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Wang B, Gao M, Yao Y, Shen H, Li H, Sun J, Wang L, Zhang X. Enhancing endometrial receptivity: the roles of human chorionic gonadotropin in autophagy and apoptosis regulation in endometrial stromal cells. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:37. [PMID: 38576003 PMCID: PMC10993617 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01205-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Inadequate endometrial receptivity often results in embryo implantation failure and miscarriage. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a key signaling molecule secreted during early embryonic development, which regulates embryonic maternal interface signaling and promotes embryo implantation. This study aimed to examine the impact of hCG on endometrial receptivity and its underlying mechanisms. An exploratory study was designed, and endometrial samples were obtained from women diagnosed with simple tubal infertility or male factor infertile (n = 12) and recurrent implantation failure (RIF, n = 10). Using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting, luteinizing hormone (LH)/hCG receptor (LHCGR) levels and autophagy were detected in the endometrial tissues. Subsequently, primary endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) were isolated from these control groups and treated with hCG to examine the presence of LHCGR and markers of endometrial receptivity (HOXA10, ITGB3, FOXO1, LIF, and L-selectin ligand) and autophagy-related factors (Beclin1, LC3, and P62). The findings revealed that the expressions of receptivity factors, LHCGR, and LC3 were reduced in the endometrial tissues of women with RIF compared with the control group, whereas the expression of P62 was elevated. The administration of hCG to ESCs specifically activated LHCGR, stimulating an increase in the endometrial production of HOXA10, ITGB3, FOXO1, LIF and L-selectin ligands. Furthermore, when ESCs were exposed to 0.1 IU/mL hCG for 72 h, the autophagy factors Beclin1 and LC3 increased within the cells and P62 decreased. Moreover, the apoptotic factor Bax increased and Bcl-2 declined. However, when small interfering RNA was used to knock down LHCGR, hCG was less capable of controlling endometrial receptivity and autophagy molecules in ESCs. In addition, hCG stimulation enhanced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and mTOR proteins. These results suggest that women with RIF exhibit lower levels of LHCGR and compromised autophagy function in their endometrial tissues. Thus, hCG/LHCGR could potentially improve endometrial receptivity by modulating autophagy and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingxia Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Ying Yao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haofei Shen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Sun
- Medical Laboratory Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Liyan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
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Zhang Y, Tang L, Liu H, Cheng Y. The Multiple Functions of HB-EGF in Female Reproduction and Related Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Targeting Strategies. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01454-6. [PMID: 38424408 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01454-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Heparin-binding growth factor (HB-EGF) is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) ligand family which has a crucial role in women's health. However, there is a lack of comprehensive review to summarize the significance of HB-EGF. Therefore, this work first described the expression patterns of HB-EGF in the endometrium and ovary of different species and gestational time. Then, the focus was on exploring how it promotes the successful implantation and regulates the process of decidualization and the function of ovarian granulosa cells as an intermediate molecule. Otherwise, we also focused on the clinical and prognostic significance of HB-EGF in female-related cancers (including ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer) and breast cancer. Lastly, the article also summarizes the current drugs targeting HB-EGF in the treatment of ovarian cancer and breast cancer. Overall, these studies found that the expression of HB-EGF in the endometrium is spatiotemporal and species-specific. And it mediates the dialogue between the blastocyst and endometrium, promoting synchronous development of the blastocyst and endometrium as an intermediate molecule. HB-EGF may serve as a potentially valuable prognostic clinical indicator in tumors. And the specific inhibitor of HB-EGF (CRM197) has a certain anti-tumor ability, which can exert synergistic anti-tumor effects with conventional chemotherapy drugs. However, it also suggests that more research is needed in the future to elucidate its specific mechanisms and to accommodate clinical studies with a larger sample size to clarify its clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Lujia Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanxiang Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China.
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Wang B, Gao M, Yao Y, Li H, Zhang X. Focusing on the role of protein kinase mTOR in endometrial physiology and pathology: insights for therapeutic interventions. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:359. [PMID: 38400863 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08937-w] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine protein kinase crucial for cellular differentiation, proliferation, and autophagy. It shows a complex role in the endometrium, influencing both normal and pathogenic conditions. mTOR promotes the growth and maturation of endometrial cells, enhancing endometrial receptivity and decidualization. However, it also contributes to the development of endometriosis (EMs) and endometrial cancer (EC), thus emerging as a therapeutic target for these conditions. In this review, we summarize recent research progress on the mTOR signalling pathway in the endometrium. This provides insights into female endometrial structure and function and guides the prevention and treatment of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingxia Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ying Yao
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu, Lanzhou, China.
