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Xu H, Xia Q, Shu C, Lan J, Wang X, Gao W, Lv S, Lin R, Xie Z, Xiong X, Li F, Zhang J, Gong X. In vivo endoscopic optical coherence elastography based on a miniature probe. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:4237-4252. [PMID: 39022537 PMCID: PMC11249679 DOI: 10.1364/boe.521154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Optical coherence elastography (OCE) is a functional extension of optical coherence tomography (OCT). It offers high-resolution elasticity assessment with nanoscale tissue displacement sensitivity and high quantification accuracy, promising to enhance diagnostic precision. However, in vivo endoscopic OCE imaging has not been demonstrated yet, which needs to overcome key challenges related to probe miniaturization, high excitation efficiency and speed. This study presents a novel endoscopic OCE system, achieving the first endoscopic OCE imaging in vivo. The system features the smallest integrated OCE probe with an outer diameter of only 0.9 mm (with a 1.2-mm protective tube during imaging). Utilizing a single 38-MHz high-frequency ultrasound transducer, the system induced rapid deformation in tissues with enhanced excitation efficiency. In phantom studies, the OCE quantification results match well with compression testing results, showing the system's high accuracy. The in vivo imaging of the rat vagina demonstrated the system's capability to detect changes in tissue elasticity continually and distinguish between normal tissue, hematomas, and tissue with increased collagen fibers precisely. This research narrows the gap for the clinical implementation of the endoscopic OCE system, offering the potential for the early diagnosis of intraluminal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxing Xu
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Qingrong Xia
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang 421002, China
| | - Chengyou Shu
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jiale Lan
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Xiatian Wang
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wen Gao
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shengmiao Lv
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Riqiang Lin
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhihua Xie
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiaohui Xiong
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Fei Li
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Jinke Zhang
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiaojing Gong
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Intrauterine botulinum toxin A administration promotes endometrial regeneration mediated by IGFBP3-dependent OPN proteolytic cleavage in thin endometrium. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:26. [PMID: 36602651 PMCID: PMC9816300 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04684-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Adequate endometrial growth is a critical factor for successful embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance. We previously reported the efficacy of intrauterine administration of botulinum toxin A (BoTA) in improving the endometrial angiogenesis and the rates of embryo implantation. Here, we further evaluated its potent therapeutic effects on the uterine structural and functional repair and elucidated underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms. This study demonstrated that a murine model of thin endometrium was successfully established by displaying dramatically decreased endometrial thickness and the rates of embryo implantation compared to normal endometrium. Interestingly, the expressions of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) and an active 35 kDa-form of osteopontin (OPN) were significantly reduced in thin endometrium, which were almost fully restored by intrauterine BoTA administration. Neutralization of BoTA-induced IGFBP3 subsequently suppressed proteolytic cleavage of OPN, exhibiting un-recovered endometrial thickness even in the presence of BoTA administration, suggesting that BoTA-induced endometrial regeneration might be mediated by IGFBP3-dependent OPN proteolytic cleavage. Our findings suggest that intrauterine BoTA administration improves the endometrial environment in our murine model with thin endometrium by increasing endometrial receptivity and angiogenesis in a manner dependent on the regulatory effect of IGFBP3 on OPN proteolytic cleavage, proposing BoTA as an efficient therapeutic strategy for the patients with thin endometrium.
