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Chen L, Ruan Y, Ni L, Wang G, Gao Y, Zhang J, Li D, Xu H. KISS-1 knockdown inhibits cell growth, migration, and invasion in HTR-8/SVneo cells by regulating the GRP54-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Autoimmunity 2024; 57:2297564. [PMID: 38155490 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2023.2297564] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) affect reproductive health and increase the risk of subsequent abortions. To investigate the role of KISS-1/GPR-54 signaling in RSA progression. Villus tissue was collected from RSA patients, and human trophoblastic HTR-8/SVneo cells were used. KISS-1 and GRP54 levels were detected using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Western blotting was performed to analyze ZO-1 and ZEB1 levels. Cell proliferation was determined via CCK-8 and cell clone formation assays. Transwell assays were performed to assess cell migration and invasion abilities. KISS-1 was down-regulated in the villus tissues of RSA patients. KISS-1 overexpression dramatically inhibited trophoblast proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, ZEB1 expression was down-regulated, whereas ZO-1 expression was up-regulated, after KISS-1 overexpression. GPR54 silencing neutralized the effect of KISS-1 in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Additionally, KISS-1 overexpression inactivated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through GRP54. The KISS-1/GPR-54 signaling axis regulates RSA progression by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Liping Ni
- Hangzhou Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Yajuan Gao
- Hangzhou Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Haiou Xu
- Hangzhou Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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2
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Akin S, Cekin N. Preeclampsia and STOX1 (storkhead-box protein 1): Molecular evaluation of STOX1 in preeclampsia. Gene 2024; 927:148742. [PMID: 38969244 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148742] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is clinically defined as a part of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and multiple organ failure. PE is broadly categorized into two types: "placental" and "maternal". Placental PE is associated with fetal growth restriction and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. STOX1 (Storkhead box 1), a transcription factor, discovered through a complete transcript analysis of the PE susceptibility locus of 70,000 bp on chromosome 10q22.1. So far, studies investigating the relationship between STOX1 and PE have focused on STOX1 overexpression, STOX1 isoform imbalance, and STOX1 variations that could have clinical consequence. Initially, the Y153H variation of STOX was associated with the placental form of PE. Additionally, studies focusing on the maternal and fetal interface have shown that NODAL and STOX1 variations play a role together in the unsuccessful remodeling of the spiral arteries. Research specifically addressing the overexpression of STOX1 has shown that its disruption of cellular hemoastasis, leading to impaired hypoxia response, disruption of the cellular antioxidant system, and nitroso/redox imbalance. Furthermore, functional studies have been conducted showing that the imbalance between STOX1 isoforms contributes to the pathogenesis of placental PE. Research indicates that STOX1B competes with STOX1A and that the overexpression of STOX1B reverses cellular changes that STOX1A induces to the pathogenesis of PE. In this review, we aimed at elucidating the relationship between STOX1 and PE as well as function of STOX1. In conclusion, based on a comprehensive literature review, numerous studies support the role of STOX1 in the pathogenesis of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyda Akin
- Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, 58140 Sivas, Turkey.
| | - Nilgun Cekin
- Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, 58140 Sivas, Turkey.
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3
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Chai S, Yang Y, Wei L, Cao Y, Ma J, Zheng X, Teng J, Qin N. Luteolin rescues postmenopausal osteoporosis elicited by OVX through alleviating osteoblast pyroptosis via activating PI3K-AKT signaling. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155516. [PMID: 38547625 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, osteoblast pyroptosis has been proposed as a potential pathogenic mechanism underlying osteoporosis, although this remains to be confirmed. Luteolin (Lut), a flavonoid phytochemical, plays a critical role in the anti-osteoporosis effects of many traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. However, its protective impact on osteoblasts in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) has not been elucidated. PURPOSE This research aimed to determine the effect of Lut in ameliorating PMOP by alleviating osteoblast pyroptosis and sustaining osteogenesis. STUDY DESIGN This research was designed to investigate the novel mechanism of Lut in alleviating PMOP both in cell and animal models. METHODS Ovariectomy-induced PMOP models were established in mice with/without daily gavaged of 10 or 20 mg/kg body weight Lut. The impact of Lut on bone microstructure, metabolism and oxidative stress was evaluated with 0.104 mg/kg body weight Estradiol Valerate Tablets daily gavaged as positive control. Network pharmacological analysis and molecular docking were employed to investigate the mechanisms of Lut in PMOP treatment. Subsequently, the impacts of Lut on the PI3K/AKT axis, oxidative stress, mitochondria, and osteoblast pyroptosis were assessed. In vitro, cultured MC3T3-E1(14) cells were exposed to H2O2 with/without Lut to examine its effects on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, osteogenic differentiation, mitochondrial function, and osteoblast pyroptosis. RESULTS Our findings demonstrated that 20 mg/kg Lut, similar to the positive control drug, effectively reduced systemic bone loss and oxidative stress, and enhanced bone metabolism induced by ovariectomy. Network pharmacological analysis and molecular docking indicated that the PI3K/AKT axis was a potential target, with oxidative stress response and nuclear membrane function being key mechanisms. Consequently, the effects of Lut on the PI3K/AKT axis and pyroptosis were investigated. In vivo data revealed that the PI3K/AKT axis was deactivated following ovariectomy, and Lut restored the phosphorylation of key proteins, thereby reactivating the axis. Additionally, Lut alleviated osteoblast pyroptosis and mitochondrial abnormalities induced by ovariectomy. In vitro, Lut intervention mitigated the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT axis and osteogenesis, as well as H2O2-induced pyroptosis. Furthermore, Lut attenuated ROS accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction. The effects of Lut, including osteogenesis restoration, anti-pyroptosis, and mitochondrial maintenance, were all reversed with LY294002 (a PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor). CONCLUSION In summary, Lut could improve mitochondrial dysfunction, alleviate GSDME-mediated pyroptosis and maintain osteogenesis via activating the PI3K/AKT axis, offering a new therapeutic strategy for PMOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Chai
