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Pilsova A, Pilsova Z, Klusackova B, Zelenkova N, Chmelikova E, Postlerova P, Sedmikova M. Hydrogen sulfide and its role in female reproduction. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1378435. [PMID: 38933705 PMCID: PMC11202402 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1378435] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous signaling molecule produced in the body by three enzymes: cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST). H2S is crucial in various physiological processes associated with female mammalian reproduction. These include estrus cycle, oocyte maturation, oocyte aging, ovulation, embryo transport and early embryo development, the development of the placenta and fetal membranes, pregnancy, and the initiation of labor. Despite the confirmed presence of H2S-producing enzymes in all female reproductive tissues, as described in this review, the exact mechanisms of H2S action in these tissues remain in most cases unclear. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the knowledge about the presence and effects of H2S in these tissues and outline possible signaling pathways that mediate these effects. Understanding these pathways may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies in the field of women's health and perinatal medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Pilsova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
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Carrera ARM, Eleazar EG, Caparanga AR, Tayo LL. Theoretical Studies on the Quantitative Structure-Toxicity Relationship of Polychlorinated Biphenyl Congeners Reveal High Affinity Binding to Multiple Human Nuclear Receptors. TOXICS 2024; 12:49. [PMID: 38251005 PMCID: PMC10821279 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are organic chemicals consisting of a biphenyl structure substituted with one to ten chlorine atoms, with 209 congeners depending on the number and position of the chlorine atoms. PCBs are widely known to be endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and have been found to be involved in several diseases/disorders. This study takes various molecular descriptors of these PCBs (e.g., molecular weight) and toxicity endpoints as molecular activities, investigating the possibility of correlations via the quantitative structure-toxicity relationship (QSTR). This study then focuses on molecular docking and dynamics to investigate the docking behavior of the strongest-binding PCBs to nuclear receptors and compares these to the docking behavior of their natural ligands. Nuclear receptors are a family of transcription factors activated by steroid hormones, and they have been investigated to consider the impact of PCBs on humans in this context. It has been observed that the docking affinity of PCBs is comparable to that of the natural ligands, but they are inferior in terms of stability and interacting forces, as shown by the RMSD and total energy values. However, it is noted that most nuclear receptors respond to PCBs similarly to how they respond to their natural ligands-as shown in the RMSF plots-the most similar of which are seen in the ER, THR-β, and RAR-α. However, this study is performed purely in silico and will need experimental verification for validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Raphael M. Carrera
- School of Graduate Studies, Mapúa University, Manila 1002, Philippines; (A.R.M.C.); (E.G.E.)
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Manila 1002, Philippines;
| | - Elisa G. Eleazar
- School of Graduate Studies, Mapúa University, Manila 1002, Philippines; (A.R.M.C.); (E.G.E.)
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Manila 1002, Philippines;
| | - Alvin R. Caparanga
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Manila 1002, Philippines;
| | - Lemmuel L. Tayo
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Manila 1002, Philippines;
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mapúa University, Makati 1200, Philippines
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3
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Afloarea OT, Cheaburu Yilmaz CN, Verestiuc L, Bibire N. Development of Vaginal Carriers Based on Chitosan-Grafted-PNIPAAm for Progesterone Administration. Gels 2022; 8:gels8090596. [PMID: 36135308 PMCID: PMC9498816 DOI: 10.3390/gels8090596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chitosan-based hydrogels possess numerous advantages, such as biocompatibility and non-toxicity, and it is considered a proper material to be used in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Vaginal administration of progesterone represents a viable alternative for maintaining pregnancy and reducing the risk of miscarriage and in supporting the corpus luteum during fertilization cycles. This study aimed to develop new formulations for vaginal administration of progesterone (PGT). A previously synthesized responsive chitosan-grafted-poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (CS-g-PNIPAAm) was formulated in various compositions with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as external crosslinking agent to obtain pH- and temperature-dependent hydrogels; the hydrogels had the capacity to withstand shear forces encountered in the vagina due to its mechanism of swelling once in contact with vaginal fluids. Three different hydrogels based on grafted chitosan were analyzed via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), swelling tests, in vitro drug release, and bioadhesion properties by TA.XTplus texture analysis. A higher amount of PVA decreased the swelling and the bioadhesion capacities of the hydrogel. All hydrogels showed sensitivity to temperature and pH in terms of swelling and in vitro delivery characteristics. By loading progesterone, the studied hydrogels seemed to possess even higher sensitivity than drug-free matrices. The release profile of the active substance and the bioadhesion characteristics recommended the CS-g-PNIPAAm/PVA 80/20 +PGT (P1) hydrogel as a proper constituent for the vaginal formulation for progesterone administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana-Teodora Afloarea
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iaşi, Romania
| | - Catalina Natalia Cheaburu Yilmaz
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41 A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iaşi, Romania
- Correspondence: (C.N.C.Y.); (L.V.)