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Chen K, Zheng S, Fang F. Endometrial Stem Cells and Their Applications in Intrauterine Adhesion. Cell Transplant 2023; 32:9636897231159561. [PMID: 36891869 PMCID: PMC9998408 DOI: 10.1177/09636897231159561] [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] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA), resulting from pregnancy or nonpregnant uterine trauma, is one of the major causes of abnormal menstruation, infertility, or repeated pregnancy loss. Although a few methods, including hysteroscopy and hormone therapy, are routinely used for its diagnosis and treatment, they cannot restore tissue regeneration. Stem cells, which have self-renewal and tissue regeneration abilities, have been proposed as a promising therapy for patients with severe IUAs. In this review, we summarize the origin and features of endometrium-associated stem cells and their applications in the treatment of IUAs based on animal models and human clinical trials. We expect that this information will help to elucidate the underlying mechanism for tissue regeneration and to improve the design of stem cell-based therapies for IUAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center & Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Shengxia Zheng
- Reproductive Medicine Center & Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Fang Fang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Li J, Pan Y, Yang J, Wang J, Jiang Q, Dou H, Hou Y. Tumor necrosis factor-α-primed mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes promote M2 macrophage polarization via Galectin-1 and modify intrauterine adhesion on a novel murine model. Front Immunol 2022; 13:945234. [PMID: 36591221 PMCID: PMC9800892 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.945234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a condition caused due to damage or infection of the endometrium. It is characterized by continuous inflammation and following fibrosis and dysfunction. However, the current animal IUA models have several disadvantages, including complex operation, high mortality, and many extra distractions owing to opening of the abdominal cavity to expose the uterus. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have been used in treatment of IUA, are heterogeneous and immunosuppressive. However, their therapeutic effect is not as good as expected. Methods Here, we successfully built a new murine IUA model, called electric tool-scratching IUA model, and applied it in our experiments to investigate the efficacy of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) primed MSCs (T-MSCs). In the new model, we used a self-made electric tool that can cause mechanical damage to the endometrium without opening the abdominal cavity. ELISA and histological staining analysis were performed to evaluate pathological features of IUA. qRT-PCR, flow cytometry and immunofluoresence staining were performed to detect the phenotypes of macrophages. TMT proteomics quantification and western blotting assay were performed to analyze the differentially expressed proteins of MSC exosomes. Results Based on the new IUA model, we found TNF-α pretreatment could enhance the ability of MSCs to relieve inflammation and reduce endometrium fibrosis. Mechanistically, T-MSC promoted macrophage polarization to M2 phenotype through exosomes. Subsequently, we found the expression of Galectin-1 was increased in T-MSC exosomes. Finally, we analyzed the gene expression pattern of Galectin-1 treated macrophages and found Galectin-1 promoted macrophage polarization to M2 phenotype mainly through the Jak-STAT signaling pathway. Conclusions Our studies proposed an innovative mouse model and a better MSC treatment strategy for IUA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingman Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuchen Pan
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China,Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, The Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiali Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Jiang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huan Dou
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China,*Correspondence: Yayi Hou, ; Huan Dou,
| | - Yayi Hou
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China,*Correspondence: Yayi Hou, ; Huan Dou,
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López-Martínez S, Rodríguez-Eguren A, de Miguel-Gómez L, Francés-Herrero E, Faus A, Díaz A, Pellicer A, Ferrero H, Cervelló I. Bioengineered endometrial hydrogels with growth factors promote tissue regeneration and restore fertility in murine models. Acta Biomater 2021; 135:113-125. [PMID: 34428563 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogels obtained from decellularized tissues are promising biocompatible materials for tissue regeneration. These biomaterials may provide important options for endometrial pathologies such as Asherman's syndrome and endometrial atrophy, which lack effective therapies thus far. First, we performed a proteomic analysis of a decellularized endometrial porcine hydrogel (EndoECM) to describe the specific role of ECM proteins related to regenerative processes. Furthermore, we investigated the ability of a bioengineered system-EndoECM alone or supplemented with growth factors (GFs)-to repair the endometrium in a murine model of endometrial damage. For this model, the uterine horns of female C57BL/6 mice were first injected with 70% ethanol, then four days later, they were treated with: saline (negative control); biotin-labeled EndoECM; or biotin-labeled EndoECM plus platelet-derived GF, basic fibroblast GF, and insulin-like GF 1 (EndoECM+GF). Endometrial regeneration and fertility restoration were evaluated by assessing the number of glands, endometrial area, cell proliferation, neaoangiogenesis, reduction of collagen deposition, and fertility restoration. Interestingly, regenerative effects such as an increased number of endometrial glands, increased area, high cell proliferative index, development of new blood vessels, reduction of collagen deposition, and higher pregnancy rate occurred in mice treated with EndoECM+GF. Thus, a bioengineered system based on EndoECM hydrogel supplemented with GFs may be promising for the clinical treatment of endometrial conditions such as Asherman's syndrome and endometrial atrophy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In the last years, the bioengineering field has developed new and promising approaches to regenerate tissues or replace damaged and diseased tissues. Bioengineered hydrogels offer an ideal option because these materials can be used not only as treatments but also as carriers of drugs and other therapeutics. The present work demonstrates for the first time how hydrogels derived from pig endometrium loaded with growth factors could treat uterine pathologies in a mouse model of endometrial damage. These findings provide scientific evidence about bioengineered hydrogels based on tissue-specific extracellular matrix offering new options to treat human infertility from endometrial causes such as Asherman's syndrome or endometrial atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara López-Martínez
