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Cera N, Pinto J, Pignatelli D. The Role of Oxytocin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5223-5241. [PMID: 38920985 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060313] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age, representing the primary cause of anovulatory infertility. The nonapeptide oxytocin (OT) plays an important role in cognitive, emotional, and reproductive functions in human beings. Oxytocin receptors are expressed in several body parts, including the ovaries. Despite this, the possible role played by oxytocin in symptoms of PCOS is not clear. The present systematic review aimed at understanding the presence of possible oxytocin level alterations in PCOS, the connection between alterations of OT levels and the symptoms of PCOS, and the effect of oxytocin administration in PCOS. After a systematic search in the principal databases, eight studies, five human and three animal, were included. Four human studies and one animal study highlighted the role played by oxytocin in fertility issues related to PCOS. Three human and two animal studies investigated the role of body weight and OT levels. Studies that analyzed oxytocin basal levels in women agreed that PCOS is associated with a reduction in the serum level of oxytocin. Two human studies and one animal study agreed about lower levels of oxytocin, confirming a possible implication of the dysfunction of OT in the pathogenesis of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Cera
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- Research Unit in Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy, Cross I&D Lisbon Research Centre, Escola Superior de Saúde da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa, 1300-125 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Pinto
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Duarte Pignatelli
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Endocrinology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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Yang M, Jiang H, Ding X, Zhang L, Zhang H, Chen J, Li L, He X, Huang Z, Chen Q. Multi-omics integration highlights the role of ubiquitination in endometriosis fibrosis. J Transl Med 2024; 22:445. [PMID: 38735939 PMCID: PMC11089738 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05245-0] [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: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis, characterized by the presence of active endometrial-like tissues outside the uterus, causes symptoms like dysmenorrhea and infertility due to the fibrosis of endometrial cells, which involves excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Ubiquitination, an important post-transcriptional modification, regulates various biological processes in human diseases. However, its role in the fibrosis process in endometriosis remains unclear. METHODS We employed multi-omics approaches on two cohorts of endometriosis patients with 39 samples. GO terms and KEGG pathways enrichment analyses were used to investigate the functional changes involved in endometriosis. Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between global proteome and ubiquitylome in endometriosis. The protein expression levels of ubiquitin-, fibrosis-related proteins, and E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase TRIM33 were validated via Western blot. Transfecting human endometrial stroma cells (hESCs) with TRIM33 small interfering RNA (siRNA) in vitro to explore how TRIM33 affects fibrosis-related proteins. RESULTS Integration of proteomics and transcriptomics showed genes with concurrent change of both mRNA and protein level which involved in ECM production in ectopic endometria. Ubiquitylomics distinguished 1647 and 1698 ubiquitinated lysine sites in the ectopic (EC) group compared to the normal (NC) and eutopic (EU) groups, respectively. Further multi-omics integration highlighted the essential role of ubiquitination in key fibrosis regulators in endometriosis. Correlation analysis between proteome and ubiquitylome showed correlation coefficients of 0.32 and 0.36 for ubiquitinated fibrosis proteins in EC/NC and EC/EU groups, respectively, indicating positive regulation of fibrosis-related protein expression by ubiquitination in ectopic lesions. We identified ubiquitination in 41 pivotal proteins within the fibrosis-related pathway of endometriosis. Finally, the elevated expression of TGFBR1/α-SMA/FAP/FN1/Collagen1 proteins in EC tissues were validated across independent samples. More importantly, we demonstrated that both the mRNA and protein levels of TRIM33 were reduced in endometriotic tissues. Knockdown of TRIM33 promoted TGFBR1/p-SMAD2/α-SMA/FN1 protein expressions in hESCs but did not significantly affect Collagen1/FAP levels, suggesting its inhibitory effect on fibrosis in vitro. CONCLUSIONS This study, employing multi-omics approaches, provides novel insights into endometriosis ubiquitination profiles and reveals aberrant expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM33 in endometriotic tissues, emphasizing their critical involvement in fibrosis pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Yang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecological Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Ding
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecological Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecological Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Huaying Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecological Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiahao Chen
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecological Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lijun Li
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecological Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xinqin He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Zhixiong Huang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecological Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Qionghua Chen
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecological Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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Colgrave EM, Keast JR, Nowell CJ, Healey M, Rogers PAW, Holdsworth-Carson SJ, Girling JE. Distribution of smooth muscle actin and collagen in superficial peritoneal endometriotic lesions varies from the surrounding microenvironment. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103610. [PMID: 38241767 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103610] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Do different subtypes of superficial peritoneal endometriotic lesions exist, based on the presence and morphology of smooth muscle, collagen fibres and immune cell populations? DESIGN A retrospective cohort study of 24 patients, from across the menstrual cycle, with surgically and histologically confirmed endometriosis. Immunofluorescence was used to delineate the CD10 stromal area of lesions (n = 271 lesions from 67 endometriotic biopsies), and then smooth muscle actin (SMA) positive tissue and immune cell populations (CD45+ and CD68+) were quantified within and adjacent to these lesions. Second harmonic generation microscopy was used to evaluate the presence and morphology of type-1 collagen fibres within and surrounding lesions. RESULTS Overall, immune cell numbers and the area of SMA and collagen within endometriotic lesions tended to be low, but a spectrum of presentations significantly varied, particularly in the adjacent tissue microenvironment, based on lesion locations, the morphology of endometriotic gland profiles, or both. Lesions in which collagen fibres formed well aligned capsules around the CD10+ stromal border were identified compared with lesions in which collagen fibre distribution was random. Considerable inter- and intra-patient variability in the morphology of SMA and collagen was observed within and surrounding lesions. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate considerable diversity in the presence of immune cells and morphology of SMA and collagen within, but even more so, surrounding endometriotic lesions, even within individual patients. This heterogeneity, especially within individual patients, presents a challenge to incorporating these cell and tissue types into any new endometriosis classification systems or prognostic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Morgan Colgrave
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Janet R Keast
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cameron J Nowell
- Imaging, FACS and Analysis Core, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin Healey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter A W Rogers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah J Holdsworth-Carson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Julia Argyrou Endometriosis Centre, Epworth HealthCare, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane E Girling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand.
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Zhang Q, Wu S, Li Y, Lai M, Li Q, Fu C, Yao Z, Zhang J. Endometriosis-targeted MRI imaging using bevacizumab-modified nanoparticles aimed at vascular endothelial growth factor. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:3994-4001. [PMID: 37496625 PMCID: PMC10367955 DOI: 10.1039/d2na00787h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a tumor-like disease with high recurrence. In this case, the accurate imaging-based diagnosis of endometriosis can help clinicians eradicate it by improving their surgical plan. However, although contrast agents can improve the visibility of the tissue of interest in vivo via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the lack of biomarkers in endometriosis hinders the development of agents for its targeted imaging and diagnosis. Herein, aiming at the enriched vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in endometriosis, we developed a targeting MRI contrast agent modified with bevacizumab, i.e., NaGdF4@PEG@bevacizumab-Cy5.5 nanoparticles (NPBCNs), to detect endometriosis. NPBCNs showed negligible cytotoxicity and high affinity towards VEGF in endometrial cells in vitro. Furthermore, NPBCNs generated a strong signal enhancement in vivo in endometriosis lesions in rats in T1-weighted images via MRI at 3 days post-injection, as confirmed by the histopathological staining results and fluorescence imaging on the same day. Our approach can enable NPBCNs to target endometriosis effectively, thus avoiding missed diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai 200040 P.R. China
| | - Shiman Wu
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai 200040 P.R. China
| | - Yajie Li
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai 200040 P.R. China
| | - Mao Lai
- Department of Radiology, The First People's Hospital of Jinghong Jinghong City Yunnan Province P.R. China
| | - Qing Li
- MR Collaborations, Siemens Healthineers Digital Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd Shanghai China
| | - Caixia Fu
- MR Application Development, Siemens Shenzhen Magnetic Resonance Ltd Gaoxin C. Ave, 2nd, Hi-Tech Industrial Park Shenzhen 518057 China
| | - Zhenwei Yao
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai 200040 P.R. China
| | - Junhai Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai 200040 P.R. China
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Marla S, Mortlock S, Yoon S, Crawford J, Andersen S, Mueller MD, McKinnon B, Nguyen Q, Montgomery GW. Global Analysis of Transcription Start Sites and Enhancers in Endometrial Stromal Cells and Differences Associated with Endometriosis. Cells 2023; 12:1736. [PMID: 37443771 PMCID: PMC10340717 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131736] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying tissue-specific molecular signatures of active regulatory elements is critical to understanding gene regulatory mechanisms. In this study, transcription start sites (TSS) and enhancers were identified using Cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE) across endometrial stromal cell (ESC) samples obtained from women with (n = 4) and without endometriosis (n = 4). ESC TSSs and enhancers were compared to those reported in other tissue and cell types in FANTOM5 and were integrated with RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data from the same samples for regulatory activity and network analyses. CAGE tag count differences between women with and without endometriosis were statistically tested and tags within close proximity to genetic variants associated with endometriosis risk were identified. Over 90% of tag clusters mapping to promoters were observed in cells and tissues in FANTOM5. However, some potential cell-type-specific promoters and enhancers were also observed. Regions of open chromatin identified using ATAC-seq provided further evidence of the active transcriptional regions identified by CAGE. Despite the small sample number, there was evidence of differences associated with endometriosis at 210 consensus clusters, including IGFBP5, CALD1 and OXTR. ESC TSSs were also located within loci associated with endometriosis risk from genome-wide association studies. This study provides novel evidence of transcriptional differences in endometrial stromal cells associated with endometriosis and provides a valuable cell-type specific resource of active TSSs and enhancers in endometrial stromal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushma Marla
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.M.); (S.M.); (B.M.); (Q.N.)
| | - Sally Mortlock
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.M.); (S.M.); (B.M.); (Q.N.)
| | - Sohye Yoon
- The Genome Innovation Hub, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.Y.); (J.C.); (S.A.)
| | - Joanna Crawford
- The Genome Innovation Hub, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.Y.); (J.C.); (S.A.)
| | - Stacey Andersen
- The Genome Innovation Hub, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.Y.); (J.C.); (S.A.)
| | - Michael D. Mueller
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland;
| | - Brett McKinnon
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.M.); (S.M.); (B.M.); (Q.N.)
