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Li L, Kou Z, Zhao F, Wang Y, Zhang X. Network meta-analysis of four common immunomodulatory therapies for the treatment of patients with thin endometrium. Gynecol Endocrinol 2024; 40:2360072. [PMID: 38835267 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2024.2360072] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
OBEJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of endometrial receptivity and pregnancy outcomes of four common immunomodulatory therapies for patients with thin endometrium. METHOD This systematic review and network meta-analysis using a literature search up to January 2024, to identify relevant trials comparing endometrial receptivity and pregnancy outcomes of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), infusion of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (IG-CSF), and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) for patients with thin endometrium. We used surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) to ranked four common immunomodulatory therapies on endometrium thickness, implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and live birth rate (LBR). RoB2 and ROBINS-I were used to assess the certainty of evidence. RESULTS The pooled results of 22 studies showed that hCG (mean difference [MD]: 3.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46-4.64) and PRP (MD: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.20-1.76) significantly increase endometrium thickness. The hCG was the best among the IG-CSF (MD = -2.56, 95% CI = -4.30 to -0.82), PBMC (MD = -2.75, 95% CI = -5.49 to -0.01), and PRP (MD = -2.07, 95% CI = -3.84 to -0.30) in increasing endometrium thickness. However, IG-CSF and PRP significantly improved IR (IG-CSF: risk ratio (RR; IG-CSF: RR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.06-1.67; PRP: RR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.19-2.23), and LBR (IG-CSF: RR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.16-2.02; PRP: RR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.08-2.36). CONCLUSIONS Available evidence reveals that hCG and subcutaneous or intrauterine CSF (SG-CSF) may be the best treatment options for current thin endometrium patients. However, future high-quality and large-scale studies are necessary to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifei Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center of The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Kou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fei Zhao
- School of Medicine, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Foreign Exchange and Cooperation, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center of The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
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Xie X, Ao X, Xu R, Lv H, Tan S, Wu J, Zhao L, Wang Y. Injectable, stable, and biodegradable hydrogel with platelet-rich plasma induced by l-serine and sodium alginate for effective treatment of intrauterine adhesions. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132363. [PMID: 38754675 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The combination of pharmacological and physical barrier therapy is a highly promising strategy for treating intrauterine adhesions (IUAs), but there lacks a suitable scaffold that integrates good injectability, proper mechanical stability and degradability, excellent biocompatibility, and non-toxic, non-rejection therapeutic agents. To address this, a novel injectable, degradable hydrogel composed of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), sodium alginate (SA), and l-serine, and loaded with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) (referred to as PSL-PRP) is developed for treating IUAs. l-Serine induces rapid gelation within 1 min and enhances the mechanical properties of the hydrogel, while degradable SA provides the hydrogel with strength, toughness, and appropriate degradation capabilities. As a result, the hydrogel exhibits an excellent scaffold for sustained release of growth factors in PRP and serves as an effective physical barrier. In vivo testing using a rat model of IUAs demonstrates that in situ injection of the PSL-PRP hydrogel significantly reduces fibrosis and promotes endometrial regeneration, ultimately leading to fertility restoration. The combined advantages make the PSL-PRP hydrogel very promising in IUAs therapy and in preventing adhesions in other internal tissue wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyan Xie
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610068, China
| | - Xue Ao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ruijuan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hongyi Lv
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610068, China
| | - Shiqiao Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jinrong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Lijuan Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610068, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610068, China.