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You F, Du X, Zhang T, Wang Y, Lv Y, Zeng L. Electroacupuncture improves endometrial receptivity through miRNA-223-3p-mediated regulation of leukemia inhibitory factor / signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway. Bioengineered 2022; 13:10298-10312. [PMID: 35435116 PMCID: PMC9161864 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2062524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fang You
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Clinical College, Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xin Du
- Reproductive Centre, Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Taiwei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The First Clinical College, Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Reproductive Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Guizhou, China
| | - Yuxia Lv
- Department of Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, Guizhou, China
| | - Li Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Clinical College, Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Bai X, Zheng L, Li D, Xu Y. Research progress of endometrial receptivity in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:122. [PMID: 34362377 PMCID: PMC8344130 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00802-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a neuroendocrine heterogeneous disease that frequently occurs in women of reproductive age, causing serious damage to the fertility, quality of life, and physical and mental health of patients. The current studies have proved that satisfactory endometrial receptivity is one of the conditions that must be met during the process of spermatovum position, adhesion and invasion, as well as the subsequent blastocyst division and embryo development. Women with PCOS may suffer a series of pathological processes such as changes in the expression levels of hormones and related receptors, imbalances in the proportion of miscellaneous cytokines, insulin resistance, low-grade chronic inflammation and endometrial morphological changes, which will damage endometrial receptivity from various aspects and obstruct fertilized egg nidation and embryonic development, thus causing adverse reproductive health events including infertility and abortion. This article reviews the research progress about characteristics and related influencing factors of endometrial receptivity in PCOS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechun Bai
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Province Changchun City, China
| | - Lianwen Zheng
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Province Changchun City, China
| | - Dandan Li
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Province Changchun City, China
| | - Ying Xu
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Province Changchun City, China
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Niknafs B, Hesam Shariati MB, Shokrzadeh N. miR223-3p, HAND2, and LIF expression regulated by calcitonin in the ERK1/2-mTOR pathway during the implantation window in the endometrium of mice. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 85:e13333. [PMID: 32869441 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13333] [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: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Approximately one-third of infertility cases are related to the female partner, and implantation failure is the primary reason for female infertility. The current research was established to assess the impact of calcitonin on endometrial receptivity. METHODS OF STUDY 64 female BALB/c mice were assigned to 2 groups as follows: mice with regular ovarian cycle and mice with stimulated ovarian cycle. The two groups were further divided into four subgroups as follows: control (Ctrl), calcitonin (CT), pp242, and CT + pp242 groups. Calcitonin and pp242 were injected on days 3, 4, and 5 of pregnancy. On day 5 of gestation, all of the animals were sacrificed, and their uterine was removed for the morphological analysis, as well as the expression assessment genes and proteins. RESULTS The results demonstrated that ovarian stimulation increased the rate of phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and mTOR proteins, and resulted in the upregulation of miR-223-3p. The administration of calcitonin also elevated the expression levels of LIF and HAND2 gene in both regular ovarian and ovarian-stimulated cycles. In ovarian-stimulated groups, the administration of calcitonin led to a decrease in the expression of miR-223-3p. Calcitonin administration also markedly increased the phosphorylation of 4EBP1 and ERK1/2 in the regular ovarian cycle. CONCLUSION It seems that calcitonin is capable of enhancing the endometrial receptivity of the uterine, thereby the overexpression of HAND2 and LIF and downregulation of miR-223-3p through the ERK1/2-mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrooz Niknafs
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Naser Shokrzadeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Hua R, Wang Y, Lian W, Li W, Xi Y, Xue S, Kang T, Lei M. Small RNA-seq analysis of extracellular vesicles from porcine uterine flushing fluids during peri-implantation. Gene 2020; 766:145117. [PMID: 32920039 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145117] [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: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular vesicles (EVs) of uterine flushing fluids (UFs) mediate intrauterine communication between conceptus and uterus in pigs. The small RNAs of UFs-EVs are widely recognized as important factors that influence embryonic implantation. However, small RNAs expression profiles of porcine UFs-EVs during peri-implantation are still unknown. In this study, cup-shaped EVs of porcine UFs on days 10 (D10), 13 (D13) and 18 (D18) of pregnancy were isolated and characterized. The expression of small RNAs in these EVs was comprehensively profiled through sequencing. A total of 152 known microRNAs (miRNAs), 43 novel miRNAs, 6248 known Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and 110 novel piRNAs were identified. Among these small RNAs, RT-qRCR results indicated that ssc-let-7f-5p, ssc-let-7i-5p and ssc-let-7g were differentially expressed during the three stages. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the miRNAs differentially expressed in the three comparisons (D10 vs D13, D13 vs D18 and D10 vs D18) were involved in important processes and pathways related to immunization, endometrial receptivity and embryo development, which play important roles in embryonic implantation. Our results reveal that EVs from porcine UFs contain various small RNAs with potentially vital effects on implantation. This research also provides resources for studies of miRNAs and piRNAs in the cross-talk between embryo and endometrium.
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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
| | - Yueying Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jining NO. 1 People's Hospital, Jining 272000, 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
| | - 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
| | - Yu Xi
- 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
| | - Songyi Xue
- 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
| | - Tingting Kang
- 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
| | - 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, 430000 Wuhan, China.
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Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase of the phosphatidylinositol kinase-related kinase family that regulates cell growth, metabolism, and autophagy. Extensive research has linked mTOR to several human diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging. In this review, recent publications regarding the mechanisms underlying the role of mTOR in female reproduction under physiological and pathological conditions are summarized. Moreover, we assess whether strategies to improve or suppress mTOR expression could have therapeutic potential for reproductive diseases like premature ovarian failure, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and endometriosis.
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