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland;
| | - Quan Nguyen
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.M.); (S.M.); (B.M.); (Q.N.)
| | - Grant W. Montgomery
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.M.); (S.M.); (B.M.); (Q.N.)
- The Genome Innovation Hub, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.Y.); (J.C.); (S.A.)
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Pierzynowska K, Gaffke L, Żabińska M, Cyske Z, Rintz E, Wiśniewska K, Podlacha M, Węgrzyn G. Roles of the Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR) in Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043887. [PMID: 36835321 PMCID: PMC9966686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The oxytocin receptor (OXTR), encoded by the OXTR gene, is responsible for the signal transduction after binding its ligand, oxytocin. Although this signaling is primarily involved in controlling maternal behavior, it was demonstrated that OXTR also plays a role in the development of the nervous system. Therefore, it is not a surprise that both the ligand and the receptor are involved in the modulation of behaviors, especially those related to sexual, social, and stress-induced activities. As in the case of every regulatory system, any disturbances in the structures or functions of oxytocin and OXTR may lead to the development or modulation of various diseases related to the regulated functions, which in this case include either mental problems (autism, depression, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorders) or those related to the functioning of reproductive organs (endometriosis, uterine adenomyosis, premature birth). Nevertheless, OXTR abnormalities are also connected to other diseases, including cancer, cardiac disorders, osteoporosis, and obesity. Recent reports indicated that the changes in the levels of OXTR and the formation of its aggregates may influence the course of some inherited metabolic diseases, such as mucopolysaccharidoses. In this review, the involvement of OXTR dysfunctions and OXTR polymorphisms in the development of different diseases is summarized and discussed. The analysis of published results led us to suggest that changes in OXTR expression and OXTR abundance and activity are not specific to individual diseases, but rather they influence processes (mostly related to behavioral changes) that might modulate the course of various disorders. Moreover, a possible explanation of the discrepancies in the published results of effects of the OXTR gene polymorphisms and methylation on different diseases is proposed.
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Yao R, Zhao W, Gao B, Hu J, Wang T. Microbubble contrast agent SonoVue combined with oxytocin improves the efficiency of high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation for adenomyosis. Int J Hyperthermia 2021; 38:1601-1608. [PMID: 34763594 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2021.1993357] [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: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the combined enhancing effects of microbubble-contrast SonoVue and oxytocin on high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation of adenomyosis. METHODS 330 patients with adenomyosis were randomly assigned to SonoVue and oxytocin group (group A, n = 82), oxytocin (group B, n = 85), SonoVue (group C, n = 81), or the control (group D, n = 82) for HIFU ablation. In group A, oxytocin was dripped 0.32 IU/min, and HIFU ablation was started one minute after SonoVue injection. In group B, oxytocin was dripped 0.32 IU/min during ablation. In group C, HIFU ablation was started one minute after SonoVue injection. In group D, neither oxytocin nor SonoVue was applied. The clinical data, treatment results, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS All participants underwent HIFU treatment safely, and the mean energy efficiency factor (EEF) in the four groups was 4.7 ± 0.9J/mm3, 8.5 ± 0.6J/mm3, 8.9 ± 0.7J/mm3, and 12.6 ± 1.8J/mm3, respectively, with the mean ablation time (AT) of 633.7 ± 55.1 s, 874.2 ± 65.6 s, 936.3 ± 85.2 s, and 1103.2 ± 96.2 s, respectively. The non-perfused volume ratios (NPVR) were 90.4 ± 8.8%, 88.7 ± 9.1%, 89.4 ± 7.2%, 80.5 ± 7.9%, respectively. In addition, EEF and AT were the shortest in group A (p < 0.05). NPVR was significantly higher in group A than in the control group D (p < 0.05). The incidence rates of adverse events were not significantly different in the four groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compared to the control group, oxytocin combined with SonoVue in HIFU for adenomyosis can significantly decrease the energy and time needed for the ablation and safely enhance the treatment efficiency by improving the cavitation and heating of HIFU ablation and increasing the non-perfused volume ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihong Yao
- Medical Imaging Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Medical Imaging Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Bulang Gao
- Medical Imaging Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jihong Hu
- Medical Imaging Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Medical Imaging Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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The Role of Abnormal Uterine Junction Zone in the Occurrence and Development of Adenomyosis. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:2719-2730. [PMID: 34515984 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00684-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adenomyosis is a benign disease with a malignant behavior, bothering a lot of women at reproductive age who suffer from increased menstruation, prolonged menstruation, progressive dysmenorrhea, and infertility. At present, there is no effective treatment for adenomyosis. It seriously affects the life quality of these patients. However, the pathogenesis of adenomyosis is not yet clear. Recently, uterus junctional zone, defined as the inner 1/3 of myometrium between endometrium and myometrium, has gained broad attention. As is reported, the structure and function disorder of uterus junctional zone may play an important part in the occurrence and development of adenomyosis. In this issue, the present study generally reviews the role of uterine junction zone and the related mechanisms involved in adenomyosis, such as the local micro-damage, the formation of inflammatory and hypoxic microenvironment, changes of cytokines, and abnormalities of miRNA as well as signal pathways. It will provide new insights and potential therapeutic target strategies for clinical strategies in the management of adenomyosis.
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Yan D, Liu X, Xu H, Guo SW. Mesothelial Cells Participate in Endometriosis Fibrogenesis Through Platelet-Induced Mesothelial-Mesenchymal Transition. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5894452. [PMID: 32813013 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT While fibrosis in endometriosis has recently loomed prominently, the sources of myofibroblasts, the principal effector cell in fibrotic diseases, remain largely obscure. Mesothelial cells (MCs) can be converted into myofibroblasts through mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT) in many fibrotic diseases and adhesion. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether MCs contribute to the progression and fibrogenesis in endometriosis through MMT. SETTING, DESIGN, PATIENTS, INTERVENTION, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Dual immunofluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry using antibodies against calretinin, Wilms' tumor-1 (WT-1), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were performed on lesion samples from 30 patients each with ovarian endometrioma (OE) and deep endometriosis (DE), and 30 normal endometrial (NE) tissue samples. Human pleural and peritoneal MCs were co-cultured with activated platelets or control medium with and without neutralization of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and/or platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and their morphology, proliferation, and expression levels of genes and proteins known to be involved in MMT were evaluated, along with their migratory and invasive propensity, contractility, and collagen production. RESULTS The number of calretinin/WT-1 and α-SMA dual-positive fibroblasts in OE/DE lesions was significantly higher than NE samples. The extent of lesional fibrosis correlated positively with the lesional α-SMA staining levels. Human MCs co-cultured with activated platelets acquire a morphology suggestive of MMT, concomitant with increased proliferation, loss of calretinin expression, and marked increase in expression of mesenchymal markers. These changes coincided with functional differentiation as reflected by increased migratory and invasive capacity, contractility, and collagen production. Neutralization of TGF-β1 and PDGFR signaling abolished platelet-induced MMT in MCs. CONCLUSIONS MCs contribute to lesional progression and fibrosis through platelet-induced MMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingmin Yan
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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The Role of Ankaferd Blood Stopper and Oxytocin as Potential Therapeutic Agents in Endometriosis: A Rat Model. Curr Med Sci 2020; 40:556-562. [PMID: 32681259 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-020-2213-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the potential effect of Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) and oxytocin (OT) in an experimental endometriosis model, 18 female Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study. The animals were divided randomly into three groups after surgical induction of endometriosis: group 1: control group (isotonic NaCl, 1 mL/kg/day, intramuscular, n=6); group 2: OT group (OT, 80 U/kg/day, intramuscular, n=6); group 3: ABS group (ABS, 1.5 mL/kg/day, intraperitoneal, n=6). Each group was treated for four weeks (two times per week). Volumes of endometriotic explants were measured in biopsy samples for histopathological analysis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels were measured in plasma and peritoneal fluid. Endometriotic explant volumes were significantly decreased after OT administration (P<0.0001). The epithelial score was significantly decreased in both treatment groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). TUNEL immunohistochemistry showed more apoptotic changes in the endometriosis foci (gland epithelium and surrounding tissue) in the OT group than in the control group (P<0.05). The levels of VEGF, MCP-1, and TNF-α were significantly reduced in the OT group (P<0.05), whereas no significant changes in protein levels were found in the ABS-applied group. The results indicate that OT has greater potential as a therapeutic agent in experimentally induced peritoneal endometriosis, where ABS, which is a VEGF modulator, appears to act through different mechanisms to show its palliative effects on a rat model of peritoneal endometriosis.
