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Sun JX, Yao Y, Li WX, Su X, Yang H, Lu Z, Liu C, Xu XH, Jin L. Upregulation of GPR133 expression impaired the phagocytosis of macrophages in recurrent spontaneous miscarriage. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2337087. [PMID: 38564758 PMCID: PMC10989699 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2337087] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Decidual macrophages are the second-largest immune cell group at the maternal-foetal interface. They participate in apoptotic cell removal, and protect the foetus from microorganisms or pathogens. Dysfunction of decidual macrophages gives rise to pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (RSM). However, the mechanisms by which decidual macrophages are involved in the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes have not been elucidated. Here we integrated DNA methylation and gene expression data from decidua macrophages to identify potential risk factors related to RSM. GPR133 was significantly hypomethylated and upregulated in decidual macrophages from RSM patients. Further demethylation analysis demonstrated that GPR133 expression in decidual macrophages was significantly increased by 5-Aza-dC treatment. In addition, the influence of GPR133 on the phagocytic ability of macrophages was explored. Phagocytosis was impaired in the decidual macrophages of RSM patients with increased GPR133 expression. Increased GPR133 expression induced by demethylation treatment in the decidual macrophages of healthy control patients led to a significant decrease in phagocytic function. Importantly, knockdown of GPR133 resulted in a significant improvement in the phagocytic function of THP-1 macrophages. In conclusion, the existing studies have shown the influence of GPR133 on the phagocytic function of decidual macrophages and pregnancy outcomes, providing new data and ideas for future research on the role of decidual macrophages in RSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Xue Sun
- Department of Biobank, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R, China
| | - Yongli Yao
- Department of Biobank, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R, China
| | - Wen-Xuan Li
- Department of Biobank, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R, China
| | - Xin Su
- Department of Biobank, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R, China
| | - Haoyu Yang
- Department of Biobank, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R, China
| | - Zhouping Lu
- Department of Biobank, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R, China
| | - Chenfei Liu
- Department of Biobank, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Xu
- Department of Biobank, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R, China
| | - Liping Jin
- Department of Biobank, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R, China
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Li MY, Shen HH, Cao XY, Gao XX, Xu FY, Ha SY, Sun JS, Liu SP, Xie F, Li MQ. Targeting a mTOR/autophagy axis: a double-edged sword of rapamycin in spontaneous miscarriage. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116976. [PMID: 38906022 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune dysfunction is a primary culprit behind spontaneous miscarriage (SM). To address this, immunosuppressive agents have emerged as a novel class of tocolytic drugs, modulating the maternal immune system's tolerance towards the embryo. Rapamycin (PubChem CID:5284616), a dual-purpose compound, functions as an immunosuppressive agent and triggers autophagy by targeting the mTOR pathway. Its efficacy in treating SM has garnered significant research interest in recent times. Autophagy, the cellular process of self-degradation and recycling, plays a pivotal role in numerous health conditions. Research indicates that autophagy is integral to endometrial decidualization, trophoblast invasion, and the proper functioning of decidual immune cells during a healthy pregnancy. Yet, in cases of SM, there is a dysregulation of the mTOR/autophagy axis in decidual stromal cells or immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have highlighted the potential benefits of low-dose rapamycin in managing SM. However, given mTOR's critical role in energy metabolism, inhibiting it could potentially harm the pregnancy. Moreover, while low-dose rapamycin has been deemed safe for treating recurrent implant failure, its potential teratogenic effects remain uncertain due to insufficient data. In summary, rapamycin represents a double-edged sword in the treatment of SM, balancing its impact on autophagy and immune regulation. Further investigation is warranted to fully understand its implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ying Li
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Hui Shen
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yan Cao
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng-Yuan Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Si-Yao Ha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510235, China
| | - Jian-Song Sun
- School of Life Science and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Song-Ping Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, People's Republic of China.
| | - Feng Xie
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China; Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Immunology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Alanazi H, Zhang Y, Fatunbi J, Luu T, Kwak-Kim J. The impact of reproductive hormones on T cell immunity; normal and assisted reproductive cycles. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 165:104295. [PMID: 39053203 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104295] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
During pregnancy, a unique immune milieu is established systemically and locally at the maternal-fetal interface. While preparing for embryonic implantation, endometrial effectors significantly change their proportions and function, which are synchronized with hormonal changes. During assisted reproductive technology cycles, various cytokines, chemokines, and immune factors dynamically change with the altered receptor expressions on the immune effectors. Thus, the hormonal regulation of immune effectors is critical to maintaining the immune milieu. In this review, hormonal effects on T cell subsets are reviewed. Sex hormones affect T cell ontogeny and development, consequently affecting their functions. Like other T cell subsets, CD4+ T helper (Th) cells are modulated by estrogen, where low estrogen concentration promotes Th1-driven cell-mediated immunity in the uterus and in vitro by enhancing IFN-γ production, while a high estrogen level decreases it. The abundance and differentiation of T regulatory (Treg) cells are controlled by estrogen, inducing Treg expansion. Conversely, progesterone maintains immune homeostasis by balancing Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg immunity, leading to maternal-fetal tolerance. Therefore, the understanding of the hormonal impact on various T cell subsets during the reproductive cycles is critical to improving reproductive outcomes in women with recurrent pregnancy losses, repeated implantation failures, and undergoing assisted reproductive cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hallah Alanazi
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USA; IVF and Reproductive Endocrinology Department, Women's Health Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USA; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Guangzhou Road 300, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Joy Fatunbi
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USA
| | - Than Luu
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USA
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USA.
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Liu L, Liu Y, Tian Y, Cao Y, Wang T, Mi S, Yang R, Liu S, Ma X, Wang J. Identification of Differentially Expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs Contributes to Elucidation of Underlying Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategy of Recurrent Implantation Failure. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01630-8. [PMID: 38955937 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01630-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is a complex and poorly understood clinical disorder characterized by failure to conceive after repeated embryo transfers. Endometrial receptivity (ER) is a prerequisite for implantation, and ER disorders are associated with RIF. However, little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying ER in RIF. In the present study, RNA sequencing data from the mid-secretory endometrium of patients with and without RIF were analyzed to explore the potential long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) involved in RIF. The analysis revealed 213 and 1485 differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs, respectively (fold change ≥ 2 and p < 0.05). Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses indicated that these genes were mostly involved in processes related to immunity or inflammation. 5 key genes (TTR, ALB, TF, AFP, and CFTR) and a key module including 14 hub genes (AFP, ALB, APOA1, APOA2, APOB, APOH, FABP1, FGA, FGG, GC, ITIH2, SERPIND1, TF and TTR) were identified in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The 5 key genes were used to further explore the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. Finally, the drug ML-193 based on the 14 hub genes was identifed through the CMap. After ML-193 treatment, endometrial cell proliferation was increased, the hub genes were mostly down-regulated, and the ER marker HOXA10 was up-regulated. These results offer insights into the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs and mRNAs and suggest ML-193 as a therapeutic agent for RIF by enhancing ER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
- The Basic Medical Sciences College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
- The reproductive center, the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
| | - Yidan Liu
- The Basic Medical Sciences College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yu Tian
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ying Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Ting Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Shengyan Mi
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Run Yang
- School of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Simin Liu
- School of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaoling Ma
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
- The Basic Medical Sciences College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
- The reproductive center, the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
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Smith CT, Wang Z, Lewis JS. Engineering antigen-presenting cells for immunotherapy of autoimmunity. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 210:115329. [PMID: 38729265 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115329] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are burdensome conditions that affect a significant fraction of the global population. The hallmark of autoimmune disease is a host's immune system being licensed to attack its tissues based on specific antigens. There are no cures for autoimmune diseases. The current clinical standard for treating autoimmune diseases is the administration of immunosuppressants, which weaken the immune system and reduce auto-inflammatory responses. However, people living with autoimmune diseases are subject to toxicity, fail to mount a sufficient immune response to protect against pathogens, and are more likely to develop infections. Therefore, there is a concerted effort to develop more effective means of targeting immunomodulatory therapies to antigen-presenting cells, which are involved in modulating the immune responses to specific antigens. In this review, we highlight approaches that are currently in development to target antigen-presenting cells and improve therapeutic outcomes in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton T Smith
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jamal S Lewis
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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6
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Wang J, Han T, Zhu X. Role of maternal-fetal immune tolerance in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1399-1406. [PMID: 38724467 PMCID: PMC11188918 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Normal pregnancy is a contradictory and complicated physiological process. Although the fetus carries the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) inherited from the paternal line, it does not cause maternal immune rejection. As the only exception to immunological principles, maternal-fetal immune tolerance has been a reproductive immunology focus. In early pregnancy, fetal extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) invade decidual tissues and come into direct contact with maternal decidual immune cells (DICs) and decidual stromal cells (DSCs) to establish a sophisticated maternal-fetal crosstalk. This study reviews previous research results and focuses on the establishment and maintenance mechanism of maternal-fetal tolerance based on maternal-fetal crosstalk. Insights into maternal-fetal tolerance will not only improve understanding of normal pregnancy but will also contribute to novel therapeutic strategies for recurrent spontaneous abortion, pre-eclampsia, and premature birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710038, China
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Tao Han
- Department of Orthopedics, Hainan Branch of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan 572013, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710038, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hainan Branch of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan 572013, China
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Mosebarger A, Vidal MS, Bento GFC, Lintao RCV, Severino MEL, Kumar Kammala A, Menon R. Immune cells at the feto-maternal interface: Comprehensive characterization and insights into term labor. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 163:104239. [PMID: 38493591 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104239] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Immune cells at the feto-maternal interface play an important role in pregnancy; starting at implantation, maintenance of pregnancy, and parturition. The role of decidual immune cells in induction of labor still needs to be understood. Published reports on this topic show heterogeneity in methods of cell isolation, assay, analysis and cellular characterization making it difficult to collate available information in order to understand the contribution of immune cells at term leading to parturition. In the present study, available literature was reviewed to study the differences in immune cells between the decidua basalis and decidua parietalis, as well as between immune cells in term and preterm labor. Additionally, immune cells at the decidua parietalis were isolated from term not in labor (TNL) or term in labor (TL) samples and characterized via flow cytometry using a comprehensive, high-dimensional antibody panel. This allowed a full view of immune cell differences without combining multiple studies, which must include variation in isolation and analysis methods, for more conclusive data. The ratio of cells found in decidua parietalis in this study generally matched those reported in the literature, although we report a lower percentage of natural killer (NK) cells at term. We report that CD4 expression on CD8- NK cells decreased in term labor compared to not in labor samples, suggesting that natural killer cells may be migrating to other sites during labor. Also, we report a decrease in CD38 expression on CD8+ CD57+ T cells in labor, indicative of cytotoxic T cell senescence. Our study provides a comprehensive status of immune cells at the decidua-chorion interface at term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Mosebarger
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Manuel S Vidal
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Ryan C V Lintao
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Mary Elise L Severino
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA.
