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Chen PF, Liang YL, Chuang YJ, Wu MH. Autologous PRP therapy for thin endometrium: A self-controlled case series study across menstrual cycles. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 299:12-17. [PMID: 38820688 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.05.032] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Thin endometrium (TE) compromises endometrial receptivity, often leading to implantation failure and lower clinical pregnancy rates. As autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) emerges as a potential remedy, the present study focused on its therapeutic effects on TE in infertile women who underwent frozen embryo transfer. STUDY DESIGN Patients with TE who underwent frozen embryo transfer treatment in our hospital were included. To diminish individual variability, a self-controlled series approach was used. Two menstrual study cycles were arranged for each participant before the actual embryo transfer cycle; PRP treatment was conducted in the second cycle. Key metrics analyzed included endometrial thickness and the expression of specific endometrial biomarkers including HOXA-10, Ki67, and αvβ3 integrin. Transvaginal ultrasound was employed to measure endometrial thickness on Days 11 and 14, and an endometrial biopsy was conducted on progesterone Day 5 of the first two cycles. Pregnancy outcomes were observed after the embryo transfer cycle. RESULTS PRP treatment significantly increased the median endometrial thickness, from 5.8 mm to 6.5 mm (P = 0.0066). Additionally, PRP treatment resulted in a statistically significant increase in the H-score for all endometrial markers. Importantly, during the subsequent embryo transfer cycle with PRP treatment, two patients successfully achieved pregnancies, both culminating in live births. CONCLUSIONS These findings emphasize the potential of PRP in improving endometrial conditions, especially for individuals grappling with thin endometrium issues, as underscored by this self-comparison methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Fan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ling Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Jhe Chuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Hsing Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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2
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Baldini GM, Russo M, Proietti S, Forte G, Baldini D, Trojano G. Supplementation with vitamin D improves the embryo quality in in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs, independently of the patients' basal vitamin D status. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:2881-2890. [PMID: 38580857 PMCID: PMC11147876 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07473-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aims to demonstrate the effects of Vitamin D (VD) supplementation, prior to oocyte pick-up within IVF protocols, in women with diverse VD status at the enrollment. METHODS A total of 204 women eligible for intra-cytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles were included in the study and two homogeneous groups were selected from the database. Both group of patients with normal VD baseline level (> 40 ng/ml) and patients with low VD baseline level (< 20 ng/ml) were divided into control group and treatment group. The control group followed the standard procedure. The treatment group was supplemented with vitamin D3 as cholecalciferol in combination with Myo-Inositol, folic acid, and melatonin 3 months before standard procedure, once a day in the evening. RESULTS VD levels significantly increased in the study group of low baseline VD, both in serum and in the follicular fluid compared to controls. The treatment induced a significant improvement of the embryo quality in both group of patients considered. CONCLUSION Supplementation of VD in patients undergoing ICSI procedures significantly improved the number of top-quality embryos compared with the control group, either starting from VD normal baseline values or starting from low values. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER 07/2018.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Giuseppe Trojano
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Madonna Delle Grazie Hospital, 75100, Matera, Italy
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3
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Matsuyama S, Whiteside S, Li SY. Implantation and Decidualization in PCOS: Unraveling the Complexities of Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1203. [PMID: 38256276 PMCID: PMC10816633 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021203] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, affecting 5-15% globally with a large proportion undiagnosed. This review explores the multifaceted nature of PCOS and its impact on pregnancy, including challenges in fertility due to hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance. Despite restoring ovulation pharmacologically, women with PCOS face lower pregnancy rates and higher risks of implantation failure and miscarriage. Our review focuses on the complexities of hormonal and metabolic imbalances that impair endometrial receptivity and decidualization in PCOS. Disrupted estrogen signaling, reduced integrity of endometrial epithelial tight junctions, and insulin resistance impair the window of endometrial receptivity. Furthermore, progesterone resistance adversely affects decidualization. Our review also examines the roles of various immune cells and inflammatory processes in the endometrium, contributing to the condition's reproductive challenges. Lastly, we discuss the use of rodent models in understanding PCOS, particularly those induced by hormonal interventions, offering insights into the syndrome's impact on pregnancy and potential treatments. This comprehensive review underscores the need for advanced understanding and treatment strategies to address the reproductive complications associated with PCOS, emphasizing its intricate interplay of hormonal, metabolic, and immune factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shu-Yun Li
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; (S.M.); (S.W.)
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Pathare ADS, Loid M, Saare M, Gidlöf SB, Zamani Esteki M, Acharya G, Peters M, Salumets A. Endometrial receptivity in women of advanced age: an underrated factor in infertility. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:773-793. [PMID: 37468438 PMCID: PMC10628506 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modern lifestyle has led to an increase in the age at conception. Advanced age is one of the critical risk factors for female-related infertility. It is well known that maternal age positively correlates with the deterioration of oocyte quality and chromosomal abnormalities in oocytes and embryos. The effect of age on endometrial function may be an equally important factor influencing implantation rate, pregnancy rate, and overall female fertility. However, there are only a few published studies on this topic, suggesting that this area has been under-explored. Improving our knowledge of endometrial aging from the biological (cellular, molecular, histological) and clinical perspectives would broaden our understanding of the risks of age-related female infertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objective of this narrative review is to critically evaluate the existing literature on endometrial aging with a focus on synthesizing the evidence for the impact of endometrial aging on conception and pregnancy success. This would provide insights into existing gaps in the clinical application of research findings and promote the development of treatment options in this field. SEARCH METHODS The review was prepared using PubMed (Medline) until February 2023 with the keywords such as 'endometrial aging', 'receptivity', 'decidualization', 'hormone', 'senescence', 'cellular', 'molecular', 'methylation', 'biological age', 'epigenetic', 'oocyte recipient', 'oocyte donation', 'embryo transfer', and 'pregnancy rate'. Articles in a language other than English were excluded. OUTCOMES In the aging endometrium, alterations occur at the molecular, cellular, and histological levels suggesting that aging has a negative effect on endometrial biology and may impair endometrial receptivity. Additionally, advanced age influences cellular senescence, which plays an important role during the initial phase of implantation and is a major obstacle in the development of suitable senolytic agents for endometrial aging. Aging is also accountable for chronic conditions associated with inflammaging, which eventually can lead to increased pro-inflammation and tissue fibrosis. Furthermore, advanced age influences epigenetic regulation in the endometrium, thus altering the relation between its epigenetic and chronological age. The studies in oocyte donation cycles to determine the effect of age on endometrial receptivity with respect to the rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth have revealed contradictory inferences indicating the need for future research on the mechanisms and corresponding causal effects of women's age on endometrial receptivity. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Increasing age can be accountable for female infertility and IVF failures. Based on the complied observations and synthesized conclusions in this review, advanced age has been shown to have a negative impact on endometrial functioning. This information can provide recommendations for future research focusing on molecular mechanisms of age-related cellular senescence, cellular composition, and transcriptomic changes in relation to endometrial aging. Additionally, further prospective research is needed to explore newly emerging therapeutic options, such as the senolytic agents that can target endometrial aging without affecting decidualization. Moreover, clinical trial protocols, focusing on oocyte donation cycles, would be beneficial in understanding the direct clinical implications of endometrial aging on pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amruta D S Pathare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marina Loid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Merli Saare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sebastian Brusell Gidlöf
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Masoud Zamani Esteki
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ganesh Acharya
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Women’s Health and Perinatology Research Group, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Maire Peters
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Gualdoni GS, Barril C, Jacobo PV, Pacheco Rodríguez LN, Cebral E. Involvement of metalloproteinase and nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide mechanisms in early decidual angiogenesis-vascularization of normal and experimental pathological mouse placenta related to maternal alcohol exposure. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1207671. [PMID: 37670932 PMCID: PMC10476144 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1207671] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful pregnancy for optimal fetal growth requires adequate early angiogenesis and remodeling of decidual spiral arterioles during placentation. Prior to the initiation of invasion and endothelial replacement by trophoblasts, interactions between decidual stromal cells and maternal leukocytes, such as uterine natural killer cells and macrophages, play crucial roles in the processes of early maternal vascularization, such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, differentiation, and matrix and vessel remodeling. These placental angiogenic events are highly dependent on the coordination of several mechanisms at the early maternal-fetal interface, and one of them is the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and endothelial nitric oxide synthases (NOSs). Inadequate balances of MMPs and nitric oxide (NO) are involved in several placentopathies and pregnancy complications. Since alcohol consumption during gestation can affect fetal growth associated with abnormal placental development, recently, we showed, in a mouse model, that perigestational alcohol consumption up to organogenesis induces fetal malformations related to deficient growth and vascular morphogenesis of the placenta at term. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the early processes of maternal vascularization that lead to the formation of the definitive placenta and the roles of angiogenic MMP and NOS/NO mechanisms during normal and altered early gestation in mice. Then, we propose hypothetical defective decidual cellular and MMP and NOS/NO mechanisms involved in abnormal decidual vascularization induced by perigestational alcohol consumption in an experimental mouse model. This review highlights the important roles of decidual cells and their MMP and NOS balances in the physiological and pathophysiological early maternal angiogenesis-vascularization during placentation in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Elisa Cebral