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Ye J, Cai X, Wang D, Zhang F, Wang Z, Cao M, Pang Z, Yang J, Yan H, Li J, Cao P, Hu C. Shi Xiao San ameliorates the development of adenomyosis in an ICR mouse model. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:2845-2855. [PMID: 32765781 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of Shi Xiao San (SXS), composed of Pollen Typhae Angustifoliae and Faeces Trogopterori, can be traced back to the Song dynasty. Traditionally, SXS has been used to treat irregular menstruation, pelvic pain, progressive dysmenorrhea, and postpartum lochiorrhea. The management of adenomyosis (AM) is challenging and to the best of our knowledge there are currently no effective therapeutic strategies. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of SXS on the development of adenomyosis in a mouse model. AM was induced in 60 neonatal female ICR mice by administering tamoxifen; 10 randomly selected mice were used for model identification via histopathological examination and 10 mice treated with the solvent alone were used as the normal controls. A total of sixty days after birth, the mice treated with AM were randomly divided into four groups and administered one of the following treatments: Low-dose SXS (55 mg/kg); high-dose SXS (110 mg/kg); danazol (1 mg/20 g body weight); or no treatment (model group); at the same time, the normal control group received no treatment. After 2 months of treatment, hotplate and tail-flick tests were used to assess the response to noxious thermal stimuli in the mice, and plasma samples were collected to measure corticosterone levels. Hematoxylin and eosin staining scores of myometrial infiltration and the number of AM nodules were evaluated. Furthermore, the expression of genes associated with AM-related pain was also analyzed. The results from the present study indicated that treatment with SXS decreased myometrial infiltration, alleviated generalized hyperalgesia, and lowered plasma corticosterone levels in mice with induced AM. These findings suggest that SXS effectively attenuated the development of AM, and may serve as a promising treatment approach for AM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ye
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Xueting Cai
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Dawei Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Furong Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Zhigang Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Meng Cao
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Zhonghua Pang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Jie Yang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Huaijiang Yan
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Jing Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Peng Cao
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China.,College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Chunping Hu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
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12
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Ding D, Wang X, Chen Y, Benagiano G, Liu X, Guo SW. Evidence in Support for the Progressive Nature of Ovarian Endometriomas. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5819533. [PMID: 32282052 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Whether endometriosis is a progressive disease is a highly contentious issue. While progression is reported to be unlikely in asymptomatic deep endometriosis, progression in symptomatic deep endometriosis has recently been reported, especially in menstruating women. However, pathophysiological reasons for these differences are unclear. OBJECTIVE This study was designed to investigate whether ovarian endometrioma (OE) is progressive or not. SETTING, DESIGN, PATIENTS, INTERVENTION AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Thirty adolescent patients, aged 15 to 19 years, and 32 adult patients, aged 35 to 39 years, all laparoscopically and histologically diagnosed with OE, were recruited into this study after informed consent. Their demographic and clinical information were collected. Their OE tissue samples were collected and subjected to immunohistochemical analysis for E-cadherin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), desmin, and adrenergic receptor β2 (ADRB2), as well as quantification of lesional fibrosis by Masson trichrome staining. RESULTS OE lesions from the adolescent and adult patients are markedly different, with the latter exhibiting more extensive and thorough progression and more extensive fibrosis, suggesting that lesions in adults progressed to a more advanced stage. Adult lesions and higher staining level of α-SMA and ADRB2 are positively associated with the extent of lesional fibrosis, while the lesion size and the E-cadherin staining are negatively associated. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide a more definitive piece of evidence suggesting that OE is a progressive disease, since the adult lesions have had a longer time to progress. In addition, the pace of progression depends on lesional age as well as the severity of endometriosis-associated dysmenorrhea, if any.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Ding
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yishan Chen
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Giuseppe Benagiano
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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13
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Long Q, Liu X, Guo SW. Early maternal separation accelerates the progression of endometriosis in adult mice. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2020; 18:63. [PMID: 32532293 PMCID: PMC7291455 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-00600-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large body of research highlights the importance of early-life environmental impact on the health outcome in adulthood. However, whether early-life adversity (ELA) has any impact on the development of endometriosis is completely unclear. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that ELA, as manifested by neonatal separation, can accelerate the progression of endometriosis in mouse through activation of the adrenergic receptor β2 (ADRB2) signaling pathway, leading to increased angiogenesis and progression of endometriotic lesions. METHODS Eight female Balb/C mice, in late pregnancy, were used used for this study, which later gave birth to 22 female newborn pubs. Eleven additional female Balb/C mice were also used as donors of uterine tissues. The 22 newborn pubs were randomly divided into 2 equal-sized groups, maternal separation (MS) and no separation (NS). Pubs in the MS group were separated from their dams for 3 h/day from postnatal day (PND) 1 to 21, while those in the NS control remained in the home cage with their dams. In adulthood (8-week old), 3 mice in each group were randomly selected to undergo a battery of behavior tests. The remaining 8 mice in each group were induced with endometriosis by intraperitoneal injection of uterine fragments from donor mice. Four weeks after the induction, all mice were sacrificed and their endometriotic lesions were excised for quantification and then prepared for immunohistochemistry analysis. RESULTS We confirmed that MS during infancy resulted in anxiety and depression-like behaviors as previously reported. We also found that in MS mice the lesion weight was increased by over 2 folds and generalized hyperalgesia was also significantly increased as compared with NS mice. Immunostaining analysis demonstrated that MS accelerated the development of endometriosis likely through decreased dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) expression and activation of the ADRB2/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway, leading to increased angiogenesis and progression of endometriotic lesions. CONCLUSIONS Exposure of female mouse pups to ELA such as MS during their infancy period accelerates the progression of endometriosis, possibly through altered neuronal wiring and hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Female
- Mice
- Animals, Newborn
- Anxiety/psychology
- Behavior, Animal
- Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein/metabolism
- Depression/psychology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Progression
- Endometriosis/metabolism
- Endometriosis/pathology
- Endometriosis/physiopathology
- Endometriosis/psychology
- Hyperalgesia/metabolism
- Hyperalgesia/physiopathology
- Hyperalgesia/psychology
- Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- Maternal Deprivation
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/physiopathology
- Peritoneal Diseases/metabolism
- Peritoneal Diseases/pathology
- Peritoneal Diseases/physiopathology
- Peritoneal Diseases/psychology
- Pituitary-Adrenal System/metabolism
- Random Allocation
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2/metabolism
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Uterus/transplantation
- Stress, Psychological
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Long
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200090, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200090, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai College of Medicine, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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14
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Yan D, Liu X, Xu H, Guo SW. Platelets induce endothelial-mesenchymal transition and subsequent fibrogenesis in endometriosis. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 41:500-517. [PMID: 32709523 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.03.020] [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: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Do endometriotic lesions undergo endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT)? DESIGN Lesion samples from 30 patients with ovarian endometriomas and deep endometriosis, and control endometrial tissue samples from 30 women without endometriosis, were analysed. In-vitro experimentation using the human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) line were conducted. Immunofluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry analysis using antibodies against endothelial cell and mesenchymal cell markers were conducted. The HUVEC cells were co-cultured with activated platelets or control medium with and without neutralization of TGF-β1 PDGFR, or both. Their morphology, proliferation and expression levels of genes and proteins known to be involved in EndoMT were evaluated, along with their migratory and invasive propensity, contractility and collagen production capability. RESULTS The proportion of CD31 and FSP-1 dual-positive cells in FSP-1+ fibroblasts was 74.7% (±5.4%) in ovarian endometrioma lesions, significantly higher than that in deep endometriosis lesions (26.8% ± 26.0%; P = 5.7 × 10-5), and was zero in normal endometrium. The extent of lesional fibrosis correlated positively with staining levels of the lesional mesenchymal markers FSP-1 and α-SMA (r = 0.91; P < 2.2 × 10-16, r = 0.81; P = 5.8 × 10-15, respectively). Human endothelial cells co-cultured with activated platelets acquire a morphology suggestive of EndoMT, concomitant with increased proliferation, loss of CD31 but marked increase in expression of mesenchymal markers. Morphological and gene and protein expression changes are accompanied by functional differentiation reflected by increased migratory and invasive capacity, contractility and collagen production. Neutralization of TGF-β1 and PDGFR signalling abolished platelet-induced EndoMT in human endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS Multiple sources of myofibroblasts exist in endometriotic lesions, and implicates platelets, EndoMT, or both, as potential therapeutic targets for treating endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingmin Yan
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 100045, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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15
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Oladosu FA, Tu FF, Garfield LB, Garrison EF, Steiner ND, Roth GE, Hellman KM. Low Serum Oxytocin Concentrations Are Associated with Painful Menstruation. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:668-674. [PMID: 32046441 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-019-00071-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin-dependent mechanisms are hypothesized to contribute to painful menses, but clinical trials of oxytocin antagonists for dysmenorrhea have had divergent outcomes. In contrast, broader studies have shown that increased systemic oxytocin concentrations are associated with increased pain tolerance and improved psychosocial function. We sought to confirm whether increased serum oxytocin concentrations are associated with menstrual pain and other psychosocial factors. Women with a history of primary dysmenorrhea (n = 19), secondary dysmenorrhea (n = 12), and healthy controls (n = 15) completed pain and psychosocial questionnaires, provided a medical history, and rated their pain during the first 48 h of menses. Serum samples were collected during menses to measure oxytocin concentrations. Oxytocin was significantly lower in participants with a history of primary (704 ± 33 pg/mL; p < 0.001) or secondary (711 ± 66 pg/mL; p < 0.01) dysmenorrhea compared to healthy controls (967 ± 53 pg/mL). Menstrual pain over the past 3 months (r = -0.58; p < 0.001) and during the study visit (r = -0.45; p = 0.002) was negatively correlated with oxytocin concentrations. Pain catastrophizing (r = -0.39), pain behavior (r = -0.32), and pain interference (r = -0.31) were also negatively correlated with oxytocin levels (p's < 0.05). Oxytocin was not significantly correlated with psychosocial factors. Contrary to our hypothesis, women with a history of primary or secondary dysmenorrhea had lower oxytocin concentrations during menses when compared to healthy controls. Lower circulating oxytocin concentrations were also associated with worse menstrual pain and pain-related behavior. When considering the existing literature, low circulating oxytocin may be a sign of dysfunctional endogenous pain modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folabomi A Oladosu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem and The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Frank F Tu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem and The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Evanston, IL, USA
| | | | - Ellen F Garrison
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Nicole D Steiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Genevieve E Roth
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Kevin M Hellman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem and The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Evanston, IL, USA.
