Objective This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the potential protective effects and underlying mechanisms of taurine against dihydrotestosterone(DHT)-induced androgenetic alopecia(AGA)in male C57BL/6 mice,w...Objective This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the potential protective effects and underlying mechanisms of taurine against dihydrotestosterone(DHT)-induced androgenetic alopecia(AGA)in male C57BL/6 mice,with a focus on hair follicle cycle modulation,cellular proliferation/apoptosis,and key related signaling pathways.Methods Six-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were initially used to assess the hair growth-promoting potential of taurine.After acclimatization,they were randomly assigned to three groups(n=8):control(regular drinking water),taurine(drinking water containing 1%taurine),and minoxidil(topical 2%minoxidil,positive control).For the AGA study,male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups(n=8):control(physiological saline),DHT(model group,1 mg/d DHT),DHT+low-dose taurine(1 mg/d DHT+2 mg/d taurine),DHT+high-dose taurine(1 mg/d DHT+10 mg/d taurine),and DHT+minoxidil(positive control,1 mg/d DHT+topical 2%minoxidil).One day before treatment initiation,dorsal hair was shaved with scissors,and residual hair was removed using a depilatory cream.DHT and taurine were administered via daily intraperitoneal injection.Hair regrowth was assessed by photographing the depilated area at regular intervals and quantified using a four-point grading system(0-3).Dorsal skin samples were collected on day 14 for histological analysis(H&E staining),immunofluorescence staining(Ki67 for proliferation,TUNEL for apoptosis),ELISA(DHT quantification),RT-qPCR,and Western blot analysis to evaluate the expression of key genes and proteins(androgen receptor(AR),transforming growth factor(TGF)‑β1,TGF‑β2,Dickkopf-1(DKK1)).Results In female mice,taurine supplementation significantly accelerated hair growth,with effects comparable to minoxidil.This was evidenced by an earlier transition from pink(telogen)to black(anagen)skin and increased hair growth scores.Histological analysis showed that taurine increased hair follicle count and dermal thickness.Immunofluorescence confirmed enhanced keratinocyte proliferation in the hair matrix.In the DHTinduced AGA model,DHT significantly extended the telogen phase,inhibited hair growth,increased skin DHT content,and induced hair follicle miniaturization.Taurine treatment,particularly at the high dose,effectively counteracted these effects:it promoted the telogen-to-anagen transition and improved hair growth scores.Histomorphometric analysis showed that taurine significantly restored DHT-induced reductions in dermal thickness,hair follicle count,hair bulb depth,and follicle size.Taurine treatment also reduced apoptosis and promoted the proliferation of hair follicle cells,as demonstrated by Ki67 and TUNEL assays.Crucially,RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses revealed that DHT significantly up-regulated the expression of AR,TGF‑β1,TGF‑β2,and DKK1 at both mRNA and protein levels in dorsal skin.Taurine administration markedly down-regulated the expression of these pathogenic factors,bringing them closer to the levels observed in the control group.Conclusion Taurine demonstrates significant efficacy in alleviating DHT-induced AGA in male C57BL/6 mice.Its protective effects are mediated through multi-faceted mechanisms.(1)Promoting hair follicle cycle progression:it accelerates the transition from telogen to anagen,counteracting DHT-induced prolongation of the telogen phase.(2)Modulating cellular dynamics:it stimulates the proliferation of hair matrix keratinocytes and reduces DHT-induced apoptosis within hair follicle cells.(3)Suppressing androgen-driven pathogenic pathways:it downregulates the expression of critical molecules in the AGA pathway,including AR,the cytokines TGF-β1 and TGF-β2,and the Wnt pathway inhibitor DKK1.Given its favorable safety profile and multi-targeted action,taurine emerges as a promising novel therapeutic candidate or adjunct for treating AGA.Further investigation into its clinical potential and precise molecular mechanisms is warranted.This study provides a robust preclinical foundation for considering taurine supplementation or topical application in hair loss management strategies.展开更多