- Laboratorio de Reproducción y Fisiología Materno-Embrionaria, Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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6
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Soylu H, Aksu K, Golal E, Ustunel I, Izgut-Uysal VN, Acar N. Expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in mouse uterus during the peri-implantation period. Biotech Histochem 2023; 98:132-139. [PMID: 36245360 DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2022.2127156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor- 2 (Nrf2) is a nuclear transcription factor that facilitates transcription of genes for detoxification enzymes and antioxidant proteins. We investigated the distribution and expression of Nrf2 during the peri-implantation period. We detected Nrf2 in uteri of mice during estrus (control) and on days 1, 4, 5, 6 and 8 of pregnancy using immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Nrf2 immunostaining was significantly greater on days 1, 5 and 6 of pregnancy compared to controls, and on days 4 and 8 of pregnancy; western blotting results were consistent with immunohistochemical observations. Nrf2 mRNA levels on days 5 and 8 were significantly higher than for control uteri. Increased expression of Nrf2 on days 1, 5 and 6 of pregnancy may be important for uterine receptivity, implantation and decidualization by protecting the developing embryo and uterus from the adverse effects of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Soylu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Duzce University, Duzce, Turkey
| | - Kubra Aksu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Golal
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ismail Ustunel
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - V Nimet Izgut-Uysal
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Nuray Acar
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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7
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Zhou YJ, Geng YQ, Gao RF, Liu XQ, Chen XM, He JL. Early pregnancy exposure to beta-cypermethrin compromises endometrial decidualisation in mice via downregulation of cyclin D3, CDK4/6, and p21. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 169:113382. [PMID: 36116546 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113382] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Beta-cypermethrin (β-CYP) is a highly effective broad-spectrum insecticide that can potentially affect female reproduction. However, little is known about the effect of β-CYP on uterine decidualisation, which is a vital process by which the uterus provides a suitable microenvironment for pregnancy maintenance. Therefore, we focused on the effect and mechanism of β-CYP on endometrial decidualisation during early pregnancy in mice. The results indicated that the expression levels of HOXA10, BMP2, and IGFBP1 was significantly downregulated in the decidual tissue and primary endometrial stromal cells of pregnant and pseudopregnant mice following β-CYP treatment. Serum E2 concentration was significantly increased, whereas P4 concentration and oestrogen receptor (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PRA) expression were significantly downregulated following β-CYP exposure. The number of polyploid decidual cells was lower in the β-CYP-treated group. Furthermore, β-CYP significantly downregulated the protein expression levels of CDK4 and CDK6, and the mRNA expression levels of cyclin D3 and p21. The number of foetuses per female in the first litter was markedly reduced following exposure to β-CYP. In summary, early pregnancy exposure to β-CYP may result in defective endometrial decidualisation via compromised proliferation of uterine stromal cells and reduced expressions of cyclin D3, CDK4/6, and p21 in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Jiang Zhou
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China; International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Yixueyuan Road, Longhua District, Hainan Province, 571199, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yan-Qing Geng
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Ru-Fei Gao
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Qing Liu
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Mei Chen
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Lin He
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Chang Z, Kuang HX, Zhou X, Zhu H, Zhang Y, Fu Y, Fu Q, Jiang B, Wang W, Jiang S, Ren L, Ma L, Pan X, Feng XL. Temporal changes in cyclinD-CDK4/CDK6 and cyclinE-CDK2 pathways: implications for the mechanism of deficient decidualization in an immune-based mouse model of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. Mol Med 2022; 28:100. [PMID: 36050637 PMCID: PMC9438304 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-022-00523-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deficient endometrial decidualization has been associated with URSA. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the temporal cytokine changes and the involvement of CyclinD-CDK4/6 and CyclinE-CDK2 pathways in the regulation of the G1 phase of the cell cycle during decidualization in a murine model of URSA. METHODS Serum and decidual tissues of mice were collected from GD4 to GD8. The embryo resorption and abortion rates were observed on GD8 and the decidual tissue status was assessed. In addition, PRL, Cyclin D, CDK6, CDK4, Cyclin E, CDK2 expression in mice were measured. RESULTS URSA mice showed high embryo resorption rate and PRL, Cyclin D, Cyclin E CDK2, CDK4, CDK6 down-regulation during decidualization. The hyperactivated Cyclin D-CDK4/CDK6 and cyclin E/CDK2 pathways inhibit the decidualization process and leading to deficient decidualization. CONCLUSION Insufficient decidualization is an important mechanism of URSA. which is related to the decrease of Cyclin D、Cyclin E、 CDK2、CDK4 and CDK6 in decidualization process of URSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Chang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hai-Xue Kuang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xueming Zhou
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yin Fu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Bei Jiang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wei Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Sha Jiang
- Zhuhai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhuhai, China
| | - Li Ren
- Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Qiqihar, Qiqihar, China
| | - Lei Ma
- Zhaoqing City Guangdong Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhaoqing, China
| | - Xue Pan
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Feng
- First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
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9
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Li X, Kodithuwakku SP, Chan RWS, Yeung WSB, Yao Y, Ng EHY, Chiu PCN, Lee CL. Three-dimensional culture models of human endometrium for studying trophoblast-endometrium interaction during implantation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:120. [PMID: 35964080 PMCID: PMC9375428 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00973-8] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During implantation, a symphony of interaction between the trophoblast originated from the trophectoderm of the implanting blastocyst and the endometrium leads to a successful pregnancy. Defective interaction between the trophoblast and endometrium often results in implantation failure, pregnancy loss, and a number of pregnancy complications. Owing to ethical concerns of using in vivo approaches to study human embryo implantation, various in vitro culture models of endometrium were established in the past decade ranging from two-dimensional cell-based to three-dimensional extracellular matrix (ECM)/tissue-based culture systems. Advanced organoid systems have also been established for recapitulation of different cellular components of the maternal-fetal interface, including the endometrial glandular organoids, trophoblast organoids and blastoids. However, there is no single ideal model to study the whole implantation process leaving more research to be done pursuing the establishment of a comprehensive in vitro model that can recapitulate the biology of trophoblast-endometrium interaction during early pregnancy. This would allow us to have better understanding of the physiological and pathological process of trophoblast-endometrium interaction during implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Suranga P Kodithuwakku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Rachel W S Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanqing Yao
- Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ernest H Y Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China.
- Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China.
- Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
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10
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Gualdoni GS, Jacobo PV, Barril C, Ventureira MR, Cebral E. Early Abnormal Placentation and Evidence of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor System Dysregulation at the Feto-Maternal Interface After Periconceptional Alcohol Consumption. Front Physiol 2022; 12:815760. [PMID: 35185604 PMCID: PMC8847216 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.815760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Adequate placentation, placental tissue remodeling and vascularization is essential for the success of gestation and optimal fetal growth. Recently, it was suggested that abnormal placenta induced by maternal alcohol consumption may participate in fetal growth restriction and relevant clinical manifestations of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Particularly, periconceptional alcohol consumption up to early gestation can alter placentation and angiogenesis that persists in pregnancy beyond the exposure period. Experimental evidence suggests that abnormal placenta following maternal alcohol intake is associated with insufficient vascularization and defective trophoblast development, growth and function in early gestation. Accumulated data indicate that impaired vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) system, including their downstream effectors, the nitric oxide (NO) and metalloproteinases (MMPs), is a pivotal spatio-temporal altered mechanism underlying the early placental vascular alterations induced by maternal alcohol consumption. In this review we propose that the periconceptional alcohol intake up to early organogenesis (first trimester) alters the VEGF-NO-MMPs system in trophoblastic-decidual tissues, generating imbalances in the trophoblastic proliferation/apoptosis, insufficient trophoblastic development, differentiation and migration, deficient labyrinthine vascularization, and uncompleted remodelation and transformation of decidual spiral arterioles. Consequently, abnormal placenta with insufficiency blood perfusion, vasoconstriction and reduced labyrinthine blood exchange can be generated. Herein, we review emerging knowledge of abnormal placenta linked to pregnancy complications and FASD produced by gestational alcohol ingestion and provide evidence of the early abnormal placental angiogenesis-vascularization and growth associated to decidual-trophoblastic dysregulation of VEGF system after periconceptional alcohol consumption up to mid-gestation, in a mouse model.
