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Neto AC, Santos-Pereira M, Abreu-Mendes P, Neves D, Almeida H, Cruz F, Charrua A. The Unmet Needs for Studying Chronic Pelvic/Visceral Pain Using Animal Models. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030696. [PMID: 36979674 PMCID: PMC10045296 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The different definitions of chronic pelvic/visceral pain used by international societies have changed over the years. These differences have a great impact on the way researchers study chronic pelvic/visceral pain. Recently, the role of systemic changes, including the role of the central nervous system, in the perpetuation and chronification of pelvic/visceral pain has gained weight. Consequently, researchers are using animal models that resemble those systemic changes rather than using models that are organ- or tissue-specific. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using bladder-centric and systemic models, enumerating some of the central nervous system changes and pain-related behaviors occurring in each model. We also present some drawbacks when using animal models and pain-related behavior tests and raise questions about possible, yet to be demonstrated, investigator-related bias. We also suggest new approaches to study chronic pelvic/visceral pain by refining existing animal models or using new ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Neto
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Santos-Pereira
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Abreu-Mendes
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Urology, Centro Hospitalar de São João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Physiology and Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Delminda Neves
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Henrique Almeida
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Ginecologia-Obstetrícia, Hospital-CUF Porto, 4100-180 Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisco Cruz
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Urology, Centro Hospitalar de São João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Physiology and Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Charrua
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Wang F, Li YM, Li RY, Yang YE, Wei M, Ha C. U0126 and BAY11-7082 Inhibit the Progression of Endometriosis in a Rat Model by Suppressing the MEK/ERK/NF-κB Pathway. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2023; 4:65-77. [PMID: 36874235 PMCID: PMC9983136 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2021.0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is an aggressive disease. It is the main cause of chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility, affecting the well-being of women. This study aimed to explore the role of U0126 and BAY11-7082 in endometriosis (EMs) treatment in rats by targeting the MEK/ERK/NF-κB pathway. The EMs model was generated and the rats were divided into model, dimethyl sulfoxide, U0126, BAY11-708, and control groups (Sham operation group). After 4 weeks of treatment, the rats were sacrificed. Compared with model group, U0126 and BAY11-7082 treatment significantly inhibited ectopic lesion growth, glandular hyperplasia, and interstitial inflammation. Compared to control group, PCNA and MMP9 levels were significantly increased in the eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues of model group; the levels of MEK/ERK/NF-κB pathway proteins also increased significantly. Compared with model group, MEK, ERK, and NF-κB levels decreased significantly after U0126 treatment and NF-κB protein expression decreased significantly after BAY11-7082 treatment, with no significant difference in MEK and ERK levels. The proliferation and invasion activities of eutopic and ectopic endometrial cells also significantly decreased after U0126 and BAY11-7082 treatment. In summary, our results showed that U0126 and BAY11-7082 inhibited ectopic lesion growth, glandular hyperplasia, and interstitial inflammatory response in EMs rats by inhibiting the MEK/ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Yong Mei Li
- Department of Gynecology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Ru Yue Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Yu E. Yang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Meng Wei
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Chunfang Ha
- Department of Gynecology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
- Address correspondence to: Chunfang Ha, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China.