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16
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Yarmolinskaya M, Khobets V, Tral T, Tkachenko N. The potentialities of oxytocin receptor inhibitors for endometriosis therapy. Gynecol Endocrinol 2020; 36:16-19. [PMID: 33305665 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2020.1816722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Genital endometriosis (GE) is a widespread gynecological disease which requires its further pathogenesis investigation and search for new effective treatments. The known data of oxytocin receptor presence in endometrioid heterotopy smooth muscle cells give some grounds to assume oxytocin participation in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The present study objective was to evaluate oxytocin level in peripheral blood (PB) in patients with endometriosis associated pain syndrome and to estimate the efficacy of oxytocin receptor inhibitors (IOXTR) administration based on animal endometriosis model. MATERIALS AND METHODS The basic group comprised 61 patients with endometriosis associated pain syndrome, while 21 patients formed the control group. VAS, MPQ, and BBS objective tests were applied for pain syndrome evaluation. Oxytocin level in PB was measured by immunoenzyme method. After confirmation of endometriosis experimental model formation in rats and further randomization, a daily IOXTR intra-abdominal injection was performed in a dose of 0.35 mg/kg/24 h in the basic group (n = 12) or saline solution administration in the control (n = 12). On the final stage, endometrioid heterotopy size measuring was performed along with histological examination. RESULTS Oxytocin level in PB was authentically higher in patients with GE compared to the control: 51.45 (35.54-62.76) pg/mL and 27.64 (23.23-34.12) pg/mL, respectively (p<.001). Positive correlation between oxytocin PB level and pain syndrome expression was established in patients with GE: VAS (r = 0.76; p<.001), MPQ (r = 0.52; p<.001), and BBS (r = 0.57; p<.001). Based on the experimental disease model authentical decrease of endometrioid heterotopy average area was observed after IOXTR therapy compared to the control (7.3 ± 1.8 mm2 and 22.2 ± 1.2 mm2, respectively, p<.05). CONCLUSIONS The obtained results confirm the oxytocin role in the pathogenesis of endometrioid associated pain syndrome. The high efficacy of IOXTR administration based on animal model of surgically induced endometriosis allows viewing this method as a perspective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Yarmolinskaya
- Department of Gynecology and Endocrinology, FSBSI "The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O.Ott", Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Vladislav Khobets
- Department of Gynecology and Endocrinology, FSBSI "The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O.Ott", Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tatyana Tral
- Department of Pathomorphology, FSBSI "The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O.Ott", Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalia Tkachenko
- Department of Gynecology and Endocrinology, FSBSI "The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O.Ott", Saint Petersburg, Russia
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17
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Viganò P, Ottolina J, Bartiromo L, Bonavina G, Schimberni M, Villanacci R, Candiani M. Cellular Components Contributing to Fibrosis in Endometriosis: A Literature Review. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2019; 27:287-295. [PMID: 31785417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2019.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis-related fibrosis represents a complex phenomenon with underlying mechanisms yet to be clarified. Fibrosis is consistently present in all disease forms and contributes to classic endometriosis-related symptoms of pain and infertility. The purpose of this literature review was to examine the role of various cellular populations and biologic mechanisms and signaling pathways in inducing fibrogenesis of endometriotic lesions. A search was performed through PubMed and MEDLINE for animal and human studies published in English in the last 23 years that examined fibrosis in superficial, ovarian, and deep infiltrating endometriosis. The main cell types found to be involved in the development of fibrosis were platelets, macrophages, ectopic endometrial cells, and sensory nerve fibers. Interactions among each of the cell types contribute to the production of fibrosis through the production of soluble factors, mostly transforming growth factor-β but also other cytokines and neuropeptides. Cell types known to be critical to the pathophysiology of endometriosis also contribute to fibrogenesis, thus supporting the theory that fibrosis is an inherent part of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Viganò
- Reproductive Sciences Lab, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology (Dr. Vigano).
| | - Jessica Ottolina
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit (Drs. Ottolina, Bartiromo, Bonavina, Schimberni, Villanacci, and Candiani), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovica Bartiromo
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit (Drs. Ottolina, Bartiromo, Bonavina, Schimberni, Villanacci, and Candiani), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Bonavina
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit (Drs. Ottolina, Bartiromo, Bonavina, Schimberni, Villanacci, and Candiani), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Schimberni
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit (Drs. Ottolina, Bartiromo, Bonavina, Schimberni, Villanacci, and Candiani), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Villanacci
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit (Drs. Ottolina, Bartiromo, Bonavina, Schimberni, Villanacci, and Candiani), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Candiani
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit (Drs. Ottolina, Bartiromo, Bonavina, Schimberni, Villanacci, and Candiani), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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18
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Ribeiro-Oliveira R, Vojtek M, Gonçalves-Monteiro S, Vieira-Rocha MS, Sousa JB, Gonçalves J, Diniz C. Nuclear G-protein-coupled receptors as putative novel pharmacological targets. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:2192-2201. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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19
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Yan D, Liu X, Guo SW. Neuropeptides Substance P and Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide Accelerate the Development and Fibrogenesis of Endometriosis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2698. [PMID: 30804432 PMCID: PMC6389969 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39170-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriotic lesions are known to be hyperinnervated, especially in lesions of deep endometriosis (DE), which are frequently in close proximity to various nerve plexuses. DE lesions typically have higher fibromuscular content than that of ovarian endometriomas (OE) lesions, but the underlying reason remains elusive. Aside from their traditional role of pain transduction, however, whether or not sensory nerves play any role in the development of endometriosis is unclear. Here, we show that, thorough their respective receptors neurokinin receptor 1 (NK1R), calcitonin receptor like receptor (CRLR), and receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP-1), neuropeptides substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT) and further turn stromal cells into smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in endometriotic lesions, resulting ultimately in fibrosis. We show that SP and CGRP, or the rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) supernatant, through the induction of NK1R and CGRP/CRLR/RAMP-1 signaling pathways, promoted EMT, FMT and SMM in endometriosis, resulting in increased migratory and invasive propensity, cell contractility, production of collagen, and eventually to fibrosis. Neutralization of NK1R and/or CGRP/CRLR/RAMP-1 abrogated these processes. Extended exposure of endometriotic stromal cells to SP and/or CGRP or the DRG supernatant induced increased expression of α-SMA, desmin, oxytocin receptor, and smooth muscle myosin heavy-chain. Finally, we show that DE lesions had significantly higher nerve fiber density, increased staining levels of α-SMA, NK1R, CRLR, and RAMP-1, concomitant with higher lesional fibrotic content than that of OE lesions. The extent of lesional fibrosis correlated positively with the staining levels of NK1R, CRLR, and RAMP-1, as well as the nerve fiber density in lesions. Thus, this study provides another piece of evidence that sensory nerves play an important role in promoting the development and fibrogenesis of endometriosis. It explains as why DE frequently have higher fibromuscular content than that of OE, highlights the importance of lesional microenvironment in shaping the lesional fate, gives more credence to the idea that ectopic endometrium is fundamentally wounds that go through repeated tissue injury and repair, and should shed much needed light into the pathophysiology of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingmin Yan
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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20
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Ding C, Leow MKS, Magkos F. Oxytocin in metabolic homeostasis: implications for obesity and diabetes management. Obes Rev 2019; 20:22-40. [PMID: 30253045 PMCID: PMC7888317 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin was once understood solely as a neuropeptide with a central role in social bonding, reproduction, parturition, lactation and appetite regulation. Recent evidence indicates that oxytocin enhances glucose uptake and lipid utilization in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, suggesting that dysfunction of the oxytocin system could underlie the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. Murine studies revealed that deficiencies in oxytocin signalling and oxytocin receptor expression lead to obesity despite normal food intake, motor activity and increased leptin levels. In addition, plasma oxytocin concentration is notably lower in obese individuals with diabetes, which may suggest an involvement of the oxytocin system in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disease. More recently, small scale studies demonstrated that intranasal administration of oxytocin was associated with significant weight loss as well as improvements in insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell responsivity in human subjects. The multi-pronged effects of oxytocin signalling on improving peripheral insulin sensitivity, pancreatic function and lipid homeostasis strongly suggest a role for this system as a therapeutic target in obesity and diabetes management. The complexity of obesity aetiology and the pathogenesis of obesity-related metabolic complications underscore the need for a systems approach to better understand the role of oxytocin in metabolic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ding
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - M K-S Leow
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Endocrinology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - F Magkos
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
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21
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Ibrahim MG, Sillem M, Plendl J, Taube ET, Schüring A, Götte M, Chiantera V, Sehouli J, Mechsner S. Arrangement of myofibroblastic and smooth muscle-like cells in superficial peritoneal endometriosis and a possible role of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) in myofibroblastic metaplasia. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2018; 299:489-499. [PMID: 30523440 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-018-4995-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Superficial peritoneal endometriotic (pEM) lesions are composed of endometrial glands and stroma, in addition to a third component-myofibroblasts and smooth muscles (SM)-like cells. The latter develops secondary to a metaplasia. In this study, we characterised the third component cells in pEM according to differentiation markers in different micro-compartments. Furthermore, a possible effect of TGFβ1 on myofibroblastic metaplasia in endometriotic epithelial cells was studied. METHODS Seventy-six premenopausal patients were included. Peritoneal biopsies were excised from EM patients (n = 23), unaffected peritoneum (peritoneum from EM patients but without EM components, n = 5/23) and non-EM patients (n = 10). All peritoneal biopsies were immunolabeled for ASMA, calponin, collagen I, desmin, TGFß receptor 1 (R1), R2 and R3 in addition to ultrastructure examination by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) (n = 1). TGFß1 level was measured in peritoneal fluid (PF) (EM, n = 19 and non-EM, n = 13) collected during laparoscopy. Furthermore, TGFß1 effect on myofibroblastic metaplasia was studied in vitro. RESULTS At the centre of pEM lesions, calponin immunolabeling outweighs the collagen I while in the periphery the reverse occurs. SM-like cells expressing desmin predominate at the periphery, while ASMA immunolabeling was detectable in all micro-compartments. Both indicate an abundance of myofibroblasts at the centre of pEM lesions and SM-like cells in the periphery. Although activated TGFß1 in PF did not differ between EM and non-EM, it inhibited the cell proliferation of the endometriotic epithelial cells and induced an upregulation in ASMA and collagen IA2 expression as well. CONCLUSION The abundance of the myofibroblasts and SM-like cells points to a myofibroblastic metaplasia in pEM. Both cells are differentially arranged in the different micro-compartments of pEM lesions, with increasing cell maturity towards the periphery of the lesion. Furthermore, TGFß1 may play a role in the myofibroblastic metaplasia of the endometriotic epithelial cells. These findings provide a better insight in the micro-milieu in EM lesions, where most of the disease dynamics occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Gamal Ibrahim
- Clinic for Gynaecology, Charité University of Medicine, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, UKM Fertility Center, University Hospital of Muenster, Domagkstr. 11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Sillem
- Universitäts-Frauenklinik Homburg/Saar und Praxisklinik am Rosengarten, Augustaanlage 7-11, 68165, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Johanna Plendl
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eliane T Taube
- Institute for Pathology, Charité University of Medicine, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Schüring
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, UKM Fertility Center, University Hospital of Muenster, Domagkstr. 11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Götte
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, UKM Fertility Center, University Hospital of Muenster, Domagkstr. 11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Vito Chiantera
- Clinic for Gynaecology, Charité University of Medicine, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jalid Sehouli
- Clinic for Gynaecology, Charité University of Medicine, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sylvia Mechsner
- Clinic for Gynaecology, Charité University of Medicine, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany.