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Wei W, Wang N, Zhu Y, Liao M, Wang B, Du T, Zhang J, Mao X. GM-CSF improves endometrial receptivity in a thin endometrium rat model by upregulating HOXA10. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 30:gaad042. [PMID: 38011650 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity is a prerequisite for the success of assisted reproduction. Patients with a consistently thin endometrium frequently fail to conceive, owing to low endometrial receptivity, and there are currently very few therapeutic options available. Our previous study demonstrated that intrauterine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) administration resulted in a significant improvement in clinical pregnancy and implantation rates and was an effective means of increasing endometrial thickness on the day of embryo transfer in patients with thin endometrium. In order to explore the underlying process, an animal model with a thin endometrium was constructed, the homeobox A10 gene (HOXA10) was downregulated, and an inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway (MAPK/ERK) was employed. Our findings strongly suggest a marked decrease in GM-CSF levels in the thin endometrial rat model, and the suppression of HOXA10 impeded the therapeutic efficacy of GM-CSF in this model. Moreover, we showed that GM-CSF significantly increases endometrial receptivity in the rat model and upregulates HOXA10 via the MAPK/ERK pathway. Our data provide new molecular insights into the mechanisms underlying formation of a thin endometrium and highlight a novel, potential clinical treatment strategy as well as directions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Wang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanwen Zhu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Maokun Liao
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bian Wang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Du
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Mao
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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4
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Zhu X, Chen S, Zhang P, Ma Y, Liu X, Fei H, Qian J, Hao Y, Jiang L, Lin X. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor promotes endometrial repair after injury by regulating macrophages in mice. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 160:104156. [PMID: 37801891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.104156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) caused by endometrial injury is a common cause of female infertility and is challenging to treat. Macrophages play a critical role in tissue repair and cyclical endometrial regeneration. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has significant reparative and anti-fibrotic effects in various tissues. However, there is limited research on the role of GM-CSF in the repair of endometrial injury and the involvement of macrophages in GM-CSF-mediated endometrial repair. In this study, using a mouse model of endometrial scratching injury, we found that GM-CSF treatment accelerated the repair of endometrial injury and improved fertility. At the molecular level, we observed that GM-CSF can downregulate the transcript levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and upregulate the expression of Arginase-1 (Arg-1) and mannose receptor C-type 1 (MRC1). Importantly, during the early and middle stages of injury, GM-CSF increased the proportion of M1-like, M2-like, and M1/M2 mixed macrophages, while in the late stage of injury, GM-CSF facilitated a decline in the number of M2-like macrophages. These findings suggest that GM-CSF may promote endometrial repair by recruiting macrophages and modulating the LPS-induced M1-like macrophages into a less inflammatory phenotype. These insights have the potential to contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of intrauterine adhesion and related infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Zhu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou 310016, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University (Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital), 311201 Hangzhou, China
| | - Sijia Chen
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou 310016, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tiantai People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province, 317200 Taizhou, China
| | - Yana Ma
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Xiu Liu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou 310016, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction, Management of Zhejiang Province, 310016 Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiyi Fei
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou 310016, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction, Management of Zhejiang Province, 310016 Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Qian
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou 310016, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yuyao People's Hospital, 315400 Ningbo, China
| | - Yanqing Hao
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Lingling Jiang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou 310016, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction, Management of Zhejiang Province, 310016 Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaona Lin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou 310016, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction, Management of Zhejiang Province, 310016 Hangzhou, China.
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Mathyk B, Schwartz A, DeCherney A, Ata B. A critical appraisal of studies on endometrial thickness and embryo transfer outcome. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103259. [PMID: 37516058 PMCID: PMC10528454 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
A receptive endometrium is required for successful embryo implantation. Endometrial thickness, as measured by ultrasonography, is the most commonly used marker of endometrial receptivity in assisted reproductive technology cycles. Several factors simultaneously affect both endometrial thickness and probability of live birth, including age, oestradiol concentration and oocyte number, among others. Most of the studies investigating a relationship between endometrial thickness and embryo transfer outcomes are retrospective and do not adequately address confounding factors, in addition to other limitations. Despite multiple meta-analyses and studies with large numbers of cycles, controversy still exists. The difference between the results from prospective and retrospective studies is also striking. This article presents a critical appraisal of the studies on endometrial thickness and embryo transfer outcomes in order to highlight methodological issues and how they can be overcome in future studies. Currently available evidence does not seem to support a modification of management just because endometrial thickness is below an arbitrary threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Begum Mathyk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Adina Schwartz
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Alan DeCherney
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Baris Ata
- School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey.; ART Fertility Clinics, Dubai, United Arab Emirates..