- Luoyang Orthopedic-Traumatological Hospital (Orthopedics Hospital of Henan Province), 450016, Henan Province, China
| | - Yanbing Yang
- Luoyang Orthopedic-Traumatological Hospital (Orthopedics Hospital of Henan Province), 450016, Henan Province, China
| | - Liwei Wei
- Luoyang Orthopedic-Traumatological Hospital (Orthopedics Hospital of Henan Province), 450016, Henan Province, China
| | - Yuju Cao
- Zhengzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Traumatology Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450016, Henan Province, China
| | - Jiangtao Ma
- Luoyang Orthopedic-Traumatological Hospital (Orthopedics Hospital of Henan Province), 450016, Henan Province, China
| | - Xuxia Zheng
- Luoyang Orthopedic-Traumatological Hospital (Orthopedics Hospital of Henan Province), 450016, Henan Province, China
| | - Junyan Teng
- Luoyang Orthopedic-Traumatological Hospital (Orthopedics Hospital of Henan Province), 450016, Henan Province, China
| | - Na Qin
- Luoyang Orthopedic-Traumatological Hospital (Orthopedics Hospital of Henan Province), 450016, Henan Province, China.
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4
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Ma N, Liu B, Jin Y, Wang J, Qin W, Zheng F, Qin R, Li J, Hang F, Qin A. Aquaporin 9 causes recurrent spontaneous abortion by inhibiting trophoblast cell epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and invasion through the PI3K/AKT pathway†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:736-748. [PMID: 37602667 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasion of the endometrium by trophoblast cells is a key event during pregnancy, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Aquaporin 9 (AQP 9) is expressed in many eukaryotes and is associated with cell invasion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the significance of AQP9 in recurrent spontaneous abortion. METHODS We screened the GSE22490 dataset and further differentiated aquaporin 9 expression in villi. AQP9 was evaluated as one of the key factors in abortion by injecting AQP9 overexpressed plasmid into the uterus of CD1 mice. Trophoblast cells were transfected with AQP9-overexpressing plasmid or siAQP9 to measure cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. Western blot was used to measure changes in the expression of invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation process, and PI3K/AKT pathway. Finally, the role of AQP9 in PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was determined using the PI3K/AKT inhibitor, LY294002, and activator, 740Y-P. RESULTS AQP9 is highly expressed in recurrent spontaneous abortion villus. Intrauterine injections of AQP9-overexpressing plasmid into CD1 mice resulted in atrophy and blackness of the gestational sac and increased the absorption rate, it is the causative factor of abortion. AQP9 upregulation inhibited the proliferation, invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation process in vitro of trophoblast cells and increased cell apoptosis. The opposite result was observed after silencing AQP9. AQP9 overexpression also inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway. LY294002 and 740Y-P partially recovered AQP9-induced trophoblast invasion and migration via the PI3K/AKT pathway. CONCLUSIONS AQP9 reduces the invasive ability of trophoblast cells by regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, participating in recurrent spontaneous abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Ma
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530022, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530022, China
| | - Yufu Jin
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530022, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530022, China
| | - Weili Qin
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530022, China
| | - Fengque Zheng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530022, China
| | - Rongyan Qin
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530022, China
| | - Jiaxu Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530022, China
| | - Fu Hang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530022, China
| | - Aiping Qin
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530022, China
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5
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Chen X, Song QL, Wang JY, Ji R, Li ZH, Cao ML, Mu XF, Guo DY, Zhang Y, Yang J. Profilin1 regulates trophoblast invasion and macrophage differentiation. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023:S0002-9440(23)00165-7. [PMID: 37164274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) has been associated with the dysfunction of trophoblasts and decidual macrophages. Current evidence suggests that profilin1 (PFN1) plays an important role in many biological processes. However, little is currently known on whether PFN1 is related to URSA. The location of PFN1 was detected by immunohistochemistry. The level of PFN1 were detected by qRT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. The proliferation of trophoblasts was detected by CCK8 and EdU assays. Apoptosis of trophoblasts was detected by TUNEL assays. The migration and invasion ability of trophoblasts were assessed by the wound-healing test and transwell test. Macrophages were cultured in trophoblast conditioned medium and the polarization of macrophages was detected. PFN1 expression was observed in in cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, and extravillous trophoblasts and decreased in the villous tissue of URSA patients. The migration and invasion ability and cell viability of trophoblastic cell lines that underwent PFN1 knockdown significantly decreased, and apoptosis increased. Opposite findings were observed following the overexpression of PFN1 in trophoblastic cells. In addition, PFN1 could regulate trophoblast function through PI3K/AKT signal transduction rather than MAPK signaling pathways. In addition, this study also found that knockdown of PFN1 in trophoblast promotes TNF-α secretion to induce macrophage polarization to M1 phenotype, mediated by the NF- κ B signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qian Lin Song
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jia Yu Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rui Ji
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ze Hong Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ming Liang Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xue Feng Mu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Duan Ying Guo
- Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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6
