK)-induced progesterone production, but not estradiol production, by rat GCs and KGN cells, respectively. In accordance with the effects of OXT on progesterone production, OXT enhanced mRNA levels of CYP11A1 and HSD3B2 induced by FSK in KGN cells. Of note, OXT enhanced the phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/9 and the mRNA level of ID1 induced by BMP-15, but not those induced by BMP-6, in KGN cells. It was also revealed that OXT application upregulated the expression of BMPR2, a crucial type-II receptor of BMP-15, and enhanced the BMP-15-induced expression of inhibitory SMAD6 by KGN cells. Taken together, it was shown that OXT enhances ovarian progesterone production with upregulation of BMP-15 activity, leading to a fine-tuning of ovarian steroidogenesis. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Midkine characterization in human ovaries: potential new variants in follicles

To characterize the growth factor midkine (MDK) in the human ovary to determine whether MDK is produced locally within the ovary, examine whether different ovarian cell types are more likely to produce MDK, and determine whether there are any stage-specific variations during follicle growth. Previous studies have revealed that MDK potentially affects human follicle growth and oocyte maturation. Proteomic analyses in follicular fluid (FF) have identified MDK to functionally cluster together and follow a similar expression profile to that of well-known proteins involved in ovarian follicle development. Midkine has not yet been characterized in the human ovary. Descriptive study. University Hospital. The study included samples from 121 patients: 71 patients (aged 17-37 years) who underwent ovarian tissue cryopreservation provided granulosa cells (GC), cumulus cells, ovarian cortex, medulla tissue, and FF from small antral follicles (SAF); and 50 patients (aged 20-35 years) receiving invitro fertilization treatment provided FF from preovulatory follicles before and after induction of final follicle maturation. None. MDK relative gene expression was quantified using a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in cumulus cells, GC, and medulla tissue. Additionally, immunostaining and western blotting assays were used to detect MDK protein in the ovarian cortex, which contains preantral follicles, SAF, and medulla tissue. Furthermore, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analyses were performed to measure the concentration of MDK in FF aspirated from SAF and preovulatory follicles both before and 36 hours after inducing the final maturation of follicles. Immunostaining and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed a more prominent expression of MDK in GC compared with other ovarian cell types. Intrafollicular MDK concentration was significantly higher in SAF compared with preovulatory follicles. In addition, different molecular weight species of MDK were detected using western blotting in various ovarian sample types: GC and FF samples presented primarily one band of approximately 15 kDa and an additional band of approximately 13 kDa, although other bands with higher molecular weight (between 30 and 38 kDa) were detected in medulla tissue. This is the first time that MDK has been immunolocalized in human ovarian cells at the protein level and that potentially different MDK variants have been detected in human FF, GC, and ovarian medulla tissue. Future studies are needed to sequence and identify the different potential MDK variants found to determine their functional importance for ovary and oocyte competence.

Analysis of the phosphoproteome in human dental follicle cells during osteogenic differentiation.

Dental follicle cells (DFCs) are osteogenic progenitor cells and are well suited for molecular studies of differentiation of alveolar osteoblasts. A recent study examined the metabolism in DFCs during osteogenic differentiation and showed that energy metabolism is increased after 14days of differentiation (mid phase). However, previous studies have examined proteomes at early (2h, 24h) or very late (28days) stages of differentiation, but not during the phase of increased metabolic activity. In this study, we examined the phosphoproteome at the mid phase (14days) of osteogenic differentiation. Analysis of DFC phosphoproteomes showed that during this phase of osteogenic differentiation, proteins that are part of signal transduction are significantly regulated. Proteins involved in the regulation of the cytoskeleton and apoptosis were also increased in expression. As osteogenic differentiation induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in DFCs, the oxidative stress defense protein, catalase, was also upregulated during osteogenic differentiation, which supports the biomineralization of DFCs. In summary, this study revealed that during the middle phase (14days) of osteogenic differentiation, processes in DFCs related to the control of cell organization, apoptosis, and oxidative stress are regulated.

Cell-cell interactions during the formation of primordial follicles in humans.