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Fruchart M, El Idrissi F, Lamer A, Belarbi K, Lemdani M, Zitouni D, Guinhouya BC. Identification of early symptoms of endometriosis through the analysis of online social networks: A social media study. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231176114. [PMID: 37228486 PMCID: PMC10204053 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231176114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Endometriosis is a complex full-body inflammation disease with an average time to diagnosis of 7-10 years. Social networks give opportunity to patient to openly discuss about their condition, share experiences, and seek advice. Thus, data from social media may provide insightful data about patient's experience. This study aimed at applying a text-mining approach to online social networks in order to identify early signs associated with endometriosis. Methods An automated exploration technique of online forums was performed to extract posts. After a cleaning step of the built corpus, we retrieved all symptoms evoked by women, and connected them to the MedDRA dictionary. Then, temporal markers allowed targeting only the earliest symptoms. The latter were those evoked near a marker of precocity. A co-occurrence approach was further applied to better account for the context of evocations. Results Results were visualised using the graph-oriented database Neo4j. We collected 7148 discussions threads and 78,905 posts from 10 French forums. We extracted 41 groups of contextualised symptoms, including 20 groups of early symptoms associated with endometriosis. Among these groups of early symptoms, 13 were found to portray already known signs of endometriosis. The remaining 7 clusters of early symptoms were limb oedema, muscle pain, neuralgia, haematuria, vaginal itching, altered general condition (i.e. dizziness, fatigue, nausea) and hot flush. Conclusion We pointed out some additional symptoms of endometriosis qualified as early symptoms, which can serve as a screening tool for prevention and/or treatment purpose. The present findings offer an opportunity for further exploration of early biological processes triggering this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Fruchart
- Univ. Lille, UFR 3S, Faculté Ingénierie et Management de la Santé, Lille,
France
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 2694 – METRICS, Lille, France
| | - Fatima El Idrissi
- Univ. Lille, UFR 3S, Faculté Ingénierie et Management de la Santé, Lille,
France
- Univ. Lille, UFR 3S, Faculté de Pharmacie, Lille, France
| | - Antoine Lamer
- Univ. Lille, UFR 3S, Faculté Ingénierie et Management de la Santé, Lille,
France
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 2694 – METRICS, Lille, France
| | - Karim Belarbi
- Univ. Lille, UFR 3S, Faculté de Pharmacie, Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU-Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Lille,
France
| | - Mohamed Lemdani
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 2694 – METRICS, Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, UFR 3S, Faculté de Pharmacie, Lille, France
| | - Djamel Zitouni
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 2694 – METRICS, Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, UFR 3S, Faculté de Pharmacie, Lille, France
| | - Benjamin C Guinhouya
- Univ. Lille, UFR 3S, Faculté Ingénierie et Management de la Santé, Lille,
France
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 2694 – METRICS, Lille, France
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Nunez-Badinez P, De Leo B, Laux-Biehlmann A, Hoffmann A, Zollner TM, Saunders PT, Simitsidellis I, Charrua A, Cruz F, Gomez R, Tejada MA, McMahon SB, Lo Re L, Barthas F, Vincent K, Birch J, Meijlink J, Hummelshoj L, Sweeney PJ, Armstrong JD, Treede RD, Nagel J. Preclinical models of endometriosis and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: an Innovative Medicines Initiative-PainCare initiative to improve their value for translational research in pelvic pain. Pain 2021; 162:2349-2365. [PMID: 34448751 PMCID: PMC8374713 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Endometriosis (ENDO) and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) are chronic pain conditions for which better treatments are urgently needed. Development of new therapies with proven clinical benefit has been slow. We have conducted a review of existing preclinical in vivo models for ENDO and IC/BPS in rodents, discussed to what extent they replicate the phenotype and pain experience of patients, as well as their relevance for translational research. In 1009 publications detailing ENDO models, 41% used autologous, 26% syngeneic, 18% xenograft, and 11% allogeneic tissue in transplantation models. Intraperitoneal injection of endometrial tissue was the subcategory with the highest construct validity score for translational research. From 1055 IC/BPS publications, most interventions were bladder centric (85%), followed by complex mechanisms (8%) and stress-induced models (7%). Within these categories, the most frequently used models were instillation of irritants (92%), autoimmune (43%), and water avoidance stress (39%), respectively. Notably, although pelvic pain is a hallmark of both conditions and a key endpoint for development of novel therapies, only a small proportion of the studies (models of ENDO: 0.5%-12% and models of IC/BPS: 20%-44%) examined endpoints associated with pain. Moreover, only 2% and 3% of publications using models of ENDO and IC/BPS investigated nonevoked pain endpoints. This analysis highlights the wide variety of models used, limiting reproducibility and translation of results. We recommend refining models so that they better reflect clinical reality, sharing protocols, and using standardized endpoints to improve reproducibility. We are addressing this in our project Innovative Medicines Initiative-PainCare/Translational Research in Pelvic Pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bianca De Leo