Different gestational age fetal follicles of Northeast China Fine-fleece Sheep were histologically studied. The results showed that boundaries between medulla and cortex was ambiguous at the eighth week and became obv...Different gestational age fetal follicles of Northeast China Fine-fleece Sheep were histologically studied. The results showed that boundaries between medulla and cortex was ambiguous at the eighth week and became obvious at the twelfth week. Primordial follicles could be found in 8-week fetal ovaries and some follicle cells became irregular cuboid in 12-week, but primary follicles could be found until 16-week. There was significant difference between 8-week and 12-week follicles in size (P < 0.01), most mitochondria were round, some diamond, irregular and juvenile ones could be found with the development of oocytes. Some of oocytes degenerated in each stage of development. The diameter of primary oocytes, primordial follicles and primordial follicular oocytes were larger in 12-16 weeks fetal ovaries than other times.展开更多
In order to investigate the effects of nitric oxide(NO) on the growth and development of porcine preantral follicles,we treated the follicles with different concentrations of sodium nitroprusside(SNP,0, 0.001,0.01,0.1...In order to investigate the effects of nitric oxide(NO) on the growth and development of porcine preantral follicles,we treated the follicles with different concentrations of sodium nitroprusside(SNP,0, 0.001,0.01,0.1 and 1 mmol/L),a NO donor.The results showed that the follicle diameter increased during in vitro culture,but there were no significant differences between the treatments(P】0.05);the survival rate in the 1 mmol/L SNP group was significantly lower than that in the 1μmol/L SNP group(61.61% vs 81.52%,P【0.05),but no significant differences were found between other treatments(P】0.05);the rate of antrum formation in the 1μmol/L SNP group peaked at 50%on day 4,and the rate in the 1μmol/L SNP group on day 6 was higher than that in the 0.01 mmol/L SNP group;in addition,the rate of antrum formation in the 1μmol/L SNP group was significantly higher than that in the 0.1 and 1 mmol/L SNP groups (Day 6:73.07%vs 50%,47.62%,P【0.05).After 6 days of culture,the proportion of normal oocytes in the1 mmol/L SNP group was significantly lower than that in the 1μmol/L SNP group(71.21%vs 48.18%, P【0.05),with no significant differences between other treatments(P】0.05).The recovery rate of cumulus cells oocyte complexes(COCs) in the 1μmol/L SNP group was significantly higher than that in the controls and all other treatments(37.27%vs 22.88%,25.59%,20.74%and 19.39%,P【0.05).The results indicate that during the in vitro culture of porcine preantral follicles,low concentration of NO released from SNP improves growth and development of oocytes and follicular antrum formation while high levels of NO are toxic to follicular survival.展开更多
The present study was conducted to investigate the histological characteristics of Polyovular follicles in Chinese Lubei white female goats with age 2-5 months. The results suggested that the healthy antral follicles ...The present study was conducted to investigate the histological characteristics of Polyovular follicles in Chinese Lubei white female goats with age 2-5 months. The results suggested that the healthy antral follicles with twin-oocyte could be observed. There were many multi-oocyte phenomena in primordial and primary follicles with a proportion of nearly 75% in primordial follicles. Primordial follicle was in the outer of cortex in ovaries and most of them remained active. The nest of multi-nuclear primordial follicle was developing into primordial follicle with 1 to 3 nucle展开更多
The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of dietary energy levels and sources on the blood metabolites,hormone secretion and the composition of follicular fluid in gilts.Fifty-four gilts with initial ...The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of dietary energy levels and sources on the blood metabolites,hormone secretion and the composition of follicular fluid in gilts.Fifty-four gilts with initial body weight of(59±4.2) kg were randomly allotted to six treatments.Treatments were low, normal,and high energy feeding levels,which were 87.5%,100%and 112.5%of recommendatory energy requirements by NRC(1998),respectively,and dietary energy sources(starch or fat).Blood samples and follicular fluids were collected on D18 and D19 of the second estrous cycle.The results showed that plasma concentrations of triglycerides and total cholesterol were higher in the fat group than that in the starch group(P【0.05),but those of glucose were similar between the two energy sources(P】0.05);dietary energy level exerted no effect on blood metabolites concentration(P】0.05).Gilts fed the high energy diet had a higher area under curve of plasma insulin(Insulin AUC),insulin-like growth factor-Ⅰ(IGF-Ⅰ) and leptin than did gilts fed the lower energy diet(P【0.05),but there was no significant difference between fat versus starch(P】0.05).Luteinizing hormone(LH) pulses were higher in gilts fed high energy rather than that in low energy diets(P】0.05),plasma concentration of estradiol(E<sub>2</sub>) was higher in the fat group than that in the starch group(P【0.05).The number of large follicles(diameter≥4 mm) and concentrations of IGF-Ⅰand E<sub>2</sub> in follicular fluid were increasing significant as the level of energy increased(P【0.05),but the numbers of large follicles and follicular fluid composition were not affected by the source of dietary energy(P】0.05).The results indicate that gilts fed high energy diets had elevated plasma concentrations of metabolic hormones,IGF-Ⅰand LH secretion,and increased follicular fluid concentrations of IGF-Ⅰ,E<sub>2</sub> and numbers of large follicles;gilts fed the dietary fat had a higher plasma concentration of cholesterol and E<sub>2</sub>.展开更多