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12
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Panja S, Paria BC. Development of the Mouse Placenta. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY EMBRYOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY 2021; 234:205-221. [PMID: 34694483 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77360-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Placenta forms as a momentary organ inside the uterus with a slew of activities only when the woman is pregnant. It is a discoid-shaped hybrid structure consisting of maternal and embryonic components. It develops in the mesometrial side of the uterus following blastocyst implantation to keep the two genetically different entities, the mother and embryo, separated but connected. The beginning and progression of placental formation and development following blastocyst implantation coincides with the chronological developmental stages of the embryo. It gradually acquires the ability to perform the vascular, respiratory, hepatic, renal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, immune, and physical barrier functions synchronously that are vital for fetal development, growth, and safety inside the maternal environment. The uterus ejects the placenta when its embryonic growth and survival supportive roles are finished; that is usually the birth of the baby. Despite its irreplaceable role in fetal development and survival over the post-implantation progression of pregnancy, it still remains unclear how it forms, matures, performs all of its activities, and starts to fail functioning. Thus, a detailed understanding about normal developmental, structural, and functional aspects of the placenta may lead to avoid pregnancy problems that arise with the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Panja
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bibhash C Paria
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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13
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Kelleher AM, Setlem R, Dantzer F, DeMayo FJ, Lydon JP, Kraus WL. Deficiency of PARP-1 and PARP-2 in the mouse uterus results in decidualization failure and pregnancy loss. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2109252118. [PMID: 34580230 PMCID: PMC8501838 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2109252118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Miscarriage is a common complication of pregnancy for which there are few clinical interventions. Deficiency in endometrial stromal cell decidualization is considered a major contributing factor to pregnancy loss; however, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of decidual deficiency are incomplete. ADP ribosylation by PARP-1 and PARP-2 has been linked to physiological processes essential to successful pregnancy outcomes. Here, we report that the catalytic inhibition or genetic ablation of PARP-1 and PARP-2 in the uterus lead to pregnancy loss in mice. Notably, the absence of PARP-1 and PARP-2 resulted in increased p53 signaling and an increased population of senescent decidual cells. Molecular and histological analysis revealed that embryo attachment and the removal of the luminal epithelium are not altered in uterine Parp1, Parp2 knockout mice, but subsequent decidualization failure results in pregnancy loss. These findings provide evidence for a previously unknown function of PARP-1 and PARP-2 in mediating decidualization for successful pregnancy establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Kelleher
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Rohit Setlem
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Françoise Dantzer
- Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and Genome Integrity, Institut du Médicament de Strasbourg, UMR 7242-Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, 67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - W Lee Kraus
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390;
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
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14
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Neysanian GH, Taebi M, Rezaeian A, Nasr-Esfahani MH, Jahangirifar M. The Effects of Serum and Follicular Fluid Vitamin D Levels on Assisted Reproductive Techniques: A Prospective Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2021; 15:280-285. [PMID: 34913297 PMCID: PMC8530216 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2021.138605.1033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on studies on animal models, vitamin D plays an essential role in reproduction by controlling Ca and Mg levels. Despite these findings, the effects of vitamin D deficiency and supplementation on the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) remain controversial. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between serum and follicular fluid 25-OH vitamin D levels on reproductive outcomes of infertile women. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective cohort study included 150 infertile women who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The participants were allocated to one of the three groups according to their serum and follicular fluid 25-OH vitamin D concentrations (less than 10 ng/ml, between 10 and 30 ng/ ml and more than 30 ng/ml), and fertilization, cleavage and biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates were compared among the groups. Data was analyzed by SPSS software and using Chi-square and Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS Serum and follicular fluid vitamin D levels significantly correlated with biochemical (P=0.008), (P=0.003) and clinical pregnancy (P=0.017), (P=0.001) rates respectively . However, the quality of embryos (P=0.125), (P=0.106) and fertilization rate (P=0.082), (P=0.059) were not associated with the level of serum and follicular fluid vitamin D. CONCLUSION This study found that women with higher levels of vitamin D in their serum and follicular fluid are significantly more likely to achieve pregnancy but without affecting the quality of embryo and fertility rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Hazal Neysanian
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahboube Taebi
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Atefeh Rezaeian
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran. .,Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Jahangirifar
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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15
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Dhakal P, Fitzgerald HC, Kelleher AM, Liu H, Spencer TE. Uterine glands impact embryo survival and stromal cell decidualization in mice. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21938. [PMID: 34547143 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101170rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Uterine glands are essential for the establishment of pregnancy and have critical roles in endometrial receptivity to blastocyst implantation, stromal cell decidualization, and placentation. Uterine gland dysfunction is considered a major contributing factor to pregnancy loss, however our understanding of how glands impact embryo survival and stromal cell decidualization is incomplete. Forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) is expressed only in the glandular epithelium and regulates its development and function. Mice with a conditional deletion of FOXA2 in the uterus are infertile due to defective embryo implantation arising from a lack of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a critical factor of uterine gland origin. Here, a glandless FOXA2-deficient mouse model, coupled with LIF repletion to rescue the implantation defect, was used to investigate the roles of uterine glands in embryo survival and decidualization. Studies found that embryo survival and decidualization were compromised in glandless FOXA2-deficient mice on gestational day 6.5, resulting in abrupt pregnancy loss by day 7.5. These findings strongly support the hypothesis that uterine glands secrete factors other than LIF that impact embryo survival and stromal cell decidualization for pregnancy success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod Dhakal
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Andrew M Kelleher
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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16
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Zhu M, Yi S, Huang X, Meng J, Sun H, Zhou J. Human chorionic gonadotropin improves endometrial receptivity by increasing the expression of homeobox A10. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:413-424. [PMID: 32502249 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeobox A10 (HOXA10) is a characterized marker of endometrial receptivity. The mechanism by which hCG intrauterine infusion promotes embryo implantation is still unclear. This study seeks to investigate whether hCG improves endometrial receptivity by increasing expression of HOXA10. HOXA10 expression with human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation was analyzed in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrate that HOXA10 was decreased in the endometria of recurrent implantation failure patients compared to that in the healthy control fertile group, also we observed that hCG intrauterine infusion increased endometrial HOXA10 expression. HOXA10, blastocyst-like spheroid expansion area was increased, whereas DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase 1 was decreased when human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) were treated with 0.2 IU/ml of hCG for 48 h. HOXA10 promoter methylation was also reduced after hCG treatment. Collagen XV (ColXV) can repress the expression of DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase 1, and hCG treatment increased the expression of ColXV. However, when the hESCs were treated with LH/hCG receptor small interfering RNA to knock down LH/hCG receptor, hCG treatment failed to repress DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase 1 expression or to increase ColXV expression. Our findings suggest that hCG may promote embryo implantation by increasing the expression of HOXA10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchen Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, P.R. China
| | - Shanling Yi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomin Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, P.R. China
| | - Junan Meng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, P.R. China
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, P.R. China
| | - Jianjun Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, P.R. China
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17
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Zhao F, Guo Y, Shi Z, Wu M, Lv Y, Song W. hsa_circ_001946 elevates HOXA10 expression and promotes the development of endometrial receptivity via sponging miR-135b. Diagn Pathol 2021; 16:44. [PMID: 33993878 PMCID: PMC8127197 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-021-01104-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Impaired endometrial receptivity is a major reason for embryo implantation failure. There’s a paucity of information regarding the role of circRNAs on endometrial receptivity. Here, we investigated the function of hsa_circ_001946 on endometrial receptivity and its mechanisms. Methods A total of 50 women composing 25 with recurrent implantation failure and 25 who conceived after their implantation were recruited in this study. Expression of hsa_circ_001946, miR-135b, and HOXA10 was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) in biopsied endometrial tissue samples. The levels of HOXA10, and cell cycle markers (CCNB1, CDK1, and CCND1) were determined by IHC and western blotting assays. Binding relationship among miR-135b, hsa_circ_001946 and HOXA10 were confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assays and western blotting. MTT assays and cell cycle assays by FACS were employed to evaluate the proliferation and cell cycle of cells. T-HESCs were cultured with 1 µM medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and 0.5 mM 8-bromoadenosine 3’:5’-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP) to induce decidualization. The mechanisms and functions of hsa_circ_001946 on decidualization were further assessed by qRT-PCR evaluating the expression of hsa_circ_001946, miR-135b, HOXA10 and decidual markers (PRL and IGFBP1) in T-HESCs. Results Endometrial tissues from patients with recurrent implantation failure had lower hsa_circ_001946 expression, higher miR-135b expression, and lower HOXA10 expression. Hsa_circ_001946 promoted HOXA10 expression by sponging miR-135b in T-HESCs. Overexpression of hsa_circ_001946 restored cell proliferation and cell cycle that were disrupted by miR-135b overexpression in T-HESCs. Decidualized T-HESCs had higher hsa_circ_001946 expression, lower miR-135b expression, and higher HOXA10 expression. Overexpression of hsa_circ_001946 reversed the expression of decidual markers (PRL and IGFBP1) that were suppressed by miR-135b overexpression in T-HESCs. Conclusions In conclusion, our findings suggest that hsa_circ_001946 promotes cell proliferation and cell cycle process and increases expression of decidualization markers to enhance endometrial receptivity progression via sponging miR-135b and elevating HOXA10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Νo. 1 Jianshe East Road, Henan, 450000, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Yihong Guo
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Νo. 1 Jianshe East Road, Henan, 450000, Zhengzhou, PR China.