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22
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Seminal plasma (SP) induces a rapid transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1)—independent up-regulation of epithelial–mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT) and myofibroblastic metaplasia-markers in endometriotic (EM) and endometrial cells. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2018; 299:173-183. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-018-4965-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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23
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Guo SW, Groothuis PG. Is it time for a paradigm shift in drug research and development in endometriosis/adenomyosis? Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:577-598. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Patrick G Groothuis
- Principal Scientist Pharmacology, Preclinical Department, Synthon Biopharmaceuticals bv, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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24
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Guo SW. Fibrogenesis resulting from cyclic bleeding: the Holy Grail of the natural history of ectopic endometrium. Hum Reprod 2018; 33:353-356. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Wei Guo
- Institute of Obstetric and Gynecological Research, Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, 413 Zhaozhou Road, Shanghai 200011, China
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25
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Vigano P, Candiani M, Monno A, Giacomini E, Vercellini P, Somigliana E. Time to redefine endometriosis including its pro-fibrotic nature. Hum Reprod 2017; 33:347-352. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P Vigano
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - M Candiani
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - A Monno
- Innate immunity and Tissue Remodelling Unit, Regenerative Medicine Division, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - E Giacomini
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - P Vercellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, and Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via della Commenda 12, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - E Somigliana
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, and Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via della Commenda 12, Milan 20122, Italy
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26
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Liu X, Zhang Q, Guo SW. Histological and Immunohistochemical Characterization of the Similarity and Difference Between Ovarian Endometriomas and Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2017; 25:329-340. [PMID: 28718381 DOI: 10.1177/1933719117718275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian endometrioma (OMA) and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) have long been recognized to have different histology and, as such, postulated to be 2 separate disease entities. Few studies, however, have attempted to elucidate the causes for their differences. Making use of ectopic endometrial tissue samples from 25 and 20 women with OMA and DIE, respectively, and control endometrial tissue samples from 25 women without endometriosis, we conducted an immunohistochemical analysis to evaluate the expression of a group of carefully chosen markers for epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT), smooth muscle metaplasia (SMM), fibrosis, vascularity, hormonal receptors, and proteins involved in epigenetic modifications. We found that both OMA and DIE lesions exhibited the same cellular changes consistent with EMT, FMT, SMM, and fibrosis as already shown in animal models. Compared to OMA, DIE lesions underwent more thorough and extensive EMT, FMT, and SMM and, consequently, displayed significantly higher fibrotic content but less vascularity. The 2 conditions also showed different expression levels of hormonal receptors. Both OMA and DIE lesions, especially the latter, showed significantly higher staining of enhancer of zeste homolog 2, H3K9me3, and H3K27me3 than that of control endometrium, suggesting progressive epigenetic changes concomitant with cellular ones. Finally, proteins that are known to be involved in fibrogenesis, such as thymocyte differentiation antigen 1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ , were also aberrantly expressed under both conditions. The many similarities shared by both OMA and DIE indicate that the 2 conditions may actually share the same pathogenesis/pathophysiology. Their differences, however, suggest that the source of these differences may result from the different lesional microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xishi Liu
- 1 Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- 2 Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- 1 Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- 1 Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- 2 Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
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27
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How to Understand the Complexity of Endometriosis-Related Pain. JOURNAL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PELVIC PAIN DISORDERS 2017. [DOI: 10.5301/je.5000271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pain is the most important symptom in patients with endometriosis, and its management is truly challenging. Due to the different localization of the endometriotic lesions in the pelvis, patients suffer from visceral and somatic pain or both at the same time. There are specific and unspecific symptoms characterized by endometriosis. Specific symptoms include dysmenorrhea, cyclic and acyclic pelvic pain, dyschezia, dysuria and dyspareunia. There is also a wide range of unspecific symptoms, such as unspecific bowel and bladder complaints, the emission of pain in the legs, vegetative concomitants like vomiting, emesis, gastric disorders, headaches, dizziness, painful ovulation, irregular pelvic pain, lower back pain, chronic fatigue. These symptoms can be both cyclic and acyclic, and in most cases, they are permanent. Visceral and somatic pain are completely different pain subtypes and can therefore be an explanation for the wide variety of symptoms. The close interaction between visceral sensory nerve fibers and the autonomic ganglia explain the high rate of concomitant vegetative reactions, such as vomiting and orthostatic dysregulation. In general, pain generation is a complex interplay of peripheral and central sensitization mechanisms. Accordingly, the pain produced in endometriotic lesions is the result of mediating substances, nerve fibers, cytokine-releasing immune cells and macrophages synthesis. These interactions seem to stimulate the neurogenic inflammatory process and sensitization of the peripheral nerves. Furthermore, the disruption of the input on the level of the spinal cord and the recognition of the pain in the brain may lead to exaggerated responses known as central hyperalgesia. Hormones and psychological factors influence the pain sensation and make the status of each patient very individual. Consequently, the involvement of professional pain management along with an implementation of pain-coping strategies in the patient's everyday life are obligatory in chronic pain situations. An additional osteopathic treatment with a manual resolve of muscle blockades to avoid secondary “pain intensifying” changes of the pelvic floor (tension) or malposition through relieving posture, is also recommended. Pain management in patients with endometriosis is very complex and requires an individual treatment strategy for each patient to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures. This information proves that it is hard to break the cycle of pain when chronic pain syndrome is already apparent.