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6
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Dong R, Ma S, Zhao X, Wang B, Roy M, Yao L, Xia T, Liu Y. Recent progress of Bioinspired Hydrogel-based delivery system for endometrial repair. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1013217. [PMID: 36159661 PMCID: PMC9503822 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1013217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial injury is the main fact leading to infertility. Current treatments of endometrial injury present many problems, such as unable to achieve desired effects due to low retention and the inherent potential risk of injury. Besides, it is important to the development of bioinspired material that can mimic the natural tissue and possess native tissue topography. Hydrogel is a kind of bioinspired superhydrophilic materials with unique characteristics, such as excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, porosity, swelling, and cross-linkage. These unique physiochemical properties of bioinspired hydrogels enable their promising application as novel delivery platform and alternative therapies for endometrial injury. In this mini review, we summarize the recent advances in bioinispred hydrogel-based delivery system for endometrial repair, including as a post-operative physical barrier and therapeutic delivery system. In addition, present status, limitations, and future perspectives are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Dong
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Saihua Ma
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Baojuan Wang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Mridul Roy
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China
| | - Lu Yao
- Hemay Zhihui Science and Technology Co. Ltd, Tianjin, China
| | - Tian Xia
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Tian Xia, ; Yanting Liu,
| | - Yanting Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China
- *Correspondence: Tian Xia, ; Yanting Liu,
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Evidence for the effectiveness of immunologic therapies in women with subfertility and/or undergoing assisted reproduction. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:1144-1159. [PMID: 35618357 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Implantation is a critical step in the establishment of a successful pregnancy, depending on a complex immune-endocrine dialogue between the developing embryo and maternal endometrium. Research suggests that altered immunity in the maternal decidua results in implantation impairment and failure. Immunomodulatory drugs have, thus, been widely used in assisted conception to aid embryo implantation, despite an absence of consensus on their effectiveness and safety. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies investigating the use of immunomodulators in women undergoing assisted reproduction. Evidence was uncertain of an effect for most of the included interventions, owing to heterogeneous findings and a paucity of high-quality studies. For certain patient subgroups, however, the use of specific immunomodulatory therapies may offer some benefit. There is a need for further large randomized controlled trials to corroborate these findings.
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8
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Zhang L, Li Y, Dong YC, Guan CY, Tian S, Lv XD, Li JH, Su X, Xia HF, Ma X. Transplantation of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells promotes the recovery of thin endometrium in rats. Sci Rep 2022; 12:412. [PMID: 35013490 PMCID: PMC8748676 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04454-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The endometrium plays a critical role in embryo implantation and pregnancy, and a thin uterus is recognized as a key factor in embryo implantation failure. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) have attracted interest for the repair of intrauterine adhesions. The current study investigated the repair of thin endometrium in rats using the UC-MSCs and the mechanisms involved. Rats were injected with 95% ethanol to establish a model of thin endometrium. The rats were randomly divided into normal, sham, model, and UC-MSCs groups. Endometrial morphological alterations were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining, and functional restoration was assessed by testing embryo implantation. The interaction between UC-MSCs and rat endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) was evaluated using a transwell 3D model and immunocytochemistry. Microarray mRNA and miRNA platforms were used for miRNA-mRNA expression profiling. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to identify the biological processes, molecular functions, cellular components, and pathways of endometrial injury and UC-MSCs transplantation repair and real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to further identify the expression changes of key molecules in the pathways. Endometrium thickness, number of glands, and the embryo implantation numbers were improved, and the degree of fibrosis was significantly alleviated by UC-MSCs treatment in the rat model of thin endometrium. In vitro cell experiments showed that UC-MSCs migrated to injured ESCs and enhanced their proliferation. miRNA microarray chip results showed that expression of 45 miRNAs was downregulated in the injured endometrium and upregulated after UC-MSCs transplantation. Likewise, expression of 39 miRNAs was upregulated in the injured endometrium and downregulated after UC-MSCs transplantation. The miRNA-mRNA interactions showed the changes in the miRNA and mRNA network during the processes of endometrial injury and repair. GO and KEGG analyses showed that the process of endometrial injury was mainly attributed to the decomposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM), protein degradation and absorption, and accompanying inflammation. The process of UC-MSCs transplantation and repair were accompanied by the reconstruction of the ECM, regulation of chemokines and inflammation, and cell proliferation and apoptosis. The key molecules involved in ECM-receptor interaction pathways were further verified by qRT-PCR. Itga1 and Thbs expression decreased in the model group and increased by UC-MSCs transplantation, while Laminin and Collagen expression increased in both the model group and MSCs group, with greater expression observed in the latter. This study showed that UC-MSCs transplantation could promote recovery of thin endometrial morphology and function. Furthermore, it revealed the expression changes of miRNA and mRNA after endometrial injury and UC-MSCs transplantation repair processed, and signaling pathways that may be involved in endometrial injury and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Li
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Chao Dong
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Yi Guan
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shi Tian
- Haidian Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Dan Lv
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Hui Li
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Su
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Fei Xia
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China.
