Biomedical subjects

Yutaka Osuga

Publications and source records attributed to Yutaka Osuga.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

Evidence for the presence of protease-activated receptor 2 and its possible implication in remodeling of human endometrium.

Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is activated by various proteases released from the leukocytes, such as neutrophils and mast cells. Because these leukocytes reside in the endometrium, we speculated that PAR2 might be activated there. In this study, we investigated the presence and possible roles of PAR2 in the endometrium. During the menstrual cycle, the expression of PAR2 mRNA in human endometrial tissues is increased from the late secretory phase to the menstrual phase and in early pregnancy. In vitro, PAR2 agonist peptide (PAR2AP) stimulated IL-8 production in both endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) and stromal cells (ESCs). PAR2AP also stimulated the mRNA expression of stem cell factor, a known activator for mast cells, in ESCs, and activated matrix metalloproteinase-7, an epithelial cell-specific matrix metalloproteinase, in EECs. In addition, PAR2AP significantly increased the 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation in ESCs. PAR2AP induced the phosphorylation of three MAPKs, i.e. p38 MAPK, p42/44 MAPK, and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase, in ESCs. Inhibitors of all three MAPKs inhibited PAR2AP-induced secretion of IL-8 in both EECs and ESCs. This is the first report demonstrating the presence of PAR2 in the human endometrium. The increased expression of PAR2 around the menstrual period, its up-regulation of molecules important for endometrial remodeling, and its mitogenic effect on endometrial cells raise the expectation of the possible involvement of PAR2 in menstruation and other architectural changes of the endometrium occurring during the menstrual cycle. MAPKs may mediate PAR2 functions in these processes.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Mechanical stretch stimulates interleukin-8 production in endometrial stromal cells: possible implications in endometrium-related events.

Uterine movement is suggested to play roles in various events related to the uterus. In view of the current concept underscoring the biological implications of mechanical stretch, we speculated that the mechanical stretch exerted by uterine movement might stimulate the production of biochemical mediators in endometrial cells and contribute to inflammation-associating processes, such as menstruation and endometriosis. To address the possible effects of mechanical stretch in the endometrium, endometrial stromal cells (ESC) were cultured on flexible-bottomed culture plates, and cyclic stretch (25% elongation) was applied in serum-free conditions at a rate of two cycles per minute using a computer-operated cell tension system. IL-8 concentrations in the conditioned medium were measured using ELISA, and IL-8 mRNA expression in ESC was measured by RT-PCR. Cyclic stretch increased the secretion of IL-8 from ESC. The increase in IL-8 secretion was inhibited by PD98059, an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. The increase was also inhibited by progesterone. In addition, the conditioned medium of ESC cultured with cyclic stretch stimulated the mRNA expression of IL-8 in ESC cultured under stationary conditions. These findings imply that uterine movement has an impact on endometrium-related physiology and pathology by stimulating the production of a biochemical mediator(s) in the endometrium.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Cross-Talk between Fas/Fas ligand system and nitric oxide in the pathway subserving granulosa cell apoptosis: a possible regulatory mechanism for ovarian follicle atresia.

Recent studies have shown the involvement of Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) system and nitric oxide (NO) in ovarian follicle atresia. Here we asked whether Fas/Fas ligand system interacts with NO using rat granulosa cell culture. Soluble recombinant Fas ligand (rFasL), at 100 ng/ml, significantly decreased cell viability, as measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt (MTS) assay, in the presence of 200 U/ml interferon-gamma, whereas the concurrent addition of a caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK, at 20 microm, significantly inhibited rFasL-induced cytotoxicity. Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometric analysis confirmed the induction of apoptosis in granulosa cells by 100 ng/ml rFasL in the presence of interferon-gamma, which was blocked by the concomitant addition of an NO donor, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine. Western blot analysis demonstrated that rFasL significantly up-regulated caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities in granulosa cells, which were attenuated by concurrent treatment with S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR revealed a significant decrease in inducible NO synthase mRNA levels in rFasL-induced apoptotic granulosa cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated the involvement of Fas/FasL system in inducing apoptosis through activation of a caspase-mediated cascade in rat granulosa cells, which is coupled with a decrease in inducible NO synthase expression. We further showed that NO inhibited Fas/FasL system-induced apoptosis by suppressing activation of the caspases, pointing to a cross-talk between Fas/FasL system-induced apoptosis pathway and NO-mediated antiapoptotic pathway in ovarian follicle atresia.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Evidence for the presence of toll-like receptor 4 system in the human endometrium.