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8
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Fu T, Wang X, Zhao X, Jiang Y, Liu X, Zhang H, Ren Y, Li Z, Hu X. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of decidual immune cell landscape in the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes induced by Toxoplasma gondii infection. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:213. [PMID: 38730500 PMCID: PMC11088043 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06266-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly in early pregnancy. Previous studies have illustrated the landscape of decidual immune cells. However, the landscape of decidual immune cells in the maternal-fetal microenvironment during T. gondii infection remains unknown. METHODS In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the changes in human decidual immune cells following T. gondii infection. The results of scRNA-seq were further validated with flow cytometry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS Our results showed that the proportion of 17 decidual immune cell clusters and the expression levels of 21 genes were changed after T. gondii infection. Differential gene analysis demonstrated that T. gondii infection induced the differential expression of 279, 312, and 380 genes in decidual NK cells (dNK), decidual macrophages (dMφ), and decidual T cells (dT), respectively. Our results revealed for the first time that several previously unknown molecules in decidual immune cells changed following infection. This result revealed that the function of maternal-fetal immune tolerance declined, whereas the killing ability of decidual immune cells enhanced, eventually contributing to the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This study provides valuable resource for uncovering several novel molecules that play an important role in the occurrence of abnormal pregnancy outcomes induced by T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Fu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhao
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medial University, Yantai, 264100, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhu Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yushan Ren
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhidan Li
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Li JW, Xv H, Wan RT. Bibliometric analysis of the global trends in immune-related recurrent pregnancy loss research over the last two decades. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2024; 50:828-841. [PMID: 38467350 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15907] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
PROBLEM A comprehensive analysis was conducted to explore the scientific output on immune-related recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and its key aspects. Despite the lack of clear explanations for most RPL cases, immune factors were found to play a significant role. METHOD OF STUDY The study utilized a bibliometric approach, searching the Web of Science Core Collection database for relevant literature published between 2004 and 2023. RESULTS The collected dataset consisted of 2228 articles and reviews, revealing a consistent increase in publications and citations over the past two decades. The analysis identified the United States and China as the most productive countries in terms of RPL research. Among the institutions, Fudan University in China emerged as the top contributor, followed by Shanghai Jiaotong University. Kwak-kim J was the most prolific author, while Christiansen Ob had the highest number of co-citations. The top 25 co-cited references on diagnosis, treatment, and mechanisms formed the foundation of knowledge in this field. By examining keyword co-occurrence and co-citations, the study found that antiphospholipid syndrome and natural killer cells were the primary areas of focus in immune-related RPL research. Additionally, three emerging hotspots were identified: chronic endometritis, inflammation, and decidual macrophages. These aspects demonstrated increasing interest and research activity within the field of immune-related RPL. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this comprehensive bibliometric analysis provided valuable insights into the patterns, frontiers, and focal points of global scientific output related to immune-related RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Wei Li
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Honglin Xv
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ren-Tao Wan
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
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10
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Yao Y, Ye Y, Chen J, Zhang M, Cai X, Zheng C. Maternal-fetal immunity and recurrent spontaneous abortion. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 91:e13859. [PMID: 38722063 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13859] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion (RSA) is a common pregnancy complication, that has multifactorial causes, and currently, 40%-50% of cases remain unexplained, referred to as Unexplained RSA (URSA). Due to the elusive etiology and mechanisms, clinical management is exceedingly challenging. In recent years, with the progress in reproductive immunology, a growing body of evidence suggests a relationship between URSA and maternal-fetal immunology, offering hope for the development of tailored treatment strategies. This article provides an immunological perspective on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of RSA. On one hand, it comprehensively reviews the immunological mechanisms underlying RSA, including abnormalities in maternal-fetal interface immune tolerance, maternal-fetal interface immune cell function, gut microbiota-mediated immune dysregulation, and vaginal microbiota-mediated immune anomalies. On the other hand, it presents the diagnosis and existing treatment modalities for RSA. This article offers a clear knowledge framework for understanding RSA from an immunological standpoint. In conclusion, while the "layers of the veil" regarding immunological factors in RSA are gradually being unveiled, our current research may only scratch the surface. In terms of immunological etiology, effective diagnostic tools for RSA are currently lacking, and the efficacy and safety of immunotherapies, primarily based on lymphocyte immunotherapy and intravenous immunoglobulin, remain contentious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yao
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiqing Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Caihong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
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11
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Kang S, Jin S, Mao X, He B, Wu C. CD4 +T and CD8 +T Cells in Uterus Exhibit Both Selective Dysfunction and Residency Signatures. J Immunol Res 2024; 2024:5582151. [PMID: 38690552 PMCID: PMC11057950 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5582151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Unlike T cells in other tissues, uterine T cells must balance strong immune defense against pathogens with tolerance to semiallogeneic fetus. Our previous study fully elucidated the characteristics of γδT cells in nonpregnant uterus and the mechanism modulated by estrogen. However, comprehensive knowledge of the immunological properties of αβT (including CD4+T cells and CD8+T) cells in nonpregnancy uterus has not been acquired. In this study, we fully compared the immunological properties of αβT cells between uterus and blood using mouse and human sample. It showed that most of CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells in murine uterus and human endometrium were tissue resident memory T cells which highly expressed tissue residence markers CD69 and/or CD103. In addition, both CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells in uterus highly expressed inhibitory molecular PD-1 and cytokine IFN-γ. Uterine CD4+T cells highly expressed IL-17 and modulated by transcription factor pSTAT3. Moreover, we compared the similarities and differences between human and murine uterine T cell phenotype. Together, uterine CD4+T cells and CD8+ cells exhibited a unique mixed signature of T cell dysfunction, activation, and effector function which enabled them to balance strong immune defense against pathogens with tolerance to fetus. Our study fully elucidated the unique immunologic properties of uterine CD4+T and CD8+T cells and provided a base for further investigation of functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangpeng Kang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, The Hunan Provincial University Key Laboratory of the Fundamental and Clinical Research on Functional Nucleic Acid, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuiping Jin
- Clinical Research Center of Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueying Mao
- Clinical Research Center of Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - BinSheng He
- Hunan Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, The Hunan Provincial University Key Laboratory of the Fundamental and Clinical Research on Functional Nucleic Acid, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Changyou Wu
- Clinical Research Center of Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Immunology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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He YB, Han L, Wang C, Fang J, Shang Y, Cai HL, Zhou Q, Zhang ZZ, Chen SL, Li JY, Liu YL. Bulk RNA-sequencing, single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis, and experimental validation reveal iron metabolism-related genes CISD2 and CYP17A1 are potential diagnostic markers for recurrent pregnancy loss. Gene 2024; 901:148168. [PMID: 38244949 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148168] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is associated with variable causes. Its etiology remains unexplained in about half of the cases, with no effective treatment available. Individuals with RPL have an irregular iron metabolism. In the present study, we identified key genes impacting iron metabolism that could be used for diagnosing and treating RPL. METHODS We obtained gene expression profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The Molecular Signatures Database was used to identify 14 gene sets related to iron metabolism, comprising 520 iron metabolism genes. Differential analysis and a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of gene expression revealed two iron metabolism-related hub genes. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used on clinical samples to confirm our results. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and immune infiltration analysis were conducted. In addition, we analyzed the distribution of genes and performed CellChat analysis by single-cell RNA sequencing. RESULTS The expression of two hub genes, namely, CDGSH iron sulfur domain 2 (CISD2)and Cytochrome P450 family 17 subfamily A member 1 (CYP17A1), were reduced in RPL, as verified by both qPCR and immunohistochemistry. The Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed the genes predominantly engaged in autophagy and iron metabolism. The area under the curve (AUC) demonstrated better diagnostic performance for RPL using CISD2 and CYP17A1. The single-cell transcriptomic analysis of RPL demonstrated that CISD2 is expressed in the majority of cell subpopulations, whereas CYP17A1 is not. The cell cycle analysis revealed highly active natural killer (NK) cells that displayed the highest communications with other cells, including the strongest interaction with macrophages through the migratory inhibitory factor (MIF) pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggested that CISD2 and CYP17A1 genes are involved in abnormal iron metabolism, thereby contributing to RPL. These genes could be used as potential diagnostic and therapeutic markers for RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Bo He
- Department of Clinical Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lu Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Clinical Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ju Fang
- Reproductive Center, Hainan Branch, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Sanya, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yue Shang
- Reproductive Center, Hainan Branch, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Sanya, Hainan Province, China
| | - Hua-Lei Cai
- Department of Emergency Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Qun Zhou
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhe-Zhong Zhang
- Department of Clinical Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shi-Liang Chen
- Department of Clinical Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Jun-Yu Li
- Pharmacy Department, Hainan Branch, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Sanya, Hainan Province, China.
