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Sessa R, Filardo S, Viscardi MF, Brandolino G, Muzii L, Di Pietro M, Porpora MG. Characterization of the vaginal microbiota in Italian women with endometriosis: preliminary study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 310:2141-2151. [PMID: 39150504 PMCID: PMC11393154 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07631-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This cross-sectional study aims to assess the interplay between the vaginal microbiota and endometriosis. METHODS 123 consecutive Italian fertile women, aged between 20 and 40 years old, were enrolled during a routine gynecological consultation; 24 were diagnosed with endometriosis and 99 did not complain of any gynecological disease. All women underwent a vaginal swab for the evaluation of the composition and diversity of vaginal microbiota by means of 16 s rDNA metagenomic sequencing. RESULTS Compared to women with no gynecological disease, the vaginal microbiota in women with endometriosis showed a similar abundance of Lactobacillus spp.; however, a statistically significant lower abundance in the genera Pseudomonas (p < 0.01), Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05), Novispirillum (p < 0.0000001) and Sphingomonas (p < 0.0000001), and a statistically significant increase in the abundance of the genera Escherichia (p < 0.00001), Megasphaera (p < 0.00001), and Sneathia (p < 0.0001) were observed. CONCLUSIONS There is a complex interplay between vaginal microbiota composition and endometriosis, showing a distinct microbial signature in the bacterial genera usually found in dysbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Sessa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Section, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Filardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Section, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Federica Viscardi
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Brandolino
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marisa Di Pietro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Section, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Porpora
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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2
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Reis JL, Rosa NN, Martins C, Ângelo-Dias M, Borrego LM, Lima J. The Role of NK and T Cells in Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:10141. [PMID: 39337624 PMCID: PMC11432446 DOI: 10.3390/ijms251810141] [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: 08/15/2024] [Revised: 09/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis, a debilitating condition, affects one in ten women of reproductive age. Its pathophysiology remains unclear, though deficiencies in immune surveillance are thought to create an environment conducive to the evasion of ectopic endometrial cells from the immune system. Our research explores the immunological impact of endometriosis both locally and systemically, emphasizing natural killer (NK) and T cell subpopulations. We incorporated 62 female patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery; of those, 47 had endometriosis, and 15 were controls. We collected peritoneal fluid (PF) and peripheral blood (PB) samples which were tagged with monoclonal antibodies and subsequently scrutinized using flow cytometry. Our findings revealed significant differences in immunological profiles based on demographic factors and symptomatology. In the endometriosis cohort, there was an increase in PB CD56HiCD16dim and PF CD8+ CD56dimCD16Hi NK cells. CD16+ CD4 T cell levels were significantly lower in the PB of endometriosis patients who smoke. Individuals with more severe disease displayed significantly higher levels of PB CD16+ CD8 T cells, which also increased in those with non-menstrual pelvic pain. Dysmenorrhea severity correlated with a progressive increase in PF CD8+ CD56dimCD16Hi NK cells. These variations in specific lymphocyte subsets, namely, within NK and T cells, suggest potential immunological mechanisms in the evolution and clinical presentation of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Lourenço Reis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital da Luz Lisboa, Luz Saúde, 1500-650 Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Catarina Martins
- CHRC, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- Immunology Department, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Ângelo-Dias
- CHRC, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- Immunology Department, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Miguel Borrego
- CHRC, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- Immunology Department, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Imunoallergy, Hospital da Luz Lisboa, Luz Saúde, 1500-650 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jorge Lima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital da Luz Lisboa, Luz Saúde, 1500-650 Lisboa, Portugal
- CHRC, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- Immunology Department, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
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3
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Spinoni M, Porpora MG, Muzii L, Grano C. Pain Severity and Depressive Symptoms in Endometriosis Patients: Mediation of Negative Body Awareness and Interoceptive Self-Regulation. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024:104640. [PMID: 39032583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.104640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis-related pain may be associated with depressive symptoms. Although a growing body of evidence supports this association, the underlying mechanisms are still largely unclear. Impaired perceptions of bodily external and internal stimuli may be involved in this process. This study aims to assess the mediating role of 2 facets of interoception-the awareness of negative body signals and interoceptive self-regulation-in the association between pain severity and depressive symptoms among women with endometriosis. A total of 301 patients who reported a diagnosis of endometriosis were recruited from an endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain outpatient university clinic and through patient associations and completed self-reported instruments. A parallel mediation analysis was conducted. Almost half of women (48.2%) reported depressive symptoms above the self-rating scale cutoff values. Pain severity significantly predicted depressive symptoms (β = .39, 95% bootstrap confidence interval [CI] [.719, 1.333]). Negative body awareness (β = .121, 95% bootstrap CI [.174, .468]) and interoceptive self-regulation (β = .05, 95% bootstrap CI [.035, .252]) partially mediated this relationship. Our findings indicated that pain may interfere with the perception of the body as a source of calmness and safety, limiting the individual's ability to effectively regulate emotions. Future research should further explore these mechanisms and evaluate the efficacy of interventions focusing on interoceptive sensibility to enhance the psychological well-being of endometriosis patients. PERSPECTIVE: This article investigates for the first time the potential role of 2 facets of interoceptive sensibility in the relationship between pain severity and depressive symptoms in women with endometriosis. These findings may contribute to advancing knowledge about the mechanisms involved in the complex pain-depression cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Spinoni