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Hospital La Fe, Torre A, Planta 1ª, Valencia 46026, Spain
| | - Adolfo Rodríguez-Eguren
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Hospital La Fe, Torre A, Planta 1ª, Valencia 46026, Spain
| | - Lucía de Miguel-Gómez
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Hospital La Fe, Torre A, Planta 1ª, Valencia 46026, Spain; University of Valencia, Avenida de Blasco Ibáñez, 13, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Emilio Francés-Herrero
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Hospital La Fe, Torre A, Planta 1ª, Valencia 46026, Spain; University of Valencia, Avenida de Blasco Ibáñez, 13, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Amparo Faus
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Hospital La Fe, Torre A, Planta 1ª, Valencia 46026, Spain
| | - Ana Díaz
- University of Valencia, Avenida de Blasco Ibáñez, 13, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- University of Valencia, Avenida de Blasco Ibáñez, 13, Valencia 46010, Spain; IVIRMA Roma, Largo Ildebrando Pizzetti, 1, Roma 00197, Italy
| | - Hortensia Ferrero
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Hospital La Fe, Torre A, Planta 1ª, Valencia 46026, Spain
| | - Irene Cervelló
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, Hospital La Fe, Torre A, Planta 1ª, Valencia 46026, Spain.
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de Miguel-Gómez L, Romeu M, Pellicer A, Cervelló I. Strategies for managing asherman's syndrome and endometrial atrophy: Since the classical experimental models to the new bioengineering approach. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:527-543. [PMID: 34293229 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial function is essential for embryo implantation and pregnancy, but managing endometrial thickness that is too thin to support pregnancy or an endometrium of compromised functionality due to intrauterine adhesions is an ongoing challenge in reproductive medicine. Here, we review current and emerging therapeutic and experimental options for endometrial regeneration with a focus on animal models used to study solutions for Asherman's syndrome and endometrial atrophy, which both involve a damaged endometrium. A review of existing literature was performed that confirmed the lack of consensus on endometrial therapeutic options, though promising new alternatives have emerged in recent years (platelet-rich plasma, exosomes derived from stem cells, bioengineering-based techniques, endometrial organoids, among others). In the future, basic research using established experimental models of endometrial pathologies (combined with new high-tech solutions) and human clinical trials with large population sizes are needed to evaluate these emerging and new endometrial therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía de Miguel-Gómez
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
- University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mónica Romeu
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain
- Women's Health Area, Human Reproduction Unit, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Irene Cervelló
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
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Zhang S, Sun Y, Jiang D, Chen T, Liu R, Li X, Lu Y, Qiao L, Pan Y, Liu Y, Lin J. Construction and Optimization of an Endometrial Injury Model in Mice by Transcervical Ethanol Perfusion. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:693-702. [PMID: 32939736 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00296-2] [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: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to establish a stable animal model of intrauterine adhesion (IUA) using a minimally invasive method that recapitulates the clinicopathologic characteristics of IUA. Mice were randomly divided into groups based on the ethanol treatment time (the EtOH-10 s, EtOH-20 s, EtOH-40 s, EtOH-1 min, and sham operation groups), and after the cervix was relaxed with phloroglucinol, the uterine horn was perfused with 95% ethanol through the cervix to induce endometrial injury. Eight days after the procedure, routine biochemical assays were performed to assess liver and kidney function; HE and Masson staining were used to assess uterine morphology and fibrosis; and immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of CD31 and F4/80 in the endometrium. Furthermore, the fertility of mice in the EtOH-40 s group and the sham operation group was compared. As expected, the ethanol treatment time was positively correlated with the degree of uterine damage and kidney dysfunction in mice. In particular, the endometria of mice in the EtOH-40 s group were significantly thinner than those of mice in the sham operation group and exhibited severe necrosis, glandular loss, incomplete epithelial and glandular epithelial cell structure, severe tissue fibrosis, an activated inflammatory response, and a significant decrease in the number of fetuses, consistent with the clinical characteristics of severe IUA. In conclusion, this study resulted in successful establishment, by a minimally invasive transcervical ethanol perfusion technique, of a mouse model of endometrial injury, which could support an in-depth study of IUA pathogenesis and further promote the development of IUA therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghui Zhang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453100, China
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Yuliang Sun
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Dongli Jiang
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
- School of International Education of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Tongtong Chen
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Ruihong Liu
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Yilin Lu
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Liang Qiao
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Ying Pan
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453100, China.