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28
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Yen CF, Huang SJ, Lee CL, Wang HS, Liao SK. Molecular Characteristics of the Endometrium in Uterine Adenomyosis and Its Biochemical Microenvironment. Reprod Sci 2017; 24:1346-1361. [PMID: 28183227 DOI: 10.1177/1933719117691141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Adenomyosis, which manifests with focally or diffusely scattered endometrial tissue within the uterine myometrium, is an endometriosis-like disease with controversial pathogenesis and compromised reproductive outcomes. This review, including the in vitro and in vivo studies performed on human or mouse models, is aimed to summarize the specific molecular characteristics of endometrium in the biochemical microenvironments of uterine adenomyosis. Many studies attributed the endometrium as the main cause of pathogenesis, with evidence of differential genetic expression and/or epigenetic modulation as well as estrogen-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition. However, some studies indicated that the myometrium could play a role in the development of disease, based on findings of smooth muscle metaplasia and/or fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation by the influence of local biochemical factors. To date, it remains unclear whether adenomyosis is a genetically determined or a microenvironmentally induced disorder or whether the dysregulation of local factors may elicit the alteration of genetic expression in the endometrium. Similarly, it is uncertain whether the endometrial characteristics would remain consistent or could change along with a woman's reproductive life. Further longitudinal studies of the epigenetic controls or system biology are needed to elucidate the pathogenesis. Discovery of effective conservative treatments to improve the reproductive outcomes of patients with adenomyosis is still warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Feng Yen
- 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.,2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.,3 Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - S Joseph Huang
- 4 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.,5 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chyi-Long Lee
- 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.,6 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Shih Wang
- 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.,2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.,3 Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Shuen-Kuei Liao
- 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.,7 The PhD Program of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, Center of Excellence for Cancer Research, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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29
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Ibrahim MG, Sillem M, Plendl J, Chiantera V, Sehouli J, Mechsner S. Myofibroblasts Are Evidence of Chronic Tissue Microtrauma at the Endometrial–Myometrial Junctional Zone in Uteri With Adenomyosis. Reprod Sci 2017; 24:1410-1418. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719116687855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Gamal Ibrahim
- Clinic for Gynaecology, Charité University of Medicine, Hindenburgdamm, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Sillem
- Praxisklinik am Rosengarten, Augustaanlage, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Johanna Plendl
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vito Chiantera
- Clinic for Gynaecology, Charité University of Medicine, Hindenburgdamm, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jalid Sehouli
- Clinic for Gynaecology, Charité University of Medicine, Hindenburgdamm, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sylvia Mechsner
- Clinic for Gynaecology, Charité University of Medicine, Hindenburgdamm, Berlin, Germany
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30
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Huang M, Li X, Guo P, Yu Z, Xu Y, Wei Z. The abnormal expression of oxytocin receptors in the uterine junctional zone in women with endometriosis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:1. [PMID: 28049501 PMCID: PMC5209923 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-016-0220-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The junctional zone (JZ), also called as the endometrial-myometrial junction, is related to peristaltic-like movements in the non-pregnant uterus. Hyperperistalsis and dysperistalsis of uterus constructions might underlie many important disorders such as dysmenorrhea, infertility, endometriosis, implantation failure. The major proteins for uterine contraction of the non-pregnant uterus may be Oxytocin (OT) and oxytocin receptor (OTR). The objective of this study was to inspect the expression of OTR in isthmic and mid-fundal parts of the uterine junctional zone at different stages of the follicular cycle in patients with and without endometriosis. METHODS Uterine biopsies containing endometrium and junctional zone were collected from the isthmic and mid-fundal parts of the anterior wall after hysterectomy. The OTR expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS In the control uterus, OTR expression in the isthmic region was significantly higher than in the fundal region in the proliferative phase (p < 0.05) but significantly lower in the secretory phase (p < 0.05). And the expression of OTR in the proliferative phase was significantly higher than that in the secretory phase in both isthmic and fundal regions (p = 0.000 and 0.049, respectively). However, in endometriosis uteri, OTR expression in the isthmic region showed no significant difference with that in the fundal region in both proliferative and secretory phases (p = 0.597 and 0.736, respectively). In both isthmic and fundal regions, OTR expression was not significantly different between the proliferative phase and secretory phase (p = 0.084 and 0.222, respectively). OTR expression in fundal regions of revised ASRM I and II endometriosis were lower than that of revised ASRM III and IV (p = 0.049). In the fundal region of JZ, the expression of OTR in ovarian endometriosis was significantly lower than that in deep infiltrating endometriosis (p = 0.046). The expression level of OTR in the funds region is positively associated with the severity of dysmenorrhea in endometriosis group (r = 0.870, p < 0.05). Comparing to normal uteri, the expression of OTR in the secretory phase was significantly higher in the endometriosis uteri (p < 0.05). In the fundus of endometriosis uteri, OTR expression was significantly higher in both the proliferative and secretory phases (p = 0.045 and 0.028, respectively). CONCLUSION OTR expression in the JZ of women with endometriosis changes significantly, which may result in abnormal uterine contractile activity, reducing the endometriosis-related fertility and dysmenorrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomaio Huang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Meishan Road, Hefei, 230000 China
- Assisted Reproductive Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Meishan Road, Hefei, 230000 China
| | - Xuqing Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Meishan Road, Hefei, 230000 China
| | - Peipei Guo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Meishan Road, Hefei, 230000 China
| | - Zhaojuan Yu
- Assisted Reproductive Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Meishan Road, Hefei, 230000 China
| | - Yuting Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Meishan Road, Hefei, 230000 China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Meishan Road, Hefei, 230000 China
- Assisted Reproductive Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Meishan Road, Hefei, 230000 China
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31
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Zhang Q, Liu X, Guo SW. Progressive development of endometriosis and its hindrance by anti-platelet treatment in mice with induced endometriosis. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 34:124-136. [PMID: 27916451 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We have recently shown that platelets drive smooth muscle metaplasia (SMM) and fibrogenesis in endometriosis through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT). To see whether this is true in vivo, this prospective, randomized, and serially evaluated mouse investigation was conducted. Endometriosis was induced in female Balb/C mice, which were then randomly divided into two groups: Tanshinone IIA (TAN) and control (CTL) groups. TAN mice were treated with TAN but CTL mice received none. Every week until the 6th week after induction, five mice from each group were killed. Lesion weight was measured and lesion samples were subjected to immunohistochemistry and histochemistry analysis of platelet aggregation (CD41), E-cadherin, TGF-β1, phosphorylated Smad3, α-SMA, collagen I, CCN2, LOX, desmin and SM-MHC, and the extent of fibrosis was evaluated by Masson trichrome staining. It was found that endometriotic lesions exhibited progressive cellular changes consistent with the progressive EMT, FMT, SMM, and fibrogenesis. TAN treatment resulted in significant hindrance of EMT, FMT, SMM and fibrogenesis, and reduced lesion weight (all P-values <0.05). These data corroborate the notion that endometriotic lesions undergo progressive EMT and FMT, giving rise to SMM and ultimately fibrosis. This understanding sheds new light onto the natural history of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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32
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Dewanto A, Dudas J, Glueckert R, Mechsner S, Schrott-Fischer A, Wildt L, Seeber B. Localization of TrkB and p75 receptors in peritoneal and deep infiltrating endometriosis: an immunohistochemical study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2016; 14:43. [PMID: 27519317 PMCID: PMC4982126 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-016-0178-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The roles of the neurotrophins NGF (Neurotrophic growth factor) and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) in neuronal growth and development are already known. Meanwhile, the neurotrophin receptors TrkA (tropomyosin related kinase A), TrkB, and p75 are important for determining the fate of cells. In endometriosis, this complex system has not been fully elucidated yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression and location of these neurotrophins and their receptors in peritoneal (PE) and deep infiltrating endometriotic (DIE) tissues and to measure and compare the density of nerve fibers in the disease subtypes. METHODS PE lesions (n = 20) and DIE lesions (n = 22) were immunostained and analyzed on serial slides with anti-BDNF, -NGF, -TrkA, -TrkB, -p75,-protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5, intact nerve fibers) and -tyrosine hydroxylase (TH, sympathetic nerve fibers) antibodies. RESULT There was an equally high percentage (greater than 75 %) of BDNF-positive immunostaining cells in both PE and DIE. TrkB (major BDNF receptor) and p75 showed a higher percentage of immunostaining cells in DIE compared to in PE in stroma only (p < 0.014, p < 0.027, respectively). Both gland and stroma of DIE lesions had a lower percentage of NGF-positive immunostaining cells compared to those in PE lesions (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively), but there was no significant reduction in immunostaining of TrkA in DIE lesions. There was no difference in the mean density of nerve fibers stained with PGP9.5 between PE (26.27 ± 17.32) and DIE (28.19 ± 33.15, p = 0.8). When we performed sub-group analysis, the density of nerves was significantly higher in the bowel DIE (mean 57.33 ± 43.9) than in PE (mean 26.27 ± 17.32, p < 0.01) and non-bowel DIE (mean 14.6. ± 8.6 p < 0.002). CONCLUSIONS While the neurotrophin BDNF is equally present in PE and DIE, its receptors TrkB and p75 are more highly expressed in DIE and may have a potential role in the pathophysiology of DIE, especially in promotion of cell growth. BDNF has a stronger binding affinity than NGF to the p75 receptor, likely inducing sympathetic nerve axonal pruning in DIE, resulting in the lower nerve fiber density seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agung Dewanto
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Jozsef Dudas
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rudolf Glueckert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sylvia Mechsner
- Endometriosis Centre Charité, Department of Gynecology - Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Ludwig Wildt
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - Beata Seeber
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
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Zhang Q, Duan J, Liu X, Guo SW. Platelets drive smooth muscle metaplasia and fibrogenesis in endometriosis through epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 428:1-16. [PMID: 26992563 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Smooth muscle metaplasia (SMM) and fibrotic tissues are frequently seen in endometriotic lesions, yet the mechanisms underlying their formation are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the roles of activated platelets in driving epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT) in endometriosis. Through in vitro experimentations, we found that activated platelets, through the release of TGF-β1 and the induction of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, promoted EMT and FMT in endometriosis, resulting in increased cell contractility, collagen production, and ultimately to fibrosis. TGF-β blockade reversed these processes. Prolonged exposure of endometriotic stromal cells to activated platelets induced increased expression of α-SMA as well as markers of differentiated smooth muscle cells. Consequently, endometriotic lesions and their microenvironment contain all the necessary molecular machinery to promote SMM and fibrogenesis. Our results suggest that endometriotic lesions are wounds that undergo repeated injury and healing, highlighting the importance of platelets in the development of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jie Duan