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Porpora
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Grano
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
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4
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Hosseinzadeh R, Moini A, Hosseini R, Fatehnejad M, Yekaninejad MS, Javidan M, Changaei M, Feizisani F, Rajaei S. A higher number of exhausted local PD1+, but not TIM3+, NK cells in advanced endometriosis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23294. [PMID: 38173487 PMCID: PMC10761348 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMT) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the presence and growth of endometrial-like glandular epithelial and stromal cells outside the uterus. Natural Killer (NK) cell dysfunction/exhaustion has been shown in patients with EMT. In this case-control study, we compared the frequency of exhausted PD-1 or TIM-3 positive NK cells in peripheral blood (PB) and peritoneal fluid (PF) of women with advanced endometriosis to control fertile women. PB and PF were collected from women aged 25-40 who underwent the laparoscopic procedure, including 13 stages III/IV endometriosis and 13 control samples. Multicolor flowcytometry was used to compare the frequency of PD-1 or TIM-3 positive NK (CD3-CD56+) cells in PB and PF of two groups. We demonstrated a higher percentage of PD-1+ NK cells in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis rather than controls (P-value = 0.039). This significance was related to stage IV of endometriosis (P-value = 0.047). We can not show any significant difference in the number of PD-1 or TIM-3 positive NK cells in peripheral blood. Our results suggest a local exhausted NK cell response in endometriosis that can be a leading factor in the endometriosis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Moini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Hosseini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Fatehnejad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mir Saeed Yekaninejad
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Moslem Javidan
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Changaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Feizisani
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, Iran
| | - Samira Rajaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Lee GJ, Porreca F, Navratilova E. Prolactin and pain of endometriosis. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 247:108435. [PMID: 37169264 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Women experience chronic pain more often than men with some pain conditions being specific to women while others are more prevalent in women. Prolactin, a neuropeptide hormone with higher serum levels in women, has recently been demonstrated in preclinical studies to sensitize nociceptive sensory neurons in a sexually dimorphic manner. Dysregulation of prolactin and prolactin receptors may be responsible for increased pain especially in female predominant conditions such as migraine, fibromyalgia, and pelvic pain. In this review, we focus on the role of prolactin in endometriosis, a condition characterized by pelvic pain and infertility that affects a large proportion of women during their reproductive age. We discuss the symptoms and pathology of endometriosis and discuss how different sources of prolactin secretion may contribute to this disease. We highlight our current understanding of prolactin-mediated mechanisms of nociceptor sensitization in females and how this mechanism may apply to endometriosis. Lastly, we report the results of a systematic review of clinical studies conducted by searching the PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify association between endometriosis and blood levels of prolactin. The results of this search strongly indicate that serum prolactin levels are increased in patients with endometriosis and support the possibility that high levels of prolactin may promote pelvic pain in these patients and increase vulnerability to other comorbid pain conditions likely by dysregulating prolactin receptor expression. Targeting of prolactin and prolactin receptors may improve management of pain associated with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace J Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Frank Porreca
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Edita Navratilova
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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Anastasi E, Scaramuzzino S, Viscardi MF, Viggiani V, Piccioni MG, Cacciamani L, Merlino L, Angeloni A, Muzii L, Porpora MG. Efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine on Endometriosis-Related Pain, Size Reduction of Ovarian Endometriomas, and Fertility Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4686. [PMID: 36981595 PMCID: PMC10048621 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent, inflammatory disease, whose pivotal symptoms are dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Besides the usual medical treatments, recent evidence suggests there are potential benefits of oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on endometriotic lesions and pain. The primary objective of this prospective single-cohort study was to confirm the effectiveness of NAC in reducing endometriosis-related pain and the size of ovarian endometriomas. The secondary objective was to assess if NAC may play a role in improving fertility and reducing the Ca125 serum levels. METHODS Patients aged between 18-45 years old with a clinical/histological diagnosis of endometriosis and no current hormonal treatment or pregnancy were included in the study. All patients received quarterly oral NAC 600 mg, 3 tablets/day for 3 consecutive days of the week for 3 months. At baseline and after 3 months, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and CPP were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale score (VAS), while the size of the endometriomas was estimated through a transvaginal ultrasound. Analgesics (NSAIDs) intake, the serum levels of Ca125 and the desire for pregnancy were also investigated. Finally, the pregnancy rate of patients with reproductive desire was evaluated. RESULTS One hundred and twenty patients were recruited. The intensity of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and CPP significantly improved (p < 0.0001). The use of NSAIDs (p = 0.001), the size of the endometriomas (p < 0.0001) and the serum levels of Ca125 (p < 0.0001) significantly decreased. Among the 52 patients with reproductive desire, 39 successfully achieved pregnancy within 6 months of starting therapy (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Oral NAC improves endometriosis-related pain and the size of endometriomas. Furthermore, it decreases Ca125 serum levels and may improve fertility in patients with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Anastasi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Scaramuzzino
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Federica Viscardi
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Viggiani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Piccioni
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Cacciamani
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Merlino
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Porpora
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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7
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Chen S, Liu Y, Zhong Z, Wei C, Liu Y, Zhu X. Peritoneal immune microenvironment of endometriosis: Role and therapeutic perspectives. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1134663. [PMID: 36865552 PMCID: PMC9971222 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1134663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis, an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the growth of endometrium-like tissues outside the uterine cavity, affects 10% of reproductive-age women. Although the pathogenesis of endometriosis is uncertain, it is widely accepted that retrograde menstruation results in ectopic endometrial tissue implantation. Given that not all women with retrograde menstruation develop endometriosis, immune factors have been hypothesized to affect the pathogenesis of endometriosis. In this review, we demonstrate that the peritoneal immune microenvironment, including innate immunity and adaptive immunity, plays a central role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Current evidence supports the fact that immune cells, such as macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs), neutrophils, T cells, and B cells, as well as cytokines and inflammatory mediators, contribute to the vascularization and fibrogenesis of endometriotic lesions, accelerating the implantation and development of ectopic endometrial lesions. Endocrine system dysfunction influences the immune microenvironment through overexpressed estrogen and progesterone resistance. In light of the limitations of hormonal therapy, we describe the prospects for potential diagnostic biomarkers and nonhormonal therapy based on the regulation of the immune microenvironment. Further studies are warranted to explore the available diagnostic biomarkers and immunological therapeutic strategies for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siman Chen
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yukai Liu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqi Zhong
- Xinglin College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunyan Wei
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuyin Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyong Zhu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoyong Zhu,
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Myeloid-derived suppressor cells: A new emerging player in endometriosis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 375:191-220. [PMID: 36967153 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder defined by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. This is commonly associated with chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and dysmenorrhea, which occurs in approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. Although the exact mechanism remains uncertain, it has been widely accepted to be an estrogen-dependent and inflammatory disease. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous group of immune cells with immunosuppressive capacity and non-immunological functions. They have been found to be aggressively involved in the pathologies of various disorders. In regards to tumors, the functions of MDSCs have been profoundly shown to inhibit tumor immune response and to promote angiogenesis, tumor metastasis, fibrosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In recent years, the elevation of MDSCs in endometriosis was reported by several studies that provoke the assumption that MDSCs might exert similar roles to promote the development of endometriosis. Such that, precision treatments targeting MDSCs might be a promising direction for future study. Herein, we will review the research progress of MDSCs in endometriosis and its potential relevance to the pathogenesis, progression, and therapeutics strategy of endometriosis.
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9
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Reis JL, Rosa NN, Ângelo-Dias M, Martins C, Borrego LM, Lima J. Natural Killer Cell Receptors and Endometriosis: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:331. [PMID: 36613776 PMCID: PMC9820702 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder, characterized by the presence of endometrial cells outside the uterine cavity. An increasing number of studies correlate the immune system with endometriosis, particularly NK receptors (NKR), which have been suggested to play an essential role in the pathogenesis of the disease. This systematic review aims to enlighten the role of NKR in endometriosis. A literature search was performed independently by two reviewers, to identify studies assessing the role of NKR in endometriosis. In total, 18 studies were included. Endometriosis pathogenesis seems to be marked by the overexpression of NK inhibitor receptors (KIRS), namely, CD158a+, KIR2DL1, CD94/NKG2A, PD-1, NKB1, and EB6, and inhibiting ligands such as PD-L1, HLA-E, HLA-G, and HLA-I. Concurrently, there is a decrease in NK-activating receptors and natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs), such as NKp46, NKp30, and NKG2D. The immune shift from NK surveillance to NK suppression is also apparent in the greater relative number of ITIM domains compared with ITAM domains in NKRs. In conclusion, NK receptor activity seems to dictate the immunocompetency of women to clear endometriotic cells from the peritoneal cavity. Future research could explore NKRs as therapeutic targets, such as that which is now well established in cancer therapy through immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Lourenço Reis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LUZ SAÚDE, Hospital da Luz, 1500-650 Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Miguel Ângelo-Dias
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (NMS|FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- Immunology Department, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (NMS|FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Martins
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (NMS|FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- Immunology Department, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (NMS|FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Miguel Borrego
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (NMS|FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- Immunology Department, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (NMS|FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Imunoallergy, LUZ SAÚDE, Hospital da Luz, 1500-650 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jorge Lima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LUZ SAÚDE, Hospital da Luz, 1500-650 Lisboa, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (NMS|FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- Immunology Department, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (NMS|FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
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10
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Endometriosis: A Disease with Few Direct Treatment Options. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134034. [PMID: 35807280 PMCID: PMC9268675 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a gynecological condition characterized by the growth of endometrium-like tissues inside and outside the pelvic cavity. The evolution of the disease can lead to infertility in addition to high treatment costs. Currently, available medications are only effective in treating endometriosis-related pain; however, it is not a targeted treatment. The objective of this work is to review the characteristics of the disease, the diagnostic means and treatments available, as well as to discuss new therapeutic options.