We investigated whether Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 is at work in the human endometrium. The expression of TLR4 mRNA in endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) and stromal cells (ESCs) was detected by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. Western blotting analysis revealed the TLR4 protein expression in both cell populations. Treatment of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the actions of which are mediated through TLR4, significantly increased IL-8 secretion from cultured ESCs in a dose-dependent fashion. The stimulatory effect of LPS was inhibited by the addition of neutralizing antibodies for TLR4 and CD14. LPS also stimulated nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB in ESCs, which was also inhibited by these antibodies. On the other hand, LPS did not stimulate IL-8 secretion in cultured EECs. However, LPS stimulated IL-8 secretion from EECs in the presence of soluble CD14. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that CD14 was expressed on the cell surface of ESCs but not EECs. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis showed that CD14 was stained in ESCs but not EECs. Pretreatment of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) enhanced LPS-induced IL-8 secretion from ESCs. IFN-gamma increased the expression of TLR4 mRNA. It also increased the amounts of mRNA for CD14, MD2, and MyD88, which are needed for LPS recognition in concert with TLR4. In summary, we demonstrated that both ESCs and EECs express TLR4 and respond to LPS through TLR4. We further showed that EECs, not ESCs, required soluble CD14 for TLR4 activation. Interestingly, IFN-gamma, an antiinfectious cytokine, was found to activate the TLR4 system in ESCs. Altogether, the results imply that the TLR4 system might represent local immunity in the human endometrium with differential modes of TLR4 actions between ESCs and EECs.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

PubMed2004

Cytotrophoblasts up-regulate soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 expression under reduced oxygen: an implication for the placental vascular development and the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.

Sufficient cytotrophoblast (CT) invasion into the uterine wall and subsequent remodeling of maternal uterine vasculature is critical to establish uteroplacental circulation. The production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family molecules is confirmed in placental cells including CTs, but it is not elucidated how the VEGF system in CTs is controlled by oxygen tension and how it is involved in the development of placental circulation. To address this, we explored the effect of oxygen tension on the expression of VEGF, placenta growth factor (PlGF), and their antagonist, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) using ELISA and real-time PCR in a primary CT cell culture. For comparison, the same was conducted in parallel using other cells comprising placenta, such as human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and villous fibroblasts (VFs). Reduced oxygen resulted in a pronounced increase in sFlt-1 mRNA amount and sFlt-1 release into the culture media in CTs, whereas this was not the case with HUVECs and VFs. Free (not bound to sFlt-1) VEGF was not detected in CT culture media regardless of oxygen concentration, even though VEGF expression was stimulated by reduced oxygen in CTs, which was similar to the stimulation in HUVECs and VFs. Free PlGF was also diminished in CT culture media by reduced oxygen. These results implicate that CTs possess a unique property to enhance sFlt-1 production under reduced oxygen, which could consequently antagonize angiogenic activity of VEGF and PlGF. The presented findings might provide a framework with which to understand the mechanism of uterine vascular remodeling and its perturbations as exemplified in preeclampsia.

Cell Line, Tumor↗

PubMed2004

Concentration of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in peritoneal fluid is increased in women with endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: Failure of apoptosis of refluxed endometrial cells within the peritoneal cavity is a possible etiologic factor for development of endometriosis. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a survival factor that exerts its effect by binding to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), thus preventing TRAIL from binding to the apoptosis receptors DR4 and DR5. In the present study, we addressed the possibility that the TRAIL/OPG system is involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. METHODS: Concentrations of OPG and TRAIL in the peritoneal fluid (PF) of women with or without endometriosis were measured using specific enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. The expression of DR4 and DR5 in the endometriotic tissue was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: OPG concentrations in PF of women with endometriosis were significantly higher than those of women without endometriosis (P=0.006). With respect to the stages of the disease, the concentrations of OPG in women with stage III/IV endometriosis were significantly higher than in those without endometriosis and those with stage I/II endometriosis. On the other hand, the ratios of TRAIL/OPG concentrations were significantly lower in stage III/IV endometriosis compared to those in non-endometriosis and stage I/II endometriosis. DR5 mRNA expression was clearly detected in all the endometriotic tissues studied. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the TRAIL/OPG system is involved in the pathophysiology of endometriosis, possibly affecting the apoptosis of endometriotic cells.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Hypoxia does not reduce HLA-G expression on extravillous cytotrophoblasts.