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The Potential Mechanism of Zishen Yutai Pills against Threatened Abortion: An Approach Involving Network Pharmacology and Experimental Evidence. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/5797767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Threatened abortion (TA) is the most common complication in early pregnancy and is caused by anxiety and depressive symptoms. The Zishen Yutai Pill (ZYP) is a traditional herbal formula that is commonly used to treat TA. However, the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effect of ZYP have yet to be elucidated. To disclose the mechanism of ZYP in the treatment of TA, first, we identified the chemical constituents of ZYP from multiple databases and then predicted the potential targets of TA by applying the GeneCards database. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was then constructed to allow the screening of hub targets. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGGs) enrichment analyses were also performed and the Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery server was used to identify critical biological processes and signaling pathways. Cytoscape software was used to construct a Compound-Target-Pathway. Furthermore, we analyzed ZYP by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, then the RU486-induced TA rat model was established, and the reliability of the network pharmacology prediction results was verified. Finally, the mechanisms responsible for the action of ZYP on TA were revealed by qRT-PCR and molecular docking. Database screening identified a total of 161 active compounds in ZYP and 324 TA-related targets. And, we identified 42 compounds from ZYP by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Inflammation and apoptosis were identified as the main biological processes. GO and KEGG analyses identified that the MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways were the key functional pathways that respond to ZYP. The results showed that ZYP treatment significantly increased maternal weight, significantly increased the levels of estradiol and progesterone, and attenuated histopathological changes in a rat model of TA. Data indicated that ZYP treatment improved pregnancy outcomes in the rat model of TA. QRT-PCR data showed that ZYP reduced inflammation and apoptosis by regulating the MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways. In addition, molecule docking results identified a range of key compounds, including Pik3a, Mapk14, Mapk1, Mapk3, Mapk8 Tnf, Il6, and Cas8. In summary, we performed network pharmacological analysis and experimental validation and identified that ZYP exerts an effect on TA by regulating the MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways and by inhibiting the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines and genes related to apoptosis.
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7
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Zhou H, Zhao C, Wang P, Yang W, Zhu H, Zhang S. Regulators involved in trophoblast syncytialization in the placenta of intrauterine growth restriction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1107182. [PMID: 36798658 PMCID: PMC9927020 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1107182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Placental dysfunction refers to the insufficiency of placental perfusion and chronic hypoxia during early pregnancy, which impairs placental function and causes inadequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, affecting fetal development and health. Fetal intrauterine growth restriction, one of the most common outcomes of pregnancy-induced hypertensions, can be caused by placental dysfunction, resulting from deficient trophoblast syncytialization, inadequate trophoblast invasion and impaired vascular remodeling. During placental development, cytotrophoblasts fuse to form a multinucleated syncytia barrier, which supplies oxygen and nutrients to meet the metabolic demands for fetal growth. A reduction in the cell fusion index and the number of nuclei in the syncytiotrophoblast are found in the placentas of pregnancies complicated by IUGR, suggesting that the occurrence of IUGR may be related to inadequate trophoblast syncytialization. During the multiple processes of trophoblasts syncytialization, specific proteins and several signaling pathways are involved in coordinating these events and regulating placental function. In addition, epigenetic modifications, cell metabolism, senescence, and autophagy are also involved. Study findings have indicated several abnormally expressed syncytialization-related proteins and signaling pathways in the placentas of pregnancies complicated by IUGR, suggesting that these elements may play a crucial role in the occurrence of IUGR. In this review, we discuss the regulators of trophoblast syncytialization and their abnormal expression in the placentas of pregnancies complicated by IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjing Zhou
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenqiong Zhao
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peixin Wang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weijie Yang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Zhu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Songying Zhang, ; Haiyan Zhu,
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Songying Zhang, ; Haiyan Zhu,
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8
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Sunitinib Reduced the Migration of Ectopic Endometrial Cells via p-VEGFR-PI3K-AKT-YBX1-Snail Signaling Pathway. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2022; 2022:6042518. [PMID: 35837295 PMCID: PMC9274230 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6042518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMs) is one of the most common gynecological diseases, lacking effective treatment. EMs are currently being treated with small molecule targeted therapy, which has resulted in a significant reduction in patient suffering. Our previous studies have shown that sunitinib plays an obvious role in migration. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to explore the molecular mechanism by which sunitinib suppressed the ectopic endometrial migration. The ectopic endometrial cells from patients were divided into two groups: the control group and the sunitinib group. Co-IP and protein spectrum assay were employed to filtrate differential proteins between two groups, and then, our study discovered a signaling pathway, p-VEGFR-PI3K-AKT-YBX1-Snail, in the cell of EMs. To confirm this signaling pathway, VEGF165 was added to the sunitinib group to upregulate the expression of VEGFR. Next, the expression of p-VEGFR, PI3K, AKT, YBX1, and snail was measured in the control group and sunitinib group (compared with the control group: p-VEGFR, PI3K, AKT, YBX1, and snail,
) and the VEGFR+sunitinib group (compared with the sunitinib group: p-VEGFR, PI3K, AKT, and snail,
; YBX1,
); finally, the outcome was as expected. In addition to in vitro experiments, we also conducted in vivo experiments in mice. In the EMs mouse model, we found sunitinib reduced the number of heterotopic foci (
,
) and inhibited the expression of p-VEGFR, YBX1, and snail by immunofluorescence. To sum up, sunitinib exactly reduced the migration of ectopic endometrial cells with the involvement of the p-VEGFR-PI3K-AKT-YBX1-Snail signaling pathway in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. This study suggests that sunitinib presents a potential targeted drug for EMs therapy.