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11
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Hoogstad-van Evert J, Paap R, Nap A, van der Molen R. The Promises of Natural Killer Cell Therapy in Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105539. [PMID: 35628346 PMCID: PMC9146217 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a gynaecological disease defined by the growth of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterus. The disease is present in approximately 5–10% of women of reproductive age and causes pelvic pain and infertility. The pathophysiology is not completely understood, but retrograde menstruation and deficiency in natural killer (NK) cells that clear endometriotic cells in the peritoneal cavity play an important role. Nowadays, hormonal therapy and surgery to remove endometriosis lesions are used as treatment. However, these therapies do not work for all patients, and hormonal therapy prevents patients from getting pregnant. Therefore, new treatment strategies should be developed. Since the cytotoxicity of NK cells is decreased in endometriosis, we performed a literature search into the possibility of NK cell therapy. Available treatment options include the inhibition of receptor–ligand interaction for KIR2DL1, NKG2A, LILRB1/2, and PD-1/PD-L1; inhibition of TGF-β; stimulation of NK cells with IL-2; and mycobacterial treatment with BCG. In preclinical work, these therapies show promising results but unfortunately have side effects, which have not specifically been studied in endometriosis patients. Before NK cell treatment can be used in the clinic, more research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Romy Paap
- Center of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center, 3553 Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Annemiek Nap
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboudumc, 6524 Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
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12
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Moghaddam MZ, Ansariniya H, Seifati SM, Zare F, Fesahat F. Immunopathogenesis of endometriosis: An overview of the role of innate and adaptive immune cells and their mediators. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 87:e13537. [PMID: 35263479 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with the growth and proliferation of endometrial-like tissues outside the uterus. Although the exact etiology and mechanism of the pathogenesis of the disease have not been fully elucidated, the immune system cells and the mediators produced by them can be named as effective factors in the onset and progression of the disease. AIMS We aim to attempt to review studies on the role of the immune system in endometriosis to better understand the pathogenesis of endometriosis. CONTENT Abundant production of inflammatory mediators by neutrophils and macrophages and reduced cytotoxicity of defined cells promote endometriosis at the early stages of the disease. Following an increase in the inflammation of the environment, the body takes compensatory mechanisms to reduce inflammation and establish homeostasis. For this purpose, the body produces remodeling and anti-inflammatory factors leading to slow conversion of the inflammatory environment into a non-inflammatory environment with proliferative and immunosuppressive properties. Environmental conditions induce M2 macrophages, TH2 cells, and Tregs differentiation, promoting disease progression by producing angiogenic and immunosuppressive factors. However, the exact molecular mechanism involved in changing inflammatory to non-inflammatory conditions is not yet fully understood. IMPLICATIONS Due to the common characteristics of endometriotic cells and cancer cells, most potential treatment options for endometriosis have been suggested due to the results of these methods in the treatment of cancer. In this pathway, immune system cells and soluble mediators can be used as targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Zare Moghaddam
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Hossein Ansariniya
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Seifati
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fateme Zare
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Fesahat
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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Biology and pathology of the uterine microenvironment and its natural killer cells. Cell Mol Immunol 2021; 18:2101-2113. [PMID: 34426671 PMCID: PMC8429689 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00739-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissues are the new frontier of discoveries in immunology. Cells of the immune system are an integral part of tissue physiology and immunity. Determining how immune cells inhabit, housekeep, and defend gut, lung, brain, liver, uterus, and other organs helps revealing the intimate details of tissue physiology and may offer new therapeutic targets to treat pathologies. The uterine microenvironment modulates the development and function of innate lymphoid cells [ILC, largely represented by natural killer (NK) cells], macrophages, T cells, and dendritic cells. These immune cells, in turn, contribute to tissue homeostasis. Regulated by ovarian hormones, the human uterine mucosa (endometrium) undergoes ~400 monthly cycles of breakdown and regeneration from menarche to menopause, with its fibroblasts, glands, blood vessels, and immune cells remodeling the tissue into the transient decidua. Even more transformative changes occur upon blastocyst implantation. Before the placenta is formed, the endometrial glands feed the embryo by histiotrophic nutrition while the uterine spiral arteries are stripped of their endothelial layer and smooth muscle actin. This arterial remodeling is carried out by invading fetal trophoblast and maternal immune cells, chiefly uterine NK (uNK) cells, which also assist fetal growth. The transformed arteries no longer respond to maternal stimuli and meet the increasing demands of the growing fetus. This review focuses on how the everchanging uterine microenvironment affects uNK cells and how uNK cells regulate homeostasis of the decidua, placenta development, and fetal growth. Determining these pathways will help understand the causes of major pregnancy complications.