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Xu Ma
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China.
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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Foyle KL, Sharkey DJ, Moldenhauer LM, Green ES, Wilson JJ, Roccisano CJ, Hull ML, Tremellen KP, Robertson SA. Effect of Intralipid infusion on peripheral blood T cells and plasma cytokines in women undergoing assisted reproduction treatment. Clin Transl Immunology 2021; 10:e1328. [PMID: 34408876 PMCID: PMC8358997 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Intravenous infusion of Intralipid is an adjunct therapy in assisted reproduction treatment (ART) when immune‐associated infertility is suspected. Here, we evaluated the effect of Intralipid infusion on regulatory T cells (Treg cells), effector T cells and plasma cytokines in peripheral blood of women undertaking IVF. Methods This prospective, observational pilot study assessed Intralipid infusion in 14 women exhibiting recurrent implantation failure, a clinical sign of immune‐associated infertility. Peripheral blood was collected immediately prior to and 7 days after intravenous administration of Intralipid. Plasma cytokines were measured by Luminex, and T‐cell subsets were analysed by flow cytometry. Results A small increase in conventional CD8+ T cells occurred after Intralipid infusion, but no change was seen in CD4+ Treg cells, or naïve, memory or effector memory T cells. Proliferation marker Ki67, transcription factors Tbet and RORγt, and markers of suppressive capacity CTLA4 and HLA‐DR were unchanged. Dimensionality‐reduction analysis using the tSNE algorithm confirmed no phenotype shift within Treg cells or other T cells. Intralipid infusion increased plasma CCL2, CCL3, CXCL8, GM‐CSF, G‐CSF, IL‐6, IL‐21, TNF and VEGF. Conclusion Intralipid infusion elicited elevated pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and a minor increase in CD8+ T cells, but no change in pro‐tolerogenic Treg cells. Notwithstanding the limitation of no placebo control, the results do not support Intralipid as a candidate intervention to attenuate the Treg cell response in women undergoing ART. Future placebo‐controlled studies are needed to confirm the potential efficacy and clinical significance of Intralipid in attenuating cytokine induction and circulating CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerrie L Foyle
- Robinson Research Institute Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - David J Sharkey
- Robinson Research Institute Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Lachlan M Moldenhauer
- Robinson Research Institute Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Ella S Green
- Robinson Research Institute Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Jasmine J Wilson
- Robinson Research Institute Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Cassandra J Roccisano
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences University of South Australia Adelaide SA Australia
| | - M Louise Hull
- Robinson Research Institute Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Kelton P Tremellen
- School of Medicine Flinders University Adelaide SA Australia.,Repromed Pty Ltd Dulwich SA Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
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10
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Navarro A, Bariani MV, Yang Q, Al-Hendy A. Understanding the Impact of Uterine Fibroids on Human Endometrium Function. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:633180. [PMID: 34113609 PMCID: PMC8186666 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.633180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are the most common benign gynecological tumors in women of reproductive age worldwide. They cause heavy menstrual bleeding, usually leading to severe anemia, pelvic pain/pressure, infertility, and other debilitating morbidities. Fibroids are believed to be monoclonal tumors arising from the myometrium, and recent studies have demonstrated that fibroids actively influence the endometrium globally. Studies suggest a direct relationship between the number of fibroids removed and fertility problems. In this review, our objective was to provide a complete overview of the origin of uterine fibroids and the molecular pathways and processes implicated in their development and growth, which can directly affect the function of a healthy endometrium. One of the most common characteristics of fibroids is the excessive production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, which contributes to the stiffness and expansion of fibroids. ECM may serve as a reservoir of profibrotic growth factors such as the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and a modulator of their availability and actions. Fibroids also elicit mechanotransduction changes that result in decreased uterine wall contractility and increased myometrium rigidity, which affect normal biological uterine