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9
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He S, Ning Y, Ma F, Liu D, Jiang S, Deng S. IL-23 Inhibits Trophoblast Proliferation, Migration, and EMT via Activating p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway to Promote Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 32:792-799. [PMID: 35637168 PMCID: PMC9628909 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2112.12056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
As a vital problem in reproductive health, recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) affects about 1% of women. We performed this study with an aim to explore the molecular mechanism of interleukin-23 (IL-23) and find optimal or effective methods to improve RSA. First, ELISA was applied to evaluate the expressions of IL-23 and its receptor in HTR-8/SVneo cells after IL-23 treatment. CCK-8, TUNEL, wound healing and transwell assays were employed to assess the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells, respectively. Additionally, the expressions of apoptosis-, migration-, epithelial-mesenchymal transition- (EMT-) and p38 MAPK signaling pathway-related proteins were measured by western blotting. To further investigate the relationship between IL-23 and p38 MAPK signaling pathway, HTR-8/SVneo cells were treated for 1 h with p38 MAPK inhibitor SB239063, followed by a series of cellular experiments on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, as aforementioned. The results showed that IL-23 and its receptors were greatly elevated in IL-23-treated HTR-8/SVneo cells. Additionally, IL-23 demonstrated suppressive effects on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and EMT of IL-23-treated HTR-8/SVneo cells. More importantly, the molecular mechanism of IL-23 was revealed in this study; that is to say, IL-23 inhibited the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and EMT of IL-23-treated HTR-8/SVneo cells via activating p38 MAPK signaling pathway. In conclusion, IL-23 inhibits trophoblast proliferation, migration, and EMT via activating p38 MAPK signaling pathway, suggesting that IL-23 might be a novel target for the improvement of RSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan He
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518028, P.R. China
| | - Yan Ning
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518028, P.R. China,Corresponding author Phone: +0755-82889999 E-mail:
| | - Fei Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518028, P.R. China
| | - Dayan Liu
- Department of Genesiology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518028, P.R. China
| | - Shaoyan Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518028, P.R. China
| | - Shaojie Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518028, P.R. China
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10
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Ma W, Cao M, Bi S, Du L, Chen J, Wang H, Jiang Y, Wu Y, Liao Y, Kong S, Liu J. MAX deficiency impairs human endometrial decidualization through down-regulating OSR2 in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 388:453-469. [PMID: 35146559 PMCID: PMC9035420 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03579-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Human uterine stromal cell undergoes decidualization for pregnancy establishment and maintenance, which involved extensive proliferation and differentiation. Increasing studies have suggested that recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) may result from defective endometrial stromal decidualization. However, the critical molecular mechanisms underlying impaired decidualization during RSA are still elusive. By using our recently published single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) atlas, we found that MYC-associated factor X (MAX) was significantly downregulated in the stromal cells derived from decidual tissues of women with RSA, followed by verification with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). MAX knockdown significantly impairs human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) proliferation as determined by MTS assay and Ki67 immunostaining, and decidualization determined by F-actin, and decidualization markers. RNA-seq together with chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) and cleavage under targets and release using nuclease sequencing (CUT&RUN-seq) analysis were applied to explore the molecular mechanisms of MAX in regulation of decidualization, followed by dual-luciferase reporter assay to verify that MAX targets to (odd-skipped related transcription factor 2) OSR2 directly. Reduced expression of OSR2 was also confirmed in decidual tissues in women with RSA by IHC and qRT-PCR. OSR2 knockdown also significantly impairs HESCs decidualization. OSR2-overexpression could at least partly rescue the downregulated insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) expression level in response to MAX knockdown. Collectively, MAX deficiency observed in RSA stromal cells not only attenuates HESCs proliferation but also impairs HESCs decidualization by downregulating OSR2 expression at transcriptional level directly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixu Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingzhu Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shilei Bi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lili Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingsi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yufei Jiang