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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He Y, Wu H, He X, Xing Q, Zhou P, Cao Y, Wei Z. Administration of atosiban in patients with endometriosis undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer: a prospective, randomized study. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:416-22. [PMID: 27143518 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of atosiban, given before transfer of frozen-thawed embryo to women with endometriosis (EMs). DESIGN A randomized, controlled clinical trial. SETTING University hospital and IVF center. PATIENT(S) One hundred twenty women with endometriosis undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer were randomly allocated into the atosiban treatment and the control groups. Another 120 women with infertility due to tubal factor were enrolled into a tubal factor group, to compare serum oxytocin (OT) and prostaglandin (PG)F2α levels and uterine contractions with the endometriosis group. INTERVENTION(S) In the endometriosis treatment group, a single bolus (6.75 mg, 0.9 mL per vial) of atosiban was administrated before ET. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Implantation rate and pregnancy rate. RESULT(S) Serum OT level (1.89 ± 0.33 vs. 1.66 ± 0.32 ng/L), PGF2α (2.83 ± 0.34 vs. 2.36 ± 0.35 ng/L) level, and uterine contractions (2.5 ± 1.2 vs. 1.8 ± 1.0 waves per minute) in the endometriosis group were all significantly higher than in the tubal factor group. The clinical pregnancy rate per cycle and implantation rate per transfer were 58.3% and 41.0%, respectively, in the atosiban treatment group, significantly higher than in the control group (38.3% and 23.4%, respectively). CONCLUSION(S) Women with endometriosis showed higher serum OT level, PGF2α level, and uterine contractions. Atosiban treatment before ET in endometriosis is effective in the priming of the uterus, suitable for embryo implantation. This is the first study to evaluate the effect of atosiban treatment in patients with endometriosis. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR-IOQ-14005715.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Xing
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang Q, Duan J, Olson M, Fazleabas A, Guo SW. Cellular Changes Consistent With Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Transdifferentiation in the Progression of Experimental Endometriosis in Baboons. Reprod Sci 2016; 23:1409-21. [PMID: 27076446 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116641763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We have recently shown that platelets play important roles in development of endometriosis and proposed that endometriotic lesions are essentially wounds that undergo repeated tissue injury and repair (ReTIAR). Further investigation indicated that endometriotic lesions, stimulated by platelet-derived transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), activate the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway and undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT), resulting in increased cellular contractility and collagen production and increased smooth muscle metaplasia (SMM), leading to fibrosis. Using serially dissected endometriotic tissue samples from baboons with induced endometriosis, we tested the hypothesis of progressive EMT, FMT, SMM, and fibrosis through TGF-β1/Smad activation using immunohistochemistry and immunoflurescence staining analyses. We found that platelets are aggregated in endometriotic lesions, and vimentin expression was increased in the epithelial compartment of the lesions as they progressively developed. We also found that the number of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) appeared to increase with time as lesions progressed and was concomitant with the increased vimentin-positive glandular epithelial cells in the lesions. As lesion development progressed, TGF-β1 and phosphorylated-Smad3 staining was elevated and the number of α-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts and highly differentiated SMCs increased in the stromal compartment, which correlated with the increasing extent of fibrosis. These results, taken together, provide support for the notion that ReTIAR occurs in the endometriotic lesions, resulting in EMT and FMT, leading to SMM and ultimately fibrosis as lesions progress. Consequently, our data also provide corroborative evidence that platelets drive the EMT and FMT in endometriotic lesions over time, promoting SMM and resulting ultimately in fibrosis in the endometriotic lesions. These findings cast a new light on the natural history of endometriosis which so far has been elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Duan
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mark Olson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Asgerally Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
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Liang Y, Yao S. Potential role of estrogen in maintaining the imbalanced sympathetic and sensory innervation in endometriosis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 424:42-9. [PMID: 26777300 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis, one of the most common benign gynecological diseases, affects millions of women of childbearing age. Endometriosis-associated pain is a major cause of disability and compromised quality of life in women. Neuropathic mechanisms are believed to play an important role. An imbalanced sympathetic and sensory innervation (reduced sympathetic innervation, with unchanged or increased sensory innervation in endometriotic lesions) has been demonstrated in endometriosis in recent studies. And it is believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis-associated pain. It is primarily considered to be a natural adaptive program to endometriosis-associated inflammation. However, it is important to further clarify whether other potential modulating factors are involved in this dysregulation. It is generally accepted that endometriosis is an estrogen dependent disease. Higher estrogen biosynthesis and lower estrogen inactivation in endometriosis can lead to an excess of local estrogen in endometriotic lesions. In addition to its proliferative and anti-inflammatory actions, local estrogen in endometriosis also exerts potential neuromodulatory effects on the innervation in endometriosis. The aim of this review is to highlight the role of estrogen in mediating this imbalanced sympathetic and sensory innervation in endometriosis, through direct and indirect mechanisms on sympathetic and sensory nerves. Theoretical elaboration of the underlying mechanisms provides new insights in supporting the therapeutic role of estrogen in endometriosis-associated pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchun Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuzhong Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Ultramicro-trauma in the endometrial-myometrial junctional zone and pale cell migration in adenomyosis. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:1475-83.e1-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Guo SW, Ding D, Shen M, Liu X. Dating Endometriotic Ovarian Cysts Based on the Content of Cyst Fluid and its Potential Clinical Implications. Reprod Sci 2015; 22:873-83. [PMID: 25676579 DOI: 10.1177/1933719115570907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to test the hypotheses that, due to gradual accumulation of dead erythrocytes and their ingested products resulting from repeated hemorrhage, older endometriomas (whitish in color) contain chocolate fluid with higher iron content than younger (brownish/blackish in color) ones with concomitant higher collagen content and more adhesions. We recruited 30 premenopausal women with histologically confirmed ovarian endometriomas and collected samples of their endometriotic lesions and chocolate fluid and measured the viscosity, density, and the concentration of total bilirubin, ferritin, and free iron of the chocolate fluid. We also evaluated the lesion color and adhesion scores. In addition, we performed Masson trichrome and Picro-Sirius red staining on all endometriotic cysts and evaluated the extent of fibrosis in the lesions. We found that fluids taken from white-colored endometriomas had significantly higher concentration of total bilirubin, ferritin, and free iron, respectively, than black/brown-colored ones. In addition, older cysts had fluids that had significantly higher density and viscosity. Fluid density correlated positively with the concentrations of total bilirubin, ferritin, and free iron. Older lesions had significantly more collagen content and higher adhesion scores. Taken together, these data supports the notion that older cysts, having experienced more bleeding episodes, contain chocolate fluid that is higher in viscosity, density, and iron content and higher fibrotic content than younger ones. This provides another piece of evidence that endometriotic lesions are wounds that undergo repeated injury and repair, resulting ultimately fibrotic lesions that are resistant to hormonal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Ding Ding
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minhong Shen
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
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39
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Effects of oxytocin on high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation of adenomysis: A prospective study. Eur J Radiol 2014; 83:1607-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2014.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Aznaurova YB, Zhumataev MB, Roberts TK, Aliper AM, Zhavoronkov AA. Molecular aspects of development and regulation of endometriosis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014; 12:50. [PMID: 24927773 PMCID: PMC4067518 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-12-50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common and painful condition affecting women of reproductive age. While the underlying pathophysiology is still largely unknown, much advancement has been made in understanding the progression of the disease. In recent years, a great deal of research has focused on non-invasive diagnostic tools, such as biomarkers, as well as identification of potential therapeutic targets. In this article, we will review the etiology and cellular mechanisms associated with endometriosis as well as the current diagnostic tools and therapies. We will then discuss the more recent genomic and proteomic studies and how these data may guide development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics. The current diagnostic tools are invasive and current therapies primarily treat the symptoms of endometriosis. Optimally, the advancement of "-omic" data will facilitate the development of non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers as well as therapeutics that target the pathophysiology of the disease and halt, or even reverse, progression. However, the amount of data generated by these types of studies is vast and bioinformatics analysis, such as we present here, will be critical to identification of appropriate targets for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana B Aznaurova
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- The First Open Institute for Regenerative Medicine for Young Scientists, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Hematology, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Marat B Zhumataev
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- The First Open Institute for Regenerative Medicine for Young Scientists, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Hematology, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Tiffany K Roberts
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alexander M Aliper
- The First Open Institute for Regenerative Medicine for Young Scientists, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Hematology, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alex A Zhavoronkov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- The First Open Institute for Regenerative Medicine for Young Scientists, Moscow, Russian Federation
- The Biogerontology Research Foundation, London, UK
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Barcena de Arellano ML, Mechsner S. The peritoneum--an important factor for pathogenesis and pain generation in endometriosis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2014; 92:595-602. [PMID: 24590000 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-014-1135-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is an oestrogen-dependent disease affecting 10-15 % of women during reproductive age. It is characterised by the presence of endometrial glands, stromal- and smooth muscle-like cells outside of the uterine cavity. Fifty to sixty per cent of women and teenage girls with pelvic pain suffer from EM. EM causes disability and compromises the quality of life in women and young girls significantly. Pain generation in EM is an intricate interplay of several factors such as the endometriotic lesions themselves and the pain-mediating substances, nerve fibres and cytokine-releasing immune cells such as macrophages. These interactions seem to induce a neurogenic inflammatory process. Recently published data demonstrated an increased peptidergic and decreased noradrenergic nerve fibre density in peritoneal lesions. These data could be substantiated by in vitro analyses demonstrating that the peritoneal fluids of patients suffering from EM induced an enhanced sprouting of sensory neurites from chicken dorsal root ganglia and decreased neurite outgrowth from sympathetic ganglia. These findings might be directly involved in the perpetuation of inflammation and pain. Furthermore, the evidence of EM-associated smooth muscle-like cells seems another important factor in pain generation. The peritoneal endometriotic lesion leads to reactions in the surrounding tissue and, therefore, is larger than generally believed. The identification of EM-associated nerve fibres and smooth muscle-like cells fuel discussions on the mechanisms of pain generation in EM, and may present new targets for innovative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Luisa Barcena de Arellano
- Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Endometriosis Center, Clinic for Gynecology, Charité University Hospital, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, 12200, Germany
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Effect of oxytocin treatment on explant size, plasma and peritoneal levels of MCP-1, VEGF, TNF-α and histopathological parameters in a rat endometriosis model. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2014; 175:134-9. [PMID: 24447470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2013.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of oxytocin (OT) on surgically induced endometriosis in a rat model. STUDY DESIGN Twelve female Sprague-Dawley rats were included. After the implantation and establishment of autologous endometrium onto the abdominal wall peritoneum, the rats were randomly divided into two groups, treated with intramuscular oxytocin (OT group, 160μgkg/day, n=6) or isotonic NaCl solution (control group, 1mLkg/day, n=6) for 28 days. To evaluate the therapeutic effects of OT, the explant volumes were calculated and the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and TNF-α were measured in plasma and peritoneal fluid. Endometriotic explants were examined histologically by semiquantitative analysis. RESULTS After treatment, the mean endometriotic explant volume was decreased in the OT group (p=0.016). The histopathological score and VEGF immunoexpression of endometriotic explants were significantly lower in the OT group (p=0.007) than in controls (p=0.000). Inflammatory cytokine levels in plasma and peritoneal fluid were considerably decreased in the OT group. Moreover, TUNEL immunohistochemistry clearly demonstrated more apoptotic changes in the mononuclear cells of the OT group compared with controls. CONCLUSION We suggest that oxytocin might be considered as a potential candidate therapeutic agent for endometriosis.