| | - Yong-Lin Liu
- Reproductive Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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13
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Mani S, Garifallou J, Kim SJ, Simoni MK, Huh DD, Gordon SM, Mainigi M. Uterine macrophages and NK cells exhibit population and gene-level changes after implantation but maintain pro-invasive properties. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1364036. [PMID: 38566989 PMCID: PMC10985329 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1364036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prior to pregnancy, hormonal changes lead to cellular adaptations in the endometrium allowing for embryo implantation. Critical for successful pregnancy establishment, innate immune cells constitute a significant proportion of uterine cells prior to arrival of the embryo and throughout the first trimester in humans and animal models. Abnormal uterine immune cell function during implantation is believed to play a role in multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes. Current work in humans has focused on uterine immune cells present after pregnancy establishment, and limited in vitro models exist to explore unique functions of these cells. Methods With single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNAseq), we comprehensively compared the human uterine immune landscape of the endometrium during the window of implantation and the decidua during the first trimester of pregnancy. Results We uncovered global and cell-type-specific gene signatures for each timepoint. Immune cells in the endometrium prior to implantation expressed genes associated with immune metabolism, division, and activation. In contrast, we observed widespread interferon signaling during the first trimester of pregnancy. We also provide evidence of specific inflammatory pathways enriched in pre- and post-implantation macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells in the uterine lining. Using our novel implantation-on-a-chip (IOC) to model human implantation ex vivo, we demonstrate for the first time that uterine macrophages strongly promote invasion of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), a process essential for pregnancy establishment. Pre- and post-implantation uterine macrophages promoted EVT invasion to a similar degree as pre- and post-implantation NK cells on the IOC. Conclusions This work provides a foundation for further investigation of the individual roles of uterine immune cell subtypes present prior to embryo implantation and during early pregnancy, which will be critical for our understanding of pregnancy complications associated with abnormal trophoblast invasion and placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Mani
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - James Garifallou
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Se-jeong Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael K. Simoni
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Dan Dongeun Huh
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Scott M. Gordon
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Khairy M, Harb H, Eapen A, Melo P, Kazem R, Rajkhowa M, Ndukuwe G, Coomarasamy A. The use of immunomodulation therapy in women with recurrent implantation failure undergoing assisted conception: A multicentre cohort study. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 91:e13819. [PMID: 38348954 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13819] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) after multiple embryo transfers remains a vexing problem and immunomodulators have been used with conflicting results. This study aims to assess the effect of immunomodulation therapy on live birth rate (LBR) in women with RIF undergoing assisted reproduction treatment (ART). METHOD OF STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective cohort study in multicentre network of private assisted conception units in the UK. The study included women who had at least two failed attempts of embryo transfers at CARE fertility network in the period from 1997 to 2018. Women in the treatment group had immunomodulator drugs in the form of corticosteroids, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), and intravenous intralipid (IVIL) infusions, either separately or in combination, after immunological testing, in addition to standard ART whilst women in the control group had only ART without immunomodulators. The primary outcome was LBR per cycle. Secondary outcomes included the rates of clinical pregnancy (CPR), cumulative live birth (CLBR), and miscarriage. RESULTS A total of 27 163 ART cycles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of which 5083 had immunomodulation treatment in addition to standard ART treatment, and 22 080 had standard ART treatment alone. Women in the treatment group were significantly older (mean age 38.5 vs. 37.1 years, p < .001), and had a higher number of previous failed ART cycles (mean 4.3 vs. 3.8, p < .01). There was a higher LBR in women who received immunomodulation therapy when compared with the control group (20.9% vs. 15.8%, odds ratio [OR] 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-1.53, p < .001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that immunomodulation treatment was a significant independent predictor of live birth after adjusting for other confounders (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.33, 95% CI 1.15-1.54, p < .001). Survival analysis showed a higher CLBR in the treatment group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.78, 95% CI 1.62-1.94, p < .001). CONCLUSION(S) This study provides evidence of a potential beneficial effect of immunomodulation therapy in women with RIF after immunological testing. There remains a need for high quality, adequately powered multicentre RCTs to robustly address the role of immunomodulation in women with RIF. There is also an urgent need for standardised screening tests for immune disorders that could preclude implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hoda Harb
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Abey Eapen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Pedro Melo
- CARE Fertility Birmingham, Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
| | | | | | | | - Arri Coomarasamy
- CARE Fertility Birmingham, Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
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15
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Hua Q, Li Z, Zhou Y, Wang Y, Yu Y, Sun L, Ye J, Li L. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals association of aberrant placental trophoblasts and FN1 reduction in late-onset fetal growth restriction. Placenta 2024; 146:30-41. [PMID: 38160601 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetal growth restriction (FGR) can lead to fetal mental development abnormalities, malformations, and even intrauterine death. Defects in the trophoblasts at the maternal-fetal interface may contribute to FGR. However, the impact of trophoblasts on FGR is still not well understood. Therefore, the objective of this study is to characterize the heterogeneity of placental cells at the single-cell level and investigate the role of trophoblast subtypes in the pathogenesis of FGR at the cellular and molecular levels. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on the maternal side of placentas from two normal pregnant women and two pregnant women with FGR. Lentivirus transfection was used to establish a FN1 knockout model in trophoblast HTR-8-Svneo cells. The effect of FN1 knockout on cell migration and invasion of HTR-8-Svneo cells was assessed through wound healing and transwell assays. RESULTS Nine cell types were annotated in 39,161 cells derived from single-cell RNA sequencing. The FGR group exhibited a decrease in the percentage of trophoblasts, especially in subtype of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). The expression of FN1 was reduced in trophoblasts and EVTs. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of FN1 in the placentas of FGR patients were significantly lower than those of normal pregnant women. The cell migration and invasion ability of HTR-8-Svneo cells were inhibited after the knockdown of FN1. DISCUSSION The dysregulation of the trophoblast subtype-EVTs is involved in placental dysplasia related to FGR. The association between aberrant placental trophoblasts and reduced FN1 expression may contribute to insufficient remodeling of spiral arteries and the formation of FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Hua
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450007, Henan, PR China
| | - Zhe Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450007, Henan, PR China
| | - Yadan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450007, Henan, PR China
| | - Yali Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450007, Henan, PR China
| | - Yangyang Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450007, Henan, PR China
| | - Lei Sun
- Stem Cell Regenerative Medicine Transformation Center, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450007, Henan, PR China
| | - Jianping Ye
- Metabolic Disease Research Center, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450007, PR China; Center for Advanced Medicine, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450007, Henan, PR China.
| | - Li Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450007, Henan, PR China.