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yixuan Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yixin Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Jianqiao Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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11
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Sheng YR, Hu WT, Shen HH, Wei CY, Liu YK, Ma XQ, Li MQ, Zhu XY. An imbalance of the IL-33/ST2-AXL-efferocytosis axis induces pregnancy loss through metabolic reprogramming of decidual macrophages. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:173. [PMID: 35244789 PMCID: PMC11073329 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04197-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During embryo implantation, apoptosis is inevitable. These apoptotic cells (ACs) are removed by efferocytosis, in which macrophages are filled with a metabolite load nearly equal to the phagocyte itself. A timely question pertains to the relationship between efferocytosis-related metabolism and the immune behavior of decidual macrophages (dMΦs) and its effect on pregnancy outcome. Here, we report positive feedback of IL-33/ST2-AXL-efferocytosis leading to pregnancy failure through metabolic reprogramming of dMΦs. We compared the serum levels of IL-33 and sST2, along with IL-33 and ST2, efferocytosis and metabolism of dMΦs, from patients with normal pregnancies and unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). We revealed disruption of the IL-33/ST2 axis, increased apoptotic cells and elevated efferocytosis of dMΦs from patients with RPL. The dMΦs that engulfed many apoptotic cells secreted more sST2 and less TGF-β, which polarized dMΦs toward the M1 phenotype. Moreover, the elevated sST2 biased the efferocytosis-related metabolism of RPL dMΦs toward oxidative phosphorylation and exacerbated the disruption of the IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway. Metabolic disorders also lead to dysfunction of efferocytosis, resulting in more uncleared apoptotic cells and secondary necrosis. We also screened the efferocytotic molecule AXL regulated by IL-33/ST2. This positive feedback axis of IL-33/ST2-AXL-efferocytosis led to pregnancy failure. IL-33 knockout mice demonstrated poor pregnancy outcomes, and exogenous supplementation with mouse IL-33 reduced the embryo losses. These findings highlight a new etiological mechanism whereby dMΦs leverage immunometabolism for homeostasis of the microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ran Sheng
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Wen-Ting Hu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Hui-Hui Shen
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Chun-Yan Wei
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yu-Kai Liu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Xiao-Qian Ma
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200090, China.
| | - Xiao-Yong Zhu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200090, China.
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12
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Chen X, Song QL, Ji R, Wang JY, Li ZH, Guo D, Yin TL, Wang SJ, Yang J. MiR-187 regulates the proliferation, migration and invasion of human trophoblast cells by repressing BCL6-mediated activation of PI3K/AKT signaling. Placenta 2022; 118:20-31. [PMID: 35007926 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recurrent miscarriage (RM), refers to two or more consecutive spontaneous miscarriage in a pregnant woman. RM is caused by many factors, and microRNAs play an important role in the development and pathology of RM. In the present study, we investigated the function of miR-187 in the pathogenesis of RM and its effects on human trophoblast cells. METHODS The localization of miR-187 in the human placenta in early pregnancy was determined by in situ hybridization. QRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-187 in villi of normal early pregnancy induced abortion group and recurrent spontaneous miscarriage group. Then, HTR8/SVneo cells were used to investigated the effect of miR-187 on BCL6 expression and biological activity of trophoblasts. RESULTS We found that the expression of miR-187 in villi of RM group was higher than that of normal abortion group and miR-187 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HTR8 cells. We also found that miR-187 promoted apoptosis, inhibited EMT, and inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway in HTR8 cells. In addition, we also found that BCL6 is a direct target of miR-187 and is negatively regulated by miR-187. In addition, BCL6 reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-187 on HTR8/SVneo cells. These data demonstrate that miR-187-induced repression of PI3K/AKT signaling is mediated by BCL6 in HTR8 cells. DISSCUSSION MiR-187 inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of trophoblasts through a mechanism that involves regulation of BCL6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| | - Qian Lin Song
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| | - Rui Ji
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| | - Jia Yu Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| | - Ze Hong Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| | - DuanYing Guo
- Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, PR China
| | - Tai Lang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China.
| | - Shao Juan Wang
- Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, PR China.
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China.
