Linking unfolded protein response to ovarian cancer cell fusion.

Background: Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) have been observed in epithelial ovarian tumors. They can resist antimitotic drugs, thus participating in tumor maintenance and recurrence. Although their origin remains unclear, PGCC formation seems to be enhanced by conditions that trigger the unfolded protein response (UPR) such as hypoxia or chemotherapeutic drugs like paclitaxel.

Telomerase is required for glomerular renewal in kidneys of adult mice.

Homeostatic renal filtration relies on the integrity of podocytes, which function in glomerular filtration. These highly specialized cells are damaged in 90% of chronic kidney disease, representing the leading cause of end-stage renal failure. Although modest podocyte renewal has been documented in adult mice, the mechanisms regulating this process remain largely unknown and controversial.

Dual effect of nifedipine on pregnant human myometrium contractility: Implication of TRPC1.

Nifedipine, an L-type voltage-gated Ca channel (L-VGCC) blocker, is one of the most used tocolytics to treat preterm labor. In clinical practice, nifedipine efficiently decreases uterine contractions, but its efficacy is limited over time, and repeated or maintained nifedipine-based tocolysis appears to be ineffective in preventing preterm birth. We aimed to understand why nifedipine has short-lasting efficiency for the inhibition of uterine contractions.

Role of the Uteroplacental Renin-Angiotensin System in Placental Development and Function, and Its Implication in the Preeclampsia Pathogenesis.

Placental development and function implicate important morphological and physiological adaptations to thereby ensure efficient maternal-fetal exchanges, as well as pregnancy-specific hormone secretion and immune modulation. Incorrect placental development can lead to severe pregnancy disorders, such as preeclampsia (PE), which endangers both the mother and the infant. The implication of the systemic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the pregnancy-related physiological changes is now well established.

PLGA Nanoparticles for the Intraperitoneal Administration of CBD in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer: In Vitro and In Ovo Assessment.

The intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapeutics has emerged as a potential route in ovarian cancer treatment. Nanoparticles as carriers for these agents could be interesting by increasing the retention of chemotherapeutics within the peritoneal cavity. Moreover, nanoparticles could be internalised by cancer cells and let the drug release near the biological target, which could increase the anticancer efficacy.

The fine-tuning of endoplasmic reticulum stress response and autophagy activation during trophoblast syncytialization.

The syncytiotrophoblast (STB) is a multinuclear layer forming the outer surface of the fetal part of the placenta deriving from villous cytotrophoblastic cell (vCTB) fusion and differentiation. This syncytialization process is characterized by morphological and biochemical alterations of the trophoblast, which probably require removal of pre-existing structures and proteins to maintain cell homeostasis and survival. Interestingly, autophagy, which allows degradation and recycling of cellular components, was shown to be activated in syncytiotrophoblast.

Effect of local aromatase inhibition in endometriosis using a new chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane model.

Endometriosis is an oestrogen-dependent, inflammation-driven gynaecologic disorder causing severe disability. Endometriosis implants are characterized by unbalanced local oestrogen metabolism leading to hyperoestrogenism and aromatase up-regulation is one of main mechanism involved. Aromatase inhibitors such as letrozole or anastrozole use in young women are associated with severely side effects limiting their long-term clinical use.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress responses in placentation - A true balancing act.

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is recognized as a key mechanism to promote protein folding and processing in eukaryotes when endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) occurs. Some conditions such as hypoxia or glucose deprivation are factors that may elicit ERS response. Recent literature collectively proposes that ERS response is crucial for mammalian reproduction by allowing decidualization and placentation to occur.

Oestradiol enhances apoptosis in bovine mammary epithelial cells in vitro.

Ovarian steroids, oestradiol and progesterone, are required for normal mammary growth at puberty and during pregnancy. They contribute to mammary parenchyma development by stimulating mammary epithelial cell (MEC) proliferation. However several studies demonstrate that oestradiol negatively affects milk production during the declining phase of lactation, but the oestradiol effect on MEC in lactating mammary gland remains unclear.

Suppression of ovarian secretions before puberty strongly affects mammogenesis in the goat.

The objective of this study was to provide insight into the biological mechanisms underlying mammary development and the role of the ovaries in prepubertal caprine mammogenesis using a serial ovariectomy approach. Young Alpine goats were ovariectomized (Ovx) or sham-operated (Int) at three periods before puberty (G1=1 month, G2=2 month and G3=3 months of age) and one after puberty (G7=7 months of age). The goats were slaughtered at 9 months of age and mammary glands were removed.