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16
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Fierro JJ, Prins JR, Henning S, Bootsma H, Westra J, de Leeuw K. Endometrial immune profiling as a new tool for preconceptional assessment in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1334231. [PMID: 38250081 PMCID: PMC10797870 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1334231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Juan J Fierro
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Grupo Reproducción, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jelmer R Prins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Svenja Henning
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Hendrika Bootsma
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Johanna Westra
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Karina de Leeuw
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Yu S, Lian R, Chen C, Chen X, Xu J, Zeng Y, Li Y. Impact of body mass index on peripheral and uterine immune status in the window of implantation in patients with recurrent reproductive failure. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1322-1333. [PMID: 36946060 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2189024] [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: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate whether maternal obesity affects the immune status of peripheral blood and endometrium in patients with recurrent reproductive failure classified according to their body mass index (BMI). A total of 228 repeated implantation failure (RIF) and 266 recurrent miscarriage (RM) patients were enrolled in the study and further subdivided into three groups according to their BMI: (i) normal weight (18.5≤ BMI <23); (ii) overweight (23≤ BMI <25); and (iii) obese (BMI ≥25). Peripheral blood and endometrium samples were collected in the mid-luteal phase before IVF treatment or natural pregnancy. Peripheral immunocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry, while uterine immune cells were subjected to immunohistochemistry. In RM patients, significantly increased peripheral helper T cells and decreased cytotoxic T cells, NK cells were observed in the obese group compared with the normal-weight group. Meanwhile, in the endometrium, the percentage of NK cell, macrophage cell, M2 macrophage cell, and Treg cell significantly reduced with increased BMI in RIF patients, and the percentage of NK cell and M2 macrophage cell significantly decreased with increased BMI in RM patients. In conclusion, obesity may cause endometrial immune disorder in recurrent reproductive failure women, but was only associated with the peripheral immune change in RM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- ShuYi Yu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong, Shenzhen, P.R. China
- Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, P.R. China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - RuoChun Lian
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong, Shenzhen, P.R. China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Cong Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong, Shenzhen, P.R. China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Xian Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong, Shenzhen, P.R. China
- Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, P.R. China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Jian Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong, Shenzhen, P.R. China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong, Shenzhen, P.R. China
- Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, P.R. China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - YuYe Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong, Shenzhen, P.R. China
- Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, P.R. China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong, P.R. China
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Ding H, An G. Role of the CD40-CD40L expression level pathway in the diagnosis of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2023; 43:2280840. [PMID: 38035611 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2023.2280840] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unexplained recurrent spontaneous pregnancy loss (URPL) lacks effective treatment and reliable early diagnosis and prediction. Immunologic dysfunction can be an underlying cause of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Considering the regulatory role of CD40-CD40L in immune responses, we explored its clinical significance in URPL. METHODS The 108 women with URPL who were treated in Hebei Yanda Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were selected as study subjects, and another 108 healthy women who were not pregnant and matched with the age and body mass index of the study group were selected as the control group. CD40 and CD4 + CD25 + Treg cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD40L in peripheral blood platelets were measured by flow cytometry. The predictive value of CD40-CD40L in URPL for the risk of RPL was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The correlations of CD40-CD40L with CD4 + CD25 + Treg cells and serum pro-inflammatory factors were assessed by Pearson's analysis. RESULTS CD40 on the surface of PBMCs and CD40L on the surface of platelets were up-regulated in URPL patients. CD40 in combination with CD40L had high predictive value for the risk of RPL in URPL patients. Peripheral blood CD40-CD40L was positively linked to IL-17 and IL-23, and negatively to CD4 + CD25 + Treg cells and IL-10 in URPL patients. CONCLUSIONS The CD40-CD40L pathway expression in peripheral blood can help predict the risk of RPL in URPL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hebei Yanda Hospital, Langfang City, China
| | - Guoqian An
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hebei Yanda Hospital, Langfang City, China
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Lyu F, Burzynski C, Fang YY, Tal A, Chen AY, Kisa J, Agrawal K, Kluger Y, Taylor HS, Tal R. Maternal CXCR4 deletion results in placental defects and pregnancy loss mediated by immune dysregulation. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e172216. [PMID: 37815869 PMCID: PMC10721256 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.172216] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
CXCR4 is a key regulator of the development of NK cells and DCs, both of which play an important role in early placental development and immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. However, the role of CXCR4 in pregnancy is not well understood. Our study demonstrates that adult-induced global genetic CXCR4 deletion, but not uterine-specific CXCR4 deletion, was associated with increased pregnancy resorptions and decreased litter size. CXCR4-deficient mice had decreased NK cells and increased granulocytes in the decidua, along with increased leukocyte numbers in peripheral blood. We found that CXCR4-deficient mice had abnormal decidual NK cell aggregates and NK cell infiltration into trophoblast areas beyond the giant cell layer. This was associated with low NK cell expression of granzyme B, a NK cell granule effector, indicative of NK cell dysfunction. Pregnancy failure in these mice was associated with abnormalities in placental vascular development and increased placental expression of inflammatory genes. Importantly, adoptive BM transfer of WT CXCR4+ BM cells into CXCR4-deficient mice rescued the reproductive deficits by normalizing NK cell function and mediating normal placental vascular development. Collectively, our study found an important role for maternal CXCR4 expression in immune cell function, placental development, and pregnancy maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Lyu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Chase Burzynski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Yuan yuan Fang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Aya Tal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Alice Y. Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Jacqueline Kisa
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Kriti Agrawal
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Program of Applied Mathematics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yuval Kluger
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Program of Applied Mathematics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hugh S. Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Reshef Tal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
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Tian X, Goemaere NNT, van der Meeren L, Yang J, Kapsenberg JM, Lashley LEELO, Eikmans M, van der Hoorn MLP. Inflammatory placental lesions are specifically observed in healthy oocyte donation pregnancies with extreme fetal-maternal incompatibility. Placenta 2023; 143:100-109. [PMID: 37866320 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oocyte donation (OD) pregnancy is a risk factor for pre-eclampsia (PE). Due to a higher extent of fetal-maternal human leukocyte antigens (HLA) mismatching in OD pregnancies compared to naturally conceived (NC) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies, the immune response in OD placentas is probably divergent and affects clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that placental pathology varies among diverse pregnancy conditions and is related to fetal-maternal HLA incompatibility. METHODS Placental lesions were scored in four patient groups: OD-PE (n = 16), OD-healthy (n = 37), NC-PE (n = 45), and IVF-healthy (n = 17). All combinations were genotyped for HLA-A, -B, -C, -DR, and -DQ to calculate fetal-maternal HLA mismatches. Placentas showing chronic deciduitis with plasma cells were immunofluorescently stained with CD138 and the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). RESULTS The distribution and severity of placental lesions varied among groups. The OD-healthy group had the highest inflammation score and greatest extent of chronic deciduitis with plasma cells (p < 0.05). However, the majority of CD138+ plasma cells (90%) in OD-healthy group expressed IL-10, in contrast to the OD-PE group (58%). The OD-healthy group was separated into semi-allogeneic (≤5 HLA mismatches) and fully allogeneic (>5 mismatches) subgroups. The elevated inflammatory pathology score and chronic deciduitis with plasma cells were found more often in the HLA-class-I fully allogeneic OD-healthy group than the IVF-healthy group (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION Placental inflammatory lesions are most often present in uncomplicated OD pregnancies. Immune cells that infiltrate these lesions might play an immunosuppressive role to protect OD pregnancies from complications when facing a higher extent of fetal-maternal HLA mismatching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezi Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Lotte van der Meeren
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jiayi Yang
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Johanna M Kapsenberg
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lisa E E L O Lashley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michael Eikmans
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Han D, Jia N. Bioinformatics analysis of competing endogenous RNA network in decidual natural killer cell from unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35078. [PMID: 37832104 PMCID: PMC10578670 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decidual natural killer (dNK) cell plays a pivotal role in maintaining pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Noncoding-RNAs (ncRNAs) are critical regulators of transcription and protein expression. Dysregulation of ncRNAs may be involved in the pathogenesis of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). However, the role of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) based on mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA network in regulating the incidence and progression of URSA remains elusive. The aim of the study is to identify the regulatory network of mRNA-miRNA-LncRNA ceRNA based on bioinformatics analysis in dNK from patients with URSA. METHODS Eligible studies were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), miRNAs and LncRNAs in dNK cells of patients with URSA. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by STRING database and Cytoscape software. Potential regulatory miRNAs and lncRNAs of mRNAs were predicted by miRTarBase and RNA22 and subject to bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS A total of 634 DEGs were screened, including 290 upregulated and 344 downregulated DEGs. Among 207 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 110 lncRNAs were upregulated and 97 were downregulated. According to node degree, 30 hub genes were identified for subsequent research. After drawing the Venn diagram and matching to Cytoscape, an mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA network linked to the pathogenesis of URSA in dNK cells was constructed. CONCLUSIONS A novel regulatory network of mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA ceRNA is established in dNK cells from patients with URSA. All RNAs might be used as the biomarkers of the pathogenesis of URSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Han
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ningyi Jia
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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22