| | - Zhanrong Shi
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Jiaozuo Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Menglan Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Jiaozuo Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Yuzhen Lv
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Jiaozuo Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Wenyue Song
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Jiaozuo Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Jiaozuo, China
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18
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Maurya VK, DeMayo FJ, Lydon JP. Illuminating the "Black Box" of Progesterone-Dependent Embryo Implantation Using Engineered Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:640907. [PMID: 33898429 PMCID: PMC8058370 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.640907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Synchrony between progesterone-driven endometrial receptivity and the arrival of a euploid blastocyst is essential for embryo implantation, a prerequisite event in the establishment of a successful pregnancy. Advancement of embryo implantation within the uterus also requires stromal fibroblasts of the endometrium to transform into epithelioid decidual cells, a progesterone-dependent cellular transformation process termed decidualization. Although progesterone is indispensable for these cellular processes, the molecular underpinnings are not fully understood. Because human studies are restricted, much of our fundamental understanding of progesterone signaling in endometrial periimplantation biology comes from in vitro and in vivo experimental systems. In this review, we focus on the tremendous progress attained with the use of engineered mouse models together with high throughput genome-scale analysis in disclosing key signals, pathways and networks that are required for normal endometrial responses to progesterone during the periimplantation period. Many molecular mediators and modifiers of the progesterone response are implicated in cross talk signaling between epithelial and stromal cells of the endometrium, an intercellular communication system that is critical for the ordered spatiotemporal control of embryo invasion within the maternal compartment. Accordingly, derailment of these signaling systems is causally linked with infertility, early embryo miscarriage and gestational complications that symptomatically manifest later in pregnancy. Such aberrant progesterone molecular responses also contribute to endometrial pathologies such as endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. Therefore, our review makes the case that further identification and functional analysis of key molecular mediators and modifiers of the endometrial response to progesterone will not only provide much-needed molecular insight into the early endometrial cellular changes that promote pregnancy establishment but lend credible hope for the development of more effective mechanism-based molecular diagnostics and precision therapies in the clinical management of female infertility, subfertility and a subset of gynecological morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet K Maurya
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, United States
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, United States
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19
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Identification of co-expressed genes associated with MLL rearrangement in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:222872. [PMID: 32347296 PMCID: PMC7953500 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rearrangements involving the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene are common adverse prognostic factors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Even allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation does not improve the outcome of ALL cases with some types of MLL rearrangements. The aim of the present study was to identify the co-expressed genes that related to MLL rearrangement (MLL-r) and elucidate the potential mechanisms of how MLL-r and their partner genes lead to leukemogenesis. Gene co-expression networks were constructed using the gene expression data and sample traits of 204 pretreated pediatric ALL patients, and co-expression modules significantly related to the MLL-r were screened out. Gene ontology annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis of the module genes were performed. Hub genes were identified and their expression levels were analyzed in samples with or without MLL-r and the results were validated by an independent investigation. Furthermore, the relationships between the hub genes and sample traits were analyzed. In total, 21 co-expression modules were identified. The green module was positively correlated with MLL-r. PROM1, LGALS1, CD44, FUT4 and HOXA10 were identified as hub genes, which were involved in focal adhesion, calcium-dependent phospholipid binding, connective tissue development and transcriptional misregulation in cancer. The expression levels of the five hub genes were significantly increased in MLL-r samples, and the results were further validated. PROM1, LGALS1, CD44 and HOXA10 were positively related to the leukocyte count. These findings might provide novel insight regarding the mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for pediatric ALL with MLL-r.
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20
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Das D, Saikia PJ, Gowala U, Sarma HN. Cell Specific Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (Flk-1/KDR) in Developing Mice Embryo and Supporting Maternal Uterine Tissue during Early Gestation (D4-D7). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2021; 15:148-157. [PMID: 33687169 PMCID: PMC8052796 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2021.134530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the corresponding receptors play key role in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis processes. VEGF is one of the prime candidates in regulating embryo implantation by increasing vascular permeability. VEGF receptor-2, also called Flk-1/KDR, is one of the prime receptor which is actively involved in the execution of various functions of VEGF. However, precise role of this receptor during early gestation period is yet to be addressed. In the present study, expression of Flk-1/KDR during peri-implantation mice uterus as well as fetal-maternal tissues from day 4-day 7 (D4-D7) of gestation was investigated. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, localization of Flk-1/KDR was investigated by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques, in paraffin embedded tissue sections. Flk-1/KDR protein and mRNA expressions were investigated by western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively. Effects of ovarian steroids on expression of Flk-1/KDR were also assessed by estrogen and progesterone antagonist treatment. Results Uterine tissue on D4 showed strong expression of Flk-1/KDR in luminal and uterine glandular epithelium. On D5 and D6, differential expression of Flk-1/KDR was evidenced in certain cell types of the embryo, maternal tissues and fetal-maternal interface with varied intensity. Flk-1/KDR was specifically expressed in the ectoplacental cone (EPC) and various cells of the embryo on D7. Flk-1/KDR expression was not evidenced in the estradiol-17β (E2) and progesterone (P4) antagonist treated uterus. Western blotting result revealed presence of Flk-1/KDR protein in the all gestation days, except antagonist treated uterus. qRT-PCR analysis showed significant increase of Flk-1/KDR mRNA transcript on D6 and D7. Conclusion Spatial-temporal expression of Flk-1/KDR during peri-implntation period in mice uterus especially in the feto-maternal interface was observed. This spatio-temporal specificity as well as increased expression of Flk-1/KDR could be one of the determinants for establishment of fetal-maternal cross talk during the critical period of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimpimoni Das
- Molecular Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India
| | - Purba J Saikia
- Department of Zoology, Dhemaji College, Dhemaji, Assam, India.
| | - Upasa Gowala
- Molecular Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India
| | - Hirendra N Sarma
- Molecular Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India
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PlacentaCellEnrich: A tool to characterize gene sets using placenta cell-specific gene enrichment analysis. Placenta 2020; 103:164-171. [PMID: 33137644 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA-Sequencing (scRNA-Seq) has improved our understanding of individual cell types in the human placenta. However, placental scRNA-Seq data is not readily accessible when trying to understand how expression patterns in model systems correspond to those from first trimester human placenta. Therefore, we developed PlacentaCellEnrich, a tool that takes a gene set as input, and then reports if the input set is enriched for genes with placenta cell-specific expression patterns, based on human placenta scRNA-Seq data. The PlacentaCellEnrich tool is freely available at https://placentacellenrich.gdcb.iastate.edu/ for non-profit academic use under the MIT license.
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Sexually dimorphic effects of forkhead box a2 (FOXA2) and uterine glands on decidualization and fetoplacental development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:23952-23959. [PMID: 32900950 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2014272117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glands of the uterus are essential for pregnancy establishment. Forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) is expressed specifically in the glands of the uterus and a critical regulator of glandular epithelium (GE) differentiation, development, and function. Mice with a conditional deletion of FOXA2 in the adult uterus, created using the lactotransferrin iCre (Ltf-iCre) model, have a morphologically normal uterus with glands, but lack FOXA2-dependent GE-expressed genes, such as leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Adult FOXA2 conditional knockout (cKO; Ltf iCre/+ Foxa2 f/f ) mice are infertile due to defective embryo implantation arising from a lack of LIF, a critical implantation factor of uterine gland origin. However, intraperitoneal injections of LIF can initiate embryo implantation in the uterus of adult FOXA2 cKO mice with pregnancies maintained to term. Here, we tested the hypothesis that FOXA2-regulated genes in the uterine glands impact development of the decidua, placenta, and fetus. On gestational day 8.5, the antimesometrial and mesometrial decidua transcriptome was noticeably altered in LIF-replaced FOXA2 cKO mice. Viable fetuses were reduced in FOXA2 cKO mice on gestational days 12.5 and 17.5. Sex-dependent differences in fetal weight, placenta histoarchitecture, and the placenta and metrial gland transcriptome were observed between control and FOXA2 cKO mice. The transcriptome of the placenta with a female fetus was considerably more altered than the placenta with a male fetus in FOXA2 cKO dams. These studies reveal previously unrecognized sexually dimorphic effects of FOXA2 and uterine glands on fetoplacental development with potential impacts on offspring health into adulthood.
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Singh D, Irani D, Bhagat S, Vanage G. Cypermethrin exposure during perinatal period affects fetal development and impairs reproductive functions of F1 female rats. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 707:135945. [PMID: 31863984 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cypermethrin (CYP) is a ubiquitously present synthetic pyrethroid insecticide. It has endocrine disrupting activities which may adversely affect reproductive development and functions of offspring if exposed during critical developmental period. The present study was undertaken to delineate the effects of CYP exposure in pregnant female rats during perinatal period on the sexual maturation, hormonal regulation, reproductive development and fertility of F1 female offspring and its molecular mechanism of action. Pregnant rats (F0) were gavaged daily with 0, 1, 10, 25 mg/kg bw/day CYP and 10 μg/kg bw/day Diethylstilbestrol (DES; positive control) from gestation day (GD) 6 to postnatal day (PND) 21. The reproductive development and function parameters were evaluated at PND 45 and 75. Reduced body weight, delayed vaginal opening, and disrupted estrous cyclicity were observed at 25 mg/kg CYP dose. CYP exposure significantly affected the reproductive organ development and their functions at all doses. Significant alterations in ovarian and uterine histology such as luteinization, reduction of primordial follicular reserves, presence of multi-oocyte follicles and thin degenerative luminal and glandular uterine epithelium were observed at adulthood. Altered circulatory steroid hormone levels and expression of ovarian and uterine steroid hormone receptors were observed at PND 75 in the F1 female offspring. Expression of HOXA10 and α-SMA which are important for uterine integrity and functions, were found to be altered at PND 75. Increased pre-implantation loss (PIL%), post-implantation loss (POL%), and reduced litter size in F1 females when cohabitated with unexposed fertile male rats were observed. Overall, perinatal exposure of pregnant rats to CYP led to significant long lasting effects on the reproductive functions of F1 female offspring. The adverse effects were passed on to F2 generation via female germ line and posed developmental anomalies. The present finding necessitates additional molecular studies to understand its trans-generational mechanism of action via female germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipty Singh
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India.
| | - Delna Irani
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India
| | - Sharad Bhagat
- Department of Biochemistry and Virology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India
| | - Geeta Vanage
- Department of Preclinical Reproductive and Genetic Toxicology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India.