Gametogenesis is a complex and sex-specific multistep process during which the gonadal somatic niche plays an essential regulatory role. One of the most crucial steps during human female gametogenesis is the formation of primordial follicles, the functional unit of the ovary that constitutes the pool of follicles available at birth during the entire reproductive life. However, the relation between human fetal germ cells (hFGCs) and gonadal somatic cells during the formation of the primordial follicles remains largely unexplored. We have discovered that hFGCs can form multinucleated syncytia, some connected via interconnecting intercellular bridges, and that not all nuclei in hFGC-syncytia were synchronous regarding meiotic stage. As hFGCs progressed in development, pre-granulosa cells formed protrusions that seemed to progressively constrict individual hFGCs, perhaps contributing to separate them from the multinucleated syncytia. Our findings highlighted the cell-cell interaction and molecular dynamics between hFGCs and (pre)granulosa cells during the formation of primordial follicles in humans. Knowledge on how the pool of primordial follicle is formed is important to understand human infertility.

Follitropin delta - experience from clinical practice.

New recombinant gonadotropin-follitropin delta produced on human cell lines PER.C6 shows the same glycosylation profiles as human follicle stimulating hormone in comparison with recombinant gonadotropins produced on animal cell lines. The aim of the article is to summarize published data.

Mechanism Underlying the Alveolar Bone Destruction by Prevotella intermedia: Systematic Review

Introduction: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disorder caused by oral microorganisms, including Prevotella intermedia, that destroy the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. The detailed mechanism of P. intermedia-inducing bone damage is essential to establish a novel approach to controlling P. intermedia that prevents alveolar bone loss. Purpose: To elucidate the mechanism of P. intermedia's role in alveolar bone destruction by systematically reviewing various related publications. Methods: From September 2020 through February 2021, this systematic review was performed by selecting publications for relevant material from two electronic databases, PubMed and Scopus. The literature must be in English, published within the last ten years, be available in full-text form, and be a research article to meet the criteria for inclusion. Results: Three final articles passed the eligibility evaluation stage and met the inclusion requirements. They all discussed how P. intermedia lipopolysaccharide (LPS) affects target cells to destroy bone, including human dental follicle stem cells (hDFSCs), human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLs), and macrophages. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are a few of the inflammatory mediators that LPS P. intermedia cause a rise in target cells, leading to bone damage. These inflammatory mediators stimulate nuclear factor-kappa ligand receptor (RANKL) expression, resulting in osteoclast activation and differentiation, leading to bone loss. Conclusion: P. intermedia significantly contributes to alveolar bone degradation by enhancing inflammatory mediators. As observed in periodontitis, these mediators stimulate RANKL expression and osteoclast activation, resulting in alveolar bone damage.

Ambient black carbon particles in human ovarian tissue and follicular fluid

Evidence indicates a link between exposure to ambient air pollution and decreased female fertility. The ability of air pollution particles to reach human ovarian tissue and follicles containing the oocytes in various maturation stages has not been studied before. Particulate translocation might be an essential step in explaining reproductive toxicity and assessing associated risks. Here, we analysed the presence of ambient black carbon particles in (i) follicular fluid samples collected during ovum pick-up from 20 women who underwent assisted reproductive technology treatment and (ii) adult human ovarian tissue from 5 individuals. Follicular fluid and ovarian tissue samples were screened for the presence of black carbon particles from ambient air pollution using white light generation by carbonaceous particles under femtosecond pulsed laser illumination. We detected black carbon particles in all follicular fluid (n = 20) and ovarian tissue (n = 5) samples. Black carbon particles from ambient air pollution can reach the ovaries and follicular fluid, directly exposing the ovarian reserve and maturing oocytes. Considering the known link between air pollution and decreased fertility, the impact of such exposure on oocyte quality, ovarian ageing and fertility needs to be clarified urgently.

In vitro induction of hair follicle signatures using human dermal papilla cells encapsulated in fibrin microgels.

