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Li MY, Shen HH, Cao XY, Gao XX, Xu FY, Ha SY, Sun JS, Liu SP, Xie F, Li MQ. Targeting a mTOR/autophagy axis: a double-edged sword of rapamycin in spontaneous miscarriage. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116976. [PMID: 38906022 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116976] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune dysfunction is a primary culprit behind spontaneous miscarriage (SM). To address this, immunosuppressive agents have emerged as a novel class of tocolytic drugs, modulating the maternal immune system's tolerance towards the embryo. Rapamycin (PubChem CID:5284616), a dual-purpose compound, functions as an immunosuppressive agent and triggers autophagy by targeting the mTOR pathway. Its efficacy in treating SM has garnered significant research interest in recent times. Autophagy, the cellular process of self-degradation and recycling, plays a pivotal role in numerous health conditions. Research indicates that autophagy is integral to endometrial decidualization, trophoblast invasion, and the proper functioning of decidual immune cells during a healthy pregnancy. Yet, in cases of SM, there is a dysregulation of the mTOR/autophagy axis in decidual stromal cells or immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have highlighted the potential benefits of low-dose rapamycin in managing SM. However, given mTOR's critical role in energy metabolism, inhibiting it could potentially harm the pregnancy. Moreover, while low-dose rapamycin has been deemed safe for treating recurrent implant failure, its potential teratogenic effects remain uncertain due to insufficient data. In summary, rapamycin represents a double-edged sword in the treatment of SM, balancing its impact on autophagy and immune regulation. Further investigation is warranted to fully understand its implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ying Li
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Hui Shen
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yan Cao
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng-Yuan Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Si-Yao Ha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510235, China
| | - Jian-Song Sun
- School of Life Science and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Song-Ping Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, People's Republic of China.
| | - Feng Xie
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China; Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Immunology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China.
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Chi WY, Lee GH, Tang MJ, Chen BH, Lin WL, Fu TF. Disturbed intracellular folate homeostasis impairs autophagic flux and increases hepatocytic lipid accumulation. BMC Biol 2024; 22:146. [PMID: 38956599 PMCID: PMC11220954 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01946-6] [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: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), a prevalent liver disorder affecting one-third of the global population, encompasses a spectrum ranging from fatty liver to severe hepatic steatosis. Both genetic and lifestyle factors, particularly diet and nutrition, contribute to its etiology. Folate deficiency, a frequently encountered type of malnutrition, has been associated with the pathogenesis of MAFLD and shown to impact lipid deposition. However, the underlying mechanisms of this relationship remain incompletely understood. We investigated the impact of disturbed folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism (OCM) on hepatic lipid metabolism both in vitro using human hepatoma cells and in vivo using transgenic fluorescent zebrafish displaying extent-, stage-, and duration-controllable folate deficiency upon induction. RESULTS Disturbed folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism, either by inducing folate deficiency or adding anti-folate drug, compromises autophagy and causes lipid accumulation in liver cells. Disturbed folate status down-regulates cathepsin L, a key enzyme involved in autophagy, through inhibiting mTOR signaling. Interfered mitochondrial biology, including mitochondria relocation and increased fusion-fission dynamics, also occurs in folate-deficient hepatocytes. Folate supplementation effectively mitigated the impaired autophagy and lipid accumulation caused by the inhibition of cathepsin L activity, even when the inhibition was not directly related to folate deficiency. CONCLUSIONS Disruption of folate-mediated OCM diminishes cathepsin L expression and impedes autophagy via mTOR signaling, leading to lipid accumulation within hepatocytes. These findings underscore the crucial role of folate in modulating autophagic processes and regulating lipid metabolism in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Yu Chi
- The Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Gang-Hui Lee
- International Center for Wound Repair & Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jer Tang
- International Center for Wound Repair & Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Hung Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Biomarkers and Biotech Drugs, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ling Lin
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Rd, Tainan, 701, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Fun Fu
- The Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Rd, Tainan, 701, Taiwan.
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Goudarzi ST, Vousooghi N, Verdi J, Mehdizadeh A, Aslanian-Kalkhoran L, Yousefi M. Autophagy genes and signaling pathways in endometrial decidualization and pregnancy complications. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 163:104223. [PMID: 38489930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104223] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy is a process that occurs in almost all eukaryotic cells and this process is controlled by several molecular processes. Its biological roles include the provision of energy, the maintenance of cell homeostasis, and the promotion of aberrant cell death. The importance of autophagy in pregnancy is gradually becoming recognized. In literature, it has been indicated that autophagy has three different effects on the onset and maintenance of pregnancy: embryo (embryonic development), feto-maternal immune crosstalk, and maternal (decidualization). In humans, proper decidualization is a major predictor of pregnancy accomplishment and it can be influenced by different factors. This review highlights the genes, pathways, regulation, and function of autophagy in endometrial decidualization and other involved factors in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeedeh Torabi Goudarzi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Vousooghi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Verdi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Mehdizadeh
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Lida Aslanian-Kalkhoran
- Department of Immunology, school of medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Qin XY, Ha SY, Chen L, Zhang T, Li MQ. Recent Advances in Folates and Autoantibodies against Folate Receptors in Early Pregnancy and Miscarriage. Nutrients 2023; 15:4882. [PMID: 38068740 PMCID: PMC10708193 DOI: 10.3390/nu15234882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Though firstly identified in cerebral folate deficiency, autoantibodies against folate receptors (FRAbs) have been implicated in pregnancy complications such as miscarriage; however, the underlying mechanism needs to be further elaborated. FRAbs can be produced via sensitization mediated by folate-binding protein as well as gene mutation, aberrant modulation, or degradation of folate receptors (FRs). FRAbs may interfere with folate internalization and metabolism through blocking or binding with FRs. Interestingly, different types of FRs are expressed on trophoblast cells, decidual epithelium or stroma, and macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface, implying FRAbs may be involved in the critical events necessary for a successful pregnancy. Thus, we propose that FRAbs may disturb pregnancy establishment and maintenance by modulating trophoblastic biofunctions, placental development, decidualization, and decidua homeostasis as well as the functions of FOLR2+ macrophages. In light of these findings, FRAbs may be a critical factor in pathological pregnancy, and deserve careful consideration in therapies involving folic acid supplementation for pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Yun Qin
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China; (X.-Y.Q.); (S.-Y.H.)
| | - Si-Yao Ha
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China; (X.-Y.Q.); (S.-Y.H.)
| | - Lu Chen
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Tao Zhang
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China; (X.-Y.Q.); (S.-Y.H.)
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
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Zhou YJ, Qiao QF, Wang LQ, Sheng TY, Cui MX, Chen QD, Wang CY, Zhang YX. Toxicity mechanism of peri-implantation pesticide beta-cypermethrin exposure on endometrial remodeling in early pregnant mice. Toxicology 2023; 489:153497. [PMID: 37011868 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Beta-cypermethrin (β-CYP) is a universally used pyrethroid pesticide with adverse effects on human health. β-CYP may impair endometrial remodeling in mice; however, the mechanism remains largely unknown. Endometrial remodeling plays a vital role in embryonic development and the maintenance of pregnancy. Therefore, we explored the mechanism by which peri-implantation β-CYP administration reduces uterine remodeling in pregnant mice. The C57BL/6J pregnant mice were administered a dose of 20mg/kg.bw. d β-CYP via oral gavage once daily from day 1 of gestation (GD1) to GD7. Molecular markers of endometrial remodeling, stromal cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation, and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway were evaluated in the decidual tissue of the uterus on GD7. An in vivo pseudopregnancy mouse model, a pregnant mouse model treated with an mTOR activator and an mTOR inhibitor and an in vitro decidualization model of mouse endometrial stromal cells were used to confirm β-CYP-induced defective endometrial remodeling and the key molecules expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. The results showed that β-CYP decreased the expression of the endometrial remodeling markers MMP9 and LIF in the uterine decidua. Peri-implantation β-CYP treatment markedly downregulated the expression of endometrial proliferation markers PCNA and Ki67 and decreased decidua thickness. Correspondingly, peri-implantation β-CYP exposure upregulated the expression of FOXO1, P57 and p-4E-BP1 in the decidua. Further experiments showed β-CYP significantly inhibited key molecules in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway: PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR, and p-P70S6K in the uterine decidua. Additional experiments showed that aberrant endometrial remodeling induced by β-CYP was aggravated by rapamycin (an mTOR inhibitor) and partially reversed by MHY1485 (an mTOR agonist). In summary, our results indicated that a reduction in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway may enhance defective endometrial remodeling by downregulating the proliferation and differentiation of endometrial stromal cells in early pregnant mice exposed to β-CYP. Our study elucidates the mechanism of defective endometrial remodeling induced by peri-implantation β-CYP exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Jiang Zhou
- Heinz Mehlhorn Academician Workstation, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Hainan Province 571199, China; School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Qian-Feng Qiao
- International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Hainan Province 571199, China
| | - Li-Qing Wang
- International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Hainan Province 571199, China
| | - Tao-Yu Sheng
- International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Hainan Province 571199, China
| | - Man-Xue Cui
- International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Hainan Province 571199, China
| | - Qi-Duo Chen
- International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Hainan Province 571199, China
| | - Can-Yang Wang
- International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Hainan Province 571199, China
| | - Yun-Xiao Zhang
- International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Hainan Province 571199, China
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Chen Y, Xiao L, Xu J, Wang J, Yu Z, Zhao K, Zhang H, Cheng S, Sharma S, Liao A, Liu C. Recent insight into autophagy and immunity at the maternal-fetal interface. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 155:103781. [PMID: 36463798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is a lysosomal degradation pathway that supports metabolic adaptation and energy cycling. It is essential for cell homeostasis, differentiation, development, and survival. Recent studies have shown that autophagy could influence immune responses by regulating immune cell functions. Reciprocally, immune cells strongly influence autophagy. Immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface are thought to play essential roles in pregnancy. Here, we review the induction of autophagy at the maternal-fetal interface and its role in decidualization and placental development. Additionally, we emphasize the role of autophagy in the immune microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface, including innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and immune tolerance molecules. It also suggests new research directions and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyao Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Lin Xiao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Jia Xu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Jingming Wang
- Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Zhiquan Yu
- Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Huiping Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Shibin Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pathology, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Surendra Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pathology, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Aihua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430030, PR China.
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430030, PR China.
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Kirmizi DA, Baser E, Okan A, Doganyigit Z. Receptivity, autophagy, and implantation in endometriosis; does antioxidant work? An experimental study. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14276. [PMID: 35712902 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14276] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Implantation is a key point in pathological processes associated with infertility, especially in endometriosis. In this complex process, there is limited evidence to demonstrate the role of receptivity and autophagy. The present study aimed to evaluate LC3A/B, P62/SQSTM1, Beclin 1, and integrin expressions and receptivity and autophagy processes in endometriosis in pregnant rats with healthy endometriosis on day 6 of the process. Pregnancy was observed in all rats in the control group (8/8), while the pregnancy was 4/8 in the endometriosis group, and 6/8 in the endometriosis + ALA group. LC3A/B and P62/SQSTM1 expression increased significantly in the endometriosis + ALA group, compared with endometriosis groups (p < .05). The effect of ALA on autophagy and receptivity in endometriosis was shown for the first time. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory treatments in endometriosis should be investigated as new treatment modalities for implantation problems. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Endometriosis, the etiology of which remains unknown, is an important cause of infertility. Implantation is the key point in pathological processes associated with infertility. In this complex process, there is limited evidence to demonstrate the role of receptivity and autophagy. The present study aimed to evaluate LC3A/B, P62/SQSTM1, Beclin 1, and integrin expressions and receptivity and autophagy processes in endometriosis in pregnant rats with healthy endometriosis on day 6 of the process. Oral alpha-lipoic acid was administered to one group and the effect of this powerful antioxidant on the process was evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demet Aydogan Kirmizi
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Emre Baser
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Aslı Okan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Zuleyha Doganyigit
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
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Dietary folic acid supplementation improves semen quality and spermatogenesis through altering autophagy and histone methylation in the testis of aged broiler breeder roosters. Theriogenology 2021; 181:8-15. [PMID: 34998023 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aging phenomenon often exerts a significant reduction in the reproduction performance of aged animals. The objective of this project was to investigate the effects of dietary Folic acid (FA) supplementation on the reproductive performance of aged broiler breeder roosters. A total of 16 aged ROSS 308 broiler breeder roosters (50-week-old) were randomly divided into two groups. The treatments were basal diet (CON), a basal diet supplemented with 10 mg/kg Folic acid (FAS) for four weeks. At the end of the experiment, semen quality, histopathological studies, serum concentrations of testosterone and relative mRNA and protein expressions of testes were evaluated. The results showed that dietary FA supplementation dramatically improved semen quality of aged roosters, manifested by increasing semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm membrane functional integrity. Furthermore, seminiferous tubule epithelial height (SEH) and testis scores were increased by dietary supplementation with FA. Dietary FA also remarkably augmented the transcription level of spermatogenesis-related gene (CREM, PCK2, DDX4, and GDNF). No significant differences were observed in serum concentrations of testosterone between FAS and CON groups. We noted significant upregulation Beclin-1 and ATG5 protein expressions, and the ratio of LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ, as well as significant downregulation of p-mTOR protein expressions in testicular tissue of aged roosters with FA supplementation. In addition, dietary FA supplementation significantly increased the protein expression of H3K9me2 and reduced the protein expression of H3K27me2. In summary, dietary FA supplementation improved the testicular autophagy through the mTOR-signaling pathway, and altered histone methylation in the testis. Dietary supplementation with FA can ameliorate semen quality and spermatogenesis of aged roosters.
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Autophagy as a Therapeutic Target of Natural Products Enhancing Embryo Implantation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 15:ph15010053. [PMID: 35056110 PMCID: PMC8779555 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is an emerging health issue worldwide, and female infertility is intimately associated with embryo implantation failure. Embryo implantation is an essential process during the initiation of prenatal development. Recent studies have strongly suggested that autophagy in the endometrium is the most important factor for successful embryo implantation. In addition, several studies have reported the effects of various natural products on infertility improvement via the regulation of embryo implantation, embryo quality, and endometrial receptivity. However, it is unclear whether natural products can improve embryo implantation ability by regulating endometrial autophagy. Therefore, we performed a literature review of studies on endometrial autophagy, embryo implantation, natural products, and female infertility. Based on the information from these studies, this review suggests a new treatment strategy for female infertility by proposing natural products that have been proven to be safe and effective as endometrial autophagy regulators; additionally, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the regulation of endometrial autophagy by natural products and female infertility, with an emphasis on embryo implantation.
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Zhang Y, Gao R, Zhang L, Geng Y, Chen Q, Chen X, Liu X, Mu X, Ding Y, Wang Y, He J. AMPK/mTOR downregulated autophagy enhances aberrant endometrial decidualization in folate-deficient pregnant mice. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:7376-7389. [PMID: 33959973 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Existing evidence suggests that adverse pregnancy outcomes are closely related to dietary factors. Folate plays an important role in neural tube formation and fetal growth, folate deficiency is a major risk factor of birth defects. Our early studies showed that folate deficiency could impair enddecidualization, however, the mechanism is still unclear. Dysfunctional autophagy is associated with many diseases. Here, we aimed to evaluate the adverse effect of folate deficiency on endometrial decidualization, with a particular focus on endometrial cell autophagy. Mice were fed with no folate diet in vivo and the mouse endometrial stromal cell was cultured in a folate-free medium in vitro. The decrease of the number of endometrial autophagosomes and the protein expressions of autophagy in the folate-deficient group indicated that autophagosome formation, autophagosome-lysosome fusion, and lysosomal degradation were inhibited. Autophagic flux examination using mCherry-GFP-LC3 transfection showed that the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes was inhibited by folate deficiency. Autophagy inducer rapamycin could reverse the impairment of folate deficiency on endometrial decidualization. Moreover, folate deficiency could reduce autophagy by disrupting AMPK/mTOR signaling, resulting in aberrant endometrial decidualization and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Further co-immunoprecipitation examination showed that decidual marker protein Hoxa10 could interact with autophagic marker protein Cathepsin L, and the interaction was notably reduced by folate deficiency. In conclusion, AMPK/mTOR downregulated autophagy was essential for aberrant endometrial decidualization in early pregnant mice, which could result in adverse pregnancy outcomes. This provided some new clues for understanding the causal mechanisms of birth defects induced by folate deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, College of Public Health and Administration, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Rufei Gao
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, College of Public Health and Administration, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, College of Public Health and Administration, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Yanqing Geng
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Qiutong Chen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, College of Public Health and Administration, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, College of Public Health and Administration, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xueqing Liu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, College of Public Health and Administration, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xinyi Mu
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Yubin Ding
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, College of Public Health and Administration, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Yingxiong Wang
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Junlin He
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, College of Public Health and Administration, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
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The Multifaceted Role of Autophagy in Endometrium Homeostasis and Disease. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:1054-1067. [PMID: 33877643 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00587-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a conserved fundamental cellular process with a primary function of catabolizing harmful or surplus cellular contents such as protein aggregates, dysfunctional/long-lived organelles, intracellular pathogens, and storage nutrients. An increasing body of evidence reveals that basal autophagy is essential for maintaining endometrial homeostasis and mediating endometrial-specific functions, including menstrual cycle, embryo implantation, and decidualization. However, perturbed levels of autophagy can lead to severe endometrial pathologies, including endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, adenomyosis, and leiomyoma. This review highlights the most recent findings on the activity, regulation, and function of autophagy in endometrium physiology and pathology. Understanding the mechanistic roles of autophagy in endometrium homeostasis and disease is key to developing novel therapeutic strategies for endometrium-related infertility and malignancies.
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12
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Soni UK, Chadchan SB, Joshi A, Kumar V, Maurya VK, Verma RK, Jha RK. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-2 is essential for endometrial receptivity and blastocyst implantation, and regulated by caspase-8. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110946. [PMID: 32679243 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Embryo implantation is a very complex process and several factors play important roles. Using a mouse model, we investigated the functions of PARP-2 and caspase-8 during endometrial receptivity for blastocyst implantation. We found that PARP-2 was upregulated at the receptive stage's implantation region and predominantly expressed in the endometrial stromal region, but downregulated during pregnancy failure and pseudopregnancy. To reinforce the necessity of PARP-2 for embryo implantation, we pharmacologically inhibited PARP-2 'before' & 'after' embryo arrival and observed a reduction in blastocyst implantation. Conversely, elevated caspase-8 expression and activity during pseudopregnancy, delayed implantation, and embryo implantation failure conditions and decreased levels in the decidualization exhibited an inverse pattern with PARP-2, suggesting caspase-8 as a negative regulator for embryo implantation. In vitro caspase-8 downregulates the PARP-2 activity in the mouse endometrial epithelial and stromal cells. These data suggest that PARP-2 and its negative regulation by caspase-8 constitute a crucial step in embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upendra Kumar Soni
- Female Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Sangappa Basanna Chadchan
- Female Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Anubha Joshi
- Female Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Female Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Vineet Kumar Maurya
- Female Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Raj Kumar Verma
- Female Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar Jha
- Female Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India.
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13
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Lu H, Yang HL, Zhou WJ, Lai ZZ, Qiu XM, Fu Q, Zhao JY, Wang J, Li DJ, Li MQ. Rapamycin prevents spontaneous abortion by triggering decidual stromal cell autophagy-mediated NK cell residence. Autophagy 2020; 17:2511-2527. [PMID: 33030400 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2020.1833515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Deficiency in decidualization has been widely regarded as an important cause of spontaneous abortion. Generalized decidualization also includes massive infiltration and enrichment of NK cells. However, the underlying mechanism of decidual NK (dNK) cell residence remains largely unknown. Here, we observe that the increased macroautophagy/autophagy of decidual stromal cells (DSCs) during decidualization, facilitates the adhesion and retention of dNK cells during normal pregnancy. Mechanistically, this process is mediated through activation of the MITF-TNFRSF14/HVEM signaling, and further upregulation of multiple adhesion adhesions (e.g. Selectins and ICAMs) in a MMP9-dependent manner. Patients with unexplained spontaneous abortion display insufficient DSC autophagy and dNK cell residence. In addition, poor vascular remodeling of placenta, low implantation number and high ratio of embryo loss are observed in NK cell depletion mice. In therapeutic studies, low doses of rapamycin, a known autophagy inducer that significantly promotes endometrium autophagy and NK cell residence, and improves embryo absorption in spontaneous abortion mice models, which should be dependent on the activation of MITF-TNFRSF14/HVEM-MMP9-adhension molecules axis. This observation reveals novel molecular mechanisms underlying DSCs autophagy-driven dNK cell residence, and provides a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent spontaneous abortion.Abbreviations: ACTA2/αSMA: actin alpha 2, smooth muscle; ATG: autophagy-related; ATG5over ESC: ATG5-overexpressed ESCs; BTLA: B and T lymphocyte associated; CDH1: cadherin 1; CDH5: cadherin 5; CXCL12: C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12; dNK: decidual NK; DIC: decidual immune cell; DSC: decidual stromal cell; EOMES: eomesodermin; ESC: endometrial stromal cell; FCGR3A/CD16: Fc fragment of IgG receptor IIIa; HUVEC: human umbilical vein endothelial cell; ICAM: intercellular cell adhesion molecule; ILC: innate lymphoid cell; ITGB1: integrin subunit beta 1; ITGA2: integrin subunit alpha 2; IPA: Ingenuity Pathway Analysis; KIR2DL1: killer cell immunoglobulin like receptor, two Ig domains and long cytoplasmic tail 1; KLRD1/CD94: killer cell lectin like receptor D1; KLRK1/NKG2D: killer cell lectin like receptor K1; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; 3-MA: 3-methyladenine; MITF: melanocyte inducing transcription factor; MiT-TFE: microphthalmia family of bHLH-LZ transcription factors; MMP9: matrix metalloproteinase 9; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; NCAM1/CD56: neural cell adhesion molecule 1; NCR2/NKp44: natural cytotoxicity triggering receptor 2; NK: natural killer; KLRB1/NK1.1: killer cell lectin like receptor B1; NP: normal pregnancy; PBMC: peripheral blood mononuclear cell; PECAM1/CD31: platelet and endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1; pNK: peripheral blood NK; PRF1/Perforin: Perforin 1; PTPRC/CD45: protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C; Rapa: rapamycin; rh-TNFSF14/LIGHT: recombinant human TNFSF14/LIGHT; SA: spontaneous abortion; SELE: selectin E; SELP: selectin P; SELL: selectin L; siATG5 DSCs: ATG5-silenced DSCs; siTNFRSF14/HVEM DSCs: TNFRSF14/HVEM-silenced DSCs; TBX21/T-bet: T-box transcription factor 21; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TNFRSF14/HVEM: TNF receptor superfamily member 14; TNFSF14/LIGHT: TNF superfamily member 14; uNK: uterine NK; UIC: uterine immune cell; USC: uterine stromal cell; VCAM1: vascular cell adhesion molecule 1; VIM: vimentin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Lu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Li Yang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Jie Zhou
- Center of Reproductive Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Lai
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Min Qiu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical College, Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Yuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology (IMIB), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Da-Jin Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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14
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Zhao X, Jiang Y, Jiang T, Han X, Wang Y, Chen L, Feng X. Physiological and pathological regulation of autophagy in pregnancy. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2020; 302:293-303. [PMID: 32556514 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05607-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy exists widely in eukaryotic cells and is regulated by a variety of molecular mechanisms. Its physiological functions include providing energy, maintaining cell homeostasis, and promoting apoptosis of abnormal cells. At present, the regulation of autophagy in tumor, degenerative disease, and cardiovascular disease has attracted much attention. Gradually, the role of autophagy in pregnancy tends to be valued. The previous literature has shown that autophagy can influence the occurrence and maintenance of pregnancy from three aspects: embryo (affecting the process of fertilization and embryonic development and the function of trophoblast cells), maternal (decidualization), and maternal-to-fetal immune crosstalk. Undoubtedly, abnormalities in autophagy levels are associated with a variety of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and preterm delivery which have been proven by human, animal, and in vitro experiments. The regulation of autophagy is expected to be a target for the treatment of these pregnancy complications. This article reviews the research on autophagy, especially about its physiological and pathological regulation during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Zhao
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Yuepeng Jiang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Tianyue Jiang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Xinyu Han
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Xiaoling Feng
- Department of First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China.
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15
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Su Y, Zhang JJ, He JL, Liu XQ, Chen XM, Ding YB, Tong C, Peng C, Geng YQ, Wang YX, Gao RF. Endometrial autophagy is essential for embryo implantation during early pregnancy. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:555-567. [PMID: 32072231 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-019-01849-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Embryo implantation is an essential and complex process in mammalian reproduction. However, little evidence has indicated the involvement of autophagy during embryo implantation. To determine the possible role of autophagy in uterine of pregnant mice during the peri-implantation stage, we first examined the expression of autophagy-related markers ATG5 and LC3 on day 4, 5, and 6 of pregnancy (D4, D5, and D6, respectively). Compared with expression on D4, downregulation of the autophagy-related markers was observed on D5 and D6, the days after the embryo attached to the receptivity endometrium. Further examination showed that autophagy-related markers ATG5, ATG12, LC3, cathepsin B, and P62 at the implantation site were significantly decreased when comparing with the inter-implantation site. Fewer number of autophagosomes at the implantation site were also observed by transmission electron microscopy. To confirm the functional role of autophagy during embryo implantation in mice, we administered the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine and chloroquine to mice. After treated with 3-methyladenine, the expression of decidual markers HOXA10 and progesterone receptor were significantly reduced. Furthermore, a reduction in implantation sites and increase in the HOXA10 and PR protein levels were observed in response to chloroquine treatment. In addition, impaired uterine decidualization and dysregulation of the PR and HOXA10 protein levels was observed after autophagy inhibited by 3-methyladenine and chloroquine in in vivo artificial decidualization mouse model. In the last, LC3 and P62 were also observed in normal human proliferative, secretory, and decidua tissues. In conclusion, endometrial autophagy may be essential for embryo implantation, and it may be associated with endometrial decidualization during early pregnancy. KEY MESSAGE: • Autophagy-related markers were significantly decreased at implantation site. • Autophagy inhibition results in abnormal decidualization. • Autophagy is essential for embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Su
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction&Development, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Juan-Juan Zhang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, 32 South Renmin Road, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, China
| | - Jun-Lin He
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction&Development, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xue-Qing Liu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction&Development, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xue-Mei Chen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction&Development, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction&Development, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Chao Tong
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction&Development, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Chuan Peng
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction&Development, Chongqing, 400016, China
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Major Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yan-Qing Geng
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction&Development, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction&Development, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Ru-Fei Gao
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction&Development, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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16
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Huang F, Wu Y, Zhang D, Liu X, Wang Z. Carbon disulfide induced decidualization disorder in the mice uterus at the window of implantation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 190:110069. [PMID: 31841894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.110069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Carbon disulfide (CS2) is regarded as a common occupational poison that is widely used in the textile industry in China. Our previous research suggests that CS2 can induce significant implantation disorders in pregnant mice; however, the specific mechanism remains unclear. Uterine conception in mice must undergo decidualization, which is the prerequisite for propitious blastocyst implantation into the endometrium. Therefore, in this study, we established models of pregnant mice to explore the toxic effects of CS2 on decidualization to elucidate the basic mechanism of implantation disorder after CS2 exposure. The uterine tissues were immediately collected according to the predetermined endpoints to measure the expression levels of IGFBP1 and PRL (markers of decidualization differentiation), IL-11 (representing the secretory function of decidual cells), AKT and pAKT by western blotting, RT-PCR, immunohistochemical staining, H&E staining and ELISA. N-carbamoyl glutamic acid (NCG) acted as an agonist of AKT to verify the upstream regulatory mechanism of decidualization disorder by CS2. The results showed that the normal reaction of decidual transformation was obviously disrupted by CS2 upon 3.5 dpc and 4.5 dpc exposure. The blastocyst did not adhere to the epithelium after 3.5 dpc-exposure and did not invade the endometrium after 4.5 dpc-exposure, resulting in its suspension in the uterine cavity, stagnation and eventual loss. The proteins expression levels were decreased by 95.2% for IGFBP1 and 76.2% for PRL at the 4.5 dpc endpoint after 3.5 dpc CS2 exposure compared with the control. Simultaneously, the mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-11 in uterine tissues were significantly reduced by CS2, and consistent decreasing trends over time were observed for IGFBP1 and PRL, compared with the control. Additionally, the ratio of pAKT/AKT protein expression was decreased by 72.2% and 94.8% at 12 h and 18 h after 3.5 dpc exposure and by 53.3% and 74.3% at 6 h and 12 h after 4.5 dpc exposure, respectively, compared with the corresponding controls. Furthermore, NCG could recover the IGFBP1 and PRL protein expression, which was increased by 27.5% and 52.3% at 4.5 dpc and 6.5 dpc, respectively, after 3.5 dpc exposure for IGFBP1 and by 30.3% at 6.5 dpc after 4.5 dpc exposure for PRL, compared with CS2 exposure alone. Collectively, this study suggested that the decidualization disorder caused by CS2 at the window of implantation in pregnant mice, which is triggered by pAKT, contributed to the implantation disorder and eventually led to embryo loss. It is worth noting that our study may provide a new perspective and reference for exploring the toxic mechanism of implantation disorder and even infertility in harmful circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyan Huang
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Yanling Wu
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Danhua Zhang
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China; Zhengzhou Eighth People's Hospital, PR China
| | - Xinai Liu
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Zhiping Wang
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China.
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17
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Yang S, Wang H, Li D, Li M. Role of Endometrial Autophagy in Physiological and Pathophysiological Processes. J Cancer 2019; 10:3459-3471. [PMID: 31293650 PMCID: PMC6603423 DOI: 10.7150/jca.31742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrium is the mucosal lining of the uterus which expressed a cyclic process of proliferation, secretion and scaling under the control of hormones secreted by the ovary, and it also plays an indispensable role in the embryo implantation, the constitution of fetal-maternal interface, and the maintaining of pregnancy. In pathophysiological conditions, the abnormality or disorder of endometrium may lead to endometrium-related diseases, such as endometriosis, endometrium hyperplasia and even endometrial carcinoma. In recent years, more and more evidence revealed that autophagy exists in both the endometrium stroma cells and epithelial cells, and the activity of autophagy is changed in the different phases of menstruation, as well as in the endometrium-related diseases. Here, we aim to review the activity level, the regulatory factors and the function of autophagy in physiological and pathophysiological endometria, and to discuss the potential value of autophagy as a target for therapies of endometrium-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoliang Yang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Gynecology of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Dajin Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingqing Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, 200080, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
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