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24
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Behura SK, Dhakal P, Kelleher AM, Balboula A, Patterson A, Spencer TE. The brain-placental axis: Therapeutic and pharmacological relevancy to pregnancy. Pharmacol Res 2019; 149:104468. [PMID: 31600597 PMCID: PMC6944055 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The placenta plays a critical role in mammalian reproduction. Although it is a transient organ, its function is indispensable to communication between the mother and fetus, and supply of nutrients and oxygen to the growing fetus. During pregnancy, the placenta is vulnerable to various intrinsic and extrinsic conditions which can result in increased risk of fetal neurodevelopmental disorders as well as fetal death. The placenta controls the neuroendocrine secretion in the brain as a means of adaptive processes to safeguard the fetus from adverse programs, to optimize fetal development and other physiological changes necessary for reproductive success. Although a wealth of information is available on neuroendocrine functions in pregnancy, they are largely limited to the regulation of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal/gonad (HPA/ HPG) axis, particularly the oxytocin and prolactin system. There is a major gap in knowledge on systems-level functional interaction between the brain and placenta. In this review, we aim to outline the current state of knowledge about the brain-placental axis with description of the functional interactions between the placenta and the maternal and fetal brain. While describing the brain-placental interactions, a special emphasis has been given on the therapeutics and pharmacology of the placental receptors to neuroligands expressed in the brain during gestation. As a key feature of this review, we outline the prospects of integrated pharmacogenomics, single-cell sequencing and organ-on-chip systems to foster priority areas in this field of research. Finally, we remark on the application of precision genomics approaches to study the brain-placental axis in order to accelerate personalized medicine and therapeutics to treat placental and fetal brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanta K Behura
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, United States; Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, United States.
| | - Pramod Dhakal
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, United States
| | | | - Ahmed Balboula
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, United States
| | - Amanda Patterson
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, United States; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, United States
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, United States; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, United States
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25
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Kim TH, Jeong JW. Proline-Rich Acidic Protein 1 (PRAP1) is a Target of ARID1A and PGR in the Murine Uterus. Dev Reprod 2019; 23:277-284. [PMID: 31660454 PMCID: PMC6812973 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2019.23.3.277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
ARID1A and PGR plays an important role in embryo implantation and decidualization
during early pregnancy. Uterine specific Arid1a knockout
(Pgrcre/+Arid1af/f) mice
exhibit in non-receptive endometrium at day 3.5 of gestation (GD 3.5). In
previous studies, using transcriptomic analysis in the uterus of
Pgrcre/+Arid1af/f mice, we
identified proline-rich acidic protein 1 (PRAP1) as one of the
down-regulated genes by ARID1A in the uterus. In the present study, we performed
RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry analysis to investigate the regulation of PRAP1
by ARID1A and determine expression patterns of PRAP1 in the uterus during early
pregnancy. During early pregnancy, PRAP1 expression was strong at day 0.5 of
gestation (GD 0.5) and then decreased at GD 3.5 in the epithelium and stroma.
After implantation, PRAP1 expression was remarkably reduced in the uterus.
However, the expression of PRAP1 at GD 3.5 was remarkably increased in the
Pgrcre/+Arid1a f/f mice.
To determine the ovarian steroid hormone regulation of PRAP1, we examined the
expression of PRAP1 in ovariectomized control,
Pgrcre/+Arid1af/f, and
progesterone receptor knock-out (PRKO) mice treated with progesterone. While
PRAP1 proteins were strongly expressed in the luminal and glandular epithelium
of control mice treated with vehicle, progesterone treatment suppressed the
expression of PRAP1. However, PRAP1 was not suppressed in both the
Pgrcre/+Arid1af/f and PRKO
mice compared to controls. Our results identified PRAP1 as a novel target of
ARID1A and PGR in the murine uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Hoon Kim
- Dept. of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Dept. of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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26
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Kelleher AM, DeMayo FJ, Spencer TE. Uterine Glands: Developmental Biology and Functional Roles in Pregnancy. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:1424-1445. [PMID: 31074826 PMCID: PMC6749889 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
All mammalian uteri contain glands in the endometrium that develop only or primarily after birth. Gland development or adenogenesis in the postnatal uterus is intrinsically regulated by proliferation, cell-cell interactions, growth factors and their inhibitors, as well as transcription factors, including forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) and estrogen receptor α (ESR1). Extrinsic factors regulating adenogenesis originate from other organs, including the ovary, pituitary, and mammary gland. The infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss observed in uterine gland knockout sheep and mouse models support a primary role for secretions and products of the glands in pregnancy success. Recent studies in mice revealed that uterine glandular epithelia govern postimplantation pregnancy establishment through effects on stromal cell decidualization and placental development. In humans, uterine glands and, by inference, their secretions and products are hypothesized to be critical for blastocyst survival and implantation as well as embryo and placental development during the first trimester before the onset of fetal-maternal circulation. A variety of hormones and other factors from the ovary, placenta, and stromal cells impact secretory function of the uterine glands during pregnancy. This review summarizes new information related to the developmental biology of uterine glands and discusses novel perspectives on their functional roles in pregnancy establishment and success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Kelleher
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute on Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
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27
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Mucenski ML, Mahoney R, Adam M, Potter AS, Potter SS. Single cell RNA-seq study of wild type and Hox9,10,11 mutant developing uterus. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4557. [PMID: 30872674 PMCID: PMC6418183 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40923-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The uterus is a remarkable organ that must guard against infections while maintaining the ability to support growth of a fetus without rejection. The Hoxa10 and Hoxa11 genes have previously been shown to play essential roles in uterus development and function. In this report we show that the Hoxa9,10,11, Hoxc9,10,11, Hoxd9,10,11 genes play a redundant role in the formation of uterine glands. In addition, we use single cell RNA-seq to create a high resolution gene expression atlas of the developing wild type mouse uterus. Cell types and subtypes are defined, for example dividing endothelial cells into arterial, venous, capillary, and lymphatic, while epithelial cells separate into luminal and glandular subtypes. Further, a surprising heterogeneity of stromal and myocyte cell types are identified. Transcription factor codes and ligand/receptor interactions are characterized. We also used single cell RNA-seq to globally define the altered gene expression patterns in all developing uterus cell types for two Hox mutants, with 8 or 9 mutant Hox genes. The mutants show a striking disruption of Wnt signaling as well as the Cxcl12/Cxcr4 ligand/receptor axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Mucenski
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Robert Mahoney
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Mike Adam
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Andrew S Potter
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - S Steven Potter
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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28
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Gao Y, Wang Y, Zhou C, Kong S, Lu J, Wang H, Yang J. Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) is essential for endometrial stromal cell decidualization in mice. Dev Growth Differ 2019; 61:176-185. [PMID: 30628051 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7), a member of the deubiquitinating (DUB) enzyme family, regulates protein stability and has a well-characterized function in tumorigenesis. Given its critical role in growth and development, it was speculated to be involved in modulating processes in the female reproductive system but its exact role has not been elucidated. Decidualization is one of the key processes in pregnancy and aberrant decidualization is a cause of pregnancy failure. The uterine endometrium layer undergoes significant structural and functional changes during decidualization in preparation for and after embryo implantation. Here, we hypothesized that USP7 could be involved in mediating endometrial stromal cell (ESC) decidualization and set out to determine its function with a primary stromal cell culture. Using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical techniques, we observed increased USP7 expression during uterine decidualization and found that it was predominantly localized to the decidual zone in the post-implantation uterus. Since the ovarian hormones, progesterone (P4) and estrogen (E2), function in promoting stroma decidualization, we investigated their relationship with USP7 expression and found that they exert minimal influence. Moreover, increased USP7 expression observed during deciduoma development was found to be independent of blastocyst attachment. Using a specific USP7 inhibitor, HBX19818, we demonstrated an additional novel role for USP7 in endometrial stroma decidualization in mice during early pregnancy. Our findings could potentially be applied towards future research and development in female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Gao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yaqin Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chan Zhou
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Yi T, Liu M, Li X, Liu X, Ding Y, He J, Xu H, Gao R, Mu X, Geng Y, Wang Y, Chen X. Benzo(a)pyrene inhibits endometrial cell apoptosis in early pregnant mice via the WNT5A pathway. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:11119-11129. [PMID: 30443902 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is an endocrine-disrupting pollutant present in various aspects of daily life, and studies have demonstrated that BaP exerts reproductive toxicity. We previously showed that BaP damages endometrial morphology and decreases the number of implantation sites in early pregnant mice, but the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. The endometrial function is crucial for implantation, which is associated with endometrial cell apoptosis. In this study, we focused on the effect of BaP on endometrial cell apoptosis and the role of WNT signaling during this process. Pregnant mice were gavaged with corn oil (control group) or 0.2 mg·kg-1 ·day -1 BaP (treatment group) from Days 1 to 6 of pregnancy. BaP impaired endometrial function by decreasing the expression of HOXA10 and BMP2, two markers of receptivity and decidualization. WNT5A and β-catenin were activated in the BaP group. BaP affected the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and inhibited the apoptosis of endometrial stromal cells. In vitro, human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) were treated with different concentrations of BaP (dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); 5, 10 µM). WNT5A and β-catenin were also upregulated in the BaP treatment group. HESC apoptosis was restrained by BaP. Inhibiting WNT5A by SFRP5 partially restored the effect of BaP on apoptosis. In summary, these results suggested that BaP exposure during early pregnancy activates WNT5A/β-catenin signaling pathway, which inhibits the endometrial cell apoptosis and potentially destroys endometrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yi
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Liu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xueyan Li
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xueqing Liu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yubin Ding
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junlin He
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hanting Xu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rufei Gao
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyi Mu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanqing Geng
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yingxiong Wang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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30
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Teasley HE, Chang HJ, Kim TH, Ku BJ, Jeong JW. Expression of PIK3IP1 in the murine uterus during early pregnancy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 495:2553-2558. [PMID: 29289536 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.12.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The ovarian steroid hormones, estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4), are essential regulators of uterine functions necessary for development, embryo implantation, and normal pregnancy. ARID1A plays an important role in steroid hormone signaling in endometrial function and pregnancy. In previous studies, using high density DNA microarray analysis, we identified phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase interacting protein 1 (Pik3ip1) as one of the genes up-regulated by ARID1A. In the present study, we performed real-time qPCR and immunohistochemistry analysis to investigate the regulation of PIK3IP1 by ARID1A and determine expression patterns of PIK3IP1 in the uterus during early pregnancy. The expression of PIK3IP1 was strong at the uterine epithelial and stromal cells of the control mice. However, expression of PIK3IP1 was remarkably reduced in the Pgrcre/+Arid1af/f mice and progesterone receptor knock-out (PRKO) mice. During early pregnancy, PIK3IP1 expression was strong at day 2.5 of gestation (GD 2.5) and then slightly decreased at GD 3.5 at the epithelium and stroma. After implantation, PIK3IP1 expression was detected at the secondary decidualization zone. To determine the ovarian steroid hormone regulation of PIK3IP1, we examined the expression of PIK3IP1 in ovariectomized control, Pgrcre/+Arid1af/f, and PRKO mice treated with P4 or E2. P4 treatment increased the PIK3IP1 expression at the luminal and glandular epithelium of control mice. However, the PIK3IP1 induction was decreased in both the Pgrcre/+Arid1af/f and PRKO mice, compared to controls. Our results identified PIK3IP1 as a novel target of ARID1A and PGR in the murine uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna E Teasley
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Department of Biology, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Hye Jin Chang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Health Promotion Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Bon Jeong Ku
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
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31
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Effect of beta-cypermethrin exposure on embryo implantation in mice. Reprod Toxicol 2017; 76:1-11. [PMID: 29253587 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of β-CP on embryo implantation in mice. Forty female mice were randomly assigned to four groups of 10 mice each: one control group and three β-CP treated groups. The control group was administered corn oil only, while the three β-CP-treated groups were given corn oil containing 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg bw d β-CP for 3 months through intragastric administration. The results indicated that the administration of β-CP decreased the rate of embryo implantation (all p < 0.05), E2 level in the serum, and the expression of Homeobox A10 (HoxA10) protein. In addition, β-CP significantly increased ERa and PRA protein expression levels. These results suggest that β-CP can disrupt the balance of E2 and P, influence ERa and PRA expression and their downstream-related molecule Hoxa10, and decrease embryo implantation.