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Sanchez AM, Viganò P, Somigliana E, Panina-Bordignon P, Vercellini P, Candiani M. The distinguishing cellular and molecular features of the endometriotic ovarian cyst: from pathophysiology to the potential endometrioma-mediated damage to the ovary. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 20:217-30. [PMID: 24129684 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical data suggest that the presence of an ovarian endometrioma may cause per se damage to the surrounding otherwise healthy ovarian tissue. However, the basic research has so far done a limited job in trying to understand the potential detrimental effect of an endometrioma presence in the context of the ovarian physiology. We have reviewed the literature with the aim of characterizing the pathophysiology of the endometrioma focusing mostly on factors and mechanisms potentially affecting the surrounding, otherwise normal, ovarian tissue. METHODS Comprehensive searches of PUBMED were conducted to identify human studies published from 1991 to 2013 in the English language on the cellular and molecular characterization of the various endometrioma components. RESULTS An endometrioma contains free iron, reactive oxygen species (ROS), proteolytic enzymes and inflammatory molecules in concentrations from tens to hundreds of times higher than those present in peripheral blood or in other types of benign cysts. The cyst fluid causes substantial changes in the endometriotic cells that it baths from gene expression modifications to genetic mutations The physical barrier between the cyst contents and the normal ovarian tissue is a thin wall composed of the ovarian cortex itself or fibroreactive tissue. ROS potentially permeating the surrounding tissues and proteolytic substances degrading the adjacent areas are likely to cause the substitution of normal ovarian cortical tissue with fibrous tissue in which the cortex-specific stroma is reduced. The fibrosis is associated with smooth muscle metaplasia and followed by follicular loss and intraovarian vascular injury. Follicular density in tissue surrounding the endometriotic cyst was consistently shown to be significantly lower than in healthy ovaries but this pathological change does not appear to be caused by the stretching of surrounding tissues owing to the presence of a cyst. CONCLUSIONS There is sufficient molecular, histological and morphological evidence, in part deriving from knowledge of the pathophysiology, to support a deleterious effect of the endometrioma on the adjacent ovarian cortical tissue, independent of the mere mechanical stretching owing to its size.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Sanchez
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
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Haga T, Kumasaka T, Kurihara M, Kataoka H, Miura M. Immunohistochemical analysis of thoracic endometriosis. Pathol Int 2013; 63:429-34. [PMID: 24200154 DOI: 10.1111/pin.12089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Thoracic endometriosis is a rare disease responsible for catamenial pneumothorax. The immunohistochemical features of thoracic endometriosis are not well understood. An immunohistochemical examination of 84 diaphragmatic specimens of catamenial pneumothorax using antibodies against estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), CD10 and smooth muscle actin (SMA) was conducted. The endometrial tissue was small, and focally located around the chasm of the tendon on the side of the thoracic cavity. Endometrial stroma were detected in 84/84 (100%) of the specimens, endometrial glands were detected in 21/84 (25%) and smooth muscle was detected in 1/84 (1.2%). The endometrial stroma exhibited positive staining for ER in 74/84 (88.1%) of the specimens, PgR in 84/84 (100%), CD10 in 74/84 (88.1%) and SMA in 46/84 (54.8%). Because thoracic endometriosis is small in size, and only 25% of the resected tissue specimens were accompanied with the endometrial gland, an immunohistochemical analysis can be useful for their detection. The fact that over half of the thoracic endometrial stroma showed positive staining for SMA, and the existence of thoracic endometriosis accompanied by smooth muscle, indicated that some part of the thoracic endometriosis may have the ability to differentiate into smooth muscle, although further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Haga
- Pneumothorax Research Center and Division of Thoracic Surgery, Nissan Tamagawa Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Guo SW, Mao X, Ma Q, Liu X. Dysmenorrhea and its severity are associated with increased uterine contractility and overexpression of oxytocin receptor (OTR) in women with symptomatic adenomyosis. Fertil Steril 2013; 99:231-240. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Revised: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 08/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Therapeutic efficiency of Atosiban, an oxytocin receptor blocking agent in the treatment of experimental endometriosis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2012; 286:777-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-012-2390-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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47
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High Lymph Vessel Density and Expression of Lymphatic Growth Factors in Peritoneal Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2012; 19:876-82. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719112438440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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48
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Barcena de Arellano ML, Gericke J, Reichelt U, Okuducu AF, Ebert AD, Chiantera V, Schneider A, Mechsner S. Immunohistochemical characterization of endometriosis-associated smooth muscle cells in human peritoneal endometriotic lesions. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:2721-30. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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Halis G, Mechsner S, Ebert AD. The diagnosis and treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2010; 107:446-55; quiz 456. [PMID: 20644707 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2010.0446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2010] [Accepted: 05/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis and adenomyosis uteri are the most common benign disorders affecting girls and women after uterine myomas (fibroids), with a prevalence of roughly 5% to 15%. There have been many advances in diagnostic assessment and in our understanding of the disease over the past decade. Steady improvements in treatment have been accompanied by heightened consciousness of the diagnosis among the affected women and the doctors who care for them. METHODS A selective literature search was carried out in the Cochrane and PubMed databases using the key words "endometriosis," "deep infiltrating endometriosis," "endometriosis AND diagnostics," "endometriosis AND surgical therapy," "endometriosis AND endocrine treatment," and others. The AWMF and ESHRE guidelines were also taken in account. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The main manifestations are primary or secondary dysmenorrhea, bleeding disturbances, infertility, dysuria, pain on defecation (dyschezia), cycle-dependent or (later) cycle-independent pelvic pain, nonspecific cycle-associated gastrointestinal or urogenital symptoms. Cycle-associated problems of urination and/or defecation that are due to endometriosis are most common in young, premenopausal women. Whenever such manifestations are present, endometriosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis, and evidence for it should be sought in the clinical history, physical examination, and ultrasound findings. If endometriosis is histologically confirmed and is of the deeply infiltrating kind, the recommended management today is to refer the patient to an endometriosis center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülden Halis
- Deutsches Endometriosezentrum Berlin, Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
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Mechsner S, Grum B, Gericke C, Loddenkemper C, Dudenhausen JW, Ebert AD. Possible roles of oxytocin receptor and vasopressin-1α receptor in the pathomechanism of dysperistalsis and dysmenorrhea in patients with adenomyosis uteri. Fertil Steril 2010; 94:2541-6. [PMID: 20413116 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2009] [Revised: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 03/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of oxytocin (OTR) and/or vasopressin (VP1αR) receptor in patients with and without adenomyosis uteri. DESIGN Retrospective nonrandomized study. SETTING University hospital endometriosis research center. PATIENT(S) Forty patients with histologically proven adenomyosis and 40 patients without adenomyosis who had undergone hysterectomy for dysmenorrhea, bleeding disorders, and fibroids. INTERVENTION(S) Immunohistochemical examination of both OTR and VP1αR expression in endometrium, myometrium, and adenomyotic lesions, and identification of smooth muscle cells using antibodies against OTR, VP1αR, and smooth muscle actin (sm-actin). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The immunoreactive score (IRS) was used for expression of OTR, VP1αR, and sm-actin. RESULT(S) Expression of OTR in epithelial cells of adenomyotic lesions and surrounding myometrial cells was detectable. VP1αR was expressed only in myometrial cells and blood vessels. Using a specific anti-sm-actin antibody, another spindle cell population was characterized to represent smooth muscle cells which are in direct contact with the adenomyotic stroma. Compared with the unaffected myometrium, the surrounding adenomyosis-associated myometrium overexpressed OTR and showed changes in morphology. In the uteri of patients with adenomyosis, the junctional zone was often seen to be quite fissured. CONCLUSION(S) In addition to the specific expression of VP1αR, OTR expression and morphologic changes in the myometrial architecture of uteri having adenomyosis support the hypothesis that dysperistalsis plays an essential role in the development of endometriosis and dysmenorrhea. In the near future, specific inhibition of this receptor might yield a promising treatment for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Mechsner
- Endometriosis Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charité, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.
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