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Open Biology Feb 2021Non-ATPase regulatory subunits (Rpns) are components of the 26S proteasome involved in polyubiquitinated substrate recognition and deubiquitination in eukaryotes. Here,...
Non-ATPase regulatory subunits (Rpns) are components of the 26S proteasome involved in polyubiquitinated substrate recognition and deubiquitination in eukaryotes. Here, we identified 15 homologues sequences of and associated genes by searching the genome and transcriptome databases of the brown planthopper, , a hemipteran rice pest. Temporospatial analysis showed that genes were significantly highly expressed in eggs and ovaries but were less-highly expressed in males. RNA interference-mediated depletion of genes decreased the proteolytic activity of proteasome and impeded the transcription of and genes in the fat bodies and ovaries in adult females, and reduced the triglyceride content in the ovaries. Decrease of the proteolytic activity of the proteasome via knockdown of s also inhibited the transcription of genes, including , and , in the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) biosynthetic pathway in the ovaries, reduced 20E production in adult females, and impaired ovarian development and oocyte maturation, resulting in reduced fecundity. These novel findings indicate that the proteolytic activity of the proteasome is required for female reproductive processes in , thus furthering our understanding of the reproductive and developmental strategies in insects.
Topics: Animals; Ecdysterone; Female; Hemiptera; Insect Proteins; Male; Ovary; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex; Proteolysis; Reproduction
PubMed: 33622101
DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200251 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2015The growing interest in toxic substances combined with advancements in biological sciences has shed a new light on the problem of mycotoxins contaminating feeds and... (Review)
Review
The growing interest in toxic substances combined with advancements in biological sciences has shed a new light on the problem of mycotoxins contaminating feeds and foods. An interdisciplinary approach was developed by identifying dose-response relationships in key research concepts, including the low dose theory of estrogen-like compounds, hormesis, NOAEL dose, compensatory response and/or food tolerance, and effects of exposure to undesirable substances. The above considerations increased the researchers' interest in risk evaluation, namely: (i) clinical symptoms associated with long-term, daily exposure to low doses of a toxic compound; and (ii) dysfunctions at cellular or tissue level that do not produce clinical symptoms. Research advancements facilitate the extrapolation of results and promote the use of novel tools for evaluating the risk of exposure, for example exposure to zearalenone in pre-pubertal female dogs. The arguments presented in this paper suggest that low doses of zearalenone in commercial feeds stimulate metabolic processes and increase weight gains. Those processes are accompanied by lower proliferation rates in the ovaries, neoangiogenesis and vasodilation in the ovaries and the uterus, changes in the steroid hormone profile, and changes in the activity of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. All of the above changes result from exogenous hyperestrogenizm.
Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Dogs; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Female; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Ovary; Receptors, Estrogen; Sexual Maturation; Uterus; Zearalenone
PubMed: 26610443
DOI: 10.3390/molecules201119726 -
Arthropod Structure & Development Jul 2014Astigmatans are a large group of mites living in nearly every environment and exhibiting very diverse reproductive strategies. In spite of an uniform anatomical... (Review)
Review
Astigmatans are a large group of mites living in nearly every environment and exhibiting very diverse reproductive strategies. In spite of an uniform anatomical organization of their reproductive systems, gametogenesis in each sex is highly variable, leading to gamete formation showing many peculiar features and emphasizing the distinct position of Astigmata. This review summarizes the contemporary knowledge on the structure of ovaries and testes in astigmatic mites, the peculiarities of oogenesis and spermatogenesis, as well as provides new data on several species not studied previously. New questions are discussed and approaches for future studies are proposed.
Topics: Acari; Animals; Female; Male; Oogenesis; Ovary; Spermatogenesis; Testis
PubMed: 24791694
DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2014.04.003 -
Reproduction (Cambridge, England) Feb 2019Follicle development requires complex and coordinated interactions between both the oocyte and its associated somatic cells. In ovarian dysfunction, follicle development...