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14
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Waiyaput W, Wattanakamolchai K, Tingthanatikul Y, Lertvikool S, Tantanavipas S, Dittharot K, Sroyraya M, Sophonsritsuk A. Effect of combined contraceptive pill on immune cell of ovarian endometriotic tissue. J Ovarian Res 2021; 14:66. [PMID: 33980258 PMCID: PMC8117307 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00819-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of immune response is associated with development of endometriosis. The study aim was to evaluate effect of combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs) consisting of ethinyl estradiol (EE) and desogestrel on the expression of macrophage, natural killer cells, and regulatory T cells of ovarian endometriotic cysts. METHODS Endometriotic cyst wall tissues were collected from women with endometriosis who were treated (n = 22) with COCs (one table per day of EE 0.03 mg and desogestrel 0.15 mg administered for 28 to 35 days before surgery) or untreated (n = 22). The tissues were collected from endometriotic cyst wall during laparoscopic or laparotomy ovarian cystectomy. Immunohistochemistry for anti-CD68, anti-CD56, and anti-forkhead-winged helix transcription factor (FoxP3), a marker for macrophages, natural killer cells, and regulatory T cells, respectively, were investigated. RESULTS The median (interquartile range [IQR]) number of anti-CD68 positive cells in the COC group was significantly lower than in the untreated group (12.7; 4.9-19.3) versus 45.7 (26.0-70.7), p < 0.001). Tissue infiltration of anti-CD56 positive cells in endometriotic cyst was significantly higher after the treatment when compared with tissue from untreated group (42.9, 27.4-68.9 versus 25.3 (14.1-37.3; p = 0.009). The number of regulatory T cells was also significantly increased in the COC group (6.3, 2.8-15.5) versus 0 (0-1.8; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The effects of COC, containing EE 0.30 mg with desogestrel 0.15 mg, on the immune system was demonstrated by a significant decrease in the number of macrophages and an increase in natural killer and regulatory T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanwisa Waiyaput
- Office of Research Academic and Innovation, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Keerati Wattanakamolchai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, 40002, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Yada Tingthanatikul
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Srithean Lertvikool
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Siriluk Tantanavipas
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanthanadon Dittharot
- Office of Research Academic and Innovation, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Morakot Sroyraya
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Areepan Sophonsritsuk
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand.
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15
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Masciullo L, Viscardi MF, Piacenti I, Scaramuzzino S, Cavalli A, Piccioni MG, Porpora MG. A deep insight into pelvic pain and endometriosis: a review of the literature from pathophysiology to clinical expressions. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2021; 73:511-522. [PMID: 33904687 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.21.04779-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. Its clinical manifestations are highly heterogeneous, but pelvic pain is the most frequent, causing functional disability. Cyclic or acyclic chronic pelvic pain (CPP), dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia are frequent symptoms which often compromise all aspects of the women's quality of life (QoL). The pathophysiology of endometriosis-related pain is extremely complex and not always clear. The aim of this literature review is to focus on recent updates on the clinical presentation, the pathophysiology and the most important mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of pelvic pain in endometriosis. A literature search in the Cochrane library, PubMed, Scopus and web of Science databases has been performed, identifying articles from January 1995 to November 2020. Several processes seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of pain, but many aspects are still unclear. Scientific evidence has shown that a correlation between pain severity and stage of endometriosis rarely occurs, whereas there is a significant correlation between pain and the presence of deep endometriosis. Onset and intensity of pain may be due to a complex process involving central sensitization and peripheral activation of nociceptive pathways as well as dysfunction of the immune system and of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. A deeper understanding of these different pathogenetic mechanisms may improve future treatments in women with painful endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Masciullo
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria F Viscardi
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Piacenti
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Scaramuzzino
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cavalli
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria G Piccioni
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria G Porpora
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy -
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16
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Fukui A, Mai C, Saeki S, Yamamoto M, Takeyama R, Kato T, Ukita Y, Wakimoto Y, Yamaya A, Shibahara H. Pelvic endometriosis and natural killer cell immunity. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13342. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.13342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
| | - Chuxian Mai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
| | - Shinichiro Saeki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
| | - Mayu Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
| | - Ryu Takeyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
| | - Toru Kato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
| | - Yuji Ukita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
| | - Yu Wakimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
| | - Ayano Yamaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
| | - Hiroaki Shibahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
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17
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Porpora MG, Scaramuzzino S, Sangiuliano C, Piacenti I, Bonanni V, Piccioni MG, Ostuni R, Masciullo L, Benedetti Panici PL. High prevalence of autoimmune diseases in women with endometriosis: a case-control study. Gynecol Endocrinol 2020; 36:356-359. [PMID: 31476950 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1655727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Peritoneal chronic inflammation is present and natural killer cells and macrophages abnormalities have been reported in women with the disease. Moreover, a higher production of serum autoantibodies has been found, which could be related to various factors; some still need to be clarified. The correlation between endometriosis and autoimmune diseases is still unclear with few and conflicting available data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of autoimmune diseases, as conditions with a possible common pathogenetic factor, in women affected by endometriosis, in order to address future research on its pathogenesis. This retrospective case-control study includes one hundred and forty-eight women with endometriosis and 150 controls. All women were aged between 18 and 45. Informed consent was obtained from all participants of the study. Considered autoimmune diseases include systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), celiac disease (CD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and autoimmune thyroiditis. Statistical comparison of patients and control group was performed by means of chi-square test or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Statistical comparison of parametric variable (age) among the groups was performed by t-test for unpaired data. Age was expressed as mean. A value of .05 or less was considered as significant. In the case group, five patients were affected by IBD, while the disease was not observed in the control group (p = .07). SLE was found in eight patients in the case group, while only one was found in the control group (p = .01). Fifteen women in the case group were affected by CD, while the disease was present only in one woman in the control group (p<.0001). A significant correlation was also found between endometriosis and autoimmune thyroiditis: 80 patients with endometriosis had thyroid diseases versus 14 patients in the control group (p<.0001). Our study reports an association between endometriosis and autoimmune disorders, showing a higher prevalence of autoimmune diseases in women affected by endometriosis. These results support a possible autoimmune pathogenesis of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Porpora