Cellular spheroids have been described as an appropriate culture system to restore human follicle dermal papilla cells (hFDPc) intrinsic properties; however, they show a low and variable efficiency to promote complete hair follicle formation in in vivo experiments. In this work, a conscientious analysis revealed a 25% cell viability in the surface of the dermal papilla spheroid (DPS) for all culture conditions, questioning whether it is an appropriate culture system for hFDPc. To overcome this problem, we propose the use of human blood plasma for the generation of fibrin microgels (FM) with encapsulated hFDPc to restore its inductive signature, either in the presence or in the absence of blood platelets. FM showed a morphology and extracellular matrix composition similar to the native dermal papilla, including Versican and Collagen IV and increasing cell viability up to 85%. While both systems induce epidermal invaginations expressing hair-specific keratins K14, K15, K71, and K75 in in vitro skin cultures, the number of generated structures increases from 17% to 49% when DPS and FM were used, respectively. These data show the potential of our experimental setting for in vitro hair follicle neogenesis with wild adult hFDPc using FM, being a crucial step in the pursuit of human hair follicle regeneration therapies.

MG53 Mitigates Nitrogen Mustard-Induced Skin Injury.

Sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM) are vesicant agents that cause skin injury and blistering through complicated cellular events, involving DNA damage, free radical formation, and lipid peroxidation. The development of therapeutic approaches targeting the multi-cellular process of tissue injury repair can potentially provide effective countermeasures to combat vesicant-induced dermal lesions. MG53 is a vital component of cell membrane repair. Previous studies have demonstrated that topical application of recombinant human MG53 (rhMG53) protein has the potential to promote wound healing. In this study, we further investigate the role of MG53 in NM-induced skin injury. Compared with wild-type mice, mg53-/- mice are more susceptible to NM-induced dermal injuries, whereas mice with sustained elevation of MG53 in circulation are resistant to dermal exposure of NM. Exposure of keratinocytes and human follicle stem cells to NM causes elevation of oxidative stress and intracellular aggregation of MG53, thus compromising MG53's intrinsic cell membrane repair function. Topical rhMG53 application mitigates NM-induced dermal injury in mice. Histologic examination reveals the therapeutic benefits of rhMG53 are associated with the preservation of epidermal integrity and hair follicle structure in mice with dermal NM exposure. Overall, these findings identify MG53 as a potential therapeutic agent to mitigate vesicant-induced skin injuries.

Highly Purified Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HP-hMG) Versus Recombinant Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (rFSH) for Controlled Ovarian Stimulation in USPredicted High-Responder Patients: A Cost-Comparison Analysis.

Infertility imposes considerable clinical and economic burden, and the high costs of fertility care are a major barrier to payers. This study assessed the cost differences of highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin (HP-hMG) versus recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH) for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols in predicted high-responders from the US payer perspective. A discrete event simulation model was built to perform a cost-comparison analysis of HP-hMG versus rFSH in a cohort of predicted high-responders undergoing up to three embryo transfer cycles, informed by efficacy data from the MEGASET-HR trial. The model considered an event-based treatment pathway and transition probabilities were derived from MEGASET-HR. A variable time horizon was employed, and deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses conducted. Subjects undergoing COS with HP-hMG and rFSH demonstrated comparable live birth rates following three in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, with 161 live births with HP-hMG and 152 live births with rFSH, per 310 high-responders. The total cost saving per live birth in subjects receiving HP-hMG versus rFSH was US$3024. These cost savings were largely driven by the need for fewer embryo transfers to achieve similar efficacy outcomes and a reduced rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Following deterministic sensitivity analysis, HP-hMG remained cost saving in all baseline parameter variations. No parameters led to rFSH providing cost savings when compared with HP-hMG. Comparable clinical outcomes can be achieved at a lower cost when using HP-hMG versus rFSH based COS protocols in a cohort of predicted high-responders. Such cost savings may reduce the economic burden infertility currently presents to US healthcare providers and those seeking fertility care.

Systematic review: Impact of stem cells-based therapy, and platelet-rich plasma in hair loss and telogen effluvium related to COVID-19

BackgroundThe incidence of hair loss (HL) and telogen effluvium (TE) in COVID-19 patients has been reported in several studies. ObjectivesEvaluate both the increased incidence of HL and TE in COVID-19 and the effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (AD-MSCs), and Human Follicle Stem Cells (HFSCs) in these patients. MethodsThe protocol was developed by the Preferred Reporting for Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. A multistep search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Clinicaltrials. gov, Scopus, and Cochrane databases has been performed to identify papers focusing on HL and TE COVID-19 related, and papers focusing on AD-MSCs, HFSC, and PRP use. ResultsOf the 404 articles initially identified focusing on HL and TE, 44 were related to COVID-19, and finally, only 6 were analyzed. On the other way, 331 articles focusing on AD-MSCs, HFSC, and PRP were initially identified. Of these, only 6 articles PRP (n = 3), AD-MSCs, and HFSCs (n = 3) have been analyzed. ConclusionCollected data confirmed both an increased incidence of HL and TE in COVID-19 patients, preliminarily, the related effectiveness of AD-MSCs, HFSCs, and PRP without major side effects.