| | - Liliana Verestiuc
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iaşi, Romania
- Correspondence: (C.N.C.Y.); (L.V.)
| | - Nela Bibire
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iaşi, Romania
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Mitoma T, Hayata K, Yokohata S, Ohira A, Kashino C, Kirino S, Tani K, Maki J, Eto E, Masuyama H. Diffuse myometrium thinning and placenta accreta spectrum in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): a case report and review of the literature. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:535. [PMID: 35780086 PMCID: PMC9250175 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04864-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cases of uterine wall thinning and placental abnormalities complicated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during pregnancy have been reported in Asian countries for ten years. Long-term steroid use can cause muscle degeneration, but the mechanism of myometrium thinning was not known. Through the review of published articles, this report is the first review of cases to discuss the pathogenesis and clinical features of thinned myometrium and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in pregnant patients with SLE. CASE PRESENTATION A twenty-nine-year-old primigravida with a history of lupus enteritis and paralytic ileus had a natural conception after less than two years of steroid treatment. An ultrasonographic study showed a thin uterine wall with a widespread thick placenta on the entire surface of the uterine cavity in the third trimester. At the 39th gestational week, she underwent a cesarean section due to the failure of the uterus to contract, even though the injection of oxytocin. There were several engorged vessels on the surface of the anterior uterine wall at the time of laparotomy. We decided to perform a hysterectomy because diffuse PAS replaced her uterus. CONCLUSION A review of reported cases and our case shows an unusual complication of SLE that might be related to the particular condition of the estrogen-mediated immune system. Clinicians should always pay attention to the possibility of uterine wall thinning as uterine atony and the structural abnormality of the placenta for SLE patients with the unscarred uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Mitoma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama city, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
| | - Kei Hayata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama city, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Satomi Yokohata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama city, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Akiko Ohira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama city, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Chiaki Kashino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama city, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Satoe Kirino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama city, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Tani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama city, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Jota Maki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama city, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Eriko Eto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama city, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hisashi Masuyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama city, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
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Huang Y, Luo W, Luo X, Wu X, Li J, Sun Y, Tang S, Cao J, Gong Y. Comparative Analysis Among Different Species Reveals That the Androgen Receptor Regulates Chicken Follicle Selection Through Species-Specific Genes Related to Follicle Development. Front Genet 2022; 12:752976. [PMID: 35046998 PMCID: PMC8762282 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.752976] [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: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The differences in reproductive processes at the molecular level between viviparous and oviparous animals are evident, and the site in the ovary that synthesizes sex hormones (androgens and oestrogens) and the trends for enriching sex hormones during follicle development in chickens are different from those in mammals, suggesting that the effect of sex hormones on follicle development in chickens is probably different from that in viviparous animals. To explore the specific role of androgen receptors (ARs) on chicken follicular development, we matched the correspondence of follicular development stages among chickens, humans, cows and identified chicken-specific genes related to follicle development (GAL-SPGs) by comparing follicle development-related genes and their biological functions among species (chickens, humans, and cows). A comparison of the core transcription factor regulatory network of granulosa cells (or ovaries) based on super-enhancers among species (chicken, human, and mouse) revealed that AR is a core transcriptional regulator specific to chickens. In vivo experiments showed that inhibition of AR significantly reduced the number of syf (selected stage follicles) in chickens and decreased the expression of GAL-SPGs in F5 follicles, while in vitro experiments showed that inhibition of AR expression in chicken granulosa cells (GCs) significantly down-regulated the expression levels of GAL-SPGs, indicating that AR could regulate follicle selection through chicken-specific genes related to follicle development. A comparison among species (77 vertebrates) of the conserved genomic regions, where chicken super-enhancers are located, revealed that the chicken AR super-enhancer region is conserved in birds, suggesting that the role of AR in follicle selection maybe widespread in birds. In summary, we found that AR can regulate follicle selection through chicken-specific genes related to follicle development, which also emphasizes the important role of AR in follicle selection in chickens and provides a new perspective for understanding the unique process of follicle development in chickens. Our study will contribute to the application of androgens to the control of egg production in chickens and suggests that researchers can delve into the mechanisms of follicle development in birds based on androgen/androgen receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Huang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China.,Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xuliang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinqiu Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China.,Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuixin Tang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianhua Cao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanzhang Gong
