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Wang K, Wen Y, Fu X, Wei S, Liu S, Chen M. mtDNA regulates cGAS-STING signaling pathway in adenomyosis. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 216:80-88. [PMID: 38494142 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
In various hyperproliferative disorders, damaged mitochondria can release mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into the cytoplasm, activating the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and subsequent immune imbalances. Our previous research has demonstrated that hypoxia plays a role in the development of adenomyosis (AM) by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the precise involvement of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and mtDNA in AM remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between mtDNA secretion, changes in the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, and the abnormal cellular proliferation observed in AM. We found the cGAS, STING, TBK1, p-TBK1, IRF3, and p-IRF3 proteins levels were significantly elevated in the tissues of patients with AM compared to the control group. Additionally, there was an increase in the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IFN-α in the AM tissues. Hypoxia-induced an increase in the proliferation and migration abilities of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), accompanied by the activation of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and elevated levels of IFN-α. Furthermore, hypoxia promoted the leakage of mtDNA into the cytoplasm in AM ESCs, and the deletion of mtDNA reduced the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway. Moreover, knockdown of the STING gene inhibited the expression of TBK1, p-TBK1, IRF3, and p-IRF3 and suppressed the secretion of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IFN-α. Furthermore, the migration and invasion abilities of AM ESCs were significantly diminished after STING knockdown. These findings provide valuable insights into the role of mtDNA release and the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of AM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yi Chang, 443000, China; College of Medicine and Health Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yi Chang, 443000, China
| | - Yi Wen
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610000, China; Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Xianyun Fu
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yi Chang, 443000, China; College of Medicine and Health Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yi Chang, 443000, China.
| | - Shaobin Wei
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610000, China; Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610000, China.
| | - Shidan Liu
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yi Chang, 443000, China; College of Medicine and Health Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yi Chang, 443000, China
| | - Minmin Chen
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yi Chang, 443000, China; College of Medicine and Health Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yi Chang, 443000, China
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Khan KN. Association between Uterine Adenomyosis and Infertility: Role of Axonemal Alteration in Apical Endometria. JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION 2024; 67:57-63. [PMID: 38780290 DOI: 10.4103/ejpi.ejpi-d-24-00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Uterine adenomyosis is an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory condition and may cause painful symptoms, abnormal uterine bleeding, and/or subfertility/infertility. It is characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium causing enlargement of the uterus as a result of reactive hyperplastic and/or hypertrophic change of the surrounding myometrium. Similar to endometriosis, adenomyosis has a negative impact on female fertility. Abnormal uterotubal sperm transport, tissue inflammation, and the toxic effect of chemical mediators have been proposed as contributing factors. Inflammation-induced damage of the mucosal cilia in the fallopian tube has been reported. Besides other proposed mechanisms, our most recent study with transmission electron microscopy analysis indicated that microvilli damage and an axonemal alteration in the apical endometria occur in response to endometrial inflammation. This may be involved in the negative fertility outcome in women with adenomyosis. We present a critical analysis of the literature data concerning the mechanistic basis of infertility in women with adenomyosis and its impact on fertility outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaleque N Khan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Clinical and Translational Research Center, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Ogawa K, Khan KN, Kuroboshi H, Koshiba A, Shimura K, Tajiri T, Fumino S, Fujita H, Okubo T, Fujiwara Y, Horiguchi G, Teramukai S, Fujishita A, Itoh K, Guo SW, Kitawaki J, Mori T. Is neonatal uterine bleeding responsible for early-onset endometriosis? Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:56. [PMID: 37337237 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01099-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been hypothesized that the origin of early-onset endometriosis could be from endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs) in neonatal uterine blood (NUB). There is no information on the possible mechanistic basis linking an association between NUB/neonatal endometrium and development of early-onset endometriosis. In this study we performed a series of experiments to clarify the mechanistic link between NUB and/or neonatal endometrium and development of early-onset endometriosis. METHODS We retrospectively collected postmortem neonatal endometria (n = 15) and prospectively collected NUB (n = 18) of female babies for the analysis of different biological markers including eMSCs. Immunohistochemical analysis of neonatal endometria was performed to examine the expression patterns of ovarian steroid receptors (ER/PGR), decidualization (prolactin, IGFBP1), pre-decidualization (Glycodelin A, α-SMA), proliferation (Ki-67 index), vascularity (CD31 + cells), immunocompetent CD68+, CD45+, CD56 + cells and some putative markers of eMSCs. Cell transfer method and immunocytochemistry were used to investigate the eMSCs and/or endometrial cells in NUB. RESULTS Immunohistochemical analysis of postmortem neonatal endometria revealed variable staining response to ER/PGR, decidual markers, and substantial proliferative and angiogenic activity. A moderate to strong immunoexpression of Glycodelin-A was found in both neonatal and adult endometria. The tissue infiltration of CD56+, CD45 + and CD68 + immunocompetent cells was significantly low in neonatal endometria than that in adult endometria (p = 0.0003, p < 0.0001, p = 0.034, respectively). No eMSCs or even endometrial cells were detected in NUB. However, a variable expression of some phenotypes of eMSCs (CD90/CD105) was found in neonatal endometria. CONCLUSIONS Based on our serial experiments we did not find any supporting evidence for the role of NUB in early-onset endometriosis. Neonatal endometria showed variable expression of ovarian steroid receptors, decidualization, and a substantial amount of proliferative and angiogenic activity. As an alternative mechanism, a significantly less tissue accumulation of immunocompetent cells in neonatal endometria may explain the survival of ER + and PGR + cells should they make entry into the pelvis and consequent development of early endometriosis with the onset of ovarian function. Future study with large sample size and application of modified technological tools is warranted to test the NUB hypothesis and to clarify their biological or clinical significance. TRIAL REGISTRATION not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanae Ogawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Khaleque N Khan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
- The Clinical and Translational Research Center, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Haruo Kuroboshi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akemi Koshiba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koki Shimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Tajiri
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shigehisa Fumino
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Fujita
- Japanese Red Cross Society Kyoto Daini Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoharu Okubo
- Japanese Red Cross Society Kyoto Daiichi Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Go Horiguchi
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoshi Teramukai
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akira Fujishita
- Department of Gynecology, Saiseikai Nagasaki Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kyoko Itoh
- Department of Pathology and Applied Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jo Kitawaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Taisuke Mori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Timmermans M, Nisolle M, Brichant G, Henry L, Gillet E, Kellner B, Karampelas S. Impact of Adenomyosis and Endometriosis on Chronic Pelvic Pain after Niche Repair. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12103484. [PMID: 37240590 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12103484] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is one of the main isthmocele symptoms, together with abnormal uterine bleeding and secondary infertility. When patients undergo a laparoscopic niche repair surgery, it is important to determine if they present associated pathologies, such as adenomyosis and/or endometriosis, which are also a cause of CPP. A retrospective study was performed on 31 patients with CPP undergoing a laparoscopic niche repair. The pre-operative ultrasound was analyzed to determine the presence of adenomyosis. Endometriosis was histologically diagnosed. CPP outcome was evaluated at early (3-6 months) and late (12 months) post-operative follow ups. In our population of 31 women presenting CPP, only six of them (19.4%) did not have any associated pathology. In the group of 25 patients with associated pathology, 10 (40%) had no benefit from the reconstructive surgery in terms of CPP at early follow-up (3-6 months) and 8 (32%) in the post-operative period at 12 months. Patients with CPP who undergo niche repair should be carefully selected as CPP does not seem to be a good indication for uterine scar repair in patients with concomitant adenomyosis and endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Timmermans
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHU of Liège-Citadelle Site, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Michelle Nisolle
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHU of Liège-Citadelle Site, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Géraldine Brichant
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHU of Liège-Citadelle Site, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Laurie Henry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHU of Liège-Citadelle Site, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Evy Gillet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1020 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Betty Kellner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1020 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stavros Karampelas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1020 Brussels, Belgium
