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Reproduction & Fertility Apr 2022Characterization of the ovarian preantral follicle population is a necessary step to improve understanding of folliculogenesis and ovarian physiology. Therefore, in the...
UNLABELLED
Characterization of the ovarian preantral follicle population is a necessary step to improve understanding of folliculogenesis and ovarian physiology. Therefore, in the present study, the preantral follicle population in the equine ovary in young and old mares was investigated according to follicular morphology, follicular class, distance from the geometric center using ovarian maps, and follicular density within ovarian portions (lateral vs intermediary) and regions (dorsal vs ventral). Ovaries were collected from an abattoir and histologically processed for evaluation, and the follicle population was calculated. Overall, in the current detailed study, a higher preantral follicle population per mare ovary (mean: 82,206 ± 50,022; range: 1477 to 773,091) than originally reported was identified. Additionally, a mare age effect was observed in the follicle population (young: 152,664 vs old: 11,750) and the spatial distribution of morphologically normal and abnormal follicles and the density and population of follicular classes. These results demonstrate that, in addition to the preantral follicle population in the mare ovary being comparable to that of other species, the location and spatial distribution of these follicles is dynamic and varies depending on mare age and follicle status (i.e. morphology and developmental stage). The characterization of the distribution and population of preantral follicles in the mare ovary provided by this study can potentially aid in improving reproductive studies and assisted reproductive techniques and may expand the understanding of mechanisms involving ovarian plasticity and follicular migration.
LAY SUMMARY
Knowledge of the distribution and population of immature eggs within follicles (preantral follicles) in the ovaries of mares can improve approaches to assisted reproductive techniques and fertility preservation. As the existing research on horse preantral follicle population was focused solely on large follicles, the present study provides an updated investigation of small and large preantral follicles in the mare, showing that the population is similar to those in other species. This study also shows that the way these follicles are distributed in the ovary varies depending on age and follicle characteristics. Results from this study may help to highlight which areas of the mare ovary should be looked at to find samples of good-quality follicles.
Topics: Animals; Female; Horses; Ovarian Follicle; Ovary; Pelvis; Reproduction
PubMed: 35706578
DOI: 10.1530/RAF-21-0100 -
ELife Sep 2022Morphogenetic events during the development of the fetal ovary are crucial to the establishment of female fertility. However, the effects of structural rearrangements of...
Morphogenetic events during the development of the fetal ovary are crucial to the establishment of female fertility. However, the effects of structural rearrangements of the ovary and surrounding reproductive tissues on ovary morphogenesis remain largely uncharacterized. Using tissue clearing and lightsheet microscopy, we found that ovary folding correlated with regionalization into cortex and medulla. Relocation of the oviduct to the ventral aspect of the ovary led to ovary encapsulation, and mutual attachment of the ovary and oviduct to the cranial suspensory ligament likely triggered ovary folding. During this process, the rete ovarii (RO) elaborated into a convoluted tubular structure extending from the ovary into the ovarian capsule. Using genetic mouse models in which the oviduct and RO are perturbed, we found the oviduct is required for ovary encapsulation. This study reveals novel relationships among the ovary and surrounding tissues and paves the way for functional investigation of the relationship between architecture and differentiation of the mammalian ovary.
Topics: Humans; Female; Mice; Animals; Ovary; Oviducts; Fetus; Morphogenesis; Ligaments; Mammals
PubMed: 36165446
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.81088 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Macrophages (MΦs) are the most abundant leukocytes in mammalian ovaries that have heterogeneity and plasticity. A body of evidence has indicated that these cells are... (Review)
Review
Macrophages (MΦs) are the most abundant leukocytes in mammalian ovaries that have heterogeneity and plasticity. A body of evidence has indicated that these cells are important in maintaining ovarian homeostasis and they play critical roles in ovarian physiological events, such as folliculogenesis, ovulation, corpus luteum formation and regression. As females age, ovarian tissue microenvironment is typified by chronic inflammation with exacerbated ovarian fibrosis. In response to specific danger signals within aged ovaries, macrophages polarize into different M1 or M2 phenotypes, and specialize in unique functions to participate in the ovarian aging process. In this review, we will focus on the physiologic roles of MΦs in normal ovarian functions. Furthermore, we will discuss the roles of MΦs in the process of ovarian senescence, as well as the novel techniques applied in this field.