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Bento GFC, Richardson L, da Silva MG, Tantengco OAG, Menon R. Modeling an ascending infection by Ureaplasma parvum and its cell signaling and inflammatory response at the feto-maternal interface. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13770. [PMID: 37766409 PMCID: PMC10571092 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13770] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Ascending bacterial infection is associated with ∼ 40% of spontaneous preterm birth (PTB), and Ureaplasma spp. is one of the most common bacteria isolated from the amniotic fluid. Developing novel in vitro models that mimic in vivo uterine physiology is essential to study microbial pathogenesis. We utilized the feto-maternal interface organ-on-chip (FMi-OOC) device and determined the propagation of Ureaplasma parvum, and its impact on cell signaling and inflammation. METHOD OF STUDY FMi-OOC is a microphysiologic device mimicking fetal membrane/decidua interconnected through microchannels. The impact of resident decidual CD45+ leukocytes was also determined by incorporating them into the decidual chamber in different combinations with U. parvum. We tested the propagation of live U. parvum from the decidual to the amniochorion membranes (immunocytochemistry and quantitative PCR), determined its impact on cytotoxicity (LDH assay), cell signaling (JESSTM Western Blot), cellular transition (immunostaining for vimentin and cytokeratin), and inflammation (cytokine bead array). RESULTS U. parvum transversed the chorion and reached the amnion epithelium after 72 hours but did not induce cell signaling kinases (p38MAPK and JNK) activation, or cellular transition (epithelial-mesenchymal), regardless of the presence of immune cells. The inflammatory response was limited to the choriodecidual interface and did not promote inflammation in the amnion layer. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that U. parvum is poorly immunogenic and does not produce massive inflammatory changes at the feto-maternal interface. We speculate that the presence of U. parvum may still compromise the feto-maternal interface making it susceptible to other pathogenic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovana Fernanda Cosi Bento
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lauren Richardson
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
- Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, United States of America
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23
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Burwitz BJ, Yusova S, Robino JJ, Takahashi D, Luo A, Slayden OD, Bishop CV, Hennebold JD, Roberts CT, Varlamov O. Western-style diet in the presence of elevated circulating testosterone induces adipocyte hypertrophy without proinflammatory responses in rhesus macaques. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13773. [PMID: 37766405 PMCID: PMC10544858 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13773] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Anovulatory infertility is commonly associated with hyperandrogenemia (elevated testosterone, T), insulin resistance, obesity, and white adipose tissue (WAT) dysfunction associated with adipocyte hypertrophy. However, whether hyperandrogenemia and adipocyte hypertrophy per se induce a proinflammatory response is unknown. METHOD OF STUDY Young adult female rhesus macaques were exposed to an obesogenic Western-style diet (WSD) in the presence of elevated circulating testosterone (T+WSD) or a low-fat control diet with no exogenous T. Immune cells residing in visceral omental white adipose tissue (OM-WAT), corpus luteum and the contralateral ovary, endometrium, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were characterized by flow cytometry during the luteal phase of the reproductive cycle. RESULTS Following one year of treatment, T+WSD animals became more insulin-resistant and exhibited increased body fat and adipocyte hypertrophy compared to controls. T+WSD treatment did not induce macrophage polarization toward a proinflammatory phenotype in the tissues examined. Additionally, T+WSD treatment did not affect TNFα production by bone marrow macrophages in response to toll-like receptor agonists. While the major lymphoid subsets were not significantly affected by T+WSD treatment, we observed a significant reduction in the frequency of effector memory CD8+ T-cells (Tem) in OM-WAT, but not in other tissues. Notably, OM-WAT Tem frequencies were negatively correlated with insulin resistance as assessed by the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). CONCLUSION This study shows that short-term T+WSD treatment induces weight gain, insulin resistance, and adipocyte hypertrophy, but does not have a significant effect on systemic and tissue-resident proinflammatory markers, suggesting that adipocyte hypertrophy and mild hyperandrogenemia alone are not sufficient to induce a proinflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J. Burwitz
- Divisions of Pathobiology and Immunology
- Divisions of Metabolic Health and Disease
| | | | | | | | - Addie Luo
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center
| | - Ov D. Slayden
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center
| | - Cecily V. Bishop
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Jon D. Hennebold
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center
| | - Charles T. Roberts
- Divisions of Metabolic Health and Disease
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center
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Bulletti FM, Sciorio R, Palagiano A, Bulletti C. The artificial uterus: on the way to ectogenesis. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:457-467. [PMID: 37357356 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000175] [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] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
The inability to support the growth and development of a mature fetus up to delivery results in significant human suffering. Current available solutions include adoption, surrogacy, and uterus transplantation. However, these options are subject to several ethical, religious, economic, social, and medical concerns. Ectogenesis is the process in which an embryo develops in an artificial uterus from implantation through to the delivery of a live infant. This current narrative review summarizes the state of recent research focused on human ectogenesis. First, a literature search was performed to identify published reports of previous experiments and devices used for embryo implantation in an extracorporeally perfused human uterus. Furthermore, studies fitting that aim were selected and critically evaluated. Results were synthesized, interpreted, and used to design a prospective strategy for future research. Therefore, this study suggests that full ectogenesis might be obtained using a computer-controlled system with extracorporeal blood perfusion provided by a digitally controlled heart-lung-kidney system. From a clinical perspective, patients who will derive significant benefits from this technology are mainly those women diagnosed with anatomical abnormalities of the uterus and those who have undergone previous hysterectomies, numerous abortions, and experienced premature birth. Ectogenesis is the complete development of an embryo in an artificial uterus. It represents the solutions for millions of women suffering from premature deliveries, and the inability to supply growth and development of embryos/fetuses in the womb. In the future, ectogenesis might replace uterine transplantation and surrogacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, EdinburghEH16 4SA, UK
| | - Antonio Palagiano
- Reproductive Science Pioneer, Assisted Fertilization Center (CFA), Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Bulletti
- Extra Omnes, Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), Center in Cattolica, Italy, and Associate Adjunct Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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25
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Keighley LM, Lynch-Sutherland CF, Almomani SN, Eccles MR, Macaulay EC. Unveiling the hidden players: The crucial role of transposable elements in the placenta and their potential contribution to pre-eclampsia. Placenta 2023; 141:57-64. [PMID: 37301654 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The human placenta is a vital connection between maternal and fetal tissues, allowing for the exchange of molecules and modulation of immune interactions during pregnancy. Interestingly, some of the placenta's unique functions can be attributed to transposable elements (TEs), which are DNA sequences that have mobilised into the genome. Co-option throughout mammalian evolution has led to the generation of TE-derived regulators and TE-derived genes, some of which are expressed in the placenta but silenced in somatic tissues. TE genes encompass both TE-derived genes with a repeat element in the coding region and TE-derived regulatory regions such as alternative promoters and enhancers. Placental-specific TE genes are known to contribute to the placenta's unique functions, and interestingly, they are also expressed in some cancers and share similar functions. There is evidence to support that aberrant activity of TE genes may contribute to placental pathologies, cancer and autoimmunity. In this review, we highlight the crucial roles of TE genes in placental function, and how their dysregulation may lead to pre-eclampsia, a common and dangerous placental condition. We provide a summary of the functional TE genes in the placenta to offer insight into their significance in normal and abnormal human development. Ultimately, this review highlights an opportunity for future research to investigate the potential dysregulation of TE genes in the development of placental pathologies such as pre-eclampsia. Further understanding of TE genes and their role in the placenta could lead to significant improvements in maternal and fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Keighley
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Chiemi F Lynch-Sutherland
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Suzan N Almomani
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael R Eccles
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Erin C Macaulay
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
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26
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Piekarska K, Dratwa M, Radwan P, Radwan M, Bogunia-Kubik K, Nowak I. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization procedure treated with prednisone. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1250488. [PMID: 37744353 PMCID: PMC10511889 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1250488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is a key moment in pregnancy. Abnormal production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, their receptors and other immune factors may result in embryo implantation failure and pregnancy loss. The aim of this study was to determine the profile of selected pro- and anti-inflammatory factors in the blood plasma of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and control women who achieved pregnancy after natural conception. The examined patients were administered steroid prednisone. We present results concern the plasma levels of IFN-ɣ, BDNF, LIF, VEGF-A, sTNFR1 and IL-10. We found that IVF patients receiving steroids differed significantly from patients who were not administered such treatment in terms of IFN-γ and IL-10 levels. Moreover, IVF patients differed in secretion of all tested factors with the fertile controls. Our results indicated that women who secrete at least 1409 pg/ml of sTNFR1 have a chance to become pregnant naturally and give birth to a child, while patients after IVF must achieve a concentration of 962.3 pg/ml sTNFR1 in blood plasma for successful pregnancy. In addition, IVF patients secreting VEGF-A above 43.28 pg/ml have a greater risk of miscarriage or a failed transfer in comparison to women secreting below this value. In conclusion, fertile women present a different profile of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors compared to patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Piekarska
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Department of Clinical Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marta Dratwa
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paweł Radwan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Gameta Hospital, Rzgów, Poland
| | - Michał Radwan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Gameta Hospital, Rzgów, Poland
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The Mazovian Academy in Plock, Płock, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Izabela Nowak
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Department of Clinical Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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de Andrade Vieira Alves F, Nunes PCG, Arruda LV, Salomão NG, Rabelo K. The Innate Immune Response in DENV- and CHIKV-Infected Placentas and the Consequences for the Fetuses: A Minireview. Viruses 2023; 15:1885. [PMID: 37766291 PMCID: PMC10535478 DOI: 10.3390/v15091885] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) are arthropod-borne viruses belonging to the Flaviviridae and Togaviridae families, respectively. Infection by both viruses can lead to a mild indistinct fever or even lead to more severe forms of the diseases, which are characterized by a generalized inflammatory state and multiorgan involvement. Infected mothers are considered a high-risk group due to their immunosuppressed state and the possibility of vertical transmission. Thereby, infection by arboviruses during pregnancy portrays a major public health concern, especially in countries where epidemics of both diseases are regular and public health policies are left aside. Placental involvement during both infections has been already described and the presence of either DENV or CHIKV has been observed in constituent cells of the placenta. In spite of that, there is little knowledge regarding the intrinsic earlier immunological mechanisms that are developed by placental cells in response to infection by both arboviruses. Here, we approach some of the current information available in the literature about the exacerbated presence of cells involved in the innate immune defense of the placenta during DENV and CHIKV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe de Andrade Vieira Alves
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura e Biologia Tecidual, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/UERJ, Rio de Janeiro 20550170, RJ, Brazil; (F.d.A.V.A.); (L.V.A.)
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Priscila Conrado Guerra Nunes
- Laboratório de Imunologia Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040900, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Laíza Vianna Arruda
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura e Biologia Tecidual, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/UERJ, Rio de Janeiro 20550170, RJ, Brazil; (F.d.A.V.A.); (L.V.A.)
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Natália Gedeão Salomão
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040900, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunologia Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040900, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Kíssila Rabelo
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura e Biologia Tecidual, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/UERJ, Rio de Janeiro 20550170, RJ, Brazil; (F.d.A.V.A.); (L.V.A.)