Placental hypoxia following the immature remodeling of spiral arteries by extravillous cytotrophoblasts (CTs) is focused on the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. At the same time, the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is decreased at the protein and mRNA levels in the pre-eclamptic placenta. In view of the potential function of HLA-G in immunological tolerance in the feto-maternal interface, we were much concerned to find whether the lowered expression of HLA-G in the pre-eclamptic placenta is a precursor or the result of placental hypoxia. The effect of oxygen on the expression of membrane-bound (mb) and soluble (s) HLA-G was investigated in primary cultures of extravillous CTs. The undifferentiated CTs isolated from the first-trimester placenta were cultured with different concentrations of oxygen (20%, 8% and 2%). The protein expression of mbHLA-G and of sHLA-G was assessed using flow cytometry, and mRNA expression was analyzed using real-time PCR. Expression of mbHLA-G and of sHLA-G protein was intensified with time in culture regardless of the oxygen concentration, and the expression intensities were synchronized between the 20% and the 2% oxygen concentrations at each time point. The mRNA expressions of mbHLA-G1 and sHLA-G1 at 2% oxygen were increased to twice those with 20% oxygen. Our findings demonstrate that no reduction of HLA-G was induced in CTs by short-term exposure to hypoxia, although further study may be required to find the effect of chronic hypoxia.

Cells, Cultured↗

PubMed2004

Possible pathophysiological roles of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in endometriosis.

PROBLEM: Endometriosis accompanies local inflammatory reactions in the peritoneal cavity. We examined the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), i.e. extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 MAPK (p38) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in endometriotic stromal cells, and their possible pathophysiological roles in endometriosis in relation to proinflammatory substances. METHOD OF STUDY: Endometriotic stromal cells were isolated from endometriomas and were cultured for the experiments. Phosphorylation of MAPKs in endometriotic stromal cells treated with interleukin (IL)-1beta, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha and H(2)O(2) were examined by Western blot analysis. Effects of PD98059, SB202190 and SP600125 (inhibitors of ERK, p38 and JNK, respectively) on IL-1beta-induced secretion of IL-6 and IL-8, and on IL-1beta-induced expression of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) in endometriotic cells were studied. In addition, eutopic endometrial tissues were collected, and the phosphorylation rate of p38 in eutopic endometrial tissues and endometriotic tissues were determined. RESULTS: IL-1beta, TNFalpha and H(2)O(2) stimulated the phosphorylation of ERK, p38 and JNK, while the total amounts of proteins of the respective MAPKs were virtually the same compared with those in the unstimulated controls. Both SB202190 and SP600125 suppressed IL-1beta-induced secretion of IL-6 and IL-8, and PD98059 suppressed IL-1beta-induced secretion of IL-8. Both SB202190 and PD98059 suppressed IL-1beta-induced expression of COX-2 in endometriotic cells. The p38 phosphorylation rates in the endometriotic tissues were significantly higher than those in the eutopic endometrial tissues of the same patients. CONCLUSIONS: Given the current theory that inflammatory changes are involved in the progression of endometriosis, MAPKs could play as pivotal intracellular signal transducers in endometriotic cells, and thus have a pathophysiological role in the disease.

Anthracenes↗

PubMed2003

Concentrations of interferon-gamma-induced protein-10 (IP-10), an antiangiogenic substance, are decreased in peritoneal fluid of women with advanced endometriosis.