Follicle development requires complex and coordinated interactions between both the oocyte and its associated somatic cells. In ovarian dysfunction, follicle development may be abnormal due to defective somatic cell function; for example, premature ovarian insufficiency or malignancies. Replacing defective somatic cells, using the reaggregated ovary (RO) technique, may 'rescue' follicle development. ROs containing mature follicles have been generated when transplanted to a host mouse to develop. We have developed a RO culture technique and the aims were to determine how follicle development differed between transplanted and cultured ROs, and the influence of ovarian age (P2 vs P6). Mouse ROs were cultured for 14 days; P2 and P6 ovaries cultured as Controls. Follicle development was compared to ROs transplanted for 14 days and ovaries from P16 and P20 mice. ROs generated from either P2 or P6 exhibited similar follicle development in culture whereas in vivo follicle development was more advanced in P6 ROs. Follicles were more developed in cultured ROs than transplanted ROs. However, follicles in cultured ROs and ovaries had smaller oocytes with fewer theca and granulosa cells than in vivo counterparts. Our results demonstrate the fluidity of follicle development despite ovary dissociation and that environment is more important to basal lamina formation and theca cell development. Furthermore, follicle development within cultured ROs appears to be independent of oocyte nest breakdown and primordial follicle formation in source ovaries. Our results highlight the need for understanding follicle development in vitro, particularly in the development of the RO technique as a potential fertility treatment.
Topics: Animals; Female; Granulosa Cells; Mice; Oocytes; Organ Culture Techniques; Ovarian Follicle; Ovary
PubMed: 30601757
DOI: 10.1530/REP-18-0115 -
Scientific Reports Dec 2021In vitro gonad culture systems have proven useful to investigate intrinsic mechanisms of sexual reproduction in animals. Here we describe development of an in vitro...
In vitro gonad culture systems have proven useful to investigate intrinsic mechanisms of sexual reproduction in animals. Here we describe development of an in vitro culture method for coral ovaries. Mesenterial tissues containing both ovaries and mesenterial filaments were microscopically isolated from the scleractinian coral, Fimbriaphyllia ancora, and culture conditions were optimized. M199 diluted 10× (10% M199, pH 8.1) and supplemented with 25 mM HEPES and the antibiotics, ampicillin, penicillin and streptomycin, supported oocyte survival and maintained the structural integrity of ovaries during short-term culture (~ 6 days). Addition of a commercial antibiotic-antimycotic solution (Anti-Anti) and fetal bovine serum adversely affected ovary maintenance and caused tissue disintegration. Characterization of cultured ovaries showed that there is no difference in cell proliferation of ovarian somatic cells between culture Days 1 and 6. Moreover, the presence of oogonia and expression of a major yolk protein, vitellogenin, were confirmed in ovaries cultured for 6 days. This system will be useful for studying effects of a wide range of substances on coral oogenesis.
Topics: Animals; Anthozoa; Female; In Vitro Techniques; Oocytes; Oogenesis; Ovary; Tissue Culture Techniques; Vitellogenins
PubMed: 34934168
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03810-x -
Biology of Reproduction Oct 2020Development and functions of the ovary rely on appropriate signaling and communication between various ovarian cell types. FOXL2, a transcription factor that plays a key...
Development and functions of the ovary rely on appropriate signaling and communication between various ovarian cell types. FOXL2, a transcription factor that plays a key role at different stages of ovarian development, is associated with primary ovarian insufficiency and ovarian cancer as a result of its loss-of-function or mutations. In this study, we investigated the impact of aberrant, constitutive expression of FOXL2 in somatic cells of the ovary. Overexpression of FOXL2 that started during fetal life resulted in defects in nest breakdown and consequent formation of polyovular follicles. Granulosa cell differentiation was impaired and recruitment and differentiation of steroidogenic theca cells was compromised. As a consequence, adult ovaries overexpressing FOXL2 exhibited defects in compartmentalization of granulosa and theca cells, significant decreased steroidogenesis and lack of ovulation. These findings demonstrate that fine-tuned expression of FOXL2 is required for proper folliculogenesis and fertility.
Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Female; Forkhead Box Protein L2; Granulosa Cells; Mice; Mutation; Ovarian Follicle; Ovary; Theca Cells
PubMed: 32945847
DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa146 -
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Aug 2009To propose, in cases with coiling of the ovarian vessels, a classification of severity of torsion based on Doppler and gray-scale ultrasound findings and to suggest a...
OBJECTIVE
To propose, in cases with coiling of the ovarian vessels, a classification of severity of torsion based on Doppler and gray-scale ultrasound findings and to suggest a treatment strategy for each situation.
METHODS
Seventeen patients were examined in a gynecological emergency room between December 1995 and February 2003 due to suspected adnexal torsion. Doppler and gray-scale ultrasound were used to visualize coiling of the ovarian blood vessels. Intraovarian flow was assessed by spectral Doppler and on this basis, along with the patient's clinical condition, the decision was made as to whether surgery was necessary. Findings on surgery were recorded.
RESULTS
All 17 patients showed coiling of the ovarian vessels. Nine had arterial and venous blood flow within the ovary and ultrasound and surgical findings usually demonstrated normal sized or mildly enlarged ovaries. Five had only arterial blood flow within the ovary and surgery usually revealed enlarged ovaries with normal color or mild discoloration. Three had neither arterial nor venous blood flow within the ovary, with vessel coiling evident only on gray-scale and not on Doppler examination, and surgical findings included signs of ovarian ischemia or necrosis.
CONCLUSION
In cases of coiling of the ovarian vessels, Doppler flow analysis of the ovary can help differentiate between ischemic adnexal torsion and coiling of the ovarian blood vessels without strangulation, aiding in the choice of treatment. According to type of blood flow seen on Doppler examination, we suggest the following classification of severity of adnexal torsion and treatment strategy: Class 1, coiling with arterial and venous ovarian blood flow; a conservative approach may be considered if the clinical condition permits; Class 2, coiling with arterial ovarian flow but no venous flow; surgical intervention is required; and Class 3, true strangulation, with no ovarian blood flow; urgent surgical intervention is required.
Topics: Adnexal Diseases; Adolescent; Adult; Blood Flow Velocity; Female; Humans; Ischemia; Middle Aged; Ovary; Reproducibility of Results; Torsion Abnormality; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; Young Adult
PubMed: 19606463
DOI: 10.1002/uog.6369 -
BMC Pharmacology & Toxicology Jan 2021Most patients with cancer undergo multiple administrations of anticancer drugs during treatment, resulting in chronic impairment of their reproductive health. As...
PURPOSE
Most patients with cancer undergo multiple administrations of anticancer drugs during treatment, resulting in chronic impairment of their reproductive health. As improved treatment options increase cancer survival, it has become increasingly important to address fertility issues in cancer survivors. In this study, we examined the pathophysiological effects of multiple exposures to cyclophosphamide (Cy) on the ovaries of mice and their underlying molecular mechanism.
METHODS
Female C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with 100 mg/kg Cy six times over 2 weeks; 4 weeks later, the mice were sacrificed and their ovaries, sera, and oocytes were collected for histological observation, measurement of anti-Müllerian hormone levels, and assessment of oocyte quantity and quality in response to hormonal stimulation. Gene expression changes in Cy-treated ovaries were examined by microarray and bioinformatics analyses.
RESULTS
After repeated Cy exposure, the anti-Müllerian hormone level was decreased, and follicle loss and impairments in the quality of oocyte were irreversible. The expression levels of genes involved in folliculogenesis, oogenesis, and zona pellucida glycoprotein transcription displayed sustained alterations in Cy-exposed ovaries even after 4 weeks.
CONCLUSION
The adverse effects of Cy on ovarian function and oocytes remained even after chemotherapy was complete. Therefore, strategies to prevent ovarian damage or restore ovarian function after treatment are required to safeguard the fertility of young cancer survivors.
Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Cyclophosphamide; Female; Gene Expression; Immunosuppressive Agents; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oocytes; Ovary; Mice
PubMed: 33413693
DOI: 10.1186/s40360-020-00468-5 -
Radiation Oncology (London, England) Dec 2019How to protect the ovarian function during radiotherapy is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between the location of the transposed...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
How to protect the ovarian function during radiotherapy is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between the location of the transposed ovary and the ovarian dose in patients with cervical cancer received radical hysterectomy, ovarian transposition, and postoperative pelvic radiotherapy.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis was conducted of 150 young patients with cervical cancer who received radical hysterectomy, intraoperative ovarian transposition, and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy in Zhejiang Cancer Hospital. Association between location of the transposed ovaries and ovarian dose was evaluated. The transposed position of ovaries with a satisfactory dose was explored using a receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Patients' ovarian function was followed up 3 months and 1 year after radiotherapy.
RESULTS
A total of 32/214 (15%) transposed ovaries were higher than the upper boundary of the planning target volume (PTV). The optimum cutoff value of > 1.12 cm above the iliac crest plane was significantly associated with ovaries above the upper PTV boundary. When the ovaries were below the upper boundary of PTV, the optimum cutoff value of transverse distance > 3.265 cm between the ovary and PTV was significantly associated with ovarian max dose (Dmax) ≤ 4Gy, and the optimum cutoff value of transverse distance > 2.391 cm was significantly associated with ovarian Dmax≤5Gy. A total of 77 patients had received complete follow-up, and 56 patients (72.7%) showed preserved ovarian function 1 year after radiotherapy, which was significantly increased compared with 3 months (44.2%) after radiotherapy.
CONCLUSIONS
The location of transposed ovaries in patients with cervical cancer is significantly correlated with ovarian dose in adjuvant radiotherapy. We recommend transposition of ovaries > 1.12 cm higher than the iliac crest plane to obtain ovarian location above PTV. When the transposed ovary is below the upper boundary of PTV, ovarian Dmax ≤4Gy may be obtained when the transverse distance between the ovary and PTV was > 3.265 cm, and the ovarian Dmax≤5Gy may be obtained when the transverse distance was > 2.391 cm.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Hysterectomy; Middle Aged; Organs at Risk; Ovary; Pelvic Neoplasms; Postoperative Care; Prognosis; Radiotherapy Dosage; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; Retrospective Studies; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Young Adult
PubMed: 31842971
DOI: 10.1186/s13014-019-1437-3 -
Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007) Sep 2017Reproduction is a critical aspect of understanding the biology of fishes. Relatively little is known about oarfish (Regalecus russellii) reproduction; however,...
Reproduction is a critical aspect of understanding the biology of fishes. Relatively little is known about oarfish (Regalecus russellii) reproduction; however, strandings of dead animals have provided a rare opportunity to investigate the gonadal morphology of four fish: two females and two males. A female collected in June 2015 (4.32 m TL) had bifurcated ovaries 2.14 m in length and 2.14 kg. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) was 11.8% and the fish was determined to be spawning capable/spawning reproductive phase. A female that stranded in Sept. 2015 (5.20 m TL) had bifurcated ovaries 1.43 m in length and 1.28 kg with a GSI of 1.55%. The Sept. female was in a regressing phase of reproduction. A male collected in Aug. 2015 (4.30 m TL) had 64.7-cm-long testes that weighed 40.1 g. The GSI was 0.05% representing a regressing phase of reproduction. A male collected in Nov. 2015 (4.10 m TL) had testes 104.0 cm in length and 467.0 g with a GSI of 0.59%. The Nov. male was in a spawning/spawning capable phase of reproduction. We described ovarian follicles and sperm cells based on size classes and cytological characteristics. We concluded that oarfish are likely batch spawners that undergo periods of regression after a spawning event or season. While this study is not complete with respect to the annual reproductive cycle of oarfish, it markedly contributes to our overall understanding of this rare, mesopelagic fish. Anat Rec, 300:1695-1704, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Topics: Animals; Female; Fishes; Male; Ovary; Spermatogenesis; Testis
PubMed: 28390152
DOI: 10.1002/ar.23605