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32
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Yao X, Ei-Samahy MA, Feng X, Zhang T, Li F, Zhang G, Pang J, Nie H, Wang F. Expression and localization of polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-like protein 5 in the reproductive organs and sperm of Hu sheep. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 187:159-166. [PMID: 29097063 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-like protein 5 (GALNTL5) is involved in male fertility; however, its involvement in the reproduction and fertility of females remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the presence of GALNTL5 in the reproductive organs of ewes during the estrus period and to investigate its expression in cauda epididymal and ejaculated sperm. Results showed that GALNTL5 mRNA and protein were present in some reproductive organs of ewes during the estrus period. The highest levels of GALNTL5 mRNA and protein occurred in the uterine horn and oviductal ampulla and the lowest in the uterine cervix and oviductal infundibulum. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that GALNTL5 protein was mainly located in luminal and glandular epithelial cells of the uterus and oviduct, and in the theca and granulosa cells of the ovary. GALNTL5 gene expression was significantly higher in ejaculated sperm than in cauda epididymal sperm. The amount of GALNTL5 protein in seminal plasma was significantly higher than in ejaculated sperm. Additionally, GALNTL5 was strongly localized in the mid-piece and head of ejaculated sperm, and in the head-tail coupling apparatus and acrosome of cauda epididymal sperm. This is the first evidence that GALNTL5 might play an important role in a range of reproductive functions as well as in sperm motility and capacitation. Further studies are required to evaluate the function of GALNTL5 in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Yao
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Mutton Sheep and Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - M A Ei-Samahy
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Mutton Sheep and Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Xu Feng
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Mutton Sheep and Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Tinging Zhang
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Mutton Sheep and Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Fengzhe Li
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Mutton Sheep and Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Guomin Zhang
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Mutton Sheep and Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Jing Pang
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Mutton Sheep and Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Haitao Nie
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Mutton Sheep and Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Feng Wang
- Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Mutton Sheep and Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
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Camargo-Díaz F, García V, Ocampo-Bárcenas A, González-Marquez H, López-Bayghen E. Colony stimulating factor-1 and leukemia inhibitor factor expression from current-cycle cannula isolated endometrial cells are associated with increased endometrial receptivity and pregnancy. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2017; 17:63. [PMID: 28830391 PMCID: PMC5567912 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-017-0418-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Poor endometrial quality is associated with more than a third of embryo implantation failures. Current ultrasonography technology lacks the capacity to determine efficiently the endometrial receptivity during ongoing cycle transfers. We analyzed the relationship between the gene expression profile associated with implantation and clinical pregnancy from endometrial cells taken during embryo transfer. Methods Seventy-six patients submitted to a standard ovarian stimulation protocol, in vitro fertilization, and good quality embryos were collected (morphological assessment). Endometrial samples were taken with ultrasonography guidance and cells were Hematoxylin and Eosin stained for morphological identification. Total RNA was extracted and the expression of Mucin 1 (MUC1), Homeobox A10 (HOXA-10), Leukemia Inhibitor Factor (LIF), Colony Stimulating Factor-1 (CSF-1), and ribosomal 18 s (endogenous control) were analyzed using RT-qPCR. Presence of a gestational sac, β-hGC (≥10 mIU/mL on Day 20), and a fetal heartbeat were used to determine a positive embryo implantation and pregnancy. Results Samples collected from same cycle embryo transfer showed clear morphological staining for endometrial cells (80–90% of the cells). Cells in the sample were molecularly identified as the endometrium (HOXA-10 positive and MUC-1 negative). CSF-1 expression was 4.55-fold and LIF expression was 12.25-fold higher in patients who became pregnant. Both increases were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions Here, we provide evidence of a new method to assess endometrial receptivity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the expression profile, based on LIF and CSF-1, showed a difference between a receptive and a non-receptive endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Camargo-Díaz
- Laboratorio de Investigación y Diagnóstico Molecular, Instituto de Infertilidad y Genética SC, INGENES, Mexico City, Mexico.,Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Valeria García
- Laboratorio de Investigación y Diagnóstico Molecular, Instituto de Infertilidad y Genética SC, INGENES, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Azucena Ocampo-Bárcenas
- Laboratorio de Investigación y Diagnóstico Molecular, Instituto de Infertilidad y Genética SC, INGENES, Mexico City, Mexico.,Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Humberto González-Marquez
- Laboratorio de Investigación y Diagnóstico Molecular, Instituto de Infertilidad y Genética SC, INGENES, Mexico City, Mexico.,Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Esther López-Bayghen
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, México City, CDMX, Mexico.
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Saikia PJ, Das D, Mize D, Das M, Sarma HN. Spatiotemporal expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C in mice fetal-maternal tissues during periimplantation (D4–D7). MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Chen H, Song Y, Yang S, Fu J, Feng X, Huang W. YAP mediates human decidualization of the uterine endometrial stromal cells. Placenta 2017; 53:30-35. [PMID: 28487017 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The decidualization of uterine endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) is critical for the successful establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and involves extensive cell proliferation and differentiation. A newly established signaling pathway, the Hippo/Yes-associated protein (YAP) pathway, plays a critical role in these proliferation processes. Our previous study demonstrated that YAP is expressed in human ESCs. However, its role in decidualization remains unclear. The objective of the present study was to explore the role of YAP in the decidualization of human ESCs. METHODS The expression of YAP was first investigated in the endometrium of non-pregnant women and in the decidua of pregnant women. The role of YAP was investigated by transfecting ESCs with mRNA silencing constructs and observing the negative effects of this action upon decidualization induced in vitro. RESULTS Our results revealed that the expression of YAP was higher in decidual cells from early pregnant decidua compared with ESCs from non-pregnant endometrium. The expression levels of YAP and TEA domain 1 (TEAD1) were both increased in ESCs during in vitro decidualization and the knockdown of YAP in ESCs caused negative effects upon decidualization in vitro. DISCUSSION Our study suggests that YAP is upregulated in human decidual cells compared with ESCs and influences the decidualization of ESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengxi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiyuan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chongqing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
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Li X, Shen C, Liu X, He J, Ding Y, Gao R, Mu X, Geng Y, Wang Y, Chen X. Exposure to benzo[a]pyrene impairs decidualization and decidual angiogenesis in mice during early pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 222:523-531. [PMID: 28043741 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a ubiquitous environmental persistent organic pollutant and a well-known endocrine disruptor. BaP exposure could alter the steroid balance in females. Endometrium decidualization and decidual angiogenesis are critical events for embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance during early pregnancy and are modulated by steroids. However, the effect of BaP on decidualization is not clear. This study aimed to explore the effects of BaP on decidualization and decidual angiogenesis in pregnant mice. The result showed that the uteri in the BaP-treated groups were smaller and exhibited an uneven size compared with those in the control group. Artificial decidualization was detected in the uteri of the controls, but weakened decidualization response was observed in the BaP-treated groups. BaP significantly reduced the levels of estradiol, progesterone, and their cognate receptors ER and PR, respectively. The expression of several decidualization-related factors, including FOXO1, HoxA10, and BMP2, were altered after BaP treatment. BaP reduced the expression of cluster designation 34 (CD34), which indicated that the decidual angiogenesis was inhibited by BaP treatment. In addition, BaP induced the downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor A. These data suggest that oral BaP ingestion compromised decidualization and decidual angiogenesis. Our results provide experimental data for the maternal reproductive toxicity of BaP during early pregnancy, which is very important for a comprehensive risk assessment of BaP on human reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Li
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, PR China.
| | - Cha Shen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, PR China.
| | - Xueqing Liu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, PR China.
| | - Junlin He
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, PR China.
| | - Yubin Ding
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, PR China.
| | - Rufei Gao
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, PR China.
| | - Xinyi Mu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, PR China.
| | - Yanqing Geng
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, PR China.
| | - Yingxiong Wang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, PR China.