PROBLEM: To assess whether interferon-gamma-induced protein-10 (IP-10), a chemokine that has antiangiogenic activities, may be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. METHOD OF STUDY: A total of 120 patients undergoing laparoscopy for pain and/or infertility were recruited, and peritoneal fluid (PF) and bone marrow derived cells in PF were collected. Concentrations of IP-10 in PF were measured with a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of IP-10 and IP-10 receptor, CXCR3, in bone marrow derived cells in PF, peritoneum and endometriotic cells was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: All of the PF samples examined contained detectable concentrations of IP-10. In women with advanced stages of endometriosis, IP-10 concentrations in PF were significantly lower than those of women in early stages (P = 0.02). The IP-10 concentrations in women with advanced endometriosis also appeared to be lower than those without endometriosis although the difference was statistically marginal (P = 0.06). The expression of both IP-10 and CXCR3 was clearly detected in the bone marrow derived cells in PF, peritoneum and endometriotic stromal cells. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased concentrations of IP-10 in PF from women with advanced stages of endometriosis may imply that the peritoneal environment of these women is permissive to the development of the disease by enhancing angiogenesis and/or modulating inflammatory/immunological responses.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Upregulation of interleukin-8 by hypoxia in human ovaries.

PROBLEM: To evaluate the effect of hypoxia on interleukin (IL)-8 expression in human ovarian follicles. METHOD OF STUDY: Follicular fluid (FF) from each follicle was separately collected from women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Concentrations of oxygen, progesterone, estradiol, IL-1alpha/beta, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in FF were measured. Isolated granulosa-lutein cells (GLC) from obtained FF were cultured under normoxic or hypoxic conditions, and concentrations of IL-8 in culture media were measured. RESULTS: Simple regression analysis demonstrated a significant negative correlation between the concentrations of IL-8 and oxygen in FF (r = 0.50, P < 0.0001). However, none of the concentrations of progesterone, estradiol, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha in FF showed a significant correlation with IL-8 concentrations. Hypoxia stimulated the secretion of IL-8 by cultured GLC over twofolds compared with a normoxic control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that IL-8, like other angiogenic factors, is upregulated under hypoxic condition, which argues that hypoxia in the ovarian follicles comes into play in ovarian functions by inducing a range of proangiogenic and chemoattractive substances.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Characteristic images of deeply infiltrating rectosigmoid endometriosis on transvaginal and transrectal ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the usefulness of transvaginal and transrectal ultrasonography for diagnosis and management of deeply infiltrating rectosigmoid endometriosis. METHODS: A series of six patients (aged 32-39 years) with rectosigmoid endometriosis underwent transvaginal and transrectal ultrasonography. In three patients undergoing surgical resection of the intestine, the ultrasonographic findings were compared with macroscopic and microscopic findings. In one patient, sequential observations of the lesion using ultrasonography were conducted before and after medical treatment and following childbirth. RESULTS: In all cases, the lesion was detected as a hypoechoic irregular-shaped area surrounded by a hyperechoic rim located posterior to the uterus, with size ranging from 18 x 17 to 29 x 28 mm in diameter. The comparison of the ultrasonographical findings with histology revealed that the hypoechoic irregular-shaped area corresponded to a layer of hypertrophic muscularis propria of the lesion, while the hyperechoic rim represented the layer including the mucosa, submucosa and serosa. In one patient, the lesion decreased in size and lost its central hypoechoic area after childbirth in association with pain relief. CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal and transrectal ultrasonography provides characteristic appearances for rectosigmoid endometriosis that correlate well with its histological findings. The procedures would be useful in the management of rectosigmoid endometriosis.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Akt as a possible intracellular mediator for decidualization in human endometrial stromal cells.

To gain an insight into intracellular mechanisms involved in differentiation of human endometrial cells into decidual cells, we examined the presence of Akt, an emerging intracellular mediator in human endometrial stromal cells (ESC). We explored the mechanisms regulating Akt phosphorylation during the process of progesterone-induced decidualization using a primary cell culture system of ESC. Both Akt and phosphorylated Akt (phospho-Akt) were present in ESC. The total Akt level in ESC cultured for 12 days in the absence of ovarian hormones was similar to ESC treated with estradiol (E(2)) at 10 ng/ml, progesterone at 100 ng/ml or E(2) plus progesterone (E(2)progesterone), whereas the levels of phospho-Akt were markedly decreased with progesterone or E(2) progesterone, compared to control cells. Notably, phospho-Akt levels increased during 12 days of culture in parallel with an increase in total Akt in untreated cells. An increase of phospho-Akt in the E(2) progesterone-treated cells was marginal. The level of phospho-Akt in E(2) progesterone-treated cells was markedly reduced compared to control cells at all time points examined. Treatment of the cells with 8-bromo-cAMP decreased the amount of phospho-Akt in ESC in as short a period as 15 min, while no discernible change was observed in the untreated cells. Conversely, H89, an inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA), significantly increased the amount of phospho-Akt. The addition of H-89 reversed the decrease in the level of phospho-Akt seen in the cells treated with E(2) progesterone. Thus, we demonstrated the presence of Akt and its phosphorylated form in human ESC. We further suggest that Akt phosphorylation through the cAMP/PKA signal transduction pathway may regulate cellular functions coupled with decidualization.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

PubMed2003

Possible roles of thrombin-induced activation of protease-activated receptor 1 in human luteinized granulosa cells.

The presence of thrombin and its receptor, protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR 1), in the ovary suggests that thrombin may regulate ovarian function. In particular, to address the possible role of thrombin in ovulation, a phenomenon displaying mimicry of inflammation, we investigated the effects of thrombin and PAR 1 on the production of inflammation-related substances in human luteinized granulosa cells (LGC). Thrombin stimulated the production of IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 by cultured LGC. The stimulatory effects of thrombin were inhibited by both inhibitors of thrombin (hirudin and PPACK) and a protein kinase C inhibitor (calphostin C). The PAR 1 agonist, SFLLRN, also stimulated the production of IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Thrombin and SFLLRN stimulated the geletinase activities of LGC, the effect of both being inhibited by hirudin and PPACK. Immunocytochemical study showed that thrombin and SFLLRN induced translocation of nuclear factor kappaB to the nucleus from the cytoplasm in LGC. Expression of PAR 1 mRNA was detected in LGC by RT-PCR analysis. These findings suggest that thrombin plays physiological roles in ovulation by enhancing the production of chemoattractive and gelatinolytic substances by granulosa cells by a mechanism involving PAR 1.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Endometrial stromal cells undergoing decidualization down-regulate their properties to produce proinflammatory cytokines in response to interleukin-1 beta via reduced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation.

The decidualized endometrium plays a role in regulating trophoblast invasion for successful implantation and maintenance of pregnancy. IL-1 beta, a proinflammatory cytokine, has been suggested to play a role in this process. Recently, several lines of evidence indicate the importance of p38 MAPK in various inflammatory responses. We investigated whether endometrial stromal cells (ESC) change their inflammatory responses to IL-1 beta as related to p38 MAPK phosphorylation during the process of decidualization. ESC were decidualized by the treatment with progesterone for 9 d, as determined as such by an increase in the production of prolactin and cAMP by the cells. Whereas IL-1 beta increased the production of IL-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA in ESC cultured without treatment, the stimulatory effects of IL-1 beta were reduced in the decidualized cells. Treatment with SB202190, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, also reduced the stimulatory effects of IL-1 beta in nondecidualized ESC. P38 MAPK phosphorylation was increased by IL-1 beta in nondecidualized ESC, whereas the IL-1 beta-induced increase was suppressed in the decidualized cells. Treatment with 8-bromo-cAMP reduced IL-1 beta-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in nondecidualized ESC. In contrast, treatment with H89, a protein kinase A inhibitor, reversed a reduction in IL-1 beta-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation in the decidualized cells. In summary, decidualization seems to be a process during which endometrial cells diminish their response to IL-1 beta, a known key factor for implantation, leading to the down-regulation of inflammation-like events, which may be relevant to controlled trophoblast invasion. The altered property of decidualized cells is thought to be caused by attenuation of IL-1 beta-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation in a way that involves the activation of the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

PubMed2003

Elevated serum soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (sVEGFR-1) levels in women with preeclampsia.