functions such as menstrual bleeding, receptivity, and implantation. Changes in the microRNA (miRNA) expression in fibroids and myometrial cells appear to modulate the TGF-β pathways and the expression of regulators of ECM production. Taken together, these findings demonstrate an interaction among the ECM components, TGF-β family signaling, miRNAs, and the endometrial vascular system. Targeting these components will be fundamental to developing novel pharmacotherapies that not only treat uterine fibroids but also restore normal endometrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Stamenov GS, Vitale SG, Della Corte L, Vilos GA, Parvanov DA, Nikolova DN, Ganeva RR, Haimovich S. Hysteroscopy and female infertility: a fresh look to a busy corner. HUM FERTIL 2020; 25:430-446. [PMID: 33261529 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2020.1851399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Hysteroscopy has evolved from the traditional art of examining the uterine cavity for diagnostic purposes to an invaluable modality to concomitantly diagnose and (see and) treat a multitude of intrauterine pathologies, especially in the field and clinics specialising in female reproduction. This article reviews the literature on the most common cervical, endometrial, uterine and tubal pathologies such as chronic endometritis, endometrial polyps, adenomyosis, endometriosis, endometrial atrophy, adhesions, endometrial hyperplasia, cancer, and uterine malformations. The aim is to determine the efficiency of hysteroscopy compared with other available techniques as a diagnostic and treatment tool and its association with the success of in vitro fertilisation procedures. Although hysteroscopy requires an experienced operator for optimal results and is still an invasive procedure, it has the unique advantage of combining great diagnostic and treatment opportunities before and after ART procedures. In conclusion, hysteroscopy should be recommended as a first-line procedure in all cases with female infertility, and a special effort should be made for its implementation in the development of new high-tech procedures for identification and treatment infertility-associated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salvatore Giovanni Vitale
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luigi Della Corte
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - George Angelos Vilos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Western University, London, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Sergio Haimovich
- Hillel Yaffe Medical Center/Technion - Israel Technology Institute, Hadera, Israel
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Lin Y, Dong S, Zhao W, Hu KL, Liu J, Wang S, Tu M, Du B, Zhang D. Application of Hydrogel-Based Delivery System in Endometrial Repair. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:7278-7290. [PMID: 35019471 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A receptive endometrium with proper thickness is essential for successful embryo implantation. However, endometrial injury caused by intrauterine procedures often leads to pathophysiological changes in its environment, resulting in subsequent female infertility. Among diverse treatment methods of endometrial injury, hydrogels are a class of hydrophilic three-dimensional polymeric network with biocompatibility as well as the capability of absorbing water and encapsulation, which have potential applications as a promising intrauterine controlled-release delivery system. This review summarizes recent advances in the approaches of endometrial repair and further focuses on the application of a hydrogel-based delivery system in endometrial repair, including its preparation, therapeutic loading considerations, clinical applications, as well as working mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Lin
- Key Laboratory of Re/productive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, PR China
| | - Shunni Dong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, PR China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Women Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, PR China
| | - Kai-Lun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Re/productive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, PR China
| | - Juan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Re/productive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, PR China
| | - Siwen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Re/productive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, PR China
| | - Mixue Tu
- Key Laboratory of Re/productive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, PR China
| | - Binyang Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, PR China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Re/productive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Women Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, PR China
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