- Bayer AG, Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Anja Hoffmann
- Bayer AG, Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Philippa T.K. Saunders
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ioannis Simitsidellis
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Charrua
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, and Faculty of Medicine of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisco Cruz
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, and Faculty of Medicine of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raul Gomez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Stephen B. McMahon
- Neurorestoration Group, Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laure Lo Re
- Neurorestoration Group, Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Katy Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Judy Birch
- Pelvic Pain Support Network, Poole, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Meijlink
- International Painful Bladder Foundation, Naarden, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - J. Douglas Armstrong
- Actual Analytics, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rolf-Detlef Treede
- Department of Neurophysiology, Centre for Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jens Nagel
- Bayer AG, Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
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5
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Abstract
Endometriosis is a prevalent chronic disease that affects approximately 6% to 10% of reproductive-aged women. Although numerous researchers have endeavored to explore the etiology of endometriosis over a century, its etiology still remains an enigma. The exploration of pathophysiologic mechanism and novel therapy for endometriosis depends on ideal endometriotic models. In the previous decade, various endometriotic models have been established; therefore, we made a conclusion for available information on these models. This review summarized the common experimental models used in endometriotic studies, including their origins, characteristics, applications, and limitations. Endometriotic models played an important role in studying etiologies and novel treatments of endometriosis during the last decades. Among them, animal models and endometriotic cell lines were viewed as most common studying tools to explore the intrinsic entities of endometriosis. In addition, endometrial organoid also emerged and was regarded as an ideal studying tool for endometriosis research. Different research models collectively complement each other to advance the endometriosis research. The successful establishment of endometrial organoids means that organoids are expected to become an ideal model for studying endometriosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yue Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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6
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Qiu ZK, Liu X, Chen Y, Wu RJ, Guan SF, Pan YY, Wang QB, Tang D, Zhu T, Chen JS. Translocator protein 18 kDa: a potential therapeutic biomarker for post traumatic stress disorder. Metab Brain Dis 2020; 35:695-707. [PMID: 32172519 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00548-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is widely regarded as a stress-related and trauma disorder. The symptoms of PTSD are characterized as a spectrum of vulnerabilities after the exposure to an extremely traumatic stressor. Considering as one of complex mental disorders, little progress has been made toward its diagnostic biomarkers, despite the involvement of PTSD has been studied. Many studies into the underlying neurobiology of PTSD implicated the dysfunction of neurosteroids biosynthesis and neuorinflammatory processes. Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) has been considered as one of the promising therapeutic biomarkers for neurological stress disorders (like PTSD, depression, anxiety, et al) without the benzodiazepine-like side effects. This protein participates in the formation of neurosteroids and modulation of neuroinflammation. The review outlines current knowledge involving the role of TSPO in the neuropathology of PTSD and the anti-PTSD-like effects of TSPO ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Kun Qiu
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Liu
- Pharmacy Department of Medical Supplies Center of General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing, 100039, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong-Jia Wu
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Feng Guan
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Yun Pan
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian-Bo Wang
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.
