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Published on: February 12, 2018
The role of Chito-oligosaccharide in regulating ovarian germ stem cells function and restoring ovarian function in
Yaoqi Huang1, Haifeng Ye2, Feiyin Zhu3
1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
Abstract:
In recent years, the discovery of ovarian germ stem cells (OGSCs) has provided a new research direction for the treatment of female infertility. The ovarian microenvironment affects the proliferation and differentiation of OGSCs, and immune cells and related cytokines are important components of the microenvironment. However, whether improving the ovarian microenvironment can regulate the proliferation of OGSCs and remodel ovarian function has not been reported. In this study, we chelated chito-oligosaccharide (COS) with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) to track the distribution of COS in the body. COS was given to mice through the best route of administration, and the changes in ovarian and immune function were detected using assays of organ index, follicle counting, serum estrogen (E2) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels, and the expression of IL-2 and TNF-α in the ovaries. We found that COS significantly increased the organ index of the ovary and immune organs, reduced the rate of follicular atresia, increased the levels of E2 and AMH hormones, and increased the protein expression of IL-2 and TNF-α in the ovary. Then, COS and OGSCs were co-cultured to observe the combination of COS and OGSCs, and measure the survival rate of OGSCs. With increasing time, the fluorescence intensity of cells gradually increased, and the cytokines IL-2 and TNF-α significantly promoted the proliferation of OGSCs. In conclusion, COS could significantly improve the ovarian and immune function of chemotherapy model mice, and improve the survival rate of OGSCs, which provided a preliminary blueprint for further exploring the mechanism of COS in protecting ovarian function.
Insights
Chito-oligosaccharide (COS) enhances ovarian function and immune response in mice. It improves ovarian germ stem cell (OGSC) survival and proliferation, offering potential for treating female infertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Immunology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Ovarian germ stem cells (OGSCs) are crucial for female fertility.
- The ovarian microenvironment, including immune cells and cytokines, influences OGSC behavior.
- The potential of improving the ovarian microenvironment to regulate OGSCs and ovarian function remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chito-oligosaccharide (COS) on ovarian function, immune response, and OGSC proliferation in a mouse model.
- To determine the optimal administration route for COS and its distribution within the body.
- To assess COS's impact on ovarian reserve and hormonal balance.
Main Methods:
- Chito-oligosaccharide (COS) was labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) for tracking.
- COS was administered to mice, and its effects were evaluated through organ index, follicle counts, and serum hormone levels (estrogen [E2], anti-Mullerian hormone [AMH]).
- Ovarian expression of IL-2 and TNF-α was measured, and COS was co-cultured with OGSCs to assess cell survival and proliferation.
Main Results:
- COS administration significantly increased ovarian and immune organ indices.
- COS reduced follicular atresia, elevated E2 and AMH levels, and increased IL-2 and TNF-α expression in the ovaries.
- COS co-culture promoted OGSC proliferation and survival, with increased fluorescence intensity observed over time.
Conclusions:
- Chito-oligosaccharide (COS) effectively improves ovarian and immune function in chemotherapy-induced damaged mice.
- COS enhances the survival and proliferation of ovarian germ stem cells (OGSCs).
- COS shows promise as a therapeutic agent for protecting ovarian function and potentially treating female infertility.
