MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as the important regulators of ovarian function. However, little is known about the hormonal regulation of miRNA expression and the role of the specific miRNA‐mRNA interactions in corpus luteum. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine: (a) the expression of miRNAs in the corpus luteum in early pregnancy vs regression; (b) the effect of conceptus and uterine signals in the expression of selected miRNAs; and (c) the role of specific miRNA‐mRNA interactions in the molecular changes and secretory function of the corpus luteum in the pig. The results showed that the majority of miRNAs differentially expressed in the corpus luteum in early pregnancy vs regression belong to independent clusters (eg, miR‐99b, miR‐532), which are highly conserved among different animal species. The main conceptus signal in the pig (17β‐estradiol) elevated the luteal expression of the miR‐99b cluster and lowered the expression of NR4A1 and AKR1C1, the genes involved in corpus luteum regression. Furthermore, the delivery of miR‐99b cluster mimics to luteal tissue concomitantly decreased NR4A1 and AKR1C1 expression and enhanced progesterone secretion. The present study demonstrated that conceptus signals can support the maintenance of luteal function during pregnancy by clustered miRNA‐stimulated pathways, governing the expression of genes involved in luteal regression.
The oocyte is the major determinant of embryo developmental competence in all mammalian species. Although fundamental advances have been generated in the field of reproductive medicine and assisted reproductive technologies in the past three decades, researchers and clinicians are still trying to elucidate molecular factors and pathways, which could be pivotal for the oocyte’s developmental competence. The cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix communications are crucial not only for oocytes but also for multicellular organisms in general. This latter mentioned communication is among others possibly due to the Connexin and Pannexin families of large-pore forming channels. Pannexins belong to a protein group of ATP-release channels, therefore of high importance for the oocyte due to its requirements of high energy supply. An increasing body of studies on Pannexins provided evidence that these channels not only play a role during physiological processes of an oocyte but also during pathological circumstances which could lead to the development of diseases or infertility. Connexins are proteins that form membrane channels and gap-junctions, and more precisely, these proteins enable the exchange of some ions and molecules, and therefore they do play a fundamental role in the communication between the oocyte and accompanying cells. Herein, the role of Pannexins and Connexins for the processes of oogenesis, folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation and fertilization will be discussed and, at the end of this review, Pannexin and Connexin related pathologies and their impact on the developmental competence of oocytes will be provided.
The most important problem related to the collection of waste in landfills is the presence of harmful substances contained in leachate resulting from the flow of atmospheric precipitation through the deposited waste, which may end up in the soil. As a result, the soil’s chemical degradation occurs, which may result in a change in the structure and activity of microorganisms. In addition, leachate can end up in groundwater that may be hazardous to human health. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of landfill leachate on selected physicochemical, biological and biochemical properties of soils. The cytotoxicity of soil filtrates (SF) in human cell lines and their effect on apoptosis were also analyzed. In the pot experiment, leachate was added to the soil in two doses: 50LL (50% of the N dose) and 100LL (100% of the N dose). Selected physicochemical properties, activity of enzymes, diversity of bacteria and fungi by the T-RFLP approach were determined in soil samples. As a result of the analyses, it was found that LL causes an increase in the activity of dehydrogenases and a decrease in β-glucosidase. In the soils treated with LL, bacterial T-RF (144) bp, (179) bp and (413) bp were specific, while fungal were T-RF (390) bp, (441) bp and (595) bp. Potentially cytotoxic effects of SF and reduction in apoptosis in neoplastic cells were found in in vitro tests. LL and SF are complex matrices with a variable composition, which means that their impact on the soil environment must be constantly monitored.
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