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Kobayashi H. Endometrial Inflammation and Impaired Spontaneous Decidualization: Insights into the Pathogenesis of Adenomyosis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3762. [PMID: 36834456 PMCID: PMC9964052 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Adenomyosis is an estrogen-dependent gynecologic disease characterized by the myometrial invasion of the endometrial tissue. This review summarized the current understanding and recent findings on the pathophysiology of adenomyosis, focusing on repeated menstruation, persistent inflammation, and impaired spontaneous decidualization. A literature search was performed in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases from inception to 30 April 2022. Thirty-one full-text articles met the eligibility criteria. Repeated episodes of physiological events (i.e., endometrial shedding, damage, proliferation, differentiation, repair, and regeneration) during the menstrual cycle are associated with inflammation, angiogenesis, and immune processes. The decidualization process in humans is driven by the rise in progesterone levels, independently of pregnancy (i.e., spontaneous decidualization). Adenomyotic cells produce angiogenic and fibrogenic factors with the downregulation of decidualization-associated molecules. This decidualization dysfunction and persistent inflammation are closely related to the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. Recently, it has been found that the reproductive tract microbiota composition and function in women with adenomyosis differ from those without. An increase in opportunistic pathogens and a decrease in beneficial commensals may promote impaired defense mechanisms against inflammation and predispose women to uncontrolled endometrial inflammation. However, currently, there is no direct evidence that adenomyosis is linked to pre-existing inflammation and impaired spontaneous decidualization. Overall, persistent inflammation, impaired spontaneous decidualization, and microbiota dysbiosis (i.e., an imbalance in the composition and function of endometrial microbiota) may be involved in the pathophysiology of adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kobayashi
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Ms.Clinic MayOne, 871-1 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-0813, Japan; ; Tel.: +81-744-20-0028
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
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Khan KN, Fujishita A, Mori T. Pathogenesis of Human Adenomyosis: Current Understanding and Its Association with Infertility. J Clin Med 2022; 11:4057. [PMID: 35887822 PMCID: PMC9316454 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11144057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review article was to summarize our current understanding on the etiologies and pathogenesis of human adenomyosis and to clarify the relative association between adenomyosis and infertility. The exact pathogenesis of adenomyosis is still elusive. Among different reported concepts, direction invagination of gland cells from the basalis endometrium deep into myometrium is the most widely accepted opinion on the development of adenomyosis. According to this concept, endometrial epithelial cells and changed fibroblasts, abnormally found in the myometrium in response to repeated tissue injury and/or disruption at the endometrium-myometrium interface (EMI), elicit hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the surrounding smooth muscle cells. In this review, a comprehensive review was performed with a literature search using PubMed for all publications in English and Japanese (abstract in English), related to adenomyosis and infertility, from inception to April 2021. As an estrogen-regulated factor, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) exhibits multiple functions in endometriosis, a disease commonly believed to arise from the functionalis endometrium. As a mechanistic basis of gland invagination, we investigated the role of HGF, either alone or in combination with estrogen, in the occurrence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in adenomyosis. Aside from microtrauma at the EMI, metaplasia of displaced Müllerian remnants, differentiation of endometrial stem/progenitor cells within the myometrium and somatic mutation of some target genes have been put forward to explain how adenomyosis develops. In addition, the possible role of microRNAs in adenomyosis is also discussed. Besides our knowledge on the conventional classification (focal and diffuse), two recently proposed classifications (intrinsic and extrinsic) of adenomyosis and the biological differences between them have been described. Although the mechanistic basis is unclear, the influence of adenomyosis on fertility outcome is important, especially considering the recent tendency to delay pregnancy among women. Besides other proposed mechanisms, a recent transmission election microscopic (TEM) study indicated that microvilli damage and an axonemal alteration in the apical endometria of human adenomyosis, in response to endometrial inflammation, may be involved in negative fertility outcomes. We present a critical analysis of the literature data concerning the mechanistic basis of infertility in women with adenomyosis and its impact on fertility outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaleque N. Khan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan;
| | - Akira Fujishita
- Department of Gynecology, Saiseikai Nagasaki Hospital, Nagasaki 850-0003, Japan;
| | - Taisuke Mori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan;
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