Topics: Female; Animals; Ovary; Ovulation; Macrophages; Leukocytes; Mammals
PubMed: 38027176
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1282658 -
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and... Jul 2020The objective of this study was to analyse the expression and cellular localization of FOXO3, pFOXO3 and PTEN throughout human ovary development both before and after...
PURPOSE
The objective of this study was to analyse the expression and cellular localization of FOXO3, pFOXO3 and PTEN throughout human ovary development both before and after birth.
METHODS
Foetal, pubertal and adult paraffin-embedded ovarian samples were analysed by immunohistochemistry for cellular localization of FOXO3, pFOXO3 and PTEN proteins. Protein and mRNA expression were analysed by western blot and real time PCR, respectively, from fresh biopsies.
RESULTS
PTEN was not detected by immunohistochemistry in germ cells and follicles of foetal, pubertal and adult ovaries. Occasional PTEN immunoreactive granulosa cells were found in atretic antral follicles in the adult ovary. Western blot analysis showed low levels of PTEN protein. Nuclear FOXO3-expressing primordial follicles represented a variable proportion of the ovarian reserve. The presence of FOXO3-expressing primordial follicles was very low in foetal ovary; although always represented in a low proportion, prevalence increased during pubertal and adult life.
CONCLUSION
Our results seem to indicate that two subpopulations of primordial follicles, i.e. nuclear FOXO3-expressing and no FOXO3-expressing primordial follicles are found in the postnatal human ovary. This scenario suggests that FOXO3 could be acting as in the mouse model, preventing primordial follicle activation. However, the strategy would not be an "all or nothing" system as in mouse ovary but rather a selected subpopulation of primordial follicles preserved to ensure long-term fertility.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Female; Forkhead Box Protein O3; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Humans; Infant; Middle Aged; Ovarian Follicle; Ovary; PTEN Phosphohydrolase; Pregnancy; Puberty
PubMed: 32424736
DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01790-x -
Reproductive Toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.) Aug 2019Retinoids are essential for reproduction. Most research has focused on the role of retinoic acid signaling in the regulation of meiosis during early fetal germ cell... (Review)
Review
Retinoids are essential for reproduction. Most research has focused on the role of retinoic acid signaling in the regulation of meiosis during early fetal germ cell development. However, less attention has been paid to the possible effects of retinoic acid signaling in adult female gonads. Retinoic acid, its receptors, and the key enzymes required for retinoic acid synthesis are expressed in the ovaries and they are involved in the regulation of folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis. Exposure to compounds that can interfere with normal retinoic acid signaling is associated with adverse ovarian outcomes, including altered steroidogenesis and reduction in indicators of ovarian reserve in women and laboratory animal models. These observations call for more attention to retinoids as regulators of adult ovarian physiology and as possible targets of endocrine disruption by environmental chemicals. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of retinoids in folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis in post-pubertal mammalian ovaries.
Topics: Animals; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Humans; Ovary; Retinoids
PubMed: 31059772
DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.04.007 -
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinics of... Feb 2023The ovary resides in the pelvic cavity and is a dynamic organ with physiologic changes from birth to menopause. The imaging features of the normal ovary depend on the... (Review)
Review
The ovary resides in the pelvic cavity and is a dynamic organ with physiologic changes from birth to menopause. The imaging features of the normal ovary depend on the physiologic changes through puberty, reproductive age, and menopause. It is important for radiologists to understand the imaging features of normal physiologic changes in the ovaries and differentiate them from disease states.