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040900, RJ, Brazil
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Liu S, Zhang S, Hong L, Diao L, Cai S, Yin T, Zeng Y. Characterization of progesterone-induced dendritic cells in metabolic and immunologic reprogramming. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 159:104128. [PMID: 37579685 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.104128] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
The role of maternal-fetal immune tolerance in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy has been well established. Dendritic cells (DCs) as a crucial part of the decidual microenvironment, have high plasticity in immunogenicity and tolerogenicity. The regulatory mechanisms of DCs phenotype or function at the maternal-fetal interface, however, have not been fully developed. Studies from the field of immunometabolism have highlighted that the metabolic pathways of DCs are closely associated with their immunity. Our previous study showed that progesterone (P4) up-regulated a series of enzymes involved in DCs mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid metabolism. In this study, we confirmed that P4 induced significant alternations in DCs metabolic pathways, promoting their glycolysis, mitochondrial function, and the dependency and capacity of fatty acids as mitochondrial fuel. Moreover, P4 also increased the inhibitory molecule ILT4 expression on DCs and down-regulated the CD86, which may coordinate their immune tolerance function in pregnancy. Together, our study helps to understand the role of P4 in DCs metabolic and immunologic reprogramming and may provide novel insights into the hormonal immunometabolism regulation of DCs during normal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sainan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Hong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lianghui Diao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Songchen Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
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29
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Huang L, Tu Z, Wei L, Sun W, Wang Y, Bi S, He F, Du L, Chen J, Kzhyshkowska J, Wang H, Chen D, Zhang S. Generating Functional Multicellular Organoids from Human Placenta Villi. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2301565. [PMID: 37438660 PMCID: PMC10502861 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between trophoblasts, stroma cells, and immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface constitutes the functional units of the placenta, which is crucial for successful pregnancy outcomes. However, the investigation of this intricate interplay is restricted due to the absence of efficient experimental models. To address this challenge, a robust, reliable methodology for generating placenta villi organoids (PVOs) from early, late, or diseased pregnancies using air-liquid surface culture is developed. PVOs contain cytotrophoblasts that can self-renew and differentiate directly, along with stromal elements that retain native immune cells. Analysis of scRNA sequencing and WES data reveals that PVOs faithfully recapitulate the cellular components and genetic alterations of the corresponding source tissue. Additionally, PVOs derived from patients with preeclampsia exhibit specific pathological features such as inflammation, antiangiogenic imbalance, and decreased syncytin expression. The PVO-based propagation of primary placenta villi should enable a deeper investigation of placenta development and exploration of the underlying pathogenesis and therapeutics of placenta-originated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Zhaowei Tu
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Liudan Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Shilei Bi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Fang He
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Lili Du
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Jingsi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Julia Kzhyshkowska
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and ImmunologyMedical Faculty MannheimUniversity of Heidelberg68167MannheimGermany
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health ResearchDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversitySchool of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamen361005China
| | - Dunjin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong ProvinceGuangzhou510150China
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal‐Fetal MedicineGuangzhou510150China
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal‐Fetal MedicineGuangzhou510150China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
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30
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Jiao B, Wang Y, Li S, Lu J, Liu J, Xia J, Li Y, Xu J, Tian X, Qi B. Dissecting human placental cells heterogeneity in preeclampsia and gestational diabetes using single-cell sequencing. Mol Immunol 2023; 161:104-118. [PMID: 37572508 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are pregnancy-specific complications, which affect maternal health and fetal outcomes. Currently, clinical and pathological studies have shown that placenta homeostasis is affected by these two maternal diseases. In this study, we aimed to gain insight into the heterogeneous changes in cell types in placental tissue-isolated from cesarean section by single-cell sequencing, including those patients diagnosed with PE (n = 5), GDM (n = 5) and healthy control (n = 5). A total of 96,048 cells (PE: 31,672; GDM: 25,294; control: 39,082) were identified in six cell types, dominated by trophoblast cells and immune cells. In addition, trophoblast cells were divided into four subtypes, including cytotrophoblast cells (CTBs), villous cytotrophoblasts (VCTs), syncytiotrophoblast (STB), and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). Immune cells are divided into lymphocytes and macrophages, of which macrophages have 3 subtypes (decidual macrophages, Hofbauer cells and macrophages), and lymphocytes have 4 subtypes (BloodNK, T cells, plasma cells, and decidual natural killer cells). Meanwhile, we also proved the orderly differentiation sequence of CTB into VCT, then STB and EVT. By pair-wise analysis of the expression and enrichment of differentially expressed genes in trophoblast cells between PE, GDM and control, it was found that these cells were involved in immune, nutrient transfer, hormone and oxidative stress pathways. In addition, T cells and macrophages play an immune defense role in both PE and GDM. The proportion of CTB and EVT cells in placental tissue was confirmed by flow cytometry. Taken together, our results suggested that the human placenta is a dynamic heterogenous organ dominated by trophoblast and immune cells, which perform their respective roles and interact with other cells in the environment to maintain normal placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Jiao
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China
| | - Shenghua Li
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China
| | - Jianan Lu
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China
| | - Ji Xia
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China
| | - Yisha Li
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China
| | - Juanjuan Xu
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China
| | - Xiujuan Tian
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China.
| | - Bangruo Qi
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China.
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31
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Sajjadi E, Venetis K, Ivanova M, Noale M, Blundo C, Di Loreto E, Scarfone G, Ferrero S, Maggi S, Veronesi P, Galimberti VE, Viale G, Peccatori FA, Fusco N, Guerini-Rocco E. Immune microenvironment dynamics in breast cancer during pregnancy: impact of gestational age on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and prognosis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1116569. [PMID: 37671051 PMCID: PMC10475935 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1116569] [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: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer during pregnancy (PrBC) is a rare condition known for its aggressive clinical behavior. The presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has been shown to have a significant impact on the prognosis of these patients. Despite some biological characteristics of the tumor that may differ depending on the gestational age, little is known about the dynamics of the immune landscape within the tumor microenvironment (TME) in PrBC. Therefore, in this study, our objective was to gain comprehensive insights into the relationship between gestational age at breast cancer diagnosis and the composition of the TME. Methods n = 108 PrBC were selected from our institutional registry and categorized based on the gestational age by trimester. For all cases, TILs were profiled according to the International TILs Working Group recommendations, and subtyped by CD4, CD8, and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) immunohistochemistry. PD-L1 was tested according to the combined positive score (CPS) using the IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay, with a cutoff value of ≥10 for positivity. The statistical approach encompassed Fisher's and Chi-squared tests, with appropriate adjustments for multiple comparisons, logistic regression models, and survival analyses based on the Kaplan-Meier method. Results The proportion of patients with poorly differentiated (G3) neoplasms increased as the gestational age advanced (first trimester, n = 25, 56.8%; second trimester, n = 27, 69.2%; third trimester, n = 21, 87.5%; p = 0.03). The histologic subtypes as well as the hormone receptor (HR) and HER2 status did not show significant changes across different pregnancy trimesters. In the HR+/HER2- subtype, there was a higher proportion of tumors with high/moderate TILs in the early phases of pregnancy, similar to FOXP3 expression (TILs: first trimester, n = 10, 35.7%; second trimester, n = 2, 10.5%; third trimester, n = 0; p = 0.02; FOXP3: first trimester, n = 10, 40%; second trimester, n = 3, 15.8%; third trimester, n = 0; p = 0.03). The median follow-up for our cohort was 81 months. Patients who relapsed after a breast cancer diagnosis during the first trimester were more frequently PD-L1-negative, unlike those with no disease recurrence (n = 9, 100% vs. n = 9, 56.3%; p = 0.03; hormone therapy and n = 9, 100% vs. n = 7, 53.9%; p = 0.02; chemotherapy). No statistically significant differences were seen among the three trimesters in terms of survival outcome. Conclusion The TME dynamics of HR+/HER2- PrBC vary based on gestational age, suggesting that immune tolerance expression during later gestational age could explain the increased aggressiveness of tumors diagnosed at that stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Sajjadi
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Konstantinos Venetis
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariia Ivanova
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Marianna Noale
- Neuroscience Institute Aging Branch, National Research Council (CNR), Padua, Italy
| | - Concetta Blundo
- Breast Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda—Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Eugenia Di Loreto
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda—Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Scarfone
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda—Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferrero
- Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda—Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical, and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Maggi
- Neuroscience Institute Aging Branch, National Research Council (CNR), Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Veronesi
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Breast Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Viale
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Fedro A. Peccatori
- Fertility and Procreation Unit, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Guerini-Rocco
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Lédée N, Petitbarat M, Prat-Ellenberg L, Dray G, Vaucoret V, Kazhalawi A, Rodriguez-Pozo A, Habeichi N, Ruoso L, Cassuto NG, Rahmati M. The Next Frontier in ART: Harnessing the Uterine Immune Profile for Improved Performance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11322. [PMID: 37511080 PMCID: PMC10379072 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411322] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproduction techniques have improved considerably in recent decades, but despite these advances, success rates remain relatively low. Endometrial immune profiling involves the analysis of cytokine biomarkers in the endometrium during the mid-luteal phase. This profiling aims to provide insights into the immune environment of the uterus. The aim is to identify immune disturbances and thus guide the development of personalized therapeutic approaches. The first part of the review looks back at the emergence of innovative concepts, highlighting the specificity of the human uterine environment at the time of implantation. Based on this new knowledge, biomarkers have been selected for endometrial immune profiling. The second part details the results of clinical studies conducted over the last ten years. These clinical results suggest that this approach can increase the rate of live births in patients suffering from repeated implantation failures or repeated pregnancy loss. Uterine immune profiling represents a clinical innovation that can significantly improve the performance of medically assisted reproduction treatments through personalized strategies tailored to the local immune profile. Innovation in personalized medicine for assisted reproduction is crucial to improving the success rates of fertility treatments, while reducing the risks and costs associated with ineffective or unnecessary interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Lédée