The In Vivo and In Vitro Effects of Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. Fruit Extract on Testosterone-Induced Hair Loss.

Due to the continuous increase in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety, the demand for hair loss treatment and effective hair growth materials has increased. Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (TBE) reportedly exerts anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects, among others, but its effects on testosterone (TS)-inhibited hair growth remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of TBE on TS-induced hair growth regression in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and C57BL/6 mice. Oral administration of TBE increased TS-induced hair growth retardation. Interestingly, effects were greater when compared with finasteride, a commercial hair loss treatment product. Histological analyses revealed that oral TBE administration increased hair follicles in the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice. Additionally, western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that oral TBE administration recovered the TS-induced inhibition of cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Ki67 expression in vivo. Using in vitro proliferation assays, TBE promoted HFDPC growth, which was suppressed by TS treatment. Thus, TBE may be a promising nutraceutical for hair health as it promoted hair growth in AGA-like in vitro and in vivo models.

Inhibition of checkpoint kinase prevents human oocyte apoptosis induced by chemotherapy and allows enhanced tumour chemotherapeutic efficacy.

Could inhibition of the checkpoint kinase (CHEK) pathway protect human oocytes and even enhance the anti-tumour effects, during chemotherapy? CHEK inhibitors prevented apoptosis of human oocytes induced by chemotherapy and even enhanced the anti-tumour effects. CHEK inhibitors showed ovarian protective effects in mice during chemotherapy, while their role in human oocytes is unclear. This experimental study evaluated the ovarian reserve of young patients (120 patients) with cancer, exposed or not exposed to taxane and platinum (TP)-combined chemotherapy. Single RNA-sequencing analysis of human primordial oocytes from 10 patients was performed to explore the mechanism of oocyte apoptosis induced by TP chemotherapy. The damaging effects of paclitaxel (PTX) and cisplatin on human oocytes were also evaluated by culturing human ovaries in vitro. A new mouse model that combines human ovarian xenotransplantation and patient-derived tumour xenografts was developed to explore adjuvant therapies for ovarian protection. The mice were randomly allocated to four groups (10 mice for each group): control, cisplatin, cisplatin + CK1 (CHEK1 inhibitor, SCH 900776), and cisplatin + CK2 (CHEK2 inhibitor, BML277). In the prospective cohort study, human ovarian follicles were counted and serum AMH levels were evaluated. RNA-sequencing analysis was conducted, and staining for follicular damage (phosphorylated H2AX histone; γH2AX), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labelling (TUNEL) assays and assessments of apoptotic biomarkers (western blot and immunofluorescence) were conducted in human ovaries. After the treatments, histological analysis was performed on human ovarian samples to investigate follicular populations, and oocyte damage was measured by γH2AX staining, BAX staining, and TUNEL assays. At the same time, the tumours were evaluated for volume, weight, and apoptosis levels. Patients who received TP chemotherapy showed decreased ovarian reserves. Single RNA-sequencing analysis of human primordial oocytes indicated that TP chemotherapy induced apoptosis of human primordial oocytes by causing CHEK-mediated TAp63α phosphorylation. In vitro culture of human ovaries showed greater damaging effects on oocytes after cisplatin treatment compared with that after PTX treatment. Using the new animal model, CHEK1/2 inhibitors prevented the apoptosis of human oocytes induced by cisplatin and even enhanced its anti-tumour effects. This protective effect appeared to be mediated by inhibiting DNA damage via the CHEK-TAp63α pathway and by generation of anti-apoptotic signals in the oocytes. N/A. This was a preclinical study performed with human ovarian samples, and clinical research is required for validation. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of CHEK1/2 inhibitors as a complementary strategy for preserving fertility in female cancer patients. This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (nos. 82001514 and 81902669) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2021yjsCXCY087). The authors declare no conflict of interest.