Topics: Female; Humans; Ovary; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Menopause; Puberty; Pelvis
PubMed: 36368854
DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2022.07.001 -
Abdominal Radiology (New York) Jan 2020
Review
Topics: Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Ovary; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 31559474
DOI: 10.1007/s00261-019-02242-6 -
Annals of Biomedical Engineering Mar 2023For certain types of cancer patients, ovarian transplantation has a risk of malignant cancer cell infection. However, the autologous transplantation of an artificial... (Review)
Review
For certain types of cancer patients, ovarian transplantation has a risk of malignant cancer cell infection. However, the autologous transplantation of an artificial ovary is safe and effective, guarantees the normal development of isolated follicles, regular oocyte maturation, and ovulation, partially restores endocrine function, and enables the patient to regain reproductive ability. Despite the complexity of the natural ovary, some progress has been made in the repair or replacement of reproductive tissues with the use of various biomaterials. This article reviews the physical structure, biomechanical properties, design elements, preparation routes, construction and practical use of natural polymer materials, usually hydrogel scaffolds, such as alginate, fibrin, gelatin, collagen, agarose, and acellular ovarian matrix in the preparation of artificial ovaries. We summarize how these materials can be made into artificial ovaries to achieve the conditions for fertility through follicle and oocyte development and identify several major issues to overcome for the future development of artificial ovaries, including how to establish blood recirculation, and how to establish hormone synthesis and release channels. This review is intended to provide a reference for the use of natural polymer biomaterials in reproductive clinics.
Topics: Female; Animals; Ovary; Biocompatible Materials; Ovarian Follicle; Oogenesis; Fertility
PubMed: 36629950
DOI: 10.1007/s10439-022-03125-6 -
Turk Patoloji Dergisi 2021Immunoglobulin G4-related disease is characterized by dense fibrosis, obliterative phlebitis, and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration that contains abundant IgG4 positive...
Immunoglobulin G4-related disease is characterized by dense fibrosis, obliterative phlebitis, and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration that contains abundant IgG4 positive plasma cells. It causes tumefactive lesions in the involved organs and is most commonly seen in the salivary glands, pancreas, and retroperitoneum. Ovarian involvement has been reported in only two cases. In our case, a 58-year-old female patient presented with abdominal distention and pain. Pelvic computed tomography revealed a soft tissue lesion compatible with the omental cake, several intraabdominal implants, and bilateral adnexal fullness. A laparotomy was performed under suspicion of peritoneal carcinomatosis secondary to bilateral adnexal mass. In the histopathologic examination, abundant lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and dense fibrosis were observed in both ovaries and the peritoneum. In the areas of greatest density, the density of IgG4-positive plasma cells was found to range from 40 to 50 per high-power field. The patient was accepted as suffering from probable IgG4-related disease because of the bilateral involvement of the ovaries and the histopathological findings. In conclusion, we present this case to draw attention to the fact that IgG4-related disease can also be seen in the ovary.
Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Fibrosis; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease; Middle Aged; Ovarian Diseases; Ovarian Neoplasms; Ovary; Plasma Cells
PubMed: 32779156
DOI: 10.5146/tjpath.2020.01500 -
Aging Oct 2023The ovarian microenvironment becomes fibrotic and stiff with age, in part due to increased collagen and decreased hyaluronan. However, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is...
The ovarian microenvironment becomes fibrotic and stiff with age, in part due to increased collagen and decreased hyaluronan. However, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of hundreds of proteins, glycoproteins, and glycans which are highly tissue specific and undergo pronounced changes with age. To obtain an unbiased and comprehensive profile of age-associated alterations to the murine ovarian proteome and ECM, we used a label-free quantitative proteomic methodology. We validated conditions to enrich for the ECM prior to proteomic analysis. Following analysis by data-independent acquisition (DIA) and quantitative data processing, we observed that both native and ECM-enriched ovaries clustered separately based on age, indicating distinct age-dependent proteomic signatures. We identified a total of 4,721 proteins from both native and ECM-enriched ovaries, of which 383 proteins were significantly altered with advanced age, including 58 ECM proteins. Several ECM proteins upregulated with age have been associated with fibrosis in other organs, but to date their roles in ovarian fibrosis are unknown. Pathways regulating DNA metabolism and translation were downregulated with age, whereas pathways involved in ECM remodeling and immune response were upregulated. Interestingly, immune-related pathways were upregulated with age even in ECM-enriched ovaries, suggesting a novel interplay between the ECM and the immune system. Moreover, we identified putative markers of unique immune cell populations present in the ovary with age. These findings provide evidence from a proteomic perspective that the aging ovary provides a fibroinflammatory milieu, and our study suggests target proteins which may drive these age-associated phenotypes for future investigation.
Topics: Female; Animals; Mice; Ovary; Proteomics; Extracellular Matrix; Extracellular Matrix Proteins; Fibrosis
PubMed: 37899138
DOI: 10.18632/aging.205190