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13
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Li X, Zhang C. Surfactant Protein (SP) induces preterm birth by promoting oxidative stress via upregulating Storkhead-Box Protein 1. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2022; 77:100079. [PMID: 36087567 PMCID: PMC9468348 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2022.100079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant mortality. The mechanisms that instigate preterm birth remain elusive and this makes it difficult to predict or prevent preterm birth. In this study, the authors found that SP-A induced pathological damage to the placenta and promoted preterm birth. Through mechanism, SP-A promoted the expression of STOX1 which further promoted the oxidative stress in the placenta by inhibiting the activities of a series of antioxidant enzymes including SOD, CAT and GSH-Px. SP-A also induced dysregulation of arginine metabolism by inhibiting NOS2 and ARG2. Overexpression of STOX1 aggravated SP-A induced oxidative stress, pathological damage, and preterm birth, whereas knockdown of STOX1 alleviated SP-A induced oxidative stress, pathological damage and preterm birth. The present study uncovers that SP-A induces preterm birth by promoting oxidative stress via upregulating STOX1, which provides new targets for the prediction and prevention of preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiafang Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Chunnian Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
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14
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Gajewska KA, Lescesen H, Ramialison M, Wagstaff KM, Jans DA. Nuclear transporter Importin-13 plays a key role in the oxidative stress transcriptional response. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5904. [PMID: 34625540 PMCID: PMC8501021 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26125-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The importin superfamily member Importin-13 is a bidirectional nuclear transporter. To delineate its functional roles, we performed transcriptomic analysis on wild-type and Importin-13-knockout mouse embryonic stem cells, revealing enrichment of differentially expressed genes involved in stress responses and apoptosis regulation. De novo promoter motif analysis on 277 Importin-13-dependent genes responsive to oxidative stress revealed an enrichment of motifs aligned to consensus sites for the transcription factors specificity protein 1, SP1, or Kruppel like factor 4, KLF4. Analysis of embryonic stem cells subjected to oxidative stress revealed that Importin-13-knockout cells were more resistant, with knockdown of SP1 or KLF4 helping protect wild-type embryonic stem cells against stress-induced death. Importin-13 was revealed to bind to SP1 and KLF4 in a cellular context, with a key role in oxidative stress-dependent nuclear export of both transcription factors. The results are integral to understanding stress biology, highlighting the importance of Importin-13 in the stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. A. Gajewska
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - H. Lescesen
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - M. Ramialison
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute and Systems Biology Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - K. M. Wagstaff
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - D. A. Jans
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
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15
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Li A, Li S, Zhang C, Fang Z, Sun Y, Peng Y, Wang X, Zhang M. FPR2 serves a role in recurrent spontaneous abortion by regulating trophoblast function via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:838. [PMID: 34608500 PMCID: PMC8503740 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12478] [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: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) effects both the physical and mental health of women of reproductive age. Trophoblast dysfunction may result in RSA due to shallow placental implantation. The mechanisms underlying formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) on the biological functions of trophoblasts remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to explore the potential functions of FPR2, a G protein‑coupled receptor, in placental trophoblasts. The location and expression levels of FPR2 in the villi tissue of patients with RSA were detected using immunohistochemical staining, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting. Following the transfection of small interfering RNA targeting FPR2 in HTR‑8/SVneo cells, a Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay was used to determine the levels of cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to examine the levels of cell apoptosis and gap closure and Transwell assays were carried out to evaluate the levels of cell migration and invasion. A tube formation assay was performed to detect the levels of capillary‑like structure formation. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of proteins in the associated signaling pathways. The expression of FPR2 was present in villi trophoblasts and was markedly increased in patients with RSA. The levels of trophoblast invasion, migration and tube formation were markedly increased following FPR2 knockdown, whereas the levels of apoptosis were markedly decreased. In addition, FPR2 knockdown caused an increase in the phosphorylation levels of AKT and PI3K. Thus, FPR2 may be involved in the regulation of trophoblast function via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The results of the present study provided a theoretical basis for the use of FPR2 as a target for the treatment of trophoblast‑associated diseases, such as RSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Shuxian Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Chongyu Zhang
- Department of Chronic Disease, Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Wulian, Rizhao, Shandong 262300, P.R. China
| | - Zhenya Fang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Yaqiong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Yanjie Peng
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Xietong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Meihua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
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Proteomic Analysis of Differentially Expressed Proteins in the Placenta of Anticardiolipin Antibody- (ACA-) Positive Pregnant Mice after Anzi Heji Treatment. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:1967698. [PMID: 33414834 PMCID: PMC7752267 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1967698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Anzi Heji (AZHJ) has been used to treat anticardiolipin antibody- (ACA-) positive pregnant women at risk of spontaneous abortion for many years. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective mechanism of AZHJ in a mouse model of ACA-positive pregnancy at risk of spontaneous abortion using label-free quantitative proteomics. Mice were divided into three groups: normal pregnant mice (control group), ACA-positive pregnant mice administered normal saline (model group), and ACA-positive pregnant mice administered AZHJ (AZHJ group). The model was established by injecting β2-glycoprotein I (GPI) into mice for 18 days. The DEPs and their functions were analyzed by label-free quantitative proteomic and bioinformatic analyses. The levels of IL-6, IL-10, ACA, and TNF-α in the serum and placentas of the mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Proteomic data were validated by western blot analysis. The abnormal serum and placental levels of IL-6, ACA, and TNF-α in the model group were reversed by AZHJ. There were 39 upregulated and 10 downregulated DEPs in the AZHJ group relative to the model group. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the DEPs were mainly involved in nucleic acid binding, signal conduction, and posttranslational modification. The placental levels of T-cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 (Tim-3) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression and AKT phosphorylation in the three groups were consistent with the proteomic findings. Tim-3/AKT signaling is involved in maternal-fetal immune tolerance, while TLR4 is associated with inflammatory responses. Collectively, these results indicate that AZHJ may exert its protective effect in ACA-positive pregnant mice by regulating the maternal-fetal immune tolerance and inflammatory response.