- MatriceLab Innove Laboratory, Immeuble Les Gemeaux, 2 Rue Antoine Etex, 94000 Creteil, France
- Centre d'Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, Hôpital des Bluets, 4 Rue Lasson, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Marie Petitbarat
- MatriceLab Innove Laboratory, Immeuble Les Gemeaux, 2 Rue Antoine Etex, 94000 Creteil, France
| | - Laura Prat-Ellenberg
- Centre d'Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, Hôpital des Bluets, 4 Rue Lasson, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Géraldine Dray
- Centre d'Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, Hôpital des Bluets, 4 Rue Lasson, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Virginie Vaucoret
- Centre d'Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, Hôpital des Bluets, 4 Rue Lasson, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Alaa Kazhalawi
- MatriceLab Innove Laboratory, Immeuble Les Gemeaux, 2 Rue Antoine Etex, 94000 Creteil, France
| | - André Rodriguez-Pozo
- MatriceLab Innove Laboratory, Immeuble Les Gemeaux, 2 Rue Antoine Etex, 94000 Creteil, France
| | - Nada Habeichi
- MatriceLab Innove Laboratory, Immeuble Les Gemeaux, 2 Rue Antoine Etex, 94000 Creteil, France
| | - Lea Ruoso
- Laboratoire Drouot, 21 Rue Drouot, 75010 Paris, France
| | | | - Mona Rahmati
- London Women's Clinic, 113-115 Harley Street, London W1G 6AP, UK
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Kalinina A, Semenova M, Bruter A, Varlamova E, Kubekina M, Pavlenko N, Silaeva Y, Deikin A, Antoshina E, Gorkova T, Trukhanova L, Salmina A, Novikova S, Voronkov D, Kazansky D, Khromykh L. Cyclophilin A as a Pro-Inflammatory Factor Exhibits Embryotoxic and Teratogenic Effects during Fetal Organogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11279. [PMID: 37511039 PMCID: PMC10380070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The precise balance of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines is a key factor in successful pregnancy and normal embryonic development. However, to date, not all humoral factors that regulate and influence physiological pregnancy have been completely studied. Our data here pointed out cyclophilin A (CypA) as the adverse pro-inflammatory factor negatively affecting fetal development and associated with pregnancy complications. In different mouse models in vivo, we demonstrated dramatic embryotoxicity and teratogenicity of increased CypA levels during pregnancy. Using generated transgenic models, we showed that CypA overexpression in fetal tissues induced the death of all transgenic fetuses and complete miscarriage. Administration of recombinant human CypA in a high dose to pregnant females during fetal organogenesis (6.5-11.5 dpc) exhibited teratogenic effects, causing severe defects in the brain and bone development that could lead to malformations and postnatal behavioral and cognitive disorders in the offspring. Embryotoxic and teratogenic effects could be mediated by CypA-induced up-regulation of M1 macrophage polarization via activation of the STAT1/3 signaling pathways. Here, we propose secreted CypA as a novel marker of complicated pregnancy and a therapeutic target for the correction of pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia Kalinina
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Maria Semenova
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, 1/12 Leninskie Gory, Moscow 119992, Russia
| | - Alexandra Bruter
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Varlamova
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Marina Kubekina
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Natalia Pavlenko
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Yulia Silaeva
- Core Facility Center, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilova Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Alexey Deikin
- United Center for Genetic Technologies, Belgorod State National Research University, 85 Pobedi Street, Belgorod 308001, Russia
| | - Elena Antoshina
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Tatyana Gorkova
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Lubov Trukhanova
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Alla Salmina
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoye Shosse, Moscow 125367, Russia
| | - Svetlana Novikova
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoye Shosse, Moscow 125367, Russia
| | - Dmitry Voronkov
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoye Shosse, Moscow 125367, Russia
| | - Dmitry Kazansky
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Ludmila Khromykh
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478, Russia
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Kanter J, Gordon SM, Mani S, Sokalska A, Park JY, Senapati S, Huh DD, Mainigi M. Hormonal stimulation reduces numbers and impairs function of human uterine natural killer cells during implantation. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:1047-1059. [PMID: 37075311 PMCID: PMC10501469 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead069] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How does an altered maternal hormonal environment, such as that seen during superovulation with gonadotropins in ART, impact human uterine immune cell distribution and function during the window of implantation? SUMMARY ANSWER Hormonal stimulation with gonadotropins alters abundance of maternal immune cells including uterine natural killer (uNK) cells and reduces uNK cell ability to promote extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY An altered maternal hormonal environment, seen following ART, can lead to increased risk for adverse perinatal outcomes associated with disordered placentation. Maternal immune cells play an essential role in invasion of EVTs, a process required for proper establishment of the placenta, and adverse perinatal outcomes have been associated with altered immune cell populations. How ART impacts maternal immune cells and whether this can in turn affect implantation and placentation in humans remain unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective cohort study was carried out between 2018 and 2021 on 51 subjects: 20 from natural cycles 8 days after LH surge; and 31 from stimulated IVF cycles 7 days after egg retrieval. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Endometrial biopsies and peripheral blood samples were collected during the window of implantation in subjects with regular menstrual cycles or undergoing superovulation. Serum estradiol and progesterone levels were measured by chemiluminescent competitive immunoassay. Immune cell populations in blood and endometrium were analyzed using flow cytometry. uNK cells were purified using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and were subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Functional changes in uNK cells due to hormonal stimulation were evaluated using the implantation-on-a-chip (IOC) device, a novel bioengineered platform using human primary cells that mimics early processes that occur during pregnancy in a physiologically relevant manner. Unpaired t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and pairwise multiple comparison tests were used to statistically evaluate differences. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Baseline characteristics were comparable for both groups. As expected, serum estradiol levels on the day of biopsy were significantly higher in stimulated (superovulated) patients (P = 0.0005). In the setting of superovulation, we found an endometrium-specific reduction in the density of bulk CD56+ uNK cells (P < 0.05), as well as in the uNK3 subpopulation (P = 0.025) specifically (CD103+ NK cells). In stimulated samples, we also found that the proportion of endometrial B cells was increased (P < 0.0001). Our findings were specific to the endometrium and not seen in peripheral blood. On the IOC device, uNK cells from naturally cycling secretory endometrium promote EVT invasion (P = 0.03). However, uNK cells from hormonally stimulated endometrium were unable to significantly promote EVT invasion, as measured by area of invasion, depth of invasion, and number of invaded EVTs by area. Bulk RNA-seq of sorted uNK cells from stimulated and unstimulated endometrium revealed changes in signaling pathways associated with immune cell trafficking/movement and inflammation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Patient numbers utilized for the study were low but were enough to identify significant overall population differences in select immune cell types. With additional power and deeper immune phenotyping, we may detect additional differences in immune cell composition of blood and endometrium in the setting of hormonal stimulation. Flow cytometry was performed on targeted immune cell populations that have shown involvement in early pregnancy. A more unbiased approach might identify changes in novel maternal immune cells not investigated in this study. We performed RNA-seq only on uNK cells, which demonstrated differences in gene expression. Ovarian stimulation may also impact gene expression and function of other subsets of immune cells, as well as other cell types within the endometrium. Finally, the IOC device, while a major improvement over existing in vitro methods to study early pregnancy, does not include all possible maternal cells present during early pregnancy, which could impact functional effects seen. Immune cells other than uNK cells may impact invasion of EVTs in vitro and in vivo, though these remain to be tested. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings demonstrate that hormonal stimulation affects the distribution of uNK cells during the implantation window and reduces the proinvasive effects of uNK cells during early pregnancy. Our results provide a potential mechanism by which fresh IVF cycles may increase risk of disorders of placentation, previously linked to adverse perinatal outcomes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Research reported in this publication was supported by the University of Pennsylvania University Research Funding (to M.M.), the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (P50HD068157 to M.M., S.S., and S.M.), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (TL1TR001880 to J.K.), the Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute (to S.M.G.), and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (K08AI151265 to S.M.G.). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. All authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kanter
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S M Gordon
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S Mani
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - A Sokalska
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - J Y Park
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S Senapati
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - D D Huh
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M Mainigi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Huang CC, Hsueh YW, Chang CW, Hsu HC, Yang TC, Lin WC, Chang HM. Establishment of the fetal-maternal interface: developmental events in human implantation and placentation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1200330. [PMID: 37266451 PMCID: PMC10230101 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1200330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy is a complex and well-orchestrated differentiation process that involves all the cellular elements of the fetal-maternal interface. Aberrant trophoblast-decidual interactions can lead to miscarriage and disorders that occur later in pregnancy, including preeclampsia, intrauterine fetal growth restriction, and preterm labor. A great deal of research on the regulation of implantation and placentation has been performed in a wide range of species. However, there is significant species variation regarding trophoblast differentiation as well as decidual-specific gene expression and regulation. Most of the relevant information has been obtained from studies using mouse models. A comprehensive understanding of the physiology and pathology of human implantation and placentation has only recently been obtained because of emerging advanced technologies. With the derivation of human trophoblast stem cells, 3D-organoid cultures, and single-cell analyses of differentiated cells, cell type-specific transcript profiles and functions were generated, and each exhibited a unique signature. Additionally, through integrative transcriptomic information, researchers can uncover the cellular dysfunction of embryonic and placental cells in peri-implantation embryos and the early pathological placenta. In fact, the clinical utility of fetal-maternal cellular trafficking has been applied for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidies and the prediction of pregnancy complications. Furthermore, recent studies have proposed a viable path toward the development of therapeutic strategies targeting placenta-enriched molecules for placental dysfunction and diseases.