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
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Khader N, Shchuka VM, Shynlova O, Mitchell JA. Transcriptional control of parturition: insights from gene regulation studies in the myometrium. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaab024. [PMID: 33823545 PMCID: PMC8126590 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The onset of labour is a culmination of a series of highly coordinated and preparatory physiological events that take place throughout the gestational period. In order to produce the associated contractions needed for foetal delivery, smooth muscle cells in the muscular layer of the uterus (i.e. myometrium) undergo a transition from quiescent to contractile phenotypes. Here, we present the current understanding of the roles transcription factors play in critical labour-associated gene expression changes as part of the molecular mechanistic basis for this transition. Consideration is given to both transcription factors that have been well-studied in a myometrial context, i.e. activator protein 1, progesterone receptors, oestrogen receptors, and nuclear factor kappa B, as well as additional transcription factors whose gestational event-driving contributions have been demonstrated more recently. These transcription factors may form pregnancy- and labour-associated transcriptional regulatory networks in the myometrium to modulate the timing of labour onset. A more thorough understanding of the transcription factor-mediated, labour-promoting regulatory pathways holds promise for the development of new therapeutic treatments that can be used for the prevention of preterm labour in at-risk women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawrah Khader
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Virlana M Shchuka
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Oksana Shynlova
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer A Mitchell
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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7
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de Barros JWF, Villela E Silva P, da Silva GV, da Silva KP, Borges CDS, Mueller A, Valencise L, Pupo AS, Kempinas WDG. Rosuvastatin exposure in female Wistar rats alters uterine contractility and do not show evident (anti)estrogenic effects. Drug Chem Toxicol 2021; 45:2233-2245. [PMID: 33934680 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2021.1919139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Statins are 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor drugs that lead to serum-cholesterol-lowering effects. Rosuvastatin, a third-generation statin, has shown better results in reducing cholesterol concentrations when compared to other widely prescribed statins. Recent studies by our group reported that rosuvastatin impairs reproductive function in rats possibly by disrupting the reproductive-endocrine axis. In this study, we evaluated whether rosuvastatin presents estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects, by an in vivo uterotrophic assay in rats, and investigated the direct effect of this drug upon rat uterine tissue contractility both in non-gravid and gravid periods. Rosuvastatin exposure in vivo at doses of 0 (control), 3, and 10 mg/kg/d was not associated with estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects on uterine tissue. However, in vivo (doses of 0, 3, and 10 mg/kg/d) and ex vivo (concentrations of 0, 1, 10, and 100 µg/mL) exposures to this drug were related to alterations in uterine basal contraction pattern. Furthermore, in vivo and ex vivo rosuvastatin exposures potentially modulate the action of uterine contraction inducers carbachol, norepinephrine, and prostaglandin E2. Thus, rosuvastatin can affect uterine physiology not necessarily by an endocrine mechanism related to the estrogen signaling, but possibly by its pleiotropic effects, with indirect tissue and cellular interactions, since in vivo and ex vivo exposures of uterine fragments to rosuvastatin presented different responses in uterine contractile parameters, which require further studies upon the precise mechanism of action of this drug in female reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Willian Franco de Barros
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Villela E Silva
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Venâncio da Silva
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Katiussia Pinho da Silva
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Cibele Dos Santos Borges
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - André Mueller
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Lethícia Valencise
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - André Sampaio Pupo
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Wilma De Grava Kempinas
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