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Hua R, Zhang X, Li W, Lian W, Liu Q, Gao D, Wang Y, Lei M. Ssc-miR-21-5p regulates endometrial epithelial cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration via the PDCD4/AKT pathway. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs248898. [PMID: 33097608 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.248898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity plays a vital role in successful embryo implantation in pigs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), known as regulators of gene expression, have been implicated in the regulation of embryo implantation. However, the role of miRNAs in endometrial receptivity during the pre-implantation period remains elusive. In this study, we report that the expression level of Sus scrofa (ssc)-miR-21-5p in porcine endometrium tissues was significantly increased from day 9 to day 12 of pregnancy. Knockdown of ssc-miR-21-5p inhibited proliferation and migration of endometrial epithelial cells (EECs), and induced their apoptosis. We verified that programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) was a target gene of ssc-miR-21-5p. Inhibition of PDCD4 rescued the effect of ssc-miR-21-5p repression on EECs. Our results also revealed that knockdown of ssc-miR-21-5p impeded the phosphorylation of AKT (herein referring to AKT1) by targeting PDCD4, which further upregulated the expression of Bax, and downregulated the levels of Bcl2 and Mmp9. Furthermore, loss of function of Mus musculus (mmu)-miR-21-5p in vivo resulted in a decreased number of implanted mouse embryos. Taken together, knockdown of ssc-miR-21-5p hampers endometrial receptivity by modulating the PDCD4/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renwu Hua
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Xiuling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Wenchao Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Weisi Lian
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Qiaorui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Dengying Gao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Yueying Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Jining, 272000, China
| | - Minggang Lei
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430000, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Livestock, Wuhan, 430000, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, 430000, China
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18
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Bai RX, Tang ZY. Long non-coding RNA H19 regulates Bcl-2, Bax and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase expression in spontaneous abortion. Exp Ther Med 2020; 21:41. [PMID: 33273971 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous abortion (SA) is the most frequently occurring pregnancy disorder and is a serious threat to women's health. Identifying novel risk factors and the molecular mechanisms underlying SA are important. The present study reported that the RNA expression levels of long non-coding RNA H19 were lower in SA group compared with those in the control group, and the expression of Bax was increased and levels of Bcl-2 and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (GPX4) were decreased in SA group at both the mRNA and protein levels. H19 expression was positively correlated with Bcl-2 and GPX4 expression and negatively linked with Bax levels. It was demonstrated that silencing H19 downregulated Bcl-2 and GPX4 expression and upregulated Bax expression at both the mRNA and protein levels in HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells. In conclusion, the present findings suggested that H19 has important roles in SA by promoting apoptosis and ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Xia Bai
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Zou-Ying Tang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
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19
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Li Z, Zhou G, Tao F, Cao Y, Han W, Li Q. circ-ZUFSP regulates trophoblasts migration and invasion through sponging miR-203 to regulate STOX1 expression. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 531:472-479. [PMID: 32807495 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.06.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses before 12 weeks of gestation with or without previous live births. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of endogenous noncoding RNAs that play important roles in gene expression regulation and trophoblasts function during embryo development. This study aimed to evaluate the function mechanism of circRNAs regulating trophoblasts function in the occurrence and progression RSA. Through overexpression and down-regulation of circ-ZUFSP, we investigated the effect of circ-ZUFSP on the function of trophoblasts and found loss of circ-ZUFSP suppressed trophoblasts migration and invasion in vitro. Moreover, loss of circ-ZUFSP regulated trophoblasts migration and invasion via regulation of miR-203. Furthermore, STOX1 was revealed to a target of miR-203, and down-regulation of STOX1 reversed circ-ZUFSP enhanced cell invasion, suggesting that circ-ZUFSP might regulate STOX1 expression through sponging miR-203 in HTR-8/SVneo cells. In addition, low expression of circ-ZUFSP, STOX1 and high expression of miR-203 were testified in placental tissues of RSA mice. Our study demonstrated a molecular mechanism of circ-ZUFSP regulating trophoblasts migration and invasion, which might provide a novel indicator for early diagnosis and potential treatment of RSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifang Li
- Anqing Municipal Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Anqing, 246000, China
| | - Guiju Zhou
- Department Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Wenhui Han
- Anqing Municipal Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Anqing, 246000, China
| | - Qing Li
- Anqing Municipal Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Anqing, 246000, China.
