Advantages of the avian model for human ovarian cancer

Abstract

Abstract. Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological cancer. Early detection of OC is crucial for providing efficient treatment, whereas high mortality rates correlate with late detection of OC, when the tumor has already metastasized to other organs. The most prevalent type of OC is epithelial OC (EOC). Models that have been used to study EOC include the fruit fly, mouse and laying hen, in addition to human EOC cells in 3D culture in vitro. These models have helped in the elucidation of the genetic component of this disease and the development of drug therapies. However, the histological origin of EOC and early markers of the disease remain largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to review the relative value of each of the different models in EOC and their contributions to understanding this disease. It was concluded that the spontaneous occurrence of EOC in the adult hen, the prolific ovulation, the similarity of metastatic progression with that in humans and the advantages of using the chicken embryo for modelling the development of the reproductive system, renders the hen particularly suitable for studying the early development of EOC. Further investigation of this avian model may contribute to a better understanding of EOC, improve clinical insight and ultimately contribute to decreasing its mortality rates among humans.

In the chick embryo, estrogen can induce chromosomally male ZZ left gonad epithelial cells to form an ovarian cortex, which supports oogenesis

“…4Ba,Bc, DMRT1 is downregulated by D17 (HH43) in most germ cells of the wild-type ovary. DMRT1-positive cells were only observed at the poles of the control ovary where the maturation of germ cells is delayed (de Melo Bernardo et al, 2015). In the experimental samples ZZ-E2, ZZ-E2(sr) and ZW-Fa(sr), which were severely compromised for SYCP3 expression, numerous germ cells throughout the cortex were strongly positive for DMRT1 ( Fig.…”

“…The mitotic-to-meiotic switch is asynchronous in the chicken ovarian cortex, with many germ cells entering meiosis by D12 (HH38) and the majority initiating the synaptic process by D16 (HH42) (de Melo Bernardo et al, 2015).…”

Detection and Characterization by Immunohistochemistry of the NGcGM3 Ganglioside in the Chicken Animal Model of Ovarian Cancer

“…Unfortunately, pattern was inconsistent in Latin America, with a few declines in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay and other upward trends in Colombia, Cuba, Mexico and Venezuela [1,2]. The current therapies for ovarian cancer include surgery and chemotherapy based on platinum and a taxane [3].…”

“…Consequently, a high percent of ovarian cancers are diagnosed when compromise other organs [2,5]. In spite of the treatment for ovarian cancer is constantly improving, the disease is still the fifth cause of mortality for cancer in women.…”

“…These models have been used for studying the genetic and therapeutic aspects of this cancer disease, unfortunately, few characteristics of the disease are known in its early stages. Particularly, the adult laying hen is a very interesting model for studying the development of the EOC since hen develops intense ovulation, spontaneous EOC and metabolic progression similar to women [2]. Domestic laying hens have been genetically modified to almost produce an egg a day, this high repetitive ovulation and the monthly ovulatory in women have the consequence that they are among the few animal species that develop similar and spontaneous ovarian cancers [11].…”