Some charaterasics of female fetal reproductive system were studied in different gestation phases of Chinese northeast fine-wool sheep. The results showed that reproductive system consisted of ovary, oviduct, uterus a...Some charaterasics of female fetal reproductive system were studied in different gestation phases of Chinese northeast fine-wool sheep. The results showed that reproductive system consisted of ovary, oviduct, uterus and genitalia. The fetal ovaries were granular in early phase and became elliptic in later phase. The functional formula of ovarian weight, length and volume was obtained. Primary oocyte was encapsulated by monolayer cells in 7-week fetal ovary cortex. Primordial follicles were formed in 8-week fetal ovary, the follicular cells were sporadically arranged and not always regular. Complete organization of primordial follicles appeared until 10-week gestation, most of them scattered in nests in the following weeks of gestation. Two types of follicular complexes were found in fetal. There were continuous and quick mitosis of oogonia in fetal ovaries, large complexes were formed by oogoniaes encapsulated by multilayer of follicular cells, then they differentiated into small complexes, one or more primary oocytes were formed by mitosis of oogonia, primordial follicles which were caused by follicular cell approaching into them developed.展开更多
Insulin-like growth factor-I （IGF-I） plays a key role in female reproduction, because it has the effect of anti-apoptosis improving cell proliferation, transformation and differentiation. This paper reviewed the eff...Insulin-like growth factor-I （IGF-I） plays a key role in female reproduction, because it has the effect of anti-apoptosis improving cell proliferation, transformation and differentiation. This paper reviewed the effects of IGF-I on ovary, follicle growth, acquisition of oocyte competence and preimplantation embryo viability, and then summarized different points about IGF-1 for reproduction system展开更多
基金supported by grants from The National Natural Science Foundation of China(31772690)the Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi Province(201701D121106)PhD Research Startup Foundation of Changzhi Medical College(BS202308)。
文摘Objective This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the potential protective effects and underlying mechanisms of taurine against dihydrotestosterone(DHT)-induced androgenetic alopecia(AGA)in male C57BL/6 mice,with a focus on hair follicle cycle modulation,cellular proliferation/apoptosis,and key related signaling pathways.Methods Six-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were initially used to assess the hair growth-promoting potential of taurine.After acclimatization,they were randomly assigned to three groups(n=8):control(regular drinking water),taurine(drinking water containing 1%taurine),and minoxidil(topical 2%minoxidil,positive control).For the AGA study,male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups(n=8):control(physiological saline),DHT(model group,1 mg/d DHT),DHT+low-dose taurine(1 mg/d DHT+2 mg/d taurine),DHT+high-dose taurine(1 mg/d DHT+10 mg/d taurine),and DHT+minoxidil(positive control,1 mg/d DHT+topical 2%minoxidil).One day before treatment initiation,dorsal hair was shaved with scissors,and residual hair was removed using a depilatory cream.DHT and taurine were administered via daily intraperitoneal injection.Hair regrowth was assessed by photographing the depilated area at regular intervals and quantified using a four-point grading system(0-3).Dorsal skin samples were collected on day 14 for histological analysis(H&E staining),immunofluorescence staining(Ki67 for proliferation,TUNEL for apoptosis),ELISA(DHT quantification),RT-qPCR,and Western blot analysis to evaluate the expression of key genes and proteins(androgen receptor(AR),transforming growth factor(TGF)‑β1,TGF‑β2,Dickkopf-1(DKK1)).Results In female mice,taurine supplementation significantly accelerated hair growth,with effects comparable to minoxidil.This was evidenced by an earlier transition from pink(telogen)to black(anagen)skin and increased hair growth scores.Histological analysis