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Bai J, Zeng S, Zhu J, Fu C, He M, Zhu J, Chen S, Fu X, Li P, Lin Z. The Small Molecule P7C3-A20 Exerts Neuroprotective Effects in a Hypoxic–ischemic Encephalopathy Model via Activation of PI3K/AKT/GSK3β Signaling. Neuroscience 2020; 441:197-208. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Systems Pharmacology-Based Research on the Mechanism of Tusizi-Sangjisheng Herb Pair in the Treatment of Threatened Abortion. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:4748264. [PMID: 32775426 PMCID: PMC7391104 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4748264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Threatened abortion (TA) is a common complication with high incidence in the first trimester of pregnancy, which will end in miscarriage if not treated properly. The Chinese herbs Cuscutae Semen (Tusizi in Chinese) and Herba Taxilli (Sangjisheng in Chinese) first recorded in the ancient classic medical book Shennong Bencao Jing are effective and widely used as an herb pair for the treatment of TA, while the active ingredients and the functional mechanism of Tusizi-Sangjisheng herb pair treating TA are still unknown. In order to exploit the relationship between those two herbs and TA, systems pharmacology analysis was carried out in this study. A total of 75 ingredients of Tusizi-Sangjisheng were collected from Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). 12 bioactive compounds were screened, and 153 directly related targets were predicted by systematic models. Besides, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were used to systematically explore the potential mechanisms of Tusizi-Sangjisheng treating TA. Meanwhile, Compound-Target (C-T), Target-Disease (T-D), and Target-Pathway (T-P) networks were constructed to further quest the underlying functional mechanisms of Tusizi-Sangjisheng. As a result, 31 targets and 3 key pathways were found to be directly related to TA that includes mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathways. The results in this study may provide some valuable clues about the molecular mechanisms of the efficient Chinese herb pair Tusizi-Sangjisheng in the treatment of TA.
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Puerarin Relieved Compression-Induced Apoptosis and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Human Nucleus Pulposus Mesenchymal Stem Cells via the PI3K/Akt Pathway. Stem Cells Int 2020; 2020:7126914. [PMID: 32399049 PMCID: PMC7201526 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7126914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Puerarin (PUR), an 8-C-glucoside of daidzein extracted from Pueraria plants, is closely related to autophagy, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and anti-inflammatory effects, but its effects on human nucleus pulposus mesenchymal stem cells (NPMSCs) have not yet been identified. In this study, NPMSCs were cultured in a compression apparatus to simulate the microenvironment of the intervertebral disc under controlled pressure (1.0 MPa), and we found that cell viability was decreased and apoptosis level was gradually increased as compression duration was prolonged. After PUR administration, apoptosis level evaluated by flow cytometry and caspase-3 activity was remitted, and protein levels of Bas as well as cleaved caspase-3 were decreased, while elevated Bcl-2 level was identified. Moreover, ATP production detection, ROS, and JC-1 fluorography as well as quantitative analysis suggested that PUR could attenuate intercellular ROS accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Besides, the rat tail compression model was utilized, which indicated that PUR could restore impaired nucleus pulposus degeneration induced by compression. The PI3K/Akt pathway was identified to be deactivated after compression stimulation by western blot, and PUR could rescue the phosphorylation of Akt, thus reactivating the pathway. The effects of PUR, such as antiapoptosis, cell viability restoration, antioxidation, and mitochondrial maintenance, were all counteracted by application of the PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor (LY294002). Summarily, PUR could alleviate compression-induced apoptosis and cell death of human NPMSCs in vitro as well as on the rat compression model and maintain intracellular homeostasis by stabilizing mitochondrial membrane potential and attenuating ROS accumulation through activating the PI3K/Akt pathway.
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Li Z, Zhou G, Jiang L, Xiang H, Cao Y. Effect of STOX1 on recurrent spontaneous abortion by regulating trophoblast cell proliferation and migration via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:8291-8299. [PMID: 30548667 PMCID: PMC6590170 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
STOX1 is a transcription factor that is implicated in the high prevalence of human gestational diseases. It has been studied in various types of gestational diseases using different molecular and cellular biological technologies. However, the effect and detailed mechanism of storkhead box 1 (STOX1) in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) remain unknown. This study aimed to explore the effect and detailed mechanism of STOX1 in human trophoblast cells. The result showed that downregulation of STOX1 by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) led to a decrease in proliferation and migration in HTR-8/SVneo cells, while it induced the apoptosis of HTR-8/SVneo cells. Moreover, the result showed that trophoblast cells expressed lower levels of pAKT and p85 subunits after treatment with STOX1 shRNA when compared with control. However, overexpression of STOX1 obviously increased the pAKT and p85 protein expressions. Transfection of pcDNA-AKT plasmid increased cell proliferation and migration in HTR-8/SVneo cells while suppressed the apoptosis of HTR-8/SVneo cells. Furthermore, inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway by a specific inhibitor promoted cell apoptosis and aggravatedly suppressed cell proliferation and migration of HTR-8/SVneo cells. On the other hand, upregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway could increase the relative expression level of Bcl-2 and decrease the relative expression levels of Bax and Bim, while inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway led to adverse results. Our results demonstrated that inhibition of STOX1 could suppress trophoblast cell proliferation and migration, while promote apoptosis through inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These findings might provide a new fundamental mechanism for regulating RSA and could be used to prevent and treat RSA in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifang Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina,Anqing Municipal Hospital, Anhui Medical UniversityAnqingChina
| | - Guiju Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina,Department Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Longfan Jiang
- Anqing Municipal Hospital, Anhui Medical UniversityAnqingChina
| | - Huifen Xiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
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