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Guerra DD, Bok R, Breen K, Vyas V, Jiang H, MacLean KN, Hurt KJ. Estrogen Regulates Local Cysteine Metabolism in Mouse Myometrium. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:79-90. [PMID: 32820455 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00284-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sulfur amino acid metabolism influences reproductive physiology, and transsulfuration in particular may be critical for normal cellular function. The sex hormone estrogen (E2) modulates gene expression and redox balance in some tissues by inducing the transsulfuration enzymes cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE). The role of sex hormones in sulfur amino acid metabolism by uterine smooth muscle is not known. Here, we show that CBS and CSE proteins increase in the mouse myometrium during estrus and diestrus, respectively, suggesting that E2 reciprocally regulates myometrial CBS and CSE expression. In ovariectomized mice, exogenous E2 upregulates CBS and downregulates CSE levels. E2 promotes CBS mRNA and protein expression but attenuates CSE protein expression without affecting CSE mRNA. This pattern of E2-stimulated changes in transsulfuration enzyme expression is specific to the uterine smooth muscle. E2 does not change vaginal or cervical expression of CBS or CSE significantly, and E2 decreases expression of CSE in the liver without affecting CBS. E2 also downregulates myometrial cysteinesulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSAD) and decreases myometrial biochemical synthesis of the gaso-transmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S). These findings suggest that myometrial sulfur amino acid metabolism may regulate uterine redox homeostasis, with implications for the source and metabolism of myometrial cysteine in high E2 states such as estrus and pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian D Guerra
- Department of Biology , University of Louisville , 2301 South 3rd Street, Louisville, Kentucky, 40292, USA
| | - Rachael Bok
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kelsey Breen
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Vibhuti Vyas
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Hua Jiang
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kenneth N MacLean
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - K Joseph Hurt
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Mail Stop 8613, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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9
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Mustafa FEZA, Elhanbaly R. Distribution of estrogen receptor in the rabbit cervix during pregnancy with special reference to stromal elements: an immunohistochemical study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13655. [PMID: 32788713 PMCID: PMC7423906 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70323-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The estrogen plays a critical role during pregnancy through their receptors. Although the rabbit is one of the most important lab animal estrogen receptor alpha (ERA) localization on basic cells, newly discovered cells including telocyte and neuroendocrine cells, vascular compartments and interstitium during pregnancy not been described. At 0 day pregnancy, the most prominent immunoreactivity was moderate to ERA and observed on the ciliated cells, secretory cells, blood plasma, and interstitium. The smooth muscles and the endothelial cells showed mild immunoreactivity to ERA. Lymphocytes only exhibited strong immunoreactivity to ERA. At 7 days pregnancy moderate immunoreactivity to ERA observed on ciliated cells, secretory cells, smooth muscles, interstitium, and lymphocytes. Strong immunoreactivity to ERA detected on endothelial cells and blood plasma. At 14 days of pregnancy, the most prominent immunoreactivity was strong and detected on ciliated cells, smooth muscles, lymphocytes, and interstitium. Moderate immunoreactivity detected on endothelial cells and blood plasma. Secretory cells only exhibited mild immunoreactivity to ERA. At 21 days of pregnancy, the immunoreactivity to ERA ranged between mild on ciliated cells, smooth muscles, blood plasma and interstitium and negative on secretory cells, endothelial cells and lymphocytes. Our results indicated that the frequency and intensity of ERA immunostaining in the rabbit cervix varied on different structural compartments of the cervix during different pregnancy stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma El-Zahraa A Mustafa
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Vet. Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515, Egypt.
| | - Ruwaida Elhanbaly
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Vet. Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515, Egypt
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Pillay P, Moodley K, Vatish M, Moodley J. Exosomal MicroRNAs in Pregnancy Provides Insight into a Possible Cure for Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155384. [PMID: 32751127 PMCID: PMC7432616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological links between cancer and pregnancy are of recent interest due to parallel proliferative, immunosuppressive and invasive mechanisms between tumour and trophoblast development. Therefore, understanding “cancer-like” mechanisms in pregnancy could lead to the development of novel cancer therapeutics, however, little is understood on how tumour and trophoblast cells recapitulate similar molecular mechanisms. Based on our observations from a previous study, it was not only evident that exosomal miRNAs are involved in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia but also contained cancer-specific miRNAs, which suggested that “pseudo-malignant-like” exosomal-mediated mechanisms exist in pregnancy. The presented study therefore aimed to identify exosomal miRNAs (exomiR) in pregnancy which can be repurposed towards preventing tumour metastasis and immunosuppression. It was identified that exomiR-302d-3p, exomiR-223-3p and exomiR-451a, commonly associated with cancer metastasis, were found to be highly expressed in pregnancy. Furthermore, computational merging and meta-analytical pathway analysis (DIANA miRPath) of significantly expressed exomiRs between 38 ± 1.9 vs. 30 ± 1.11 weeks of gestation indicated controlled regulation of biological pathways associated with cancer metastasis and immunosuppression. Therefore, the observations made in this study provide the experimental framework for the repurposing of exosomal miRNA molecular mechanisms in pregnancy towards treating and preventing cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preenan Pillay
- Pearson Institute of Higher Education, Faculty of Applied Science, Johannesburg 2153, South Africa
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford 38655, UK;
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +27-83-4402-486
| | - Kogi Moodley
- Discipline of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa;
| | - Manu Vatish
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford 38655, UK;
| | - Jagidesa Moodley
- Women’s Health and HIV Research Group, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa;
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