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Liu Y, Zhang Z, Lu X, Meng J, Qin X, Jiang J. Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of sulforaphane on sciatic endometriosis in a rat model. Neurosci Lett 2020; 723:134858. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.134858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Greaves E, Rosser M, Saunders PTK. Endometriosis-Associated Pain - Do Preclinical Rodent Models Provide a Good Platform for Translation? ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2020; 232:25-55. [PMID: 33278006 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-51856-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pelvic pain is a common symptom of endometriosis. Our understanding of its etiology remains incomplete and medical management is limited by poor translation from preclinical models to clinical trials. In this review, we briefly consider the evidence, or lack thereof, that different subtypes of lesion, extra-uterine bleeding, and neuropathic pathways add to the complex and heterogeneous pain experience of women with the condition. We summarize the studies in rodent models of endometriosis that have used behavioral endpoints (evoked and non-evoked) to explore mechanisms of endometriosis-associated pain. Lesion innervation, activation of nerves by pronociceptive molecules released by immune cells, and a role for estrogen in modulating hyperalgesia are key endometriosis-associated pain mechanisms replicated in preclinical rodent models. The presence of ectopic (full thickness uterus or endometrial) tissue may be associated with changes in the spinal cord and brain, which appear to model changes reported in patients. While preclinical models using rats and mice have yielded insights that appear relevant to mechanisms responsible for the development of endometriosis-associated pain, they are limited in scope. Specifically, most studies are based on models that only resulted in the formation of superficial lesions and use induced (evoked) behavioral 'pain' tests. We suggest that translation for patient benefit will be improved by new approaches including models of ovarian and deep infiltrating disease and measurement of spontaneous pain behaviors. Future studies must also capitalize on new advances in the wider field of pain medicine to identify more effective treatments for endometriosis-associated pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Greaves
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
| | - Matthew Rosser
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Liu Y, Qin X, Lu X, Jiang J. Effects of inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway on the pain of sciatic endometriosis in a rat model. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2019; 97:963-970. [PMID: 31461309 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2019-0156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between the pain of sciatic endometriosis and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway. Adult female Sprague–Dawley rats successfully received sciatic endometriosis induction. Mechanical paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency were recorded to assess the mechanical hypersensitivity and thermal hyperalgesia. Quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to detect PI3K, Akt, and mTOR expressions and their phosphorylation as well as the expressions of substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and nerve growth factor (NGF). Mechanical paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency significantly decreased after sciatic endometriosis induction in rats; this decrease was ameliorated by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway using LY294002. Compared with controls, rats with sciatic endometriosis showed increased PI3K, Akt, and mTOR expressions and elevated p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR protein expressions. Higher NGF, substance P, and CGRP expressions were also found in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord in rats with sciatic endometriosis than in control rats 21 days after surgery. Following the injection of LY294002 into rats with sciatic endometriosis, there was a significant decrease in the expressions of NGF, substance P, and CGRP. In conclusion, the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway may alleviate endometriosis-associated sciatic nerve pain in a rat model of sciatic endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liaocheng People’s Hospital, Liaocheng 252000, Shandong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Xuying Qin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liaocheng People’s Hospital, Liaocheng 252000, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaofen Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liaocheng People’s Hospital, Liaocheng 252000, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, Shandong, China
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Liu Z, Chen S, Qiu C, Sun Y, Li W, Jiang J, Zhang JM. Fractalkine/CX3CR1 Contributes to Endometriosis-Induced Neuropathic Pain and Mechanical Hypersensitivity in Rats. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:495. [PMID: 30622457 PMCID: PMC6309014 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is the most severe and common symptom of endometriosis. Its underlying pathogenetic mechanism is poorly understood. Nerve sensitization is a particular research challenge, due to the limitations of general endometriosis models and sampling nerve tissue from patients. The chemokine fractalkine (FKN) has been demonstrated to play a key role in various forms of neuropathic pain, while its role in endometriotic pain is unknown. Our study was designed to explore the function of FKN in the development and maintenance of peripheral hyperalgesia and central sensitization in endometriosis using a novel endometriosis animal model developed in our laboratory. After modeling, behavioral tests were carried out and the optimal time for molecular changes was obtained. We extracted ectopic tissues and L4-6 spinal cords to detect peripheral and central roles for FKN, respectively. To assess morphologic characteristics of endometriosis-like lesions-as well as expression and location of FKN/CX3CR1-we performed H&E staining, immunostaining, and western blotting analyses. Furthermore, inhibition of FKN expression in the spinal cord was achieved by intrathecal administration of an FKN-neutralizing antibody to demonstrate its function. Our results showed that implanted autologous uterine tissue around the sciatic nerve induced endometriosis-like lesions and produced mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia. FKN was highly expressed on macrophages, whereas its receptor CX3CR1 was overexpressed in the myelin sheath of sciatic nerve fibers. Overexpressed FKN was also observed in neurons. CX3CR1/pp38-MAPK was upregulated in activated microglia in the spinal dorsal horn. Intrathecal administration of FKN-neutralizing antibody not only reversed the established mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia, but also inhibited the expression of CX3CR1/pp38-MAPK in activated microglia, which was essential for the persistence of central sensitization. We concluded that the FKN/CX3CR1 signaling pathway might be one of the mechanisms of peripheral hyperalgesia in endometriosis, which requires further studies. Spinal FKN is important for the development and maintenance of central sensitization in endometriosis, and it may further serve as a novel therapeutic target to relieve persistent pain associated with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Sisi Chen
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Chunping Qiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yaqiong Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Wenzhi Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jun-Ming Zhang
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Liang Y, Liu D, Yang F, Pan W, Zeng F, Wu J, Xie H, Li J, Yao S. Perineural invasion in endometriotic lesions contributes to endometriosis-associated pain. J Pain Res 2018; 11:1999-2009. [PMID: 30310304 PMCID: PMC6165785 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s168715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Recent studies have shown that abnormal distribution of pelvic nerves contributes to endometriosis-associated pain. However, the relationship between neurogenesis and pain severity in endometriosis still remains uncertain, which makes it an enigma for both gynecologists as well as neuropathologists. In this study, we tried to explore a special phenomenon, perineural invasion (PNI), in deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and investigated the correlation between PNI- and DIE-associated pain. Patients and methods The study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from June 2012 to January 2015. In total, 64 patients with DIE were enrolled. They received laparoscopically surgical resection of endometriotic lesions. The Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests were used for comparisons of enumeration data. Spearman rank correlation was used for linear analysis. Results Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that PNI was commonly found in DIE lesions. Patients were divided into PNI (+) group and PNI (−) group. The visual analog scale scores of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain were higher in PNI (+) group than in PNI (−) group. Also, we found significantly increased density of newly formed nerve fibers as well as microvessels in lesions of PNI (+) group. Further, double immunofluorescence showed a closely spatial nerve–vessel network in the endometriotic lesion of PNI (+) group. More importantly, correlation analysis revealed positive relation between the density of newly formed nerve fibers in the lesion and the density of microvessels in lesions of PNI (+) group. Conclusion This study suggests that PNI in endometriotic lesions plays an important role in endometriosis-associated pain, mainly through a mechanism named “neuroangiogenesis”.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchun Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China,
| | - Duo Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China,
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China,
| | - Wenwei Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China,
| | - Feitianzhi Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China,
| | - Jinjie Wu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hongyu Xie
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jiaying Li
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shuzhong Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China,
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12
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Böttcher B, Gizewski ER, Siedentopf C, Steiger R, Verius M, Riedl D, Ischebeck A, Schmid J, Wildt L, Elsenbruch S. Behavioural and neural responses to aversive visceral stimuli in women with primary dysmenorrhoea. Eur J Pain 2018; 23:272-284. [PMID: 30098104 PMCID: PMC6585730 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pelvic pain, in particular dysmenorrhoea, is a significant yet unresolved healthcare problem in gynaecology. As interoceptive sensitivity and underlying neural mechanisms remain incompletely understood, this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study assessed behavioural and neural responses to visceral stimuli in primary dysmenorrhoea (PMD). METHODS Women with PMD (N = 19) without psychological comorbidity and healthy women (N = 20) were compared with respect to visceral sensory and pain thresholds, and to neural responses to individually calibrated mildly painful and painful rectal distensions implemented during scanning. Trial-by-trial ratings of perceived intensity were accomplished with visual analogue scales (VAS). RESULTS Although women with dysmenorrhoea reported significantly higher chronic pain intensity and