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Wang J, Yin T, Liu S. Dysregulation of immune response in PCOS organ system. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1169232. [PMID: 37215125 PMCID: PMC10196194 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1169232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reproductive endocrine disorder affecting women, which can lead to infertility. Infertility, obesity, hirsutism, acne, and irregular menstruation are just a few of the issues that PCOS can be linked to. PCOS has a complicated pathophysiology and a range of clinical symptoms. Chronic low-grade inflammation is one of the features of PCOS. The inflammatory environment involves immune and metabolic disturbances. Numerous organ systems across the body, in addition to the female reproductive system, have been affected by the pathogenic role of immunological dysregulation in PCOS in recent years. Insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism are associated with immune cell dysfunction and cytokine imbalance. More importantly, obesity is also involved in immune dysfunction in PCOS, leading to an inflammatory environment in women with PCOS. Hormone, obesity, and metabolic interactions contribute to the pathogenesis of PCOS. Hormone imbalance may also contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. The aim of this review is to summarize the pathophysiological role of immune dysregulation in various organ systems of PCOS patients and provide new ideas for systemic treatment of PCOS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxuan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Su Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Stope MB, Mustea A, Sänger N, Einenkel R. Immune Cell Functionality during Decidualization and Potential Clinical Application. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051097. [PMID: 37240742 DOI: 10.3390/life13051097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to a vast influx in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, leukocytes represent 40-50% of the decidua at the time of implantation. Their importance for the implantation, maintenance of pregnancy, and parturition are known yet not fully understood. Thus, in idiopathic infertility, decidual immune-related factors are speculated to be the cause. In this review, the immune cell functions in the decidua were summarized, and clinical diagnostics, as well as interventions, were discussed. There is a rising number of commercially available diagnostic tools. However, the intervention options are still limited and/or poorly studied. In order for us to make big steps towards the proper use of reproductive immunology findings, we need to understand the mechanisms and especially support translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias B Stope
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Mustea
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicole Sänger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Rebekka Einenkel
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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Vilela Dos Santos P, de Toledo DNM, Guimarães NS, Perucci LO, de Andrade-Neto VF, Talvani A. Upregulation of IL-33, CCL2, and CXCL16 levels in Brazilian pregnant women infected by Toxoplasma gondii. Acta Trop 2023; 243:106931. [PMID: 37086937 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106931] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Congenital toxoplasmosis can cause neurological and eye damage, behavioral alterations, or death in fetuses or babies born to Toxoplasma gondii-infected women. Several pieces of evidence suggest that socioeconomic, environmental, and inflammatory patterns linked to the maternal immune response partly drive the pathogenesis of this disease. However, immunoregulation induced by T. gondii infection during gestation is not completely understood. The aim of this study was to assess the association between T. gondii seropositivity and concentrations of plasma markers (CCL2, CXCL16, IL-17, and IL-33) in Brazilian pregnant women. Inflammatory markers were measured by immunoassays in the plasma of 131 pregnant women (13 to 46 years old). The prevalence of T. gondii infections was 45.8% (n = 60) in this population. The concentrations of CCL2, CXCL16, and IL-33 were higher in T. gondii-seropositive than in seronegative pregnant women, while the opposite was observed for IL-17 levels. In IgG+ women, a strong correlation between IL-17 and IL-33 (r = 0.7508, p = 0.0001) and a moderate correlation between CXCL16/IL-17 (r = 0.7319, p = 0.0001) and CXCL16/CCL2 (r = 0.3519, p = 0.0098) was observed. In uninfected women, a strong correlation was found between IL-17 and CXCL16 (r = 0.6779, p = 0.0001) but moderate between IL-17 and IL-33 (r = 0.4820, p = 0.0001). In summary, our data suggest that plasma upregulation of CCL2, CXCL16, and IL-33 might exert a potential protective role in the mother/fetus/parasite axis and, in addition, multiparous women are more likely to be infected with T. gondii than primiparous women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Vilela Dos Santos
- Immunobiology Laboratory of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences/ ICEB, Federal University Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil; Graduate Program in Health and Nutrition, Federal University Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Débora Nonato Miranda de Toledo
- Immunobiology Laboratory of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences/ ICEB, Federal University Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil; Graduate Program in Health and Nutrition, Federal University Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Luiza Oliveira Perucci
- Immunobiology Laboratory of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences/ ICEB, Federal University Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Valter Ferreira de Andrade-Neto
- Laboratory of Malaria Biology and Toxoplasmosis, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - André Talvani
- Immunobiology Laboratory of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences/ ICEB, Federal University Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil; Graduate Program in Health and Nutrition, Federal University Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil; Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Infectology and Tropical Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Kuperwaser F, Avital G, Vaz MJ, Noble KN, Dammann AN, Randis TM, Aronoff DM, Ratner AJ, Yanai I. Host inflammatory dynamics reveal placental immune modulation by Group B Streptococcus during pregnancy. Mol Syst Biol 2023; 19:e11021. [PMID: 36744393 PMCID: PMC9996236 DOI: 10.15252/msb.202211021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a pathobiont that can ascend to the placenta and cause adverse pregnancy outcomes, in part through production of the toxin β-hemolysin/cytolysin (β-h/c). Innate immune cells have been implicated in the response to GBS infection, but the impact of β-h/c on their response is poorly defined. We show that GBS modulates innate immune cell states by subversion of host inflammation through β-h/c, allowing worse outcomes. We used an ascending mouse model of GBS infection to measure placental cell state changes over time following infection with a β-h/c-deficient and isogenic wild type GBS strain. Transcriptomic analysis suggests that β-h/c-producing GBS elicit a worse phenotype through suppression of host inflammatory signaling in placental macrophages and neutrophils, and comparison of human placental macrophages infected with the same strains recapitulates these results. Our findings have implications for identification of new targets in GBS disease to support host defense against pathogenic challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Kuperwaser
- Institute for Computational MedicineNYU Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Gal Avital
- Institute for Computational MedicineNYU Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Michelle J Vaz
- Department of PediatricsNYU Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Kristen N Noble
- Division of Neonatology, Department of PediatricsVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Allison N Dammann
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookNYUSA
| | - Tara M Randis
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Medicine, Morsani School of MedicineUniversity of South FloridaFLTampaUSA
| | | | - Adam J Ratner
- Department of PediatricsNYU Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of MicrobiologyNYU Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Itai Yanai
- Institute for Computational MedicineNYU Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular PharmacologyNYU Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
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McCartney SA, Kolarova T, Kanaan SB, Chae A, Laughney CI, Nelson JL, Gammill HS, Shree R. Increased fetal microchimerism in immune and stem cell subsets in preeclampsia. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13666. [PMID: 36482289 PMCID: PMC10413445 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Preeclampsia (PE) is associated with an increased risk of maternal cardiovascular disease (CVD), however, it is unclear whether this is due to shared underlying physiology or changes which occur during the disease process. Fetal microchimerism (FMc) within the maternal circulation can durably persist decades after pregnancy, is known to occur at greater frequency in PE, and can potentially affect local and systemic immune programming, thus changes in cellular FMc may provide a mechanism for long-term health outcomes associated with PE. METHOD OF STUDY We investigated whether PE is associated with alterations in FMc immune and stem cell populations. We analyzed maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from PE cases (n = 16) and matched controls from normal pregnancies (n = 16), from which immune and stem cell subsets were isolated by flow cytometry. Genomic DNA was extracted from total PMBC and individual cell subsets, and FMc frequency was quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays targeting a fetal-specific non-shared polymorphism identified from family genotyping. RESULTS There was a significant increase in FMc concentration in immune cell subsets in PE cases compared to controls, predominantly in B cell, and NK cell lymphocyte populations. There was no significant difference in FMc frequency or concentration within the stem cell population between PE and controls. CONCLUSIONS The altered concentrations of immune cells within FMc in the maternal blood provides a potential mechanism for the inflammation which occurs during PE to induce long-lasting changes to the maternal immune system and may potentially promote chronic maternal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A McCartney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Teodora Kolarova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sami B Kanaan
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Angel Chae
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Caitlin I Laughney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - J Lee Nelson
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hilary S Gammill
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Raj Shree
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Muyayalo KP, Tao D, Lin XX, Zhang YJ. Age-related changes in CD4 + T and NK cell compartments may contribute to the occurrence of pregnancy loss in advanced maternal age. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 155:103790. [PMID: 36621090 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103790] [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: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A recent study characterized novel immune cell subsets (T, NK, and γδ T cell subsets) related to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). This study aims to assess whether these RPL-related immune cell subsets are affected by aging. The percentages of peripheral blood immunes cells from nulligravida women (NGW), women with a history of normal pregnancy (NP), and women with a history of pregnancy loss (PL) were detected by flow cytometry. The correlations between maternal age and cell percentages were assessed. We found a significant positive correlation between PL and maternal age. The percentages of effector memory CD4+ T (CD3+ CD4+ CD45