showed that taurine increased hair follicle count and dermal thickness.Immunofluorescence confirmed enhanced keratinocyte proliferation in the hair matrix.In the DHTinduced AGA model,DHT significantly extended the telogen phase,inhibited hair growth,increased skin DHT content,and induced hair follicle miniaturization.Taurine treatment,particularly at the high dose,effectively counteracted these effects:it promoted the telogen-to-anagen transition and improved hair growth scores.Histomorphometric analysis showed that taurine significantly restored DHT-induced reductions in dermal thickness,hair follicle count,hair bulb depth,and follicle size.Taurine treatment also reduced apoptosis and promoted the proliferation of hair follicle cells,as demonstrated by Ki67 and TUNEL assays.Crucially,RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses revealed that DHT significantly up-regulated the expression of AR,TGF‑β1,TGF‑β2,and DKK1 at both mRNA and protein levels in dorsal skin.Taurine administration markedly down-regulated the expression of these pathogenic factors,bringing them closer to the levels observed in the control group.Conclusion Taurine demonstrates significant efficacy in alleviating DHT-induced AGA in male C57BL/6 mice.Its protective effects are mediated through multi-faceted mechanisms.(1)Promoting hair follicle cycle progression:it accelerates the transition from telogen to anagen,counteracting DHT-induced prolongation of the telogen phase.(2)Modulating cellular dynamics:it stimulates the proliferation of hair matrix keratinocytes and reduces DHT-induced apoptosis within hair follicle cells.(3)Suppressing androgen-driven pathogenic pathways:it downregulates the expression of critical molecules in the AGA pathway,including AR,the cytokines TGF-β1 and TGF-β2,and the Wnt pathway inhibitor DKK1.Given its favorable safety profile and multi-targeted action,taurine emerges as a promising novel therapeutic candidate or adjunct for treating AGA.Further investigation into its clinical potential and precise molecular mechanisms is warranted.This study provides a robust preclinical foundation for considering taurine supplementation or topical application in hair loss management strategies.
文摘Different gestational age fetal follicles of Northeast China Fine-fleece Sheep were histologically studied. The results showed that boundaries between medulla and cortex was ambiguous at the eighth week and became obvious at the twelfth week. Primordial follicles could be found in 8-week fetal ovaries and some follicle cells became irregular cuboid in 12-week, but primary follicles could be found until 16-week. There was significant difference between 8-week and 12-week follicles in size (P < 0.01), most mitochondria were round, some diamond, irregular and juvenile ones could be found with the development of oocytes. Some of oocytes degenerated in each stage of development. The diameter of primary oocytes, primordial follicles and primordial follicular oocytes were larger in 12-16 weeks fetal ovaries than other times.
基金the fund support from National Natural Science Foundation(30600432)Anhui Distinguished Youth Science and Technology Foundation (06041081)
文摘In order to investigate the effects of nitric oxide(NO) on the growth and development of porcine preantral follicles,we treated the follicles with different concentrations of sodium nitroprusside(SNP,0, 0.001,0.01,0.1 and 1 mmol/L),a NO donor.The results showed that the follicle diameter increased during in vitro culture,but there were no significant differences between the treatments(P】0.05);the survival rate in the 1 mmol/L SNP group was significantly lower than that in the 1μmol/L SNP group(61.61% vs 81.52%,P【0.05),but no significant differences were found between other treatments(P】0.05);the rate of antrum formation in the 1μmol/L SNP group peaked at 50%on day 4,and the rate in the 1μmol/L SNP group on day 6 was higher than that in the 0.01 mmol/L SNP group;in addition,the rate of antrum formation in the 1μmol/L SNP group was significantly higher than that in the 0.1 and 1 mmol/L SNP groups (Day 6:73.07%vs 50%,47.62%,P【0.05).After 6 days of culture,the proportion of normal oocytes in the1 mmol/L SNP group was significantly lower than that in the 1μmol/L SNP group(71.21%vs 48.18%, P【0.05),with no significant differences between other treatments(P】0.05).The recovery rate of cumulus cells oocyte complexes(COCs) in the 1μmol/L SNP group was significantly higher than that in the controls and all other treatments(37.27%vs 22.88%,25.59%,20.74%and 19.39%,P【0.05).The results indicate that during the in vitro culture of porcine preantral follicles,low concentration of NO released from SNP improves growth and development of oocytes and follicular antrum formation while high levels of NO are toxic to follicular survival.