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - S Scaramuzzino
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Sangiuliano
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - I Piacenti
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - V Bonanni
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M G Piccioni
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - R Ostuni
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - L Masciullo
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - P L Benedetti Panici
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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18
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NK Cells as Potential Targets for Immunotherapy in Endometriosis. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8091468. [PMID: 31540116 PMCID: PMC6780982 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8091468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, most frequently on the pelvic viscera and ovaries, which is associated with pelvic pains and infertility. It is an inflammatory disorder with some features of autoimmunity. It is accepted that ectopic endometriotic tissue originates from endometrial cells exfoliated during menstruation and disseminating into the peritoneum by retrograde menstrual blood flow. It is assumed that the survival of endometriotic cells in the peritoneal cavity may be partially due to their abrogated elimination by natural killer (NK) cells. The decrease of NK cell cytotoxic activity in endometriosis is associated with an increased expression of some inhibitory NK cell receptors. It may be also related to the expression of human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G), a ligand for inhibitory leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B member 1 (LILRB1) receptors. The downregulated cytotoxic activity of NK cells may be due to inhibitory cytokines present in the peritoneal milieu of patients with endometriosis. The role of NK cell receptors and their ligands in endometriosis is also confirmed by genetic association studies. Thus, endometriosis may be a subject of immunotherapy by blocking NK cell negative control checkpoints including inhibitory NK cell receptors. Immunotherapies with genetically modified NK cells also cannot be excluded.
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19
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Pro-endometriotic niche in endometriosis. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 38:549-559. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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20
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Du Y, Liu X, Guo SW. Platelets impair natural killer cell reactivity and function in endometriosis through multiple mechanisms. Hum Reprod 2017; 32:794-810. [PMID: 28184445 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Study question Do platelets have any role in the reduced cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells in endometriosis? Summary answer Platelets impair NK cell reactivity and function in endometriosis through multiple mechanisms. What is known already Platelets play an important role in the development of endometriosis, and platelet-derived transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) suppresses the expression of NK Group 2, Member D (NKG2D) on NK cells, resulting in reduced cytotoxicity in women with endometriosis. Study design size, duration Experiments on mice with induced endometriosis in which either platelets, NK cells or both were depleted and controls (none depleted). In vitro experiments with NK cells, platelets and, as target cells, endometriotic epithelial cell and endometrial stromal cell lines. Participants/materials setting methods Immunohistochemistry analysis of ectopic endometrial tissues from mice with induced endometriosis receiving either platelet depletion (PD), NK cell depletion, or both or none. Immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and gene expression analysis for major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) expression in target cells. Cytotoxicity and degranulation assays and the measurement of interferon (IFN)-γ secretion for the evaluation of NK cytotoxicity. Flow cytometry and gene expression for the expression of NK cell receptors. Main results and the role of chance PD resulted in significantly reduced lesion weight in mice with induced endometriosis, but NK cell depletion as well as concomitant platelet and NK cell depletion increased the weight, suggesting that the anti-endometriosis effect of PD is mediated, at least in part, by increased NK cell cytotoxicity against endometriotic cells. Co-incubation of target cells with platelets resulted in rapid platelet coating as well as increased MHC-I expression in these cells, effectively providing a cloak of 'pseudo-self' to these cells to shield against NK cell lysis. It also reduced the expression of NKG2D ligands MICA and MICB and reduced the NK cell cytotoxicity. In addition, co-incubation of NK cells with platelets impaired the NK cell cytotoxicity as well. This impaired NK cell cytotoxicity was not due to the increased NK cell apoptosis, but, rather, through reduced NK cell degranulation and IFN-γ production, and reduced expression of activating receptors NKG2D and NKp46 and increased expression of inhibitory receptor KIR2DL1 in NK cells. Inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling partially restored the aberrant expression of NKG2D, NKp46 and KIR2DL1, and partially restored the impaired NK cell cytotoxicity induced by activated platelets and their releasate. Large scale data Not applicable. Limitations reasons for caution This study is confined by the limitation of animal and in vitro experimentation and the lack of direct human data. Wider implications of the findings Anti-platelet treatment holds promise in treating endometriosis. Study funding/competing interests The National Natural Science Foundation of China (81471434 to S.W.G., 81270676 to S.W.G., 81370695 to X.S.L. and 81671436 to X.S.L). None of the authors has anything to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbo Du
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai College of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai College of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai College of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Decreased Cytotoxicity of Peripheral and Peritoneal Natural Killer Cell in Endometriosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:2916070. [PMID: 27294113 PMCID: PMC4880704 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2916070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis causes significant chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility and affects 10% of all women. In endometriosis, ectopic endometrium surviving after retrograde menstruation exhibits an abnormal immune response characterized by increased levels of activated macrophages and inflammatory cytokines. Particularly, dysfunctional natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease by either facilitating or inhibiting the survival, implantation, and proliferation of endometrial cells. NK cells in the peritoneum and peritoneal fluid exhibit reduced levels of cytotoxicity in women with endometriosis. Several cytokines and inhibitory factors in the serum and peritoneal fluid also dysregulate NK cell cytotoxicity. Additionally, increased numbers of immature peripheral NK cells and induction of NK cell apoptosis are evident in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis. The high rate of endometriosis recurrence after pharmaceutical or surgical treatment, which is associated with dysfunctional NK cells, indicates that new immunomodulatory management strategies are required. A good understanding of immune dysfunction would enable improvement of current treatments for endometriosis.
