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Dai W, Guo R, Na X, Jiang S, Liang J, Guo C, Fang Y, Na Z, Li D. Hypoxia and the endometrium: An indispensable role for HIF-1α as therapeutic strategies. Redox Biol 2024; 73:103205. [PMID: 38815332 PMCID: PMC11167393 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) is a major molecular mediator of the hypoxic response. In the endometrium, local hypoxic conditions induced by hormonal fluctuations and endometrial vascular remodeling contribute to the production of HIF-1α, which plays an indispensable role in a series of physiological activities, such as menstruation and metamorphosis. The sensitive regulation of HIF-1α maintains the cellular viability and regenerative capacity of the endometrium against cellular stresses induced by hypoxia and excess reactive oxygen species. In contrast, abnormal HIF-1α levels exacerbate the development of various endometrial pathologies. This knowledge opens important possibilities for the development of promising HIF-1α-centered strategies to ameliorate endometrial disease. Nonetheless, additional efforts are required to elucidate the regulatory network of endometrial HIF-1α and promote the applications of HIF-1α-centered strategies in the human endometrium. Here, we summarize the role of the HIF-1α-mediated pathway in endometrial physiology and pathology, highlight the latest HIF-1α-centered strategies for treating endometrial diseases, and improve endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlin Dai
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Renhao Guo
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinni Na
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shuyi Jiang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Junzhi Liang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Cuishan Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Fang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China.
| | - Zhijing Na
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China.
| | - Da Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Diseases and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.
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Mao C, Liu X, Guo SW. Meclizine improves endometrial repair and reduces simulated menstrual bleeding in mice with induced adenomyosis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 231:113.e1-113.e13. [PMID: 38367751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adenomyosis is one of the structural causes of abnormal uterine bleeding, which often presents as heavy menstrual bleeding. Mostly because of the poor understanding of its pathophysiology, medical management of adenomyosis-induced heavy menstrual bleeding is still a challenge. We have previously reported that glycolysis is crucial to endometrial repair following menstruation and that suppressed glycolysis can cause heavy menstrual bleeding. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to test the hypothesis that meclizine, a drug with an excellent safety profile, alleviates heavy menstrual bleeding in mice with induced adenomyosis using a simulated menstruation model. STUDY DESIGN Adenomyosis was induced in 36 female C57BL/6 mice using endometrial-myometrial interface disruption. Three months after induction, the mice were randomly divided into the following 3 groups: low-dose meclizine, high-dose meclizine, and controls. Treatment with meclizine or vehicle started shortly before the simulated menstruation procedure and ended before progesterone withdrawal. The amount of blood loss was quantified and uterine tissue was harvested for histologic evaluation of the grade of endometrial repair. We performed immunohistochemistry analysis of 4 proteins critically involved in glycolysis: Glut1 (glucose transporter 1), Hk2 (hexokinase 2), Pfkfb3 (6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3), and Pkm2 (pyruvate kinase M2). The extent of tissue fibrosis in both ectopic and eutopic endometria was evaluated using Masson trichrome staining. RESULTS In mice with induced adenomyosis, meclizine accelerated endometrial repair in a dose-dependent manner and reduced the amount of menstrual bleeding. Meclizine administration raised endometrial immunoexpression of Hk2 and Pfkfb3 but not of Glut1 or Pkm2. The extent of endometrial fibrosis was reduced following the meclizine administration. Remarkably, these favorable changes were accompanied by the suppression of lesional progression, as evidenced by the dose-dependent reduction in the extent of fibrosis (a surrogate for lesional progression). CONCLUSION These encouraging results, taken together, suggest that glycolysis may be a promising therapeutic target and that meclizine may hold therapeutic potential as a nonhormonal treatment for adenomyosis-induced heavy menstrual bleeding without exacerbating the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Mao
- Department of General Gynecology, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Department of General Gynecology, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Research Institute, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Fan J, Liu X, Guo SW. Hypermethylation of Klotho and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Concomitant with Overexpression of DNA Methyltransferase 1 in Adenomyosis. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01599-4. [PMID: 38816595 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01599-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Cellular senescence is known to be involved in tissue repair, but its role in adenomyosis remains unclear. This study was tasked to evaluate the expression of Klotho, a well-known aging-suppressing protein, as well as PPARγ and DNMT1 in adenomyotic lesions (AD) in comparison with that of control endometrium (CT). We performed immunohistochemistry analysis of markers of cellular senescence p16 and p21, along with Klotho, PPARγ and DNMT1 in CT and AD samples, followed by the quantification of gene expression of Klotho, PPARγ and DNMT1 in epithelial organoids derived from AD and CT samples and methylation-specific PCR to evaluate promoter methylation status. The effect of forced expression and knockdown of DNMT1 on Klotho and PPARγ expression in ectopic endometrial epithelial cells was evaluated. We found that both p16 and p21 immunoreactivity in AD was significantly higher while that of Klotho and PPARγ was significantly lower than CT samples, which was concomitant with elevated immunoexpression of DNMT1. The results were confirmed by transcriptional analysis using epithelial organoids derived from AD and CT samples. In addition, the promoter regions of both Klotho and PPARγ genes were hypermethylated in AD as compared with CT, and treatment with HDAC and DNMT inhibitors reactivated the expression of both Klotho and PPARγ. Forced expression of DNMT1 resulted in downregulation of both Klotho and PPARγ but its knockdown increased their expression. Thus, overexpression of DNMT1 seems to facilitate the promoter hypermethylation of both Klotho and PPARγ in AD, resulting in their reduced expression that is suggestive of the role of senescence in adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Fan
- Department of General Gynecology, Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Department of General Gynecology, Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Research Institute, Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Habiba M, Guo SW, Benagiano G. Adenomyosis and Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Review of the Evidence. Biomolecules 2024; 14:616. [PMID: 38927019 PMCID: PMC11201750 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thomas Cullen described bleeding abnormalities and dysmenorrhea as the "expected" presentations of adenomyomas. Adenomyosis is included within the FIGO classification of structural causes of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Nevertheless, this long-standing association has been questioned by some authors who reported a high incidence of adenomyosis in uteri removed for indications other than AUB or dysmenorrhea. Here, we examine evidence for the link between adenomyosis and AUB. METHODS A comprehensive Medline literature review of all publications to October 2023. RESULTS Sixty-three articles were identified and included in the review. Despite a large body of studies, the available literature does not provide conclusive evidence of a link between adenomyosis and AUB. This is because of unsuitable study design, or poor characterization of the study population or of the inclusion or exclusion criteria. Additional challenges arise because of the lack of agreed criteria for diagnosing adenomyosis and the often absence of detailed assessment of menstrual blood loss. Adenomyosis often coexists with other conditions that have also been linked to similar symptoms, and many cases of adenomyosis are asymptomatic. CONCLUSION Most of the existing literature and studies that addressed treatment outcome of adenomyosis started from the premise that a link between the condition and AUB had been proven. Yet, published information shows that aspects such a relationship is still uncertain. Further research is needed to address the relation between AUB and adenomyosis burden (or subtypes), distribution, and concomitant pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Habiba
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
- Women and Perinatal Services, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Research Institute, Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China;
| | - Giuseppe Benagiano
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
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Maldutytė G, Opolskienė G, Rudaitis V, Ramašauskaitė D. The association between sonographic features and clinical symptoms of adenomyosis. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2024. [PMID: 38738790 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the association of sonographic features and clinical symptoms of adenomyosis. METHODS This was a prospective observational study. Only reproductive age women who underwent standardized transvaginal ultrasound examination were included. The diagnosis of adenomyosis was based on sonographic features proposed by Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) group. Pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC) and numerical rating scale (NRS) were respectively used for the evaluation of menstrual bleeding and pain. RESULTS Fifty-three women were recruited. Adenomyosis group consisted of 33 (62.3%) representative cases, whereas control group consisted of 20 (37.7%). Women with adenomyosis experienced significantly heavier menstrual bleeding (p = 0.008) and more painful menstrual periods (p = 0.003). Significant positive correlation between the number of sonographic adenomyosis features and both PBAC (r = 0.613, p < 0.001) and NRS scores (r = 0.402, p = 0.022) was found. PBAC score was significantly higher if either fan-shaped shadowing (r = 0.548, p = 0.001), interrupted junctional zone (JZ) (r = 0.548, p = 0.001) or globular uterus (r = 0.445, p = 0.011) was detected. Interrupted JZ (r = 0.440, p = 0.012) was associated with higher NRS score. Significant positive correlation between PBAC score and adenomyosis spread in uterine layers (r = 0.495, p = 0.004) was established. CONCLUSION Certain sonographic features of adenomyosis and assessment of its involvement in uterine layers may predict the severity of adenomyosis symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gailė Maldutytė
- Department of Gynecology, Republican Vilnius University Hospital, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Gina Opolskienė
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Center of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vilius Rudaitis
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Center of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Diana Ramašauskaitė
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Center of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Qiu Y, Cao J, Li S, Liu Y, Wan G, Gui T. Macrophage polarization in adenomyosis: A review. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 91:e13841. [PMID: 38606715 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis (AM) is a common gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within the uterine myometrium. It is associated with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), dysmenorrhea, and infertility. Although several mechanisms have been proposed to elucidate AM, the exact cause and development of the condition remain unclear. Recent studies have highlighted the significance of macrophage polarization in the microenvironment, which plays a crucial role in AM initiation and progression. However, a comprehensive review regarding the role and regulatory mechanism of macrophage polarization in AM is currently lacking. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the phenotype and function of macrophage polarization and the phenomenon of the polarization of adenomyosis-associated macrophages (AAMs). It also elaborates on the role and regulatory mechanism of AAM polarization in invasion/migration, fibrosis, angiogenesis, dysmenorrhea, and infertility. Furthermore, this review explores the underlying molecular mechanisms of AAM polarization and suggests future research directions. In conclusion, this review provides a new perspective on understanding the pathogenesis of AM and provides a theoretical foundation for developing targeted drugs through the regulation of AAM polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Qiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- The Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jian Cao
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital Nanjing, Nanjing, China
| | - Sujuan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongli Liu
- The Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Guiping Wan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Gui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Ren Q, Yuan M, Wang G. Role of ultrasonography in the evaluation of disease severity and treatment efficacy in adenomyosis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:363-371. [PMID: 37115275 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07034-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adenomyosis is a benign disorder characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium. The main clinical manifestations of adenomyosis are dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, and infertility, which affect patients' quality of life. Recently, with advancements in imaging techniques, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography have become the main diagnostic tools for adenomyosis. In addition to the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of adenomyosis, ultrasonography can also be used to evaluate the severity of adenomyosis. The emergence of new techniques, such as elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), has significantly improved the accuracy of ultrasound-based diagnosis of adenomyosis. These two imaging tools can also be used for the differential diagnosis of adenomyosis and the evaluation of treatment efficacy after medication or ablation procedure. OBJECTIVE we review the efficacy of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool for adenomyosis. We also aim to introduce the potential of ultrasound imaging in the evaluation of the severity of this disease, as well as the application of elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in its diagnosis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Our findings reveal the potential value of ultrasonography combined with elastography and/or CEUS as medication guidance and efficacy evaluation tools in the long-term management of adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhui Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ming Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
- Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Guoyun Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China.
- Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Habiba M, Guo SW, Benagiano G. Are Adenomyosis and Endometriosis Phenotypes of the Same Disease Process? Biomolecules 2023; 14:32. [PMID: 38254632 PMCID: PMC10812963 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent literature reviews, we concluded that the possibility that endometrial molecular aberrations are the sole or a necessary determinant of endometriosis and the Tissue Injury and Repair (TIAR) theory are yet to be convincingly proven. Here, we critically examine the theory that adenomyosis and endometriosis represent different phenotypes of a single disease. A common etiopathology for adenomyosis and endometriosis has been suggested because both conditions entail the presence of endometrial tissue at locations other than the lining of the uterus. There are wide differences in reported disease incidence and prevalence and, consequently, in estimates of the coexistence of both conditions. There are some similarities but also differences in their clinical features and predisposing factors. Each condition has a range of subtypes. These differences alone pose the question of whether subtypes of endometriosis and adenomyosis have different etiopathologies, and, in turn, this raises the question of whether they all share a common etiology. It is debatable whether the recognized differences between the eutopic endometrium in adenomyosis and endometriosis compared to those in unaffected women are the cause or the effect of the disease. The finding of common mutations, particularly of KRAS, lend support to the notion of shared predisposing factors, but this alone is insufficient evidence of causation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Habiba
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Research Institute, Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China;
| | - Giuseppe Benagiano
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
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Mao C, Liu X, Guo SW. Reduced endometrial expression of histone deacetylase 3 in women with adenomyosis who complained of heavy menstrual bleeding. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103288. [PMID: 37690341 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What role, if any, does histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) play in adenomyosis-associated heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB)? DESIGN Seventy-two women with adenomyosis-associated HMB were recruited. Of these, 37 women reported moderate/heavy bleeding (MHB) and the remaining 35 women reported excessive bleeding (EXB). The stiffness of adenomyotic lesions and neighbouring endometrial-myometrial interface (EMI) was measured by transvaginal elastosonography, and full-thickness uterine tissue columns were processed for Masson trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry analyses. The protein expression levels of HDAC3 in endometrial cells cultured on substrates of different stiffnesses, and the protein concentrations of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 subunit with HDAC3 suppression were evaluated. Mouse experiments were performed to assess the effect of adenomyosis on Hdac3 expression, endometrial repair and bleeding, and to evaluate the effect of HDAC3 inhibition on endometrial repair. RESULTS Compared with controls, the endometrial staining of HDAC3 was significantly lower in women with adenomyosis-associated HMB, concomitant with a greater extent of fibrosis. The stiffness of lesions and neighbouring EMI was significantly higher in the EXB group compared with the MHB group, as was the extent of fibrosis in lesions, their neighboring EMI and endometrium. Expression of HDAC3 was reduced significantly when endometrial epithelial cells were cultured in stiff substrates. Suppression of HDAC3 abrogated the activation and signalling of NF-κB. Mice with induced adenomyosis exhibited reduced Hdac3 staining and elevated fibrosis in endometrium, concomitant with disrupted endometrial repair and more bleeding. Hdac3 inhibition resulted in botched inflammation and increased bleeding. CONCLUSIONS Lesional fibrosis results in reduced endometrial HDAC3 expression and subsequent disruption in NF-κB signalling and inflammation, leading to adenomyosis-associated HMB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Mao
- Department of General Gynaecology, Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Department of General Gynaecology, Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Research Institute, Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Ren Q, Dong X, Yuan M, Jiao X, Sun H, Pan Z, Wang X, Tao G, Guoyun W. Application of elastography to diagnose adenomyosis and evaluate the degree of dysmenorrhea: a prospective observational study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:98. [PMID: 37884924 PMCID: PMC10601167 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01145-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine whether there is a correlation between stiffness measured by strain elastography and the severity of dysmenorrhea and to determine the value of elastography in evaluating severe dysmenorrhea in patients with adenomyosis. METHODS The correlation between tissue stiffness and dysmenorrhea was analyzed by performing elastography on premenopausal women diagnosed with adenomyosis. Expression levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) were detected by immunohistochemistry; the correlation of TGF-β and α-SMA levels with the tissue stiffness and the degree of fibrosis was further analyzed. Also, the relationship of the PGP9.5 expression level with the tissue stiffness and degree of dysmenorrhea was determined. RESULTS The degree of dysmenorrhea was significantly positively correlated with lesion stiffness in patients with adenomyosis but not with the uterine or lesion volume. The cutoff for the strain ratio was > 1.36 between the adenomyosis and control groups, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.987. For severe dysmenorrhea, the cutoff for the strain ratio was > 1.65 in patients with adenomyosis, with an AUC of 0.849. TGF-β, α-SMA, and PGP9.5 expression levels were higher in adenomyotic lesions than in the endometrium of the adenomyosis and control groups. Both TGF-β and α-SMA levels were positively correlated with the tissue stiffness and degree of fibrosis. Additionally, the expression level of PGP9.5 showed a positive correlation with the tissue stiffness and degree of dysmenorrhea. CONCLUSIONS Elastography can be used to evaluate the degree of dysmenorrhea; the greater the tissue stiffness, the greater the degree of dysmenorrhea. In addition, elastography performed well in the diagnosis of adenomyosis and the evaluation of severe dysmenorrhea in patients with adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhui Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, No. 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangyi Dong
- Department of Ultrasonic Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Ming Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, No. 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- JiNan Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Gynaecological Disease, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- Gynecology Laboratory, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xue Jiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, No. 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- JiNan Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Gynaecological Disease, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- Gynecology Laboratory, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zangyu Pan
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Guowei Tao
- Department of Ultrasonic Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Wang Guoyun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, No. 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
- JiNan Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Gynaecological Disease, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
- Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
- Gynecology Laboratory, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
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Jain V, Munro MG, Critchley HOD. Contemporary evaluation of women and girls with abnormal uterine bleeding: FIGO Systems 1 and 2. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 162 Suppl 2:29-42. [PMID: 37538019 PMCID: PMC10952771 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is common, often debilitating, and may affect over 50% of reproductive-aged women and girls. Whereas AUB is a collection of symptoms that include intermenstrual bleeding and abnormalities in period duration, cycle length, and regularity, it is heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) that is most contributory to iron deficiency and related anemia. It is apparent that AUB, in general, and HMB, in particular, remain underrecognized and underreported. FIGO created two systems for assessing and classifying AUB. FIGO System 1 defines the bleeding pattern using four primary descriptors: frequency, duration, regularity, and flow volume. FIGO System 2 provides a structured classification system of possible causes of AUB, using the acronym PALM-COEIN. "PALM" refers to structural causes of AUB (Polyp, Adenomyosis, Leiomyoma, Malignancy), and "COEI" refers to nonstructural causes (Coagulopathy, Ovulatory dysfunction, Endometrial, and Iatrogenic). The "N" is reserved for those entities that are currently not otherwise classified. Using FIGO System 1 as a gateway to FIGO System 2 streamlines the investigation of reproductive-aged women and girls with AUB. Understanding the pathogenesis of the FIGO System 2 "PALM-COEIN" causes helps interpret investigations and the onward management of AUB. Numerous evidence gaps exist concerning AUB; however, if researchers and trialists universally adopt FIGO Systems 1 and 2 for the assessment and diagnosis of AUB, clear translatable research findings can be applied globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Jain
- Centre for Reproductive HealthUniversity of EdinburghEdinburgh, ScotlandUK
| | - Malcolm G. Munro
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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12
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Holdsworth-Carson SJ, Menkhorst E, Maybin JA, King A, Girling JE. Cyclic processes in the uterine tubes, endometrium, myometrium, and cervix: pathways and perturbations. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad012. [PMID: 37225518 PMCID: PMC10208902 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This review leads the 2023 Call for Papers in MHR: 'Cyclical function of the female reproductive tract' and will outline the complex and fascinating changes that take place in the reproductive tract during the menstrual cycle. We will also explore associated reproductive tract abnormalities that impact or are impacted by the menstrual cycle. Between menarche and menopause, women and people who menstruate living in high-income countries can expect to experience ∼450 menstrual cycles. The primary function of the menstrual cycle is to prepare the reproductive system for pregnancy in the event of fertilization. In the absence of pregnancy, ovarian hormone levels fall, triggering the end of the menstrual cycle and onset of menstruation. We have chosen to exclude the ovaries and focus on the other structures that make up the reproductive tract: uterine tubes, endometrium, myometrium, and cervix, which also functionally change in response to fluctuations in ovarian hormone production across the menstrual cycle. This inaugural paper for the 2023 MHR special collection will discuss our current understanding of the normal physiological processes involved in uterine cyclicity (limited specifically to the uterine tubes, endometrium, myometrium, and cervix) in humans, and other mammals where relevant. We will emphasize where knowledge gaps exist and highlight the impact that reproductive tract and uterine cycle perturbations have on health and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Holdsworth-Carson
- Julia Argyrou Endometriosis Centre, Epworth HealthCare, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ellen Menkhorst
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jacqueline A Maybin
- Institute for Regeneration and Repair, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anna King
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jane E Girling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Mao C, Liu X, Guo SW. Decreased Glycolysis at Menstruation is Associated with Increased Menstrual Blood Loss. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:928-951. [PMID: 36042151 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01066-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is common and severely affects the quality of life of the afflicted women. While HMB is known to be caused by impaired endometrial repair after menstruation, its more proximate cause remains unknown. To investigate whether glycolysis plays any role in endometrial repair and thus HMB, we conducted two mouse experiments using a mouse model of simulated menstruation. We performed immunohistochemistry analyses of proteins involved in glycolysis as well as pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in endometrium from decidualized and non-decidualized uterine horns. We also assessed the extent of endometrial repair by staging endometrial morphology from decidualization to full repair using histological scoring of uterine sections and quantitated the amount of menstrual blood loss (MBL). In addition, we employed the scratch assay and the CCK-8 assay to evaluate the effect of glycolysis suppression on cellular migration and proliferation, respectively. Finally, we performed an immunohistochemistry analysis of HK2 in endometrium from women with adenomyosis who experienced either moderate/heavy or excessive MBL. We found that endometrial repair coincided with increased glycolysis in endometrium and glycolysis suppression delayed endometrial repair, resulting in increased MBL. Additionally, glycolysis suppression significantly inhibited the proliferative and migratory capability of endometrial cells, and disrupted normal endometrial repair even when hypoxia was maintained. Women with adenomyosis who experienced excessive MBL had significantly lower HK2 staining than those who experienced moderate/heavy MBL. Thus, our study highlights the importance of glycolysis as well as inflammation in optimal endometrial repair, and provides clues for the cause of HMB in women with adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Mao
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Research Institute, Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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14
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From Retrograde Menstruation to Endometrial Determinism and a Brave New World of "Root Treatment" of Endometriosis: Destiny or a Fanciful Utopia? Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020336. [PMID: 36830705 PMCID: PMC9953699 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Practically unknown outside of China, the "endometrial determinism" theory was proposed to account for the apparent gap between the relatively low prevalence of endometriosis and nearly universal retrograde menstruation. Attracting uncritical advocacy, the theory culminates in a recent consensus by elite Chinese gynecologists in favor of "root treatment", intended to nip endometriosis in the bud. Correcting endometrial "defects" can gain further momentum by the presence of cancer-driver mutations such as KRAS mutations in the endometrium of women with endometriosis and the recent introduction of therapeutics aiming to rectify the effect of these mutations for cancer treatment. We provide a critical appraisal of evidence for endometrial aberrations in endometriosis and relevant experimental evidence. All available evidence of endometrial "defect" is invariably post hoc and may well be secondary to induced endometriosis. We propose that the theory of "endometrial determinism" needs to demonstrate a clear causal and a phylogenetic relationship between endometrial aberrations and endometriosis. We argue that while it is highly likely that endometriosis is a consequence of retrograde menstruation, the case that molecular aberrations as a sole or a necessary determinant remains to be proven. "Root treatment" is a worthy ambition but as of now it is close to a fanciful Utopia.
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In Search of an Imaging Classification of Adenomyosis: A Role for Elastography? J Clin Med 2022; 12:jcm12010287. [PMID: 36615089 PMCID: PMC9821156 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis is a complex and poorly understood gynecological disease. It used to be diagnosed exclusively by histology after hysterectomy; today its diagnosis is carried out increasingly by imaging techniques, including transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the lack of a consensus on a classification system hampers relating imaging findings with disease severity or with the histopathological features of the disease, making it difficult to properly inform patients and clinicians regarding prognosis and appropriate management, as well as to compare different studies. Capitalizing on our grasp of key features of lesional natural history, here we propose adding elastographic findings into a new imaging classification of adenomyosis, incorporating affected area, pattern, the stiffest value of adenomyotic lesions as well as the neighboring tissues, and other pathologies. We argue that the tissue stiffness as measured by elastography, which has a wider dynamic detection range, quantitates a fundamental biologic property that directs cell function and fate in tissues, and correlates with the extent of lesional fibrosis, a proxy for lesional "age" known to correlate with vascularity and hormonal receptor activity. With this new addition, we believe that the resulting classification system could better inform patients and clinicians regarding prognosis and the most appropriate treatment modality, thus filling a void.