pain interference with daily life activities (p < 0.01, assessed with the West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory), there were no differences between groups in visceral sensitivity and mean trial-by-trial VAS ratings were virtually identical. Analysis of neural responses revealed activation in brain regions previously shown to be involved in the processing of visceral stimuli with differences between painful and mildly painful stimulation, but no group differences were found even when using a liberal statistical threshold. CONCLUSIONS Dysmenorrhoea patients show unaltered perceptual and neural responses to experimental interoceptive stimuli. Despite limited sample size, these negative results argue against a generalized sensitization towards interoceptive stimuli in patients without psychological comorbidities. Future studies should clarify the role of psychosocial factors in central sensitization using more pain region-specific models in larger and clinically more heterogeneous samples. SIGNIFICANCE Despite higher chronic pain and pain interference with daily life activities, women with primary dysmenorrhoea do not differ from healthy women with respect to visceral sensitivity or neural processing of aversive interoceptive stimuli induced by rectal distensions. Generalized sensitization may be present only in subgroups with pronounced psychosocial or psychiatric disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Böttcher
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elke R Gizewski
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Siedentopf
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ruth Steiger
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Verius
- Department of Radiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - David Riedl
- University Clinic of Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anja Ischebeck
- Institute of Psychology, Karl-Franzens-University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Julia Schmid
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ludwig Wildt
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sigrid Elsenbruch
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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13
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Greaves E, Critchley HOD, Horne AW, Saunders PTK. Relevant human tissue resources and laboratory models for use in endometriosis research. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2017; 96:644-658. [PMID: 28233896 PMCID: PMC5485163 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is characterized by the growth of endometrium‐like tissue outside the uterus, most commonly on the pelvic peritoneum and ovaries. Although it may be asymptomatic in some women, in others it can cause debilitating pain, infertility or other symptoms including fatigue. Current research is directed both at understanding the complex etiology and pathophysiology of the disorder and at the development of new nonsurgical approaches to therapy that lack the unwanted side effects of current medical management. Tools for endometriosis research fall into two broad categories; patient‐derived tissues, and fluids (and cells isolated from these sources) or models based on the use of cells or animals. In this review, we discuss the literature that has reported data from the use of these tools in endometriosis research and we highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each. Although many different models are reported in the literature, hypothesis‐driven research will only be facilitated with careful experimental design and selection of the most appropriate human tissue from patients with and without endometriosis and combinations of physiologically relevant in vitro and in vivo laboratory models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Greaves
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hilary O D Critchley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew W Horne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
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14
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Bove GM. A model for radiating leg pain of endometriosis. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2016; 20:931-936. [PMID: 27814877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a prevalent female health disorder that often leads to back pain and radiating leg pain. Patients with such pain often seek care from multiple health care professionals, including manual therapists. We hypothesized that endometrioma can induce nerve inflammation thus the radiating leg pain that often accompanies endometriosis. To model sciatic endometriosis in female Wistar rats, a section of uterine horn was autotransplanted to the sciatic nerve. Uterus sections with the endometrium removed and autotransplanted to the sciatic nerve served as controls. After 1, 3, and 15 months the nerves were harvested and processed for immune cell presence and for neural elements. Control nerves were harvested after 4 months. All autotransplants survived, resulting in a fusion of the uterus sections to the nerves. Macroscopically, turgid cysts apposed to the nerves characterized the complexes. Microscopically, the complexes contained recruited macrophages, indicating persistent inflammation, and were innervated by small diameter axons. Only 1 of 8 control rats developed a small cyst, presumably due to residual endometrium. The persistent immune response and innervation suggest the nerve-uterus complexes as sources of inflammation and persistent neural discharge, and thus pain. This model could shed light upon the radiating leg pain that often accompanies endometriosis. Manual therapists should be aware of the possibility of endometriosis causing symptoms and examination findings that mimic musculoskeletal etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey M Bove
- University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, ME, USA.
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