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22
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Guo SW, Du Y, Liu X. Platelet-derived TGF-β1 mediates the down-modulation of NKG2D expression and may be responsible for impaired natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity in women with endometriosis. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:1462-74. [PMID: 27130956 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does platelet-derived transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) have any role in the reduced cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells in women with endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER Platelet-derived TGF-β1 suppresses the expression of NK Group 2, Member D (NKG2D) on NK cells, resulting in reduced cytotoxicity in women with endometriosis, but neutralization of TGF-β1 reverses the reduction. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY NK cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes that play an important role in peritoneal immune surveillance, and their function is known to be impaired in women with endometriosis. There is increased platelet aggregation in endometriotic lesions and increased platelet activation rate in the peripheral blood in women with endometriosis, yet activated platelets release copiousTGF-β1, which is known to be a potent immunosuppressive molecule that suppresses NK cell function and NKG2D expression. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Cross-sectional clinical studies of 30 women with endometriosis and 33 women without endometriosis and in vitro experimentation with and without TGF-β1 blockade. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Peritoneal fluid (PF) samples from premenopausal women with endometriosis and age- and menstrual phase-matched controls were collected. Platelet count, white blood cell (WBC) count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet activation rate, TGF-β1 concentration, expression levels of NKG2D on NK cells in the PF were evaluated. The apoptosis of freshly isolated NK cells treated with PF from women with endometriosis, the NK cytotoxicity and NKG2D expression treated with PF in the presence or absence of an anti-TGF-β1 antibody were also determined. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The platelet count, WBC count, MPV, platelet activation rate and the TGF-β1 concentration in the PF from women with endometriosis were significantly elevated when compared with those of women without endometriosis. The TGF-β1 concentration correlated positively with the platelet activation rate (r = 0.59, P < 0.01), suggesting that activated platelets are responsible, at least in part, for the increased TGF-β1 concentration. The cytotoxicity of freshly isolated NK cells treated with PF of women with endometriosis is significantly reduced when compared with that of women without endometriosis. Both the platelet activation rate and the TGF-β1 concentration in the PF correlated negatively with the NKG2D expression in NK cells isolated from the PF (r = -0.36, P < 0.01, and r = -0.45, P < 0.01, respectively). In addition, the NKG2D expression level and the cytotoxicity in freshly isolated NK cells were found to be significantly reduced if co-cultured with PF from women with endometriosis, but the TGF-β1 blockade effectively reverses the reduction. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study is limited by the cross-sectional nature of the study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS NKG2D is known to potently activate NK cells, so potent that it even overrides inhibitory signals transduced by other inhibitory receptors. This is the first time we demonstrate that platelet-derived TGF-β1 may be responsible for reduced NKG2D expression as well as reduced cytotoxicity of NK cells in women with endometriosis. This study provides yet another piece of evidence that platelets play critical roles in the development of endometriosis, and anti-platelet treatment should improve NK cell functionality in treating endometriosis. Equally important, this study highlights the critical role of the lesion microenvironment in shaping NK cell-mediated anti-endometriotic immunity. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This research was supported in part by grants 81270676 (S.-W.G.), 81471434 (S.-W.G.), 81530040 (S.-W.G.), and 81370695 (X.L.) from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and grant 2013ZYJB0019 (X.L.) from Shanghai Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning. None of the authors has anything to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanbo Du
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Quality of life and sexual satisfaction in women suffering from endometriosis: An Italian preliminary study. SEXOLOGIES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sexol.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Thiruchelvam U, Wingfield M, O'Farrelly C. Natural Killer Cells: Key Players in Endometriosis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2015; 74:291-301. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Uma Thiruchelvam
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology; Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute; Trinity College Dublin; Dublin Ireland
| | - Mary Wingfield
- Merrion Fertility Clinic; National Maternity Hospital; Dublin Ireland
- University College; Belfield Dublin Ireland
| | - Cliona O'Farrelly
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology; Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute; Trinity College Dublin; Dublin Ireland
- School of Medicine; Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute; Trinity College Dublin; Dublin Ireland