A semi-automated hybrid HPLC-MS approach for in-depth characterization of intact non-covalent heterodimer glycoforms of gonadotropin biopharmaceuticals

BackgroundGonadotropins are a class of heavily glycosylated protein hormones, thus extremely challenging to characterize by mass spectrometry. As biopharmaceuticals, gonadotropins are prescribed for the treatment of infertility and are derived from different sources: either from pooled urine of pregnant women or upon production in genetically modified Chinese Hamster Ovary cells. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is sold as a biopharmaceutical under the name Pregnyl® (urinary hCG, u-hCG) and Ovitrelle® (recombinant hCG, r-hCG), and recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) is marketed as Gonal-f®. Recently, we reported the exhaustive characterization of r-hCG at different structural levels. ResultsWe implement size exclusion (SE) HPLC-MS to automatize the acquisition of native mass spectra of r-hCG dimer, but also u-hCG and r-hFSH, comparing the drug products up to intact heterodimer level. A hybrid HPLC-MS approach was employed for the characterization of r-hCG, u-hCG and r-hFSH drug products at different structural levels. Released glycans were analyzed by porous graphitized carbon (PGC)-HPLC-MS/MS, glycopeptides by reversed-phase (RP)-HPLC-MS/MS, subunits by RP-HPLC-MS and finally the intact native heterodimers by semi-automated online buffer exchange SE-HPLC-MS. The data were integrated using bioinformatic tools, to finally unravel the composition of 1481 co-existing dimeric glycoforms for r-hCG, 1167 glycoforms for u-hCG, and 1440 glycoforms for r-hFSH, and to compare critical quality attributes of the different drug products such as their degree of sialylation and O-glycosylation. Significance and noveltyThe strong alliance of bioanalytics and bioinformatics data integration at the different structural levels allowed the identification of more than thousand different glycoforms of r-hCG, u-hCG, and r-hFSH. The results showed that these biopharmaceuticals differ considerably in their glycosylation patterns and highlight the importance of in-depth characterization of biopharmaceuticals for quality control.© 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Human platelet lysate improves the growth and survival of cultured human pre-antral follicles

Research questionHow do platelet-rich plasma products like human platelet lysate (HPL) and umbilical cord plasma (UCP) affect the growth and survival of isolated human pre-antral follicles in vitro? DesignHuman pre-antral follicles (n = 724; mean diameter: 75 µm; range: 46–237 µm) were isolated from ovarian medulla donated by 14 patients undergoing unilateral oophorectomy for ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Follicles were encapsulated in 0.5% alginate and cultured for 8 days in media supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) (n = 171), 2.5% human serum albumin (HSA) (n = 159), 5% HPL (n = 223) or 5% UCP (n = 171). ResultsThe survival probability was significantly higher in the group supplemented with HPL (80%) compared with the other three groups: FBS (54%, P < 0.001); HSA (63%, P = 0.004) and UCP (29%, P < 0.001). Surviving follicles in the UCP group had less defined follicular membranes and decompacted granulosa cell layers. The median growth of surviving follicles was significantly (P < 0.001) larger in the HPL group (73 µm) compared with any of the other three groups: HSA (43 μm); FBS (40 μm) UCP (54 μm). A descriptive analysis of follicular secretion of anti-Müllerian hormone and oestradiol did not reveal any difference between the groups. The detectability of follicular genes was high for AR (100%), AMHR2 (100%) and FSHR (76%), whereas few follicles expressed LHR (20%). ConclusionHuman platelet lysate significantly improved survival and growth of cultured human pre-antral follicles compared with FBS, HSA and UCP. The use of HPL is a valuable improvement to culture human pre-antral follicles but further studies will have to prove whether the superiority of HPL translates into better quality oocytes.