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Bianchi P, Guo SW, Habiba M, Benagiano G. Utility of the Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System in the Treatment of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding and Dysmenorrhea: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11195836. [PMID: 36233703 PMCID: PMC9570961 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We undertook a literature review of the use of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices when utilized for heavy menstrual bleeding and/or dysmenorrhea. METHODS A narrative review of articles in the Scopus and Medline databases was conducted. RESULTS A number of options exist for the management of both abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and dysmenorrhea, and evidence is accumulating that the insertion of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) represents a useful option for their long-term treatment. The idea of using a progestogen released in utero was initially conceived to achieve long-term contraception, but it was quickly found that these systems could be utilized for a number of therapeutic applications. The first device to be made commercially available, Progestasert, was withdrawn from the market because, in the event of contraceptive failure, it caused a disproportionate percentage of extrauterine pregnancies. On the other hand, the LNG-IUS continues to be successfully utilized in its various variants, releasing 20, 13, or 8 μg/day. These devices have a respective duration of action of 7 (possibly 8), 5, and 3 years, and there exist versions of frameless systems affixed to the myometrium of the uterine fundus. In the present review, following a brief description of the major causes of AUB and dysmenorrhea, the molecular bases for the use of the LNG-IUS are summarized. This is followed by a compendium of its use in AUB and dysmenorrhea, concluding that the insertion of the system improves the quality of life, reduces menstrual blood loss better than other medical therapies, and decreases the extent of dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain. In addition, there is no evidence of a significant difference in these outcomes when the use of the LNG-IUS was compared with improvements offered by endometrial ablation or hysterectomy. Possibly, the most important mechanism of action of the system consists of its ability to induce amenorrhea, which effectively eliminates heavy bleeding and dysmenorrhea. However, no method is ideal for every woman, and, in the case of the LNG-IUS, younger age and severe dysmenorrhea seem to be associated with a higher risk of discontinuation. CONCLUSION The higher-dose LNG-IUS is a useful tool for HMB and dysmenorrhea in women of all ages. The low cost and ease of use make the LNG-IUS an attractive option, especially when contraception is also desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bianchi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Marwan Habiba
- Department of Health Sciences, University Hospitals of Leicester, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Giuseppe Benagiano
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Vannuccini S, Jain V, Critchley H, Petraglia F. From menarche to menopause, heavy menstrual bleeding is the underrated compass in reproductive health. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:625-636. [PMID: 36075746 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Menstruation is defined as monthly uterine bleeding, regarded as a sign of reproductive health. When characterized by excessive bleeding (heavy menstrual bleeding [HMB]), it may act as a useful clinical marker for diagnosis of reproductive diseases. Endometrial and myometrial mechanisms underlying abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), which includes HMB, have hormonal, cellular, and molecular aspects. Structural and nonstructural causes of AUB, presenting with HMB as the major symptom, result in iron depletion and consequent anemia. Heavy menstrual bleeding can be considered as a single entity to identify the possible underlying causes, which may be different to some extent to those of AUB, as a whole. Furthermore, the difficulties in defining HMB through objective methods do not allow the current epidemiological scenario on the prevalence of the symptom among reproductive-age women to be outlined. Moreover, the introduction of new diagnostic methods, including imaging technologies, entails a revision of the available figures on HMB in different age groups from menarche to menopause. In addition, a proper diagnostic algorithm for HMB should be implemented to adapt recommendations for clinical investigation when HMB is present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Vannuccini
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Varsha Jain
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Hilary Critchley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
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Uterine disorders and iron deficiency anemia. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:615-624. [PMID: 36182260 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a clinical entity which can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Classification according to the acronym PALM-COEIN (polyp, adenomyosis, leiomyoma, malignancy, and hyperplasia; coagulopathy, ovulatory dysfunction, endometrial, iatrogenic, and not otherwise classified) provides a structured approach to establish the cause of AUB. The goal of this review is to discuss the different mechanisms and the relationship between uterine disorders and AUB. Heavy menstrual bleeding, a subgroup of AUB, is more closely related to the presence of uterine fibroids. The relationship between heavy menstrual bleeding and uterine fibroids remains poorly characterized, particularly the understanding of endometrial function in women with structural myometrial features such as leiomyomas. A number of theories have been proposed in the literature and are discussed in this review. Uterine adenomyosis is also a frequent cause of AUB, and its pathogenesis is still far from being fully elucidated. The mechanisms contributing to its development are multifactorial. Many theories lean toward invasion of the myometrium by endometrial cells. Both clinical and basic studies favor the theory of direct invasion, although de novo development of adenomyosis from Müllerian rests or stem cells has not been ruled out. Development of adenomyotic lesions involves repeated tissue injury and repair. In addition, this review describes the other causes of AUB such as endometrial polyps, cesarean scar defects, and uterine vascular abnormalities. Endometrial polyps are often asymptomatic, but approximately 68% of women have concomitant AUB. Histologic alterations in the lower uterine segment in patients who had undergone cesarean sections were identified and may explain the cause of AUB.
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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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