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25
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Increased dose single-agent gemcitabine in platinum-taxane resistant metastatic ovarian cancer. TUMORI JOURNAL 2015; 101:36-40. [PMID: 25702671 DOI: 10.5301/je.5000209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
CONCLUSION In platinum–taxane resistant epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), we aimed to determine the effectiveness. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between 2004 and 2013, patients afflicted with platinum–taxane resistant EOC and who were administered a 30-minute i.v. infusion of single-agent gemcitabine at a dose of 1,250 mg/m2 on the 1st, 8th and 15th days, every 28 days, were examined retrospectively. RESULTS Twenty-six patients with platinum–taxane resistant EOC were included in the study. The overall survival (OS) was 48 months. The median survival after becoming platinum–taxane resistant was 16 months for the study population. Median time to progression (TTP) and median survival after becoming platinum–taxane resistant for patients who received second-line treatment were 3.3 months and 16 months, respectively; for patients who received third-line treatment with gemcitabine, these were 3.7 months and 19 months, respectively. Administration of gemcitabine as second- and third-line chemotherapy in platinum–taxane resistant EOC, provides similar TTP and OS outcomes (p = 0.4, p = 0.9) with a similar response and toxicity rate. CONCLUSIONS Second- and third-line gemcitabine at a dose of 1,250 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15 every 28 days as a 30-minute i.v. infusion in platinum–taxane resistant EOC is an effective treatment option with a tolerable and manageable toxicity.
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Wang DB, Ren FY, Ren F. Detecting and investigating the significance of high-frequency LOH chromosome regions for endometriosis-related candidate genes. Gynecol Endocrinol 2012; 28:553-8. [PMID: 22329782 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2011.650746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To detect the high-frequency loss of heterozygosity (LOH) chromosome regions for ectopic endometrium of ovarian endometriosis (EMs) and to investigate the significance of high-frequency LOH chromosome regions in EMs, we obtained ectopic endometrium by laser capture microdissection (LCM (22 samples)), manual capture microdissection (MCM (18 samples)), and routine dissection (14 samples), respectively. After restriction and circularization-aided rolling circle amplification (RCA-RCA), LOH was detected at 12 microsatellite (MS) loci. The frequency of LOH was 59.09% (13/22) in LCM group, 61.11% (11/18) in the MCM group and 21.43% (3/14) in the routine dissection group. The latter was significantly lower when compared with the former two (p < 0.05). In the LCM group, candidate chromosome regions 17q21.31 and 9p21.3 had LOH frequencies of 23.8 and 13.6%, respectively. The highest LOH frequency was detected at the locus AAAT2 on chromosome 17q21.31 (40%). The chromosome region with the highest frequency of LOH for ectopic endometrium was 17q21.31, especially at the AAAT2 locus, which prompted that down regulation of the candidate genes nearby the locus might be one of the mechanisms of EMs pathogenesis. LCM combined with RCA-RCA is a reliable technique for analyzing endometrial LOH at multiple MS loci. MCM combined with RCA-RCA, which provided similar results, was more cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Bo Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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Altan ZM, Denis D, Kagan D, Grund EM, Palmer SS, Nataraja SG. A long-acting tumor necrosis factor alpha-binding protein demonstrates activity in both in vitro and in vivo models of endometriosis. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2010; 334:460-6. [PMID: 20435921 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.110.166488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of elevated proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha in the peritoneal cavity. Blocking interaction of TNFalpha with its receptor by the addition of excess TNFalpha-binding protein (TBP)-1 (a soluble form of TNF receptor-1) was effective in animal models of endometriosis. Recently, a novel, high-affinity inhibitor of TNFalpha, TNF-soluble high-affinity receptor complex (TNF-SHARC), was created by fusing TBP to both the alpha and beta subunits of inactive human chorionic gonadotropin. This dimeric protein was effective in inhibiting collagen-induced arthritis in mice. In the present study, the efficacy of TNF-SHARC in cellular and in vivo models of endometriosis was examined. TBP and TNF-SHARC dose-dependently inhibited TNFalpha-induced secretion of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in immortalized human endometriotic cells. An in vivo mouse model of experimentally induced endometriosis using cycling C57BL/6 mice was established. Antide treatment (0.5 mg/kg), used as positive control, initiated 7 days after the establishment of the disease, reduced the weight of the lesions compared with control. TNF-SHARC at 3 mg/kg was not effective in inhibiting the disease, whereas at 9 mg/kg there was reduction in the lesion weight. In addition, antide and TNF-SHARC treatment in vivo increased in vitro natural killer cell activity compared with untreated animals. Thus, we provide evidence for supporting the development of TNF-SHARC as a therapeutic candidate for treating endometriosis in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Melis Altan
- Reproductive Health, EMD Serono Research Institute Inc, Rockland, Massachusetts 02370, USA
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