Effect of superstimulation on the expression of microRNAs and genes involved in steroidogenesis and ovulation in Nelore cows

Author(s)

Santos, P. H. ^[1] ; Satrapa, R. A. ^[2] ; Fontes, P. K. ^[1] ; Franchi, F. F. ^[1] ; Razza, E. M. ^[1] ; Mani, F. ^[3] ; Nogueira, M. F. G. ^[4] ; Barros, C. M. ^[1] ; Castilho, A. C. S. ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Inst Biosci, Dept Pharmacol, Campus Botucatu, Botucatu, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Acre UFAC, Ctr Biol & Nat Sci, Rio Branco, Acre - Brazil

^[3] Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Inst Biosci, Dept Chem & Biochem, Campus Botucatu, Botucatu, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Estadual Paulista, Sch Sci & Languages, UNESP, Dept Biol Sci, Campus Assis, Assis, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Theriogenology; v. 110, p. 192-200, APR 1 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

To better understand the impact of ovarian superstimulation on bovine follicular microenvironment, Nelore cows (Bos taurus indicus) were subjected to ovarian superstimulation with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH, n = 10; P-36 protocol) or FSH combined with eCG (n = 10; P-36/eCG protocol). Follicular fluid was analyzed for cholesterol concentration. Granulosa cells were analyzed by RT-qPCR to assess the expression of genes involved in steroidogenic and ovulatory and expression of microRNAs involved in final follicular development and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) expression. Plasma concentration of estradiol was also measured. Follicular fluid from the P-36 group showed higher concentration of cholesterol than that of control (non-superstimulated) cows. Plasma concentration of estradiol was higher in the P-36/eCG group. Abundance of STAR and FSHR mRNAs were lower in granulosa cells from the P-36/eCG group. In contrast, LHCGR mRNA abundance was higher in superstimulated granulosa cells from the P-36 group and showed a pattern opposite to that of miR-222 expression. Ovarian superstimulation did not affect the expression of other markers (mmu-miR-202-5p, has-miR-873, has-miR-144, and their target genes, CREB, TGFBR2, and ATG7) of antral follicle development. However, the mRNA expression of VEGF pathway components was modulated by P-36 treatment. Taken together, these results demonstrate that superstimulatory protocols modify steroidogenic capacity, increase plasma estradiol, and regulate the abundance of VEGF system, LHCGR mRNA and suppress the expression of miR-222 in bovine granulosa cells. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Inc. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/11480-3 - Characterization of microRNAs (miRNAs) in bovine antral follicles from Nelore cattle: involvement during ovarian follicle cells differentiation and regulation of LH receptor (LHr) expression
• Grantee: Anthony César de Souza Castilho
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants