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Jiang Y, Xue Y, Yuan X, Ye S, Liu M, Shi Y, Zhou H. MCM6 Inhibits Decidualization via Cross-Talking with ERK Pathway in Human Endometrial Stromal Cells. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1915-1923. [PMID: 38347378 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01463-5] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Decidualization plays an important role in the implantation of the embryo, but the molecular action implicated in this process is not completely known. Herein, we found that, compared with the proliferative endometrial tissues, the expression of minichromosome maintenance complex component 6 (MCM6) was markedly decreased in the secretory endometrial tissues. To verify the function of MCM6 in decidualization, in vitro decidualization model was constructed by treating human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) with estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4). Consistently, MCM6 level was downregulated in E2P4-treated HESCs. Administration of E2P4 accumulated HESCs in G1 cell cycle phase, leading to cell growth suppression. Ectopic expression of MCM6 promoted the transition of G1/S and restored the proliferation of HESCs that were inhibited by E2P4. MCM6 overexpression led to aberrant activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and treatment with ERK agonist Ro 67-7476 restored MCM6 expression and cell proliferation inhibited by E2P4. Our data suggested that MCM6/ERK feedback loop plays a negative role in E2P4-induced decidualization and implies that MCM6 may be a promising target for meliorating uterine receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yuan Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinhua Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengqin Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingxing Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Craciunas L, Chu J, Pickering O, Mohiyiddeen L, Coomarasamy A. The metabolomic profile of endometrial receptivity in recurrent miscarriage. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2023; 75:526-534. [PMID: 36193833 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.22.05151-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometrial receptivity has been the focus of continuous research for over eight decades; however, current clinical practice lacks an accurate test of endometrial receptivity to allow the prediction of successful pregnancy. We aimed to characterize the endometrial metabolomic profiles of women who suffered recurrent miscarriage using discovery metabolomics and to set the foundation for the development of an endometrial receptivity test. METHODS This was a prospective multicenter cohort study led by the Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research in Birmingham. Endometrial biopsies were obtained during the window of implantation from 24 women aged 18-35 years, who were not pregnant and regularly menstruating, diagnosed with unexplained recurrent miscarriage. The metabolite composition and relative concentrations of samples were analyzed applying ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to investigate water-soluble and lipid metabolites. RESULTS Various metabolic perturbations are associated with observation of increased numbers of miscarriages. They relate to fatty acid metabolism including increased lipolysis and decreased medium chain fatty acid beta-oxidation, poorer mitochondrial health, and redox-active co-factors which are present at higher oxidative levels. Other metabolic perturbations are associated with observation of live birth following miscarriages. They relate to perturbed cholesterol-cholesterol sulphate metabolism, fatty acid metabolism including increased diacylglyceride lipolysis and decreased medium chain fatty acid beta-oxidation, and improved mitochondrial health. CONCLUSIONS The present endometrial metabolomics discovery studies have implicated a small number of metabolic pathways and biological functions which are biologically important in miscarriage mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurentiu Craciunas
- Tommy's National Center for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK -
| | - Justin Chu
- Tommy's National Center for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Oonagh Pickering
- Tommy's National Center for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Arri Coomarasamy
- Tommy's National Center for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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He Y, Zhou M, Li S, Gong Z, Yan F, Liu H. Ultrasound Molecular Imaging of Neovascularization for Evaluation of Endometrial Receptivity Using Magnetic iRGD-Modified Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Microbubbles. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:5869-5881. [PMID: 36483520 PMCID: PMC9726466 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s359065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis plays an important role in endometrial receptivity, determining the response of the endometrium to the blastocyst at the early stage of embryo implantation. During the application of assisted reproduction technologies, it is very important to evaluate the status of uterine angiogenesis before deciding on embryo implantation. Targeted microbubbles (MBs)-based ultrasound molecular imaging (UMI) can noninvasively detect the expression status of biomarkers at the molecular level, thereby being a potential diagnosis strategy for various diseases and their therapeutic evaluation. METHODS The iRGD-lipopeptide (DSPE-PEG2000-iRGD) conjugate was prepared with iRGD peptides and DSPE-PEG2000-maleimide through the Michael-type addition reaction. Then, the magnetic iRGD-modified lipid-polymer hybrid MBs (Mag-iLPMs) were prepared with the double-emulsification-solvent-evaporation method. Magnetic targeting of Mag-iLPMs was confirmed under the microscope, followed by a rectangular magnet. Next, the in vitro targeted binding of MBs to murine brain-derived endothelial cells.3 (bEnd.3) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were evaluated. The ratio of MBs binding to bEnd.3 and HUVEC at the same field was also compared. For in vivo studies, bolus injections of targeted or control MBs were randomly administrated to non-pregnant or pregnant rats on day 5. Then, the uteri were imaged using a VisualSonics Vevo 2100 ultrasound system (Fujifilm VisualSonics Inc., Ontario, Canada) equipped with a high-frequency transducer. Ultrasonic imaging signals were acquired from Mag-iLPMs, and compared with Mag-LPMs, iLPMs, and LPMs. RESULTS The Mag-iLPMs showed excellent performance in ultrasound contrast imaging and binding affinity to target cells. Using the magnetic field, 10.5- and 12.47-fold higher binding efficiency to bEnd.3 and HUVEC were achieved compared to non-magnetic iLPMs, respectively. Significantly enhanced UMI signals were also observed in the uteri of rats intravenously injected pregnant rats (6.58-fold higher than rats injected with iLPMs). CONCLUSION We provided a powerful ultrasonic molecular functional imaging tool for uterine angiogenesis evaluation before embryonic implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanni He
- Department of Ultrasound, Institute of Ultrasound in Musculoskeletal Sports Medicine, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meijun Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, Institute of Ultrasound in Musculoskeletal Sports Medicine, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sushu Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Institute of Ultrasound in Musculoskeletal Sports Medicine, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheli Gong
- Department of Ultrasound, The People’s Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410061, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fei Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Institute of Ultrasound in Musculoskeletal Sports Medicine, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, People’s Republic of China
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Ma L, Zhang M, Cao F, Han J, Han P, Wu Y, Deng R, Zhang G, An X, Zhang L, Song Y, Cao B. Effect of MiR-100-5p on proliferation and apoptosis of goat endometrial stromal cell in vitro and embryo implantation in vivo. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:2543-2556. [PMID: 35411593 PMCID: PMC9077292 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) at implantation sites may be a potential factor affecting the success rate of embryo implantation. Incremental proofs demonstrated that ncRNAs (e.g. miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs) were involved in various biological procedures, including proliferation and apoptosis. In this study, the role of miR‐100‐5p on proliferation and apoptosis of goat ESCs in vitro and embryo implantation in vivo was determined. The mRNA expression of miR‐100‐5p was significantly inhibited in the receptive phase (RE) rather than in the pre‐receptive phase (PE). Overexpression of miR‐100‐5p suppressed ESCs proliferation and induced apoptosis. The molecular target of MiR‐100‐5p, HOXA1, was confirmed by 3′‐UTR assays. Meanwhile, the product of HOXA1 mRNA RT‐PCR increased in the RE more than that in the PE. The HOXA1‐siRNA exerted significant negative effects on growth arrest. Instead, incubation of ESCs with miR‐100‐5p inhibitor or overexpressed HOXA1 promoted the cell proliferation. In addition, Circ‐9110 which acted as a sponge for miR‐100‐5p reversed the relevant biological effects of miR‐100‐5p. The intrinsic apoptosis pathway was suppressed in ESCs, revealing a crosstalk between Circ‐9110/miR‐100‐5p/HOXA1 axis, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and ERK1/2 pathways. To further evaluate the progress in study on embryo implantation regulating mechanism of miR‐100‐5p in vivo, the pinopodes of two phases were observed and analysed, suggesting that, as similar as in situ, miR‐100‐5p was involved in significantly regulating embryo implantation in vivo. Mechanistically, miR‐100‐5p performed its embryo implantation function through regulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK1/2 pathways by targeting Circ‐9110/miR‐100‐5p/HOXA1 axis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Fangjun Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an, China
| | - Jincheng Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Peng Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yeting Wu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Renyi Deng
- Department of Foreign Languages, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Guanghui Zhang
- College of Innovation and Experiment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Xiaopeng An
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yuxuan Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Binyun Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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Talukdar KR, Saikia P, Sarma HN. Kruppel-like factor 5 (Klf5) in fetal-maternal tissue during periimplantation and effects of ovarian steroid hormone antagonist on its expression during uterine receptivity of albino mice. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43043-021-00092-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Embryo implantation is a tightly regulated sequence of events regulated by ovarian steroids, estrogen and progesterone, and their downstream targets. Ovarian steroids regulate most of the genes involved in embryo implantation and pregnancy. However, some factors are not regulated by ovarian steroids, estrogen, progesterone, or both. Kruppel-like factor 5 (Klf5) is an example of an ovarian steroid–independent factor having a role in cellular proliferation, differentiation. The detailed expression profile of Klf5 during uterine receptivity and periimplantation has not been studied till now. In the present research work, an attempt was made to investigate the expression pattern of Klf5 in mice fetal-maternal tissue during periimplantation (day 4–day 8). The expressional and functional independence of Klf5 on the ovarian steroids was studied using estrogen and progesterone antagonist. The study was carried out in female Swiss albino mice of LACA strain during the periimplantation period. KLF5 was localized in the fetal-maternal tissues using the immunofluorescence technique in paraffin-embedded tissues. Ovarian steroid antagonists were administered subcutaneously from day 1 to day 3 of gestation, and the uterus was collected on the morning of day 4. Klf5 protein and mRNA levels were studied by western blot and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), respectively.
Results
KLF5 was localized in the embryo, uterine luminal epithelium, glandular epithelium, and proliferating stromal cells during periimplantation. In ovarian steroid antagonist–treated groups, KLF5 was localized in the luminal and glandular epithelium and stroma. Western blot and qPCR confirmed translation and transcription of KLF5 during the experimental period. The KLF5 protein level significantly increased on day 6, day 7, and day 8 when compared with day 4 (P < 0.05). The mRNA level of Klf5 increased significantly on day 7 and day 8 when compared with day 4 (P < 0.05). In ovarian steroid antagonist–treated groups, protein and mRNA corresponding to Klf5 were observed. From this finding, it can be assumed that Klf5 may be a steroid-independent factor expressed during uterine receptivity.
Conclusion
Spatiotemporal KLF5 expression in fetal-maternal tissue was observed during the experimental period. The results suggest that Klf5 is an ovarian steroid–independent factor that may play a pivotal role in implantation, decidualization, and embryogenesis.
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Wu JX, Xia T, She LP, Lin S, Luo XM. Stem Cell Therapies for Human Infertility: Advantages and Challenges. Cell Transplant 2022; 31:9636897221083252. [PMID: 35348026 PMCID: PMC8969497 DOI: 10.1177/09636897221083252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical and mental health and hormonal imbalance are associated with the problems related to infertility and reproductive disorders. The rate of infertility has increased globally over the years, due to various reasons. Given the psychosocial implications of infertility and its effects on the life of the affected people, there has been an increased focus on its treatment over the last several years. Assisted reproductive technology can only solve about 50% of the cases. Moreover, it contains significant risks and does not solve the fundamental problem of infertility. As pluripotent stem cells have the potential to differentiate into almost any type of cell, they have been widely regarded as a promising option in the development of stem cell-based fertility treatments, which could even correct genetic diseases in offspring. These advancements in reproductive biotechnology present both challenges and possibilities for solving infertility problems caused by various unexplainable factors. This review briefly presents the different types of infertility disorders and the potential applications of stem cells in the treatment of these reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Xiang Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Li-Ping She
- New England Fertility Institute, Stamford, CT, USA
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China.,Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xiang-Min Luo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
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Liang Y, Shuai Q, Wang Y, Jin S, Feng Z, Chen B, Liang T, Liu Z, Zhao H, Chen Z, Wang C, Xie J. 1-Nitropyrene exposure impairs embryo implantation through disrupting endometrial receptivity genes expression and producing excessive ROS. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 227:112939. [PMID: 34717220 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Haze problem is an important factor threatening human health. PM2.5 is the main culprit haze. 1-Nitropyrene (1-NP) is the main nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, the toxic component of PM2.5 particles. The effects of 1-NP on various organs and reproductive health have been extensively and deeply studied, but the effects of 1-NP on embryo implantation and endometrial receptivity remain to be determined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the adverse effects of 1-NP on mouse embryo implantation and human endometrial receptivity. In early pregnancy, CD1 mice were given 2 mg/kg 1-NP by oral gavage, which resulted in a decreased embryo implantation number on day 5, inhibited leukemic inhibitory factor (LIF)/STAT3 pathway, decreased expression of estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor, and disrupted regulation of uterine cell proliferation. In addition, in a human in vitro implantation model, 1-NP was found to significantly inhibit the adhesion rate between trophoblast spheroids and endometrial epithelial cells, possibly by inhibiting the expression of receptivity molecules in Ishikawa cells. Promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production may be an additional mechanism by which it inhibits trophoblast spheroid adhesion. In this study, we used an in vivo mouse pregnancy model and an in vitro human embryo implantation model to demonstrate that 1-NP can impair endometrial receptivity and compromise embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Liang
- Experimental Animal Center of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Human Disease and Animal Models, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory for Cellular Physiology of Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Qizhi Shuai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory for Cellular Physiology of Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory for Cellular Physiology of Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Shanshan Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory for Cellular Physiology of Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Zihan Feng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory for Cellular Physiology of Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Binghong Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory for Cellular Physiology of Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Ting Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory for Cellular Physiology of Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhizhen Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory for Cellular Physiology of Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory for Cellular Physiology of Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhaoyang Chen
- Experimental Animal Center of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Human Disease and Animal Models, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Chunfang Wang
- Experimental Animal Center of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Human Disease and Animal Models, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Jun Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory for Cellular Physiology of Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China.
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Zhou C, Lv M, Wang P, Guo C, Ni Z, Bao H, Tang Y, Cai H, Lu J, Deng W, Yang X, Xia G, Wang H, Wang C, Kong S. Sequential activation of uterine epithelial IGF1R by stromal IGF1 and embryonic IGF2 directs normal uterine preparation for embryo implantation. J Mol Cell Biol 2021; 13:646-661. [PMID: 34097060 PMCID: PMC8648386 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation in both humans and rodents is initiated by the attachment of a blastocyst to the uterine epithelium. For blastocyst attachment, the uterine epithelium needs to transform at both the structural and molecular levels first, and then initiate the interaction with trophectoderm. Any perturbation during this process will result in implantation failure or long-term adverse pregnancy outcomes. Endocrine steroid hormones, which function through nuclear receptors, combine with the local molecules produced by the uteri or embryo to facilitate implantation. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling has been reported to play a vital role during pregnancy. However, its physiological function during implantation remains elusive. This study revealed that mice with conditional deletion of Igf1r gene in uteri suffered from subfertility, mainly due to the disturbed uterine receptivity and abnormal embryo implantation. Mechanistically, we uncovered that in response to the nidatory estrogen on D4 of pregnancy, the epithelial IGF1R, stimulated by the stromal cell-produced IGF1, facilitated epithelial STAT3 activation to modulate the epithelial depolarity. Furthermore, embryonic derived IGF2 could activate both the epithelial ERK1/2 and STAT3 signaling through IGF1R, which was critical for the transcription of Cox2 and normal attachment reaction. In brief, our data revealed that epithelial IGF1R was sequentially activated by the uterine stromal IGF1 and embryonic IGF2 to guarantee normal epithelium differentiation during the implantation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Meiying Lv
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fuzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Peike Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chuanhui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhangli Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Haili Bao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yedong Tang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Han Cai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Fuzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guoliang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, NingXia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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9
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Uterine Receptivity is Reflected by LIF Expression in the Cervix. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:1457-1462. [PMID: 34859388 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00816-8] [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: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure is a major problem in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Although ART systems have evolved rapidly over the decades, it is still difficult to diagnose uterine conditions suitable for embryo transfer (ET) without the use of invasive endometrial procedures. Previous studies in mice showed that leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a well-known endometrial biomarker for uterine implantation capacity, also known as uterine receptivity. This study focused on LIF in the mouse and human cervix as a possible biomarker of implantation capacity. We found that high expression of LIF in the cervical epithelium is strongly correlated with that of the uterine epithelium during the peri-implantation period in mice. Likewise, human cervical epithelia also exhibit elevated levels of LIF in the peri-implantation period. In addition, cervical LIF is downregulated in mice with defective implantation caused by pharmacological treatments. These results indicated that cervical LIF is a possible biomarker that detected uterine receptivity without invasive endometrial damage.
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Wu JX, Lin S, Kong SB. Psychological Stress and Functional Endometrial Disorders: Update of Mechanism Insights. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:690255. [PMID: 34413829 PMCID: PMC8369421 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.690255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The human endometrium plays a vital role in providing the site for embryo implantation and maintaining the normal development and survival of the embryo. Recent studies have shown that stress is a common factor for the development of unexplained reproductive disorders. The nonreceptive endometrium and disturbed early maternal-fetal interaction might lead to infertility including the repeated embryo implantation failure and recurrent spontaneous abortion, or late pregnancy complications, thereby affecting the quality of life as well as the psychological status of the affected individuals. Additionally, psychological stress might also adversely affect female reproductive health. In recent years, several basic and clinical studies have tried to investigate the harm caused by psychological stress to reproductive health, however, the mechanism is still unclear. Here, we review the relationship between psychological stress and endometrial dysfunction, and its consequent effects on female infertility to provide new insights for clinical therapeutic interventions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-xiang Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
- Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shuang-bo Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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11
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Hosseinzadeh P, Barsky M, Gibbons WE, Blesson CS. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the Forgotten Uterus. F&S REVIEWS 2021; 2:11-20. [PMID: 34423324 PMCID: PMC8378802 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfnr.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder that affects various facets of fertility. Although the ovarian and metabolic aspects of the disease is well studied, its role in uterine dysfunction is not well understood. Our objective was to review the features of endometrial and uterine aberrations in women with PCOS. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Library databases for papers published in English up to March 2020. The following key words were used for the search: polycystic ovary syndrome, poly cystic ovarian disease, polycystic ovaries, PCOS, PCOD, PCO, PCOM, oligoovulation, anovulation, oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, hyperandrogenism and this was combined with terms; endometrium, infertility, uterus, progesterone resistance, endometrial hyperplasia, pregnancy outcomes, preterm delivery. In this review, we highlight various uterine pathologies that are associated with PCOS and explore its impact on fertility. We also discuss key uterine molecular pathways that are altered in PCOS that may be related to infertility, endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pardis Hosseinzadeh
- Division for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Maya Barsky
- Division for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Family Fertility Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - William E. Gibbons
- Division for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Family Fertility Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Chellakkan S. Blesson
- Division for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Family Fertility Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
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12
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Niknafs B, Hesam Shariati MB, Shokrzadeh N. miR223-3p, HAND2, and LIF expression regulated by calcitonin in the ERK1/2-mTOR pathway during the implantation window in the endometrium of mice. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 85:e13333. [PMID: 32869441 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Approximately one-third of infertility cases are related to the female partner, and implantation failure is the primary reason for female infertility. The current research was established to assess the impact of calcitonin on endometrial receptivity. METHODS OF STUDY 64 female BALB/c mice were assigned to 2 groups as follows: mice with regular ovarian cycle and mice with stimulated ovarian cycle. The two groups were further divided into four subgroups as follows: control (Ctrl), calcitonin (CT), pp242, and CT + pp242 groups. Calcitonin and pp242 were injected on days 3, 4, and 5 of pregnancy. On day 5 of gestation, all of the animals were sacrificed, and their uterine was removed for the morphological analysis, as well as the expression assessment genes and proteins. RESULTS The results demonstrated that ovarian stimulation increased the rate of phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and mTOR proteins, and resulted in the upregulation of miR-223-3p. The administration of calcitonin also elevated the expression levels of LIF and HAND2 gene in both regular ovarian and ovarian-stimulated cycles. In ovarian-stimulated groups, the administration of calcitonin led to a decrease in the expression of miR-223-3p. Calcitonin administration also markedly increased the phosphorylation of 4EBP1 and ERK1/2 in the regular ovarian cycle. CONCLUSION It seems that calcitonin is capable of enhancing the endometrial receptivity of the uterine, thereby the overexpression of HAND2 and LIF and downregulation of miR-223-3p through the ERK1/2-mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrooz Niknafs
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Naser Shokrzadeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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13
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D’Ippolito S, Di Nicuolo F, Papi M, Castellani R, Palmieri V, Masciullo V, Arena V, Tersigni C, Bernabei M, Pontecorvi A, Scambia G, Di Simone N. Expression of Pinopodes in the Endometrium from Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Women. Role of Thrombomodulin and Ezrin. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E2634. [PMID: 32823767 PMCID: PMC7464296 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pinopode expression has been suggested as a marker of endometrial receptivity. METHODS We set up an experimental study comparing endometrial tissue from recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL, n = 30) and fertile control (CTR, n = 20) women in terms of pinopode expression/morphology; expression of thrombomodulin (TM) and ezrin; cytoskeletal organization. Endometrial samples were collected during implantation window and evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, western blot, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS We found that RPL endometrial tissue showed: (i) increased pinopodes density (* p < 0.05); (ii) a reduced diameter of pinopodes (* p < 0.05); (iii) a decreased TM and ezrin expression (p < 0.05). Additionally, confocal images showed a significantly reduced expression of phosphorylated (p)-ezrin, confirming the results obtained through immunoblot analysis. Immunofluorescence staining showed that in CTR samples, junctions between cells are intact and clearly visible, whereas actin filaments appear completely lost in RPL endometrial samples; this suggests that, due to the impaired expression and activity of TM and ezrin, actin does not bind to plasma membrane in order to orchestrate the cytoskeletal actin filaments. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that an impaired expression of TM and expression/activation of ezrin may affect the connection between the TM and actin cytoskeleton, impairing the organization of cytoskeleton and, eventually, the adequate pinopode development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia D’Ippolito
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00168 Roma, Italy; (V.M.); (V.A.); (C.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Fiorella Di Nicuolo
- Paolo VI International Scientific Institute, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy; (F.D.N.); (A.P.)
| | - Massimiliano Papi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00168 Roma, Italy; (M.P.); (V.P.)
| | - Roberta Castellani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy;
| | - Valentina Palmieri
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00168 Roma, Italy; (M.P.); (V.P.)
| | - Valeria Masciullo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00168 Roma, Italy; (V.M.); (V.A.); (C.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Arena
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00168 Roma, Italy; (V.M.); (V.A.); (C.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Chiara Tersigni
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00168 Roma, Italy; (V.M.); (V.A.); (C.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Micaela Bernabei
- Istituto di Anatomia e Istologia Patologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy;
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Paolo VI International Scientific Institute, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy; (F.D.N.); (A.P.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze Gastroenterologiche, Endocrino-Metaboliche e Nefro-Urologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00168 Roma, Italy
- Istituto di Patologia Medica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00168 Roma, Italy; (V.M.); (V.A.); (C.T.); (G.S.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy;
| | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00168 Roma, Italy; (V.M.); (V.A.); (C.T.); (G.S.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy;
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Liu X, Zhang L, Yang L, Cui J, Che S, Liu Y, Han J, An X, Cao B, Song Y. miR-34a/c induce caprine endometrial epithelial cell apoptosis by regulating circ-8073/CEP55 via the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:10051-10067. [PMID: 32474960 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important for endometrial receptivity establishment and embryo implantation in mammals. miR-34a and miR-34c are highly expressed in caprine receptive endometrium (RE). Herein, the functions and mechanisms of miR-34a/c in caprine endometrial epithelial cell (CEEC) apoptosis and RE establishment were investigated. miR-34a/c downregulated the expression level of centrosomal protein 55 (CEP55) and were sponged by circRNA8073 (circ-8073), thereby exhibiting a negative interaction in CEEC. miR-34a/c induced CEEC apoptosis by targeting circ-8073/CEP55 through the regulation of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and phosphoitide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. Positive and negative feedback loops and cross-talk were documented between the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. miR-34a/c regulated the levels of RE marker genes, including forkhead box M1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and osteopontin (OPN). These results suggest that miR-34a/c not only induce CEEC apoptosis by binding to circ-8073 and CEP55 via the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, but may also regulate RE establishment in dairy goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lichun Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiuzeng Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sicheng Che
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuexia Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jincheng Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaopeng An
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Binyun Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuxuan Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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15
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Craciunas L, Gallos I, Chu J, Bourne T, Quenby S, Brosens JJ, Coomarasamy A. Conventional and modern markers of endometrial receptivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 25:202-223. [PMID: 30624659 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early reproductive failure is the most common complication of pregnancy with only 30% of conceptions reaching live birth. Establishing a successful pregnancy depends upon implantation, a complex process involving interactions between the endometrium and the blastocyst. It is estimated that embryos account for one-third of implantation failures, while suboptimal endometrial receptivity and altered embryo-endometrial dialogue are responsible for the remaining two-thirds. Endometrial receptivity has been the focus of extensive research for over 80 years, leading to an indepth understanding of the processes associated with embryo-endometrial cross-talk and implantation. However, little progress has been achieved to translate this understanding into clinically meaningful prognostic tests and treatments for suboptimal endometrial receptivity. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objective of this systematic review was to examine the evidence from observational studies supporting the use of endometrial receptivity markers as prognostic factors for pregnancy outcome in women wishing to conceive, in order to aid clinicians in choosing the most useful marker in clinical practice and for informing further research. SEARCH METHODS The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017077891). MEDLINE and Embase were searched for observational studies published from inception until 26 February 2018. We included studies that measured potential markers of endometrial receptivity prior to pregnancy attempts and reported the subsequent pregnancy outcomes. We performed association and accuracy analyses using clinical pregnancy as an outcome to reflect the presence of receptive endometrium. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies was employed to assess the quality of the included studies. OUTCOMES We included 163 studies (88 834 women) of moderate overall quality in the narrative synthesis, out of which 96 were included in the meta-analyses. Studies reported on various endometrial receptivity markers evaluated by ultrasound, endometrial biopsy, endometrial fluid aspirate and hysteroscopy in the context of natural conception, IUI and IVF. Associations were identified between clinical pregnancy and various endometrial receptivity markers (endometrial thickness, endometrial pattern, Doppler indices, endometrial wave-like activity and various molecules); however, their poor ability to predict clinical pregnancy prevents them from being used in clinical practice. Results from several modern molecular tests are promising and further data are awaited. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The post-test probabilities from our analyses may be used in clinical practice to manage couples' expectations during fertility treatments (IUI and IVF). Conventionally, endometrial receptivity is seen as a dichotomous outcome (present or absent), but we propose that various levels of endometrial receptivity exist within the window of implantation. For instance, different transcriptomic signatures could represent varying levels of endometrial receptivity, which can be linked to different pregnancy outcomes. Many studies reported the means of a particular biomarker in those who achieved a pregnancy compared with those who did not. However, extreme values of a biomarker (as opposite to the means) may have significant prognostic and diagnostic implications that are not captured in the means. Therefore, we suggest reporting the outcomes by categories of biomarker levels rather than reporting means of biomarker levels within clinical outcome groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurentiu Craciunas
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ioannis Gallos
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Justin Chu
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Tom Bourne
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Arri Coomarasamy
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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16
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Tian N, Liang H, Luo W, Wang X, Cao K, Zhang Q, Tan Y, Tan D. GABA consumption during early pregnancy impairs endometrial receptivity and embryo development in mice. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2020; 34:e22473. [PMID: 32048404 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyrate (GABA) is commonly used as a food supplement and a health care product by young females, due to its positive roles in relieving stress, alleviating anxiety, and improving sleep. However, its recommended daily dose in different products varies widely. Besides, it is unknown whether, and how, GABA consumption during early pregnancy influences pregnancy establishment. In this study, we found that when pregnant mice were treated with a high (12.5 mg/g) dose of GABA (orally) during preimplantation, there was a reduction in the number of implantation sites on day 5 of pregnancy. Also, among these unimplanted embryos, most exhibited morphological degeneration and developmental retardation, and only a few of them developed into blastocysts but could not implant into the uterus. Moreover, the expression of uterine receptivity-related factors-LIF, E-cadherin, and HOXA10-were all downregulated, while the number of uterine glands was reduced in the high GABA dose group. Finally, in vitro results demonstrated that GABA (ranging from 10 to 50 μg/μL) markedly inhibited preimplantation embryo development in a dose-response manner. However, this inhibitory effect was not observed when the embryos were pretreated with 40 μΜ 2-hydroxysaclofen, a GABAB antagonist, indicating that GABA exerts its inhibitory effects via its B-type receptor. Our results suggest that exposure to certain GABA concentrations, during early pregnancy, can impair preimplantation embryo development via its B-type receptor, and endometrial receptivity, which greatly disturbs early embryo implantation in mice. These findings could raise concerns about GABA consumption during the early stages of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Tian
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Liang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenping Luo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ke Cao
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Tan
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dongmei Tan
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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17
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Zhang L, Zhang Y, Luo L, Tan J, Jia M, Hua X, Wang Q, Zhou C. Effects of hormone replacement therapy on endometrial hormone concentrations and progesterone receptor expression in recurrent pregnancy loss: a self-controlled study. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 34:1415-1420. [PMID: 31390923 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1638357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the differential effects of endometrial preparation approaches, natural cycle (NC) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), on the endometrial hormone conditions in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). METHODS 42 RPL patients were recruited, and a self-controlled trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness of NC to HRT on the same patient. The estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels in both serum and endometrial tissue were measured in NC and HRT, respectively. Meanwhile, the expression levels of endometrial progesterone receptor A (PRA) and progesterone receptor B (PRB) were also compared between NC and HRT cycles during the window of receptivity. All statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 5, and data were averaged across subjects and tested for significance by pair-samples t-test. RESULTS Hormone replacement slightly decreased serum E2 and P levels (0.9- and 0.8-fold in average, respectively), significantly elevated endometrial E2 and P (2.1- and 14.5-fold in average, respectively), and reduced endometrial E2/P ratio (0.34-fold in average) compared to the NC condition. However, no correlation was found between serum and endometrial hormone concentrations. Further, the PRA/PRB ratios of both stromal and glandular cells were comparable between HRT and NC conditions, even though stromal PRA expression was slightly elevated by HRT compared to NC (1.63±0.96 vs 1.18±0.99, p =.0173). CONCLUSION The effects of HRT for endometrial preparation are similar or slightly superior to NC in RPL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jifan Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Xiang Hua
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Canquan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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18
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Shariati MBH, Niknafs B, Seghinsara AM, Shokrzadeh N, Alivand MR. Administration of dexamethasone disrupts endometrial receptivity by alteration of expression of miRNA 223, 200a, LIF, Muc1, SGK1, and ENaC via the ERK1/2-mTOR pathway. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:19629-19639. [PMID: 30993706 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Successful implantation of embryos requires endometrial receptivity. Glucocorticoids are one of the factors influencing the implantation window. In this study, 40 female BALB/c mice were used to study the impacts of dexamethasone administration on endometrial receptivity markers during implantation window. The mice mated and were randomly divided into four groups: control (vehicle), dexamethasone (100 μg/kg, IP), PP242 (30 mg/kg, IP), and dexamethasone + PP242 (Dex + PP242). On the Day 4th and 5th of gestation, mice received their respective treatments and were killed on the 5th day. To assess the expression of Muc1, leukemia inflammatory inhibitor (LIF), serum/glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1), epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), miRNA 200a, and miRNA 223-3p in the endometrium real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed. Furthermore, using Western blot analysis protein expressions of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) were evaluated. Periodic Acid-Schiff staining was used to examine the histomorphological changes of the uterus. According to the results dexamethasone declined the expression of LIF, whereas upregulated expression of Muc1, SGK1, ENaC mRNA, miRNA 200a, and miRNA 223-3p in the endometrium. In addition, PP242, an mTOR inhibitor, induced mRNA expression of Muc1, miRNA200a, and miRNa223-3p whereas it declined the expression of LIF. Moreover, activity of the ERK1/2-mTOR pathway in the endometrial cells was deterred by dexamethasone and PP242. Nonstop epithelium proliferation and elevated surface glycoproteins layer on epithelium of dexamethasone and/or PP242-received groups were divulged through histochemical analysis. According to the above mentioned results, uterine receptivity during implantation period was declined by dexamethasone, at least in part, through modulation of involved genes in endometrial receptivity and inhibition of the ERK1/2-mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Behrooz Niknafs
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abbas Majdi Seghinsara
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Naser Shokrzadeh
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Alivand
- Department of Genetic, Facualty of Medcine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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19
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Shokrzadeh N, Alivand MR, Abedelahi A, Hessam Shariati MB, Niknafs B. Upregulation of HB-EGF, Msx.1, and miRNA Let-7a by administration of calcitonin through mTOR and ERK1/2 pathways during a window of implantation in mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:790-801. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Naser Shokrzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Faculty Of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Alivand
- Department of Medical Genetics; Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - Ali Abedelahi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences; Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | | | - Behrooz Niknafs
- Department of Anatomical Sciences; Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
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20
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Yin Y, Wang A, Feng L, Wang Y, Zhang H, Zhang I, Bany BM, Ma L. Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Sulfation Regulates Uterine Differentiation and Signaling During Embryo Implantation. Endocrinology 2018; 159:2459-2472. [PMID: 29688404 PMCID: PMC6692868 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
To prepare for embryo implantation, the uterus must undergo a series of reciprocal interactions between the uterine epithelium and the underlying stroma, which are orchestrated by ovarian hormones. During this process, multiple signaling pathways are activated to direct cell proliferation and differentiation, which render the uterus receptive to the implanting blastocysts. One important modulator of these signaling pathways is the cell surface and extracellular matrix macromolecules, heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). HSPGs play crucial roles in signal transduction by regulating morphogen transport and ligand binding. In this study, we examine the role of HSPG sulfation in regulating uterine receptivity by conditionally deleting the N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase (NDST) 1 gene (Ndst1) in the mouse uterus using the Pgr-Cre driver, on an Ndst2- and Ndst3-null genetic background. Although development of the female reproductive tract and subsequent ovarian function appear normal in Ndst triple-knockout females, they are infertile due to implantation defects. Embryo attachment appears to occur but the uterine epithelium at the site of implantation persists rather than disintegrates in the mutant. Uterine epithelial cells continued to proliferate past day 4 of pregnancy, accompanied by elevated Fgf2 and Fgf9 expression, whereas uterine stroma failed to undergo decidualization, as evidenced by lack of Bmp2 induction. Despite normal Indian hedgehog expression, transcripts of Ptch1 and Gli1, both components as well as targets of the hedgehog (Hh) pathway, were detected only in the subepithelial stroma, indicating altered Hh signaling in the mutant uterus. Taken together, these data implicate an essential role for HSPGs in modulating signal transduction during mouse implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Adam Wang
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Li Feng
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Yu Wang
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Hong Zhang
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ivy Zhang
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Brent M Bany
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
| | - Liang Ma
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Correspondence: Liang Ma, PhD, Department of Medicine, Box 8123, Washington University, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63110. E-mail:
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21
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Liu X, Zhang L, Liu Y, Cui J, Che S, An X, Song Y, Cao B. Circ-8073 regulates CEP55 by sponging miR-449a to promote caprine endometrial epithelial cells proliferation via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2018; 1865:1130-1147. [PMID: 29800603 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2018.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a large class of endogenous non-coding RNAs that function as regulators in various cells and tissues. Here, the function and mechanism of circRNA8073 (Circ-8073) on endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) and the development of endometrial receptivity were investigated in dairy goats. Circ-8073 could bind to and inhibit miR-449a activity. Circ-8073 binding to the target site of miR-449a had a negative feedback relationship. Centrosomal protein55 (CEP55) was a direct target gene of miR-449a, and Circ-8073 could increase the expression levels of CEP55 by sponging miR-449a in EECs in vitro. Circ-8073/miR-449a/CEP55 could promote EECs proliferation via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In addition, CEP55 could regulate the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) in EECs, which contributed to the development of endometrial receptivity. These findings showed that Circ-8073 regulated CEP55 by sponging miR-449a to promote EEC proliferation via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, suggesting that it could function as a regulator in the development of endometrial receptivity in dairy goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Lei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China.
| | - Yuexia Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Jiuzeng Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Sicheng Che
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Xiaopeng An
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Yuxuan Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Binyun Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China.
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22
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He B, Ni Z, Kong S, Lu J, Wang H. Homeobox genes for embryo implantation: From mouse to human. Animal Model Exp Med 2018; 1:14-22. [PMID: 30891542 PMCID: PMC6357426 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The proper development of uterus to a state of receptivity and the attainment of implantation competency for blastocyst are 2 indispensable aspects for implantation, which is considered to be a critical event for successful pregnancy. Like many developmental processes, a large number of transcription factors, such as homeobox genes, have been shown to orchestrate this complicated but highly organized physiological process during implantation. In this review, we focus on progress in studies of the role of homeobox genes, especially the Hox and Msx gene families, during implantation, together with subsequent development of post-implantation uterus and related reproductive defects in both mouse models and humans, that have led to better understanding of how implantation is precisely regulated and provide new insights into infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo He
- Reproductive Medical CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health ResearchMedical College of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
| | - Zhang‐li Ni
- Reproductive Medical CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health ResearchMedical College of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
| | - Shuang‐bo Kong
- Reproductive Medical CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health ResearchMedical College of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
| | - Jin‐hua Lu
- Reproductive Medical CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health ResearchMedical College of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
| | - Hai‐bin Wang
- Reproductive Medical CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health ResearchMedical College of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
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23
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Petousis S, Prapas Y, Margioula-Siarkou C, Ravanos K, Milias S, Mavromatidis G, Kalogiannidis I, Haitoglou C, Athanasiadis A, Prapas N, Rousso D. Unexplained infertility patients present the mostly impaired levels of progesterone receptors: Prospective observational study. Am J Reprod Immunol 2018; 79:e12828. [PMID: 29450939 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Τo assess the endometrial expression of progesterone receptors in various subgroups of infertile women during implantation window. ΜETHODS: A prospective observational study was performed during March 2013-February 2017. Infertile women were categorized to those with tubal factor, ovarian failure, endometriosis or unexplained infertility. Endometrial biopsy was obtained on 7th-8th postovulatory day. Total progesterone receptors' PR(A + B) and type-B receptors' (PR-B) expression were compared between all categories of infertile and fruitful controls. RESULTS There were overall 30 patients with tubal factor infertility (group 1), 30 with ovarian failure (group 2), 20 with endometriosis (group 3) and 20 with unexplained infertility (group 4). The control group consisted of 30 fertile patients. Patients with unexplained infertility presented the lowest levels of epithelial endometrial expression both regarding PR(A + B) and PR-B receptors. PgR(A + B) h-score in luminal epithelial cells was 106.4 ± 14.7 for cases with unexplained infertility vs 219.7 ± 15.8 for controls (P < .001). Similarly, PgR(A + B) h-score in glandular epithelial cells was 109.7 ± 13.9 vs 220.1 ± 17.2 (P < .001). Relative remarks were made for type-B progesterone receptors. CONCLUSION Εndometrial expression of progesterone receptors is impaired in women with unexplained infertility. Therapeutic strategies targeting on improving progesterone receptors' expression may significantly affect final reproductive outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stamatios Petousis
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Infertility Treatment Center, IAKENTRO, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Yannis Prapas
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Infertility Treatment Center, IAKENTRO, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrysoula Margioula-Siarkou
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Infertility Treatment Center, IAKENTRO, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Stefanos Milias
- Pathology Division, 424 General Army Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Mavromatidis
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Kalogiannidis
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Costas Haitoglou
- Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Apostolos Athanasiadis
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Prapas
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Infertility Treatment Center, IAKENTRO, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - David Rousso
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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24
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Transcriptomic changes in the pre-implantation uterus highlight histotrophic nutrition of the developing marsupial embryo. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2412. [PMID: 29402916 PMCID: PMC5799185 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20744-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy is a critical time for successful reproduction; up to half of human pregnancies fail before the development of the definitive chorioallantoic placenta. Unlike the situation in eutherian mammals, marsupial pregnancy is characterised by a long pre-implantation period prior to the development of the short-lived placenta, making them ideal models for study of the uterine environment promoting embryonic survival pre-implantation. Here we present a transcriptomic study of pre-implantation marsupial pregnancy, and identify differentially expressed genes in the Sminthopsis crassicaudata uterus involved in metabolism and biosynthesis, transport, immunity, tissue remodelling, and uterine receptivity. Interestingly, almost one quarter of the top 50 genes that are differentially upregulated in early pregnancy are putatively involved in histotrophy, highlighting the importance of nutrient transport to the conceptus prior to the development of the placenta. This work furthers our understanding of the mechanisms underlying survival of pre-implantation embryos in the earliest live bearing ancestors of mammals.
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25
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Laird MK, McShea H, Murphy CR, McAllan BM, Shaw G, Renfree MB, Thompson MB. Non‐invasive placentation in the marsupials
Macropus eugenii
(Macropodidae) and
Trichosurus vulpecula
(Phalangeridae) involves redistribution of uterine Desmoglein‐2. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:72-82. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie K. Laird
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Hanon McShea
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary BiologyHarvard UniversityCambridgeMassachusetts
| | - Christopher R. Murphy
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch InstituteUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Bronwyn M. McAllan
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch InstituteUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Geoff Shaw
- School of BioSciencesUniversity of MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Michael B. Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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26
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Zhang L, Liu X, Liu J, Ma X, Zhou Z, Song Y, Cao B. miR-26a promoted endometrial epithelium cells (EECs) proliferation and induced stromal cells (ESCs) apoptosis via the PTEN-PI3K/AKT pathway in dairy goats. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:4688-4706. [PMID: 29115668 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Changes in endometrial cell morphology and function are absolutely necessary for successful embryo implantation. In this study, miR-26a was widely expressed in dairy goats, and was found to be regulated by β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) in endometrial epithelium cells (EECs) as well as stromal cells (ESCs). Furthermore, miR-26a played a role in the regulation of cells proliferation and apoptosis by directly regulating PTEN and indirectly regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway in EECs but not in ESCs of dairy goats in vitro. In addition, miR-26a regulated the expression of osteopontin (OPN), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and prolactin (PRL) in endometrial cells. Therefore, we could get a conclusion that miR-26a had very complex and diverse functions in the endometrial cells during the development of endometrial receptivity in dairy goats. This study provided an efficient platform for studying the regulatory effect of miR-26a on endometrial cells during the development of endometrial receptivity in dairy goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Xiaorui Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Junze Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Xingna Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Zhanqin Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Yuxuan Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P.R. China
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27
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Enciso M, Carrascosa JP, Sarasa J, Martínez-Ortiz PA, Munné S, Horcajadas JA, Aizpurua J. Development of a new comprehensive and reliable endometrial receptivity map (ER Map/ER Grade) based on RT-qPCR gene expression analysis. Hum Reprod 2018; 33:220-228. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
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28
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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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29
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Laird MK, Dargan JR, Paterson L, Murphy CR, McAllan BM, Shaw G, Renfree MB, Thompson MB. Uterine molecular changes for non‐invasive embryonic attachment in the marsupials
Macropus eugenii
(Macropodidae) and
Trichosurus vulpecula
(Phalangeridae). Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:1076-1085. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie K. Laird
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jessica R. Dargan
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Lillian Paterson
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Christopher R. Murphy
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch InstituteUniversity of SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Bronwyn M. McAllan
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch InstituteUniversity of SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Geoff Shaw
- School of BioSciencesUniversity of MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Michael B. Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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30
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Zhang L, Liu X, Liu J, Zhou Z, Song Y, Cao B, An X. miR-182 aids in receptive endometrium development in dairy goats by down-regulating PTN expression. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179783. [PMID: 28678802 PMCID: PMC5497977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence has shown that miRNAs play important roles in endometrium development during the menstrual cycle in humans and many other animals. Our previous data indicated that miR-182 levels increase 15.55-fold and pleiotrophin (PTN) levels decrease 20.97-fold in the receptive endometrium (RE, D15) compared with the pre-receptive endometrium (PE, D5) in dairy goats. The present study shows that miR-182 is widely expressed in different tissues of dairy goats and that its expression levels are regulated by E2 and P4 in endometrial epithelium cells (EECs). We confirmed that PTN is a target of miR-182 and that miR-182 regulates the protein levels of AKT, Bcl-2, FAS, MAPK, Caspase-3 and SP1 in EECs. Furthermore, miR-182 up-regulates or maintains the expression levels of osteopontin (OPN), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prolactin receptor (PRLR) in EECs, suggesting that miR-182 is an important regulatory factor in the construction of endometrial receptivity in dairy goats. In conclusion, miR-182 participates in the development of endometrial receptivity by down-regulating PTN and affecting the expression of select apoptosis-related genes and increasing or maintaining the expression levels of OPN, COX-2 and PRLR in the EECs of dairy goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaorui Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Junze Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhanqin Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuxuan Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Binyun Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaopeng An
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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31
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Laird MK, McShea H, McAllan BM, Murphy CR, Thompson MB. Uterine remodelling during pregnancy and pseudopregnancy in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula; Phalangeridae). J Anat 2017; 231:84-94. [PMID: 28397980 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of a placenta is critical for successful mammalian pregnancy and requires remodelling of the uterine epithelium. In eutherian mammals, remodelling involves specific morphological changes that often correlate with the mode of embryonic attachment. Given the differences between marsupial and eutherian placentae, formation of a marsupial placenta may involve patterns of uterine remodelling that are different from those in eutherians. Here we present a detailed morphological study of the uterus of the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula; Phalangeridae) throughout pregnancy, using both scanning and transmission electron microscopy, to identify whether uterine changes in marsupials correlate with mode of embryonic attachment as they do in eutherian mammals. The uterine remodelling of T. vulpecula is similar to that of eutherian mammals with the same mode of embryonic attachment (non-invasive, epitheliochorial placentation). The morphological similarities include development of large apical projections, and a decrease in the diffusion distance for haemotrophes around the period of embryonic attachment. Importantly, remodelling of the uterus in T. vulpecula during pregnancy differs from that of a marsupial species with non-invasive attachment (Macropus eugenii; Macropodidae) but is similar to that of a marsupial with invasive attachment (Monodelphis domestica; Didelphidae). We conclude that modes of embryonic attachment may not be typified by a particular suite of uterine changes in marsupials, as is the case for eutherian mammals, and that uterine remodelling may instead reflect phylogenetic relationships between marsupial lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie K Laird
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hanon McShea
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bronwyn M McAllan
- Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher R Murphy
- Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael B Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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32
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Laird MK, Turancova M, McAllan BM, Murphy CR, Thompson MB. Uterine focal adhesion dynamics during pregnancy in a marsupial (
Sminthopsis crassicaudata
; Dasyuridae). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2017; 300:1150-1159. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.23535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie K. Laird
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of Sydney New South Wales2006 Australia
| | - Michaela Turancova
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of Sydney New South Wales2006 Australia
| | - Bronwyn M. McAllan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch InstituteUniversity of Sydney New South Wales2006 Australia
| | - Christopher R. Murphy
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch InstituteUniversity of Sydney New South Wales2006 Australia
| | - Michael B. Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of Sydney New South Wales2006 Australia
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33
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Kong S, Han X, Cui T, Zhou C, Jiang Y, Zhang H, Wang B, Wang H, Zhang S. MCM2 mediates progesterone-induced endometrial stromal cell proliferation and differentiation in mice. Endocrine 2016; 53:595-606. [PMID: 26910396 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-016-0894-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Uterine decidualization characterized by stromal cell proliferation and differentiation is critical to the establishment of pregnancy in many species. Progesterone is a key factor in regulating endometrial cell decidualization, however, the molecular basis involved in mediating the effects of progesterone during decidualization remains largely unknown. We report here that the DNA replication licensing factor MCM2, one of the conserved set of six-related proteins (MCM complex: MCM2-7) essential for eukaryotic DNA replication, is dynamically expressed in both proliferative and differentiated stromal cells during mouse periimplantation uterus. Applying PR-knockout mouse model and pharmacological strategy, we further found that the expression of Mcm2 is induced by progesterone action in the mouse uterine stroma. Employing a primary cell culture system, we further demonstrated that siRNA-mediated silencing of MCM2 arrests the cell cycle at G1-S transition during stromal cell proliferation. Moreover, the downregulation of Mcm2 could also compromise stromal cell differentiation. Collectively, our studies uncovered the role of a unique DNA replication licensing molecule MCM2 in mediating Progesterone-induced stromal cell decidualization in mouse uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangbo Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongtong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Chan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Yufei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Hangxiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China.
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Petousis S, Prapas Y, Margioula-Siarkou C, Milias S, Ravanos K, Kalogiannidis I, Haitoglou C, Prapas N, Rousso D. Expression of progesterone receptors is significantly impaired in the endometrium of infertile women during the implantation window: a prospective observational study. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2016; 29:3912-9. [PMID: 26940759 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2016.1152244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the expression of progesterone receptors (A + B) and type-B progesterone receptors in the epithelial and stromal cells of fertile and infertile women. METHODS Women were divided into two groups, the group of fertile controls (group 1) and the group of infertile women (group 2) and were set on regular ultrasound imaging in order to detect ovulation. An endometrial biopsy was obtained on the seventh or eighth post-ovulatory day. Immunohistochemistry was performed to measure percentage of positive nuclei, intensity of staining and h-score for progesterone receptors (PgR) (A + B) as well as type-B progesterone receptors in epithelial and stromal cells. Secondary outcomes included endometrial tissue dating, the rate of tissues being out-of-phase and endometrial thickness. RESULTS Endometrial issue was obtained from 15 fertile and 30 infertile women. Expression of PgR (A + B) and PgR type-B was significantly lower in the epithelial cells of infertile women. PgR (A + B) h-score was 220.0 ± 18.5 for fertile versus 147.3 ± 18.0 for infertile women (p = 0.02). PgR type-B h-score in epithelial cells was 166.8 ± 30.7 for fertile versus 90.8 ± 20.6 for infertile (p = 0.04). No significant difference was observed in stromal cells. CONCLUSIONS Expression levels of PgR (A + B) as well as type-B receptors are significantly lower in the epithelial cells of infertile women during implantation window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stamatios Petousis
- a 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki , Greece .,b IAKENTRO, Infertility Treatment Center , Thessaloniki , Greece
| | - Yannis Prapas
- a 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki , Greece .,b IAKENTRO, Infertility Treatment Center , Thessaloniki , Greece
| | - Chrysoula Margioula-Siarkou
- a 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki , Greece .,b IAKENTRO, Infertility Treatment Center , Thessaloniki , Greece
| | - Stefanos Milias
- c Department of Pathology , 424 General Army Hospital , Thessaloniki , Greece , and
| | | | - Ioannis Kalogiannidis
- a 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki , Greece .,b IAKENTRO, Infertility Treatment Center , Thessaloniki , Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos Prapas
- a 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki , Greece .,b IAKENTRO, Infertility Treatment Center , Thessaloniki , Greece
| | - David Rousso
- a 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki , Greece .,b IAKENTRO, Infertility Treatment Center , Thessaloniki , Greece
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Endometrial gene expression profile of pregnant sows with extreme phenotypes for reproductive efficiency. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14416. [PMID: 26435523 PMCID: PMC5155628 DOI: 10.1038/srep14416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolificacy can directly impact porcine profitability, but large genetic variation and low heritability have been found regarding litter size among porcine breeds. To identify key differences in gene expression associated to swine reproductive efficiency, we performed a transcriptome analysis of sows' endometrium from an Iberian x Meishan F2 population at day 30-32 of gestation, classified according to their estimated breeding value (EBV) as high (H, EBV > 0) and low (L, EBV < 0) prolificacy phenotypes. For each sample, mRNA and small RNA libraries were RNA-sequenced, identifying 141 genes and 10 miRNAs differentially expressed between H and L groups. We selected four miRNAs based on their role in reproduction, and five genes displaying the highest differences and a positive mapping into known reproductive QTLs for RT-qPCR validation on the whole extreme population. Significant differences were validated for genes: PTGS2 (p = 0.03; H/L ratio = 3.50), PTHLH (p = 0.03; H/L ratio = 3.69), MMP8 (p = 0.01; H/L ratio =4.41) and SCNN1G (p = 0.04; H/L ratio = 3.42). Although selected miRNAs showed similar expression levels between H and L groups, significant correlation was found between the expression level of ssc-miR-133a (p < 0.01) and ssc-miR-92a (p < 0.01) and validated genes. These results provide a better understanding of the genetic architecture of prolificacy-related traits and embryo implantation failure in pigs.