A Subpathway and Target Gene Cluster-Based Approach Uncovers lncRNAs Associated with Human Primordial Follicle Activation.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as a critical regulator in controlling the expression level of genes involved in cell differentiation and development. Primordial follicle activation (PFA) is the first step for follicle maturation, and excessive PFA results in premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). However, the correlation between lncRNA and cell differentiation was largely unknown, especially during PFA. In this study, we observed the expression level of lncRNA was more specific than protein-coding genes in both follicles and granulosa cells, suggesting lncRNA might play a crucial role in follicle development. Hence, a systematical framework was needed to infer the functions of lncRNAs during PFA. Additionally, an increasing number of studies indicate that the subpathway is more precise in reflecting biological processes than the entire pathway. Given the complex expression patterns of lncRNA target genes, target genes were further clustered based on their expression similarity and classification performance to reveal the activated/inhibited gene modules, which intuitively illustrated the diversity of lncRNA regulation. Moreover, the knockdown of SBF2-AS1 in the A549 cell line and ZFAS1 in the SK-Hep1 cell line further validated the function of SBF2-AS1 in regulating the Hippo signaling subpathway and ZFAS1 in the cell cycle subpathway. Overall, our findings demonstrated the importance of subpathway analysis in uncovering the functions of lncRNAs during PFA, and paved new avenues for future lncRNA-associated research.

P-393 The mitochondrial targeted antioxidant Mitoquinol increases survival of isolated human preantral follicles in vitro

Abstract Study question Does Mitoquinol have a protective effect on survival and mitochondrial oxidative stress in cultured human preantral follicles? Summary answer Mitoquinol significantly increased survival of human preantral follicles cultured for 8 days and significantly decreased expression of genes related to the mitochondrial oxidative stress response. What is known already Culturing human ovarian follicles is a promising new source of mature oocytes for fertility preservation, as well as a key model system to investigate fundamental biology. Nevertheless, only a handful of studies have yielded mature human oocytes from preantral stage follicles and optimizing culture systems is challenging due to the scarcity of human material. Mitoquinol is an antioxidant that contains a form of Coenzyme Q10 called ubiquinone that has been modified to selectively target and protect mitochondria from oxidative damage. In human oocytes, the presence of Mitoquinol in the IVM media increased nuclear maturation and protected against chromosomal misalignment. Study design, size, duration Human preantral follicles (n = 213; mean diameter: 71 µm; range: 26-189 µm) were isolated from ovarian medulla tissue. Preantral follicles were mechanically and enzymatically isolated, encapsulated in 0.5% alginate and cultured for 8 days in three experimental groups: Control (n = 68); 50nM Mitoquinol (n = 71), 250nM Mitoquinol (n = 74). The primary endpoints were follicular growth and survival. Secondary endpoints included follicular gene expression and hormone analysis of the spent culture media. Participants/materials, setting, methods Ovarian medulla tissue was donated by 5 patients (aged 30-37 years) undergoing unilateral oophorectomy for ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Follicular growth and survival were assessed every second day during culture by microscopy. For follicles bigger than 95 µm, AMH and Estradiol concentrations were measured by ELISA in the spent media on day 8. Finally surviving follicles were snap-frozen and gene expression was analysed by qPCR; mitochondrial oxidative stress genes: HSP-60, TFAM and apoptosis genes: BAX/BCL-2. Main results and the role of chance After 8 days in culture, the follicular survival rate in the 50nM Mitoquinol group (68%; n = 51/74) was significantly higher than the control group (49%; n = 32/68; p = 0.0344) and the 250nM Mitoquinol (54%; n = 39/71; p = 0.0443). The protective effect of 50nM Mitoquinol was more pronounced in the subset of small follicles (Day0 &amp;lt; 70 µm, n = 135) in which survival rate of the 50nM Mitoquinol group (65%; n = 31/47) was significantly higher than the control (41%; n = 18/43; p = 0.005) and the 250nM group (44%; n = 20/4; p = 0.019). The average growth of surviving follicles was similar in the three experimental groups (Control: 40.7 ± 17.4 µm; Mitoquinol 50nM: 36.9 ± 19 μm; Mitoquinol 250nM: 36.4 ±16.5 μm). A significant positive association between the diameter of the follicle and the concentration of AMH and Estradiol was observed (AMH: p = 0.0215, R = 0.43 and Estradiol: p = 0.0413, R = 0.38) but no differences were found between the experimental groups. The relative expression of genes involved in mitochondrial oxidative stress response were significantly lower in the 50nM Mitoquinol group compared to the 250mM Mitoquinol group (HSP-60 p = 0.018; TFAM p = 0.013) and similar to the control group (HSP-60 p = 0.056; TFAM p = 0.071). Moreover, the gene expression of the ratio BAX/BCL2 was similar in the three groups. Limitations, reasons for caution A larger sample size is required to confirm the statistical analysis and to extrapolate the results to primordial, primary, and secondary stage follicles. Furthermore, long-term culture studies are required to determine the impact of Mitoquinol on antral follicle development and oocyte maturation Wider implications of the findings Our findings show that Mitoquinol can be used as an antioxidant in the culture of human preantral follicles since it increased follicle survival and reduced gene expression of genes related to mitochondrial oxidative stress response. Trial registration number Not appliclable