文摘空卵泡综合征（empty follicle syndrome,EFS）是指经控制性超促排卵（controlled ovarian hyperstimulation,COH）后,卵巢有多个正常卵泡发育,血清雌二醇（E_2）水平正常,但取卵手术时经反复冲洗及抽吸仍不能从成熟卵泡中获得卵母细胞。而边缘性EFS（borderline form of EFS）是指在COH后,诱发排卵前尽管有较多卵泡发育,但取卵时仅获得少量成熟卵母细胞或不成熟卵母细胞。此两种病例临床皆少见,一旦出现则不得不取消周期,给患者带来不小的经济和心理负担。我院发现疑似边缘性EFS 1例,现报道如下。
文摘The present study was conducted to investigate the histological characteristics of Polyovular follicles in Chinese Lubei white female goats with age 2-5 months. The results suggested that the healthy antral follicles with twin-oocyte could be observed. There were many multi-oocyte phenomena in primordial and primary follicles with a proportion of nearly 75% in primordial follicles. Primordial follicle was in the outer of cortex in ovaries and most of them remained active. The nest of multi-nuclear primordial follicle was developing into primordial follicle with 1 to 3 nucle
基金supported by Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University (IRT0555)National Natural Science Foundation (30471257) of China
文摘The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of dietary energy levels and sources on the blood metabolites,hormone secretion and the composition of follicular fluid in gilts.Fifty-four gilts with initial body weight of(59±4.2) kg were randomly allotted to six treatments.Treatments were low, normal,and high energy feeding levels,which were 87.5%,100%and 112.5%of recommendatory energy requirements by NRC(1998),respectively,and dietary energy sources(starch or fat).Blood samples and follicular fluids were collected on D18 and D19 of the second estrous cycle.The results showed that plasma concentrations of triglycerides and total cholesterol were higher in the fat group than that in the starch group(P【0.05),but those of glucose were similar between the two energy sources(P】0.05);dietary energy level exerted no effect on blood metabolites concentration(P】0.05).Gilts fed the high energy diet had a higher area under curve of plasma insulin(Insulin AUC),insulin-like growth factor-Ⅰ(IGF-Ⅰ) and leptin than did gilts fed the lower energy diet(P【0.05),but there was no significant difference between fat versus starch(P】0.05).Luteinizing hormone(LH) pulses were higher in gilts fed high energy rather than that in low energy diets(P】0.05),plasma concentration of estradiol(E<sub>2</sub>) was higher in the fat group than that in the starch group(P【0.05).The number of large follicles(diameter≥4 mm) and concentrations of IGF-Ⅰand E<sub>2</sub> in follicular fluid were increasing significant as the level of energy increased(P【0.05),but the numbers of large follicles and follicular fluid composition were not affected by the source of dietary energy(P】0.05).The results indicate that gilts fed high energy diets had elevated plasma concentrations of metabolic hormones,IGF-Ⅰand LH secretion,and increased follicular fluid concentrations of IGF-Ⅰ,E<sub>2</sub> and numbers of large follicles;gilts fed the dietary fat had a higher plasma concentration of cholesterol and E<sub>2</sub>.
基金Supported by Heilongjiang Province Nature Science Fund(ZJN04-02)
文摘Some charaterasics of female fetal reproductive system were studied in different gestation phases of Chinese northeast fine-wool sheep. The results showed that reproductive system consisted of ovary, oviduct, uterus and genitalia. The fetal ovaries were granular in early phase and became elliptic in later phase. The functional formula of ovarian weight, length and volume was obtained. Primary oocyte was encapsulated by monolayer cells in 7-week fetal ovary cortex. Primordial follicles were formed in 8-week fetal ovary, the follicular cells were sporadically arranged and not always regular. Complete organization of primordial follicles appeared until 10-week gestation, most of them scattered in nests in the following weeks of gestation. Two types of follicular complexes were found in fetal. There were continuous and quick mitosis of oogonia in fetal ovaries, large complexes were formed by oogoniaes encapsulated by multilayer of follicular cells, then they differentiated into small complexes, one or more primary oocytes were formed by mitosis of oogonia, primordial follicles which were caused by follicular cell approaching into them developed.
文摘Insulin-like growth factor-I （IGF-I） plays a key role in female reproduction, because it has the effect of anti-apoptosis improving cell proliferation, transformation and differentiation. This paper reviewed the effects of IGF-I on ovary, follicle growth, acquisition of oocyte competence and preimplantation embryo viability, and then summarized different points about IGF-1 for reproduction system