Hoping to get more insight into a role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a putative substance involved in the development of preeclampsia, we measured concentrations of soluble VEGF receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1), a natural antagonist of VEGF, in serum from women with (n = 31) and without (n = 52) preeclampsia. The concentrations of sVEGFR-1 in serum from women with preeclampsia (median 7791 pg/mL) were > 6-fold higher than those from control (1132 pg/mL, p < 0.0001). The levels of sVEGFR-1 decreased markedly after delivery in both groups. Serum sVEGFR-1 levels of non-preeclamptic women were positively correlated with gestational age (r = 0.570, p < 0.0001), whereas those of preeclamptic women exhibited no correlation with gestational age (r = -0.130, p = 0.476). These findings may point to an involvement of sVEGFR-1 in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia possibly by antagonizing of VEGF effects on the formation of placental vasculature and maternal endothelial cell function.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Genome-wide cDNA microarray analysis of gene-expression profiles involved in ovarian endometriosis.

Using a cDNA microarray consisting of 23,040 genes, we analyzed gene-expression profiles of ovarian endometrial cysts from 23 patients in order to identify genes involved in endometriosis. By comparing expression patterns between endometriotic tissues and corresponding eutopic endometria, we identified 15 genes that were commonly up-regulated in the endometrial cysts during both proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle, 42 that were up-regulated only in the proliferative phase, and 40 that were up-regulated only in the secretory phase. The up-regulated elements included genes encoding some HLA antigens, complement factors, ribosomal proteins, and TGFBI. On the other hand, 337 genes were commonly down-regulated throughout the menstrual cycle, 144 only in the proliferative phase, and 835 only in the secretory phase. The down-regulated elements included the tumor suppressor TP53, genes related to apoptosis such as GADD34, GADD45A, GADD45B and PIG11, and the gene encoding OVGP1, a protein involved in maintenance of early pregnancy. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR experiments supported the results of our microarray analysis. These data should provide useful information for finding candidate genes whose products might serve as molecular targets for diagnosis or treatment of endometriosis.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Bisphenol A induces apoptosis and G2-to-M arrest of ovarian granulosa cells.

We investigated the impact of bisphenol A (BPA) on murine ovarian granulosa cells. Ovarian granulosa cells were cultured with 100 fM to 100 microM BPA for 24 h to 72 h. BPA decreased granulosa cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The lowest concentration that induced a significant decrease was 100 pM (89.2 +/- 4.0% of the control). TUNEL analysis demonstrated that treatment with BPA increased apoptosis of granulosa cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, flow cytometry analyses revealed that treatment with BPA resulted in G2-to-M arrest, which was most prominent at 48 h. BPA increased the expression of Bax and concomitantly decreased the expression of Bcl2 at both protein and mRNA levels of granulosa cells. These findings suggest that low, presumably environmentally relevant doses of BPA, decrease the viability of granulosa cells by inducing apoptosis and G2-to-M arrest. Up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl2 were suggested to be involved in this apoptotic effect.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Human chorionic gonadotropin combined with progesterone for luteal support improves pregnancy rate in patients with low late-midluteal estradiol levels in IVF cycles.

PURPOSE: To investigate how late-midluteal estradiol levels relate to the pregnancy outcome in IVF cycles, and to assess whether human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for luteal support benefits the pregnancy outcome of patients with low late-midluteal estradiol levels. METHODS: The pregnancy rate of 436 women undergoing first IVF cycles with long protocol and luteal support with progesterone alone were analyzed. Unsuccessful women with low late-midluteal estradiol levels (< 100 pg/mL) proceeded with the exploratory second IVF cycles where they were randomly given with either progesterone alone (P protocol) or hCG +progesterone (P+hCG protocol) for luteal support. RESULTS: Pregnancy rate in women with low late-midluteal estradiol levels was significantly lower compared to that with medium (100-500 pg/mL) and high (> 500 pg/mL) levels (13.3, 26.8, and 36.3%, respectively). P+hCG protocol increased late-midluteal estradiol levels and produced a significantly higher pregnancy rate (31.7%) than P protocol (13.7%). CONCLUSIONS: hCG in combination with progesterone for luteal support was suggested to benefit women undergoing IVF with low late-midluteal estradiol levels.

Adult↗