P-407 Artificial ovary construction: short-term in vitro culture of human primordial and primary follicles in a 3D environment on a stromal cell feeder layer

Abstract Study question Do ovarian stromal cells (OSCs) influence viability and growth of human pre-antral follicles in vitro? Summary answer Feeder layer of OSCs advanced growth and transition of primordial follicles to primary/secondary stage while keeping a high proportion of viable follicles. What is known already In the ovary, follicles require the support of ovarian cells through the secretion of essential factors for their survival and development. This was also demonstrated in vitro through the 3D culture of isolated mouse primary and secondary follicles on a feeder layer of ovarian stromal cells. This co-culture significantly increased follicle survival and growth. Study design, size, duration Pre-antral follicles were isolated from human frozen-thawed ovarian tissue (OT) biopsies and encapsulated in 1% alginate scaffolds. Embedded pre-antral follicles were placed directly on the OSCs feeder layer or bottom of a culture dish for a 7-day in vitro culture (control). Follicle viability and growth and hormone production were compared between groups. Participants/materials, setting, methods Primordial and primary follicles were isolated from frozen-thawed OT of cancer patients (n = 6). OSCs were isolated from OT of post-menopausal women and cultured as a feeder layer. Follicle diameter was measured on Days 0 and 7 under an inverted microscope. Viability was assessed by staining a proportion of follicles (n = 87) with calcein AM and ethidium homodimer-I. They were classified (V1/V2: healthy/minimally damaged; V3/V4: damaged/dead follicles) using confocal fluorescence microscopy. Estradiol levels were measured by ELISA. Main results and the role of chance A total of 379 human pre-antral follicles (primordial=360; primary=19) were isolated and embedded in 1% alginate hydrogels and classified according to their viability. Most follicles (96%) were viable after isolation with a diameter of 40.8±9.9 µm (mean±SD). At Day 7, pre-antral follicles have grown significantly in size in both culture conditions: on the OSCs feeder layer and without it (p &amp;lt; 0.0001 for D0 vs. D7). However, no significant difference (p = 0.07) between culture conditions was observed. The mean diameter of follicles cultured on the OSCs layer was 80.6±11.0 μm and without it, 67.3±7.2 μm. Nonetheless, the distribution pattern of different quality grade follicles was significantly different on OSCs (V1: 62%, V2: 25%, V3: 2%, V4: 11%) and follicles without OSCs (V1: 35%, V2: 38%, V3: 0%, V4: 23%; p = 0.03). Additionally, more follicles have been activated and reached a higher developmental stage on OSCs (D0 primordial: 184, primary: 7 vs. D7 primordial: 53, primary/secondary: 93) than without stromal cells (D0 primordial: 186, primary: 4 vs. D7 primordial: 84, primary/secondary: 64; p &amp;lt; 0.001) with 66 and 43 follicles reaching a secondary stage (75&amp;lt;x&amp;lt;200 μm), respectively. Estradiol level was significantly (p = 0.006) higher in media of follicles cultured on the OSCs, 54.1±14.2 pg/ml vs. 29.9±4.0 pg/ml. Limitations, reasons for caution This study was performed only in a short-term culture and no primordial/primary follicles have reached the antral stage. Further in vitro studies on follicular developmental capacity, physiology and steroidogenesis in alginate scaffold with human ovarian stromal cells are needed. Wider implications of the findings Activation and growth of human primordial follicles during in vitro short-term culture to a secondary stage has been a long-lasting challenge. Co-culture with human ovarian stromal cells can help to overcome this limitation. Trial registration number not applicable