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, PR China.
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Positive Regulation of Decidualization by l-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1 (lat1) in Pregnant Mice. Nutrients 2016; 8:nu8110704. [PMID: 27827961 PMCID: PMC5133091 DOI: 10.3390/nu8110704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acids have an important role in the pre and post implantation of placenta and embryo development. l-type amino-acid transporter 1 (lat1) is responsible for the transportation of large neutral amino acids and is mainly expressed in human fetal liver, placenta, brain, etc. This study is the first to investigate the expression of lat1 in the early pregnancy of mouse uteri and its role in the process of decidualization. Endometrial stromal cells of a mouse model were used to evaluate decidualization from Day 4–8 of pregnancy in vitro followed by lat1 knock down by small interfering RNA and by a competitive inhibitor of Leucine transport 2-aminobicyclo-(2,2,1)-heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH). The effects of lat1 on decidualization in vivo were assessed by injecting BCH into the uterine horns. The mRNA and protein expressions of lat1 in the implantation sites were higher than that in the inter-implantation sites and were localized in the luminal and gland epithelium, stromal and decidual cells. Its increased expression (p < 0.05) was associated with artificial decidualization as well as activation of prl expression. Down-regulation of lat1 expression in these cells by siRNA and BCH inhibited the decidual progression in vitro. Inhibition of lat1 transportation by BCH controlled decidual progression in vivo also accompanied the down-regulation of prl, lat1 expression in the decidual area and embryo size on Day 8 of pregnancy. In conclusion, these results revealed that lat1 might play an important role in the decidual progression both in vitro and in vivo.
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Kin K, Maziarz J, Chavan AR, Kamat M, Vasudevan S, Birt A, Emera D, Lynch VJ, Ott TL, Pavlicev M, Wagner GP. The Transcriptomic Evolution of Mammalian Pregnancy: Gene Expression Innovations in Endometrial Stromal Fibroblasts. Genome Biol Evol 2016; 8:2459-73. [PMID: 27401177 PMCID: PMC5010902 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evw168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The endometrial stromal fibroblast (ESF) is a cell type present in the uterine lining of therian mammals. In the stem lineage of eutherian mammals, ESF acquired the ability to differentiate into decidual cells in order to allow embryo implantation. We call the latter cell type "neo-ESF" in contrast to "paleo-ESF" which is homologous to eutherian ESF but is not able to decidualize. In this study, we compare the transcriptomes of ESF from six therian species: Opossum (Monodelphis domestica; paleo-ESF), mink, rat, rabbit, human (all neo-ESF), and cow (secondarily nondecidualizing neo-ESF). We find evidence for strong stabilizing selection on transcriptome composition suggesting that the expression of approximately 5,600 genes is maintained by natural selection. The evolution of neo-ESF from paleo-ESF involved the following gene expression changes: Loss of expression of genes related to inflammation and immune response, lower expression of genes opposing tissue invasion, increased markers for proliferation as well as the recruitment of FOXM1, a key gene transiently expressed during decidualization. Signaling pathways also evolve rapidly and continue to evolve within eutherian lineages. In the bovine lineage, where invasiveness and decidualization were secondarily lost, we see a re-expression of genes found in opossum, most prominently WISP2, and a loss of gene expression related to angiogenesis. The data from this and previous studies support a scenario, where the proinflammatory paleo-ESF was reprogrammed to express anti-inflammatory genes in response to the inflammatory stimulus coming from the implanting conceptus and thus paving the way for extended, trans-cyclic gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koryu Kin
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jamie Maziarz
- Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Arun R Chavan
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Manasi Kamat
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, Pennsylvania State University, Stage College, Pennsylvania
| | - Sreelakshmi Vasudevan
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, Pennsylvania State University, Stage College, Pennsylvania
| | - Alyssa Birt
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, Pennsylvania State University, Stage College, Pennsylvania
| | - Deena Emera
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Vincent J Lynch
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Troy L Ott
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, Pennsylvania State University, Stage College, Pennsylvania
| | - Mihaela Pavlicev
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Günter P Wagner
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale Medical School, New Haven, Connecticut Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
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Yan X, Wang L, Yan C, Zhang X, Hui L, Sheng Q, Xue M, Yu X. Decreased expression of the vitamin D receptor in women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Arch Biochem Biophys 2016; 606:128-33. [PMID: 27477959 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2016.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The multiple functions of vitamin D3 have stimulated interest in the role that this vitamin may play during pregnancy. The present study investigated the expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in women during the first trimester of pregnancy in order to determine whether VDR is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Forty women at 7-10 weeks gestation with RPL and 40 women of similar gestational age with a healthy pregnancy were recruited. VDR mRNA and protein in chorionic villi and decidua were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The serum levels of VDR were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Women with RPL had a significantly weaker expression of VDR mRNA in villi and decidual tissues compared with the control women (both p < 0.0001). Western blot analysis showed an approximately 46% decrease in VDR expression in villi and a 52% decrease in decidua in the RPL vs. the controls. Serum VDR levels were also significantly lower in the RPL group than in the control group (p = 0.003). Compared with the controls, immunohistochemical and CLSM analysis revealed significantly lower VDR expression in villous cytotrophoblasts and stromal cells, as well as in decidual glandular epithelial and stromal cells (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, these observations show that women with RPL have lower levels of VDR expression in chorionic villi, decidua and serum compared with normal pregnant women, suggesting that decreased VDR expression in the first trimester pregnancy may be associated with RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Yan
- Department of Obestetrics and Gynecology in First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Liqin Wang
- Nursing Department in Xi'an Medical College, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Chunfang Yan
- Center of Reproduction Medicine in Fourth Hospital of Xi'an City, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Xinwen Zhang
- Department of Obestetrics and Gynecology in First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China; Center of Reproduction Medicine in Fourth Hospital of Xi'an City, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Lingyun Hui
- Laboratory Department in First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Qiu Sheng
- Department of Obestetrics and Gynecology in First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Mingzhan Xue
- Clinical Sciences Research Lab, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, University Hospital, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Xuewen Yu
- Department of Obestetrics and Gynecology in First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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Qin A, Qin J, Jin Y, Xie W, Fan L, Jiang L, Mo F. DHEA improves the antioxidant capacity of endometrial stromal cells and improves endometrium receptivity via androgen receptor. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2016; 198:120-126. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2016.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Gao F, Bian F, Ma X, Kalinichenko VV, Das SK. Control of regional decidualization in implantation: Role of FoxM1 downstream of Hoxa10 and cyclin D3. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13863. [PMID: 26350477 PMCID: PMC4563553 DOI: 10.1038/srep13863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Appropriate regulation of regional uterine stromal cell decidualization in implantation, at the mesometrial triangle and secondary decidual zone (SDZ) locations, is critical for successful pregnancy, although the regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this regard, the available animal models that would specifically allow mechanistic analysis of site-specific decidualization are strikingly limited. Our study found that heightened expression of FoxM1, a Forkhead box transcription factor, is regulated during decidualization, and its conditional deletion in mice reveals failure of implantation with regional decidualization defects such as a much smaller mesometrial decidua with enlarged SDZ. Analysis of cell cycle progression during decidualization both in vivo and in vitro demonstrates that the loss of FoxM1 elicits diploid cell deficiency with enhanced arrests prior to mitosis and concomitant upregulation of polyploidy. We further showed that Hoxa10 and cyclin D3, two decidual markers, control transcriptional regulation and intra-nuclear protein translocation of FoxM1 in polyploid cells, respectively. Overall, we suggest that proper regional decidualization and polyploidy development requires FoxM1 signaling downstream of Hoxa10 and cyclin D3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Gao
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Fenghua Bian
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Xinghong Ma
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Vladimir V. Kalinichenko
- Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Sanjoy K. Das
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Brinkmeier ML, Geister KA, Jones M, Waqas M, Maillard I, Camper SA. The Histone Methyltransferase Gene Absent, Small, or Homeotic Discs-1 Like Is Required for Normal Hox Gene Expression and Fertility in Mice. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:121. [PMID: 26333994 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.131516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin remodeling influences gene expression in developing and adult organisms. Active and repressive marks of histone methylation dictate the embryonic expression boundaries of developmentally regulated genes, including the Hox gene cluster. Drosophila ash1 (absent, small or homeotic discs 1) gene encodes a histone methyltransferase essential for regulation of Hox gene expression that interacts genetically with other members of the trithorax group (TrxG). While mammalian members of the mixed lineage leukemia (Mll) family of TrxG genes have roles in regulation of Hox gene expression, little is known about the expression and function of the mammalian ortholog of the Drosophila ash1 gene, Ash1-like (Ash1l). Here we report the expression of mouse Ash1l gene in specific structures within various organs and provide evidence that reduced Ash1l expression has tissue-specific effects on mammalian development and adult homeostasis. Mutants exhibit partially penetrant postnatal lethality and failure to thrive. Surviving mutants have growth insufficiency, skeletal transformations, and infertility associated with developmental defects in both male and female reproductive organs. Specifically, expression of Hoxa11 and Hoxd10 are altered in the epididymis of Ash1l mutant males and Hoxa10 is reduced in the uterus of Ash1l mutant females. In summary, we show that the histone methyltransferase Ash1l is important for the development and function of several tissues and for proper expression of homeotic genes in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Krista A Geister