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Baicalin promotes embryo adhesion and implantation by upregulating fucosyltransferase IV (FUT4) via Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:1225-33. [PMID: 25896022 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Glycosylation plays a significant role in determining the receptivity of the uterine endometrium to embryo. Fucosyltransferase IV (FUT4) is expressed stage-specifically in the uterine endometrium of mammalians, and considered as a marker of the endometrial receptivity. Baicalin, a monomer of flavonoids, is known to have functions in improving reproduction. However, the mechanism by which baicalin regulates the expression of FUT4 in embryo-endometrium adhesion remains unclear. Our results showed that baicalin significantly increased FUT4 mRNA and protein expression levels both in human endometrial cells and mouse endometrial tissue, and consistently elevated embryo adhesion rate during implantation in vitro and embryonic implantation competence in pregnant mouse. This study suggests that baicalin facilitates endometrial reproduction via elevating FUT4 expression through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Xu M, Tian YZ, Zhu XJ, Zhang X, Zhu JY, Gu CX, Chen Y, Huang JL. Effect of Xianziyizhen Recipe Capsule on PGI2-PPARδ Signaling Pathway in Embryo Implantation Dysfunction Mice. Am J Reprod Immunol 2015; 73:545-56. [PMID: 25648617 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM We investigated the effect of Xianziyizhen recipe capsule (XRC), a kidney-tonifying herb, on the PGI2-PPARδ signaling pathway at the maternal-fetal interface in embryo implantation dysfunction (EID) mice. METHOD OF STUDY Intragastric administration of Progynova (estradiol) or XRC was performed in EID mouse model, following experimental induction of kidney deficiency by co-treatment with chemotherapy drug hydroxyurea and antiprogesterone mifepristone. The PPARδ and IL-11 mRNA expression in endometrium were detected by real-time relative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Further, the protein expression of COX-2, PGI2, MMP-9, and TIMP-3 was detected in endometrial glandular epithelium and in stromal cells by immunohistochemical (IHC) assay. RESULTS The results showed that hydroxyurea and mifepristone-induced EID were associated with significantly lower PPARδ and IL-11 mRNA levels in endometrium and reduced COX-2, PGI2, MMP-9, and TIMP-3 levels in endometrial glandular epithelium, compared with normal controls. However, XRC and Progynova treatment reversed these effects, leading to significant increases in PPARδ and IL-11 mRNA expression, and COX-2, PGI2, MMP-9 and TIMP-3 protein levels, when compared with the levels observed in EID mice. CONCLUSION These results strongly suggested that XRC is beneficial in EID treatment and that XRC may mediate its effects through regulation of the PGI2-PPARδ signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of TCM, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying-Zhou Tian
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of TCM, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiu-Jun Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of TCM, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Guangzhou University of TCM, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Yan Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of TCM, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun-Xiao Gu
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of TCM, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of TCM, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Ling Huang
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of TCM, Guangzhou, China
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Laird MK, Thompson MB, Murphy CR, McAllan BM. Uterine epithelial cell changes during pregnancy in a marsupial (Sminthopsis crassicaudata; Dasyuridae). J Morphol 2014; 275:1081-92. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Revised: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie K. Laird
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Michael B. Thompson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Christopher R. Murphy
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Bronwyn M. McAllan
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
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Xie QZ, Qi QR, Chen YX, Xu WM, Liu Q, Yang J. Uterine micro-environment and estrogen-dependent regulation of osteopontin expression in mouse blastocyst. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:14504-17. [PMID: 23852023 PMCID: PMC3742256 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140714504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is a highly synchronized bioprocess between an activated blastocyst and a receptive uterus. In mice, successful implantation relies on the dynamic interplay of estrogen and progesterone; however, the key mediators downstream of these hormones that act on blastocyst competency and endometrium receptivity acquisition are largely unknown. In this study, we showed that the expression of osteopontin (OPN) in mouse blastocysts is regulated by ovarian estrogen and uterine micro-environment. OPN mRNA is up-regulated in mouse blastocyst on day 4 of pregnancy, which is associated with ovarian estrogen secretion peak. Hormone treatment in vivo demonstrated that OPN expression in a blastocyst is regulated by estrogen through an estrogen receptor (ER). Our results of the delayed and activated implantation model showed that OPN expression is induced after estrogen injection. While estrogen treatment during embryo culture in vitro showed less effect on OPN expression, the tubal ligation model on day 3 of pregnancy confirmed that the regulation of estrogen on OPN expression in blastocyst might, through some specific cytokines, have existed in a uterine micro-environment. Collectively, our study presents that estrogen regulates OPN expression and it may play an important role during embryo implantation by activating blastocyst competence and facilitating the endometrium acceptable for active blastocyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Zhen Xie
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, China; E-Mails: (Q.-R.Q.); (Y.-X.C.); (W.-M.X.); (Q.L.); (J.Y.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +86-27-8804-1919 (ext. 123); Fax: +86-27-8808-0749
| | - Qian-Rong Qi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, China; E-Mails: (Q.-R.Q.); (Y.-X.C.); (W.-M.X.); (Q.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Ying-Xian Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, China; E-Mails: (Q.-R.Q.); (Y.-X.C.); (W.-M.X.); (Q.L.); (J.Y.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taihe Hospital, Shiyan 441000, Hubei, China
| | - Wang-Ming Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, China; E-Mails: (Q.-R.Q.); (Y.-X.C.); (W.-M.X.); (Q.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Qian Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, China; E-Mails: (Q.-R.Q.); (Y.-X.C.); (W.-M.X.); (Q.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Jing Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, China; E-Mails: (Q.-R.Q.); (Y.-X.C.); (W.-M.X.); (Q.L.); (J.Y.)
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