Clinical correlation of apoptosis in human granulosa cells—A review

Abstract

The quality of oocytes depends on interactions with surrounding granulosa cells. Granulosa cells are essential in normal follicular maturation process since they produce steroidal hormones and growth factors, and they play a crucial role in follicular atresia. The success in reproductive biology and medicine depends on reliable assessment of oocyte and embryo viability which presently mainly bases on oocyte and embryo morphology. Recent investigations have tried to establish an evaluation system for oocyte quality and to predict outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) based on the incidence of granulosa cells and cumulus cells apoptosis. Apoptosis of granulosa cells seems to have a negative effect on conception and pregnancy rates in IFV programs. Thus, in this review we present a brief outline of clinical correlation of apoptosis in human granulosa cells and cumulus cells, and its influence upon oocyte quality and IFV outcome. Taken together, understanding the influence of granulosa cell apoptosis on oocyte quality and maturity as well as on embryo health may ultimately allow scientists and clinicians to harness better protocols of ovarian stimulation for infertility treatments.

Scutellarin protects mouse ovarian granulosa cells from injury induced by the toxin zearalenone

“…Granulosa cells (GCs) being one type of the important somatic cells of ovarian follicles play a key role in the growth and development of the follicles. GCs secrete steroid hormones and provide nutritional support for oocyte development [8][9][10] Studies have shown that apoptosis occurred in 10% or more of GCs population will cause follicle atresia, which results in reproductive disorders [11][12][13] ZEA is shown to cause ovarian GCs apoptosis as well as steroid hormone secretion disorders and reproductive disorders 14,15 .…”

Apoptosis of mural granulosa cells is increased in women with diminished ovarian reserve

“…The cumulus granulosa cells envelop the oocyte and have cross-talk with the oocyte across the zona pellucida, while the mural granulosa cells are separated from the oocyte by the cumulus cells and by the antral cavity filled with follicular fluid. Both the mural granulosa cells and the cumulus cells produce and secrete steroidal hormones as well as growth factors into the follicular fluid [9].…”

Polysaccharides of Fructus corni Improve Ovarian Function in Mice with Aging-Associated Perimenopause Symptoms

“…Although apoptosis occurs as a physiological process in the ovary, being highly important throughout the phases of follicular development, apoptosis in dominant follicles may interfere in ovulation and oocyte quality [25]. Therefore, excessive apoptosis of GCs definitely has negative effects on ovarian function during perimenopause symptoms [8]. Our current findings indicated that PFC considerably reduced apoptosis of GCs in the ovary of aging mice, which could be the molecular basis for PFC improvement of ovarian histology and function.…”

“…The major functions of GCs include the production of sex steroids, as well as myriad growth factors thought to interact with the oocyte during its development [7]. Emerging evidence suggests that apoptosis of GCs is concomitant with aging-associated ovarian function decline leading to ovarian hormone secretion disorder [8]. Therefore, prevention of GCs apoptosis represents a novel strategy for treatment of perimenopause symptoms.…”