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Morgan Jones
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Meriam Waqas
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Ivan Maillard
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sally A Camper
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Drospirenone induces decidualization in human eutopic endometrial stromal cells and reduces DNA synthesis of human endometriotic stromal cells. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:217-24.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Zhang Q, Zhang H, Jiang Y, Xue B, Diao Z, Ding L, Zhen X, Sun H, Yan G, Hu Y. MicroRNA-181a is involved in the regulation of human endometrial stromal cell decidualization by inhibiting Krüppel-like factor 12. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:23. [PMID: 25889210 PMCID: PMC4379545 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0019-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transformation of endometrium into decidua is essential for normal implantation of the blastocyst. However, the post-transcriptional regulation and the miRNAs involved in decidualization remain poorly understood. Here, we examined microRNA-181a (miR-181a) expression in decidualized human endometrial stromal cell (hESC). In addition, we investigated the functional effect of miR-181a on hESC decidualization in vitro. METHODS Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the profile of miR-181a in decidualized hESC. qRT-PCR, enzyme-linked fluorescent assay, and immunofluorescence assay were performed to investigate decidualization marker genes' expression after enhancing or inhibition of miR-181a expression in hESC. Luciferase reporter assay, western blotting, qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescence assay were carried out to identify the relationship between miR-181a and Krüppel-like factor 12 (KLF12). RESULTS miR-181a expression levels increased dramatically in hESC treated with 8-Br-cAMP and MPA. Increased miR-181a expression promoted hESC decidualization-related gene expression and morphological transformation; conversely, inhibition of miR-181a expression compromised hESC decidualization in vitro. Further analysis confirmed that miR-181a interacted with the 3' untranslated region of the transcription factor KLF12 and down-regulated KLF12 at the transcriptional and translational levels. KLF12 overexpression abolished miR-181a-induced decidualization. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that miR-181a plays a functionally important role in human endometrial stromal cell decidualization in vitro by inhibiting KLF12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hui Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Drum Tower Clinic Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yue Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Bai Xue
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Drum Tower Clinic Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zhenyu Diao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lijun Ding
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xin Zhen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Guijun Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yali Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
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Zhu H, Hou CC, Luo LF, Hu YJ, Yang WX. Endometrial stromal cells and decidualized stromal cells: origins, transformation and functions. Gene 2014; 551:1-14. [PMID: 25168894 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Decidualization of endometrium, which is characterized by endometrial stromal cell (ESC) decidualization, vascular reconstruction, immune cell recruitment, and plentiful molecule production, is a crucial step for uterus to become receptive for embryo. When implantation takes place, ESCs surround and directly interact with embryo. Decidualized stromal cells (DSCs) are of great importance in endometrial decidualization, having a broad function in regulating immune activity and vascular remodeling of uterus. DSCs are shown to have a higher metabolic level and looser cytoskeleton than ESCs. What's the origin of ESCs and how ESCs successfully transform into DSCs had puzzled scientists in the last decades. Breakthrough had been achieved recently, and many studies had elucidated some of the characters and functions of DSCs. However, several questions still remain unclear. This paper reviews current understanding of where ESCs come from and how ESCs differentiate into DSCs, summarizes some characters and functions of DSCs, analyzes current studies and their limitations and points out research areas that need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Zhu
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Cong-Cong Hou
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ling-Feng Luo
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yan-Jun Hu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China.
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Abstract
All mammalian uteri contain glands in the endometrium that synthesize or transport and secrete substances essential for survival and development of the conceptus (embryo/fetus and associated extraembryonic membranes). This review summarizes information related to the biological roles of uterine glands and their secretions in blastocyst/conceptus survival and implantation, uterine receptivity, and stromal cell decidualization in humans and animal models. The infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss observed in the ovine uterine gland knockout (UGKO) model unequivocally supports a primary role for uterine glands and, by inference, their secretions present in uterine luminal fluid in survival and development of the conceptus. Further, studies with mutant and progesterone-induced UGKO mice found that uterine glands and their secretions are required for establishment of uterine receptivity and blastocyst implantation as well as stromal cell decidualization. Similarly in humans, uterine glands and their secretory products are likely critical regulators of blastocyst implantation, uterine receptivity, and conceptus growth and development during the first trimester. Circumstantial evidence suggests that deficient glandular activity may be a causative factor in pregnancy failure and complications in humans. Thus, an increased understanding of uterine gland biology is important for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of fertility and pregnancy problems in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Spencer
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
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Zhao Y, Chen X, Liu X, Ding Y, Gao R, Qiu Y, Wang Y, He J. Exposure of mice to benzo(a)pyrene impairs endometrial receptivity and reduces the number of implantation sites during early pregnancy. Food Chem Toxicol 2014; 69:244-51. [PMID: 24769007 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2014.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Revised: 04/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. Studies have demonstrated it to be an endocrine-disrupting chemical that can cause adverse effects on the female reproductive system. However, the effect of BaP on early pregnancy has not been reported. We investigated the effect of BaP on endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation. Pregnant mice were dosed with BaP at 0.2, 2 and 20 mg/kg/day from day 1 (D1) to day 5 (D5) of gestation. Exposure to BaP impaired the morphology of the endometrium and decreased the number of implantation sites (p0.2=0.006, p2=0.167, p20=0.003). Levels of estrodiol (p<0.001, for three treatment group compare with control group) and progesterone-4 in plasma were elevated in BaP-treatment groups (p0.2<0.001, p2<0.001, p20=0.032). Expression of estrogen receptor-α was up-regulated (p0.2=0.002, p2=0.131, p20=0.024) whereas expression of the progesterone receptor was down-regulated (p0.2<0.001, p2=0.064, p20=0.021). Levels of receptivity-related genes HoxA10 (p0.2<0.001, p2=0.135, p20<0.001) and E-cadherin (p0.2=0.002, p2=0.624, p20=0.137) were changed by BaP. These results revealed that BaP can disrupt the balance of estrogen and progesterone, influence expression of their receptors and downstream related genes, lead to changes in endometrium receptivity, and reduce of the number of implantation sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhao
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xueqing Liu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, PR China
| | - Yubin Ding
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, PR China
| | - Rufei Gao
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, PR China
| | - Yiwen Qiu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, PR China
| | - Yingxiong Wang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, PR China
| | - Junlin He
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, PR China.
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Maia-Filho VOA, Rocha AM, Ferreira FP, Bonetti TCS, Serafini P, Motta ELA. Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and e-cadherin expression in the endometrium during the implantation window of infertile women before in vitro fertilization treatment. Reprod Sci 2014; 22:416-22. [PMID: 24700054 DOI: 10.1177/1933719114529373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the expression of endometrial matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 and E-cadherin in peri-implantation phase of infertile women who have undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. METHODS This prospective study included 51 patients who underwent endometrial biopsy during the receptive phase in a menstrual cycle prior to IVF treatment. The samples were evaluated by tissue microarray for immunohistochemical study. RESULTS The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and E-cadherin in the endometrium prior to IVF treatment was not associated with pregnancy. There was a decrease in E-cadherin immunodetection, the higher the age of the patients, a negative relationship between E-cadherin and MMP-2, and a positive association between MMP-9 and E-cadherin. CONCLUSIONS The MMP-2, MMP-9, and E-cadherin are expressed in the endometrium of infertile patients during the receptive phase of the natural menstrual cycle. However, there is no correlation between the expression of these molecules and the clinical IVF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamberto O A Maia-Filho
- Gynecology Department of Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, Brazil Centre of Human Reproduction, Hospital e Maternidade Santa Joana, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andre M Rocha
- Huntington Reproductive Medicine, Av República do Líbano, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando P Ferreira
- Gynecology Department of Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, Brazil Centre of Human Reproduction, Hospital e Maternidade Santa Joana, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tatiana C S Bonetti
- Gynecology Department of Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Serafini
- Centre of Human Reproduction, Hospital e Maternidade Santa Joana, São Paulo, Brazil Huntington Reproductive Medicine, Av República do Líbano, São Paulo, Brazil Gynecology Discipline of School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo L A Motta
- Gynecology Department of Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, Brazil Centre of Human Reproduction, Hospital e Maternidade Santa Joana, São Paulo, Brazil Huntington Reproductive Medicine, Av República do Líbano, São Paulo, Brazil
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Kobayashi H, Iwai K, Niiro E, Morioka S, Yamada Y. Fetal programming theory: Implication for the understanding of endometriosis. Hum Immunol 2014; 75:208-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2013.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Revised: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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50
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Jiang Y, Yan G, Zhang H, Shan H, Kong C, Yan Q, Xue B, Diao Z, Hu Y, Sun H. Activation of matrix metalloproteinase-26 by HOXA10 promotes embryo adhesion in vitro. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 445:622-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.02.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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