| | - Yanli Liu
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Juntang Lin
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
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Effects of Natural Progesterone and Synthetic Progestin on Germ Layer Gene Expression in a Human Embryoid Body Model. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030769. [PMID: 31991577 PMCID: PMC7036864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural progesterone and synthetic progestin are widely used for the treatment of threatened abortion or in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. This in vitro study aimed to assess whether the treatment with natural progesterone or synthetic progestin influences the germ layer gene expression on the early human embryonic development using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs)-derived embryoid bodies (hEBs) as a surrogate of early stage human embryonic development. Human EBs derived from hESCs were cultured for nine days, and were treated with natural progesterone (P4) or synthetic progestin, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) at 10–7 M for five days. To reverse the effects of treatment, mifepristone (RU486) as progesterone antagonist was added to the hEBs for four days starting one day after the initiation of treatment. Mouse blastocysts (mBLs) were cultured in vitro for 24 h, and P4 or MPA at 10−7 M was treated for an additional 24 h. The treated embryos were further transferred onto in vitro cultured endometrial cells to evaluate chorionic gonadotropin (CG) expression. To analyze the effects of P4 or MPA, the expression of differentiation genes representing the three germ layers was investigated, GATA-binding factor 4 (GATA4), α-fetoprotein (AFP), hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-3β, hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-4α (endoderm), Brachyury, cardiac actin (cACT) (mesoderm), and Nestin (ectoderm), using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunostaining. Significantly lower expressions of HNF-3β, HNF-4α, Brachyury, and Nestin were observed in MPA-treated hEBs (all p < 0.05), which was negated by RU486 treatment. This inhibitory effect of MPA was also observed in mouse embryos. Conclusively, the effects of natural progesterone and synthetic progestin may differ in the germ layer gene expression in the hEB model, which suggests that caution is necessary in the use of progestogen.
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Animal Models for Human Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Focused on the Use of Indirect Hormonal Perturbations: A Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20112720. [PMID: 31163591 PMCID: PMC6600358 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hormonal disturbances, such as hyperandrogenism, are considered important for developing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in humans. Accordingly, directly hormone-regulated animal models are widely used for studying PCOS, as they replicate several key PCOS features. However, the pathogenesis and treatment of PCOS are still unclear. In this review, we aimed to investigate animal PCOS models and PCOS-like phenotypes in animal experiments without direct hormonal interventions and determine the underlying mechanisms for a better understanding of PCOS. We summarized animal PCOS models that used indirect hormonal interventions and suggested or discussed pathogenesis of PCOS-like features in animals and PCOS-like phenotypes generated in other animals. We presented integrated physiological insights and shared cellular pathways underlying the pathogenesis of PCOS in reviewed animal models. Our review indicates that the hormonal and metabolic changes could be due to molecular dysregulations, such as upregulated PI3K-Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signalling, that potentially cause PCOS-like phenotypes in the animal models. This review will be helpful for considering alternative animal PCOS models to determine the cellular/molecular mechanisms underlying PCOS symptoms. The efforts to determine the specific cellular mechanisms of PCOS will contribute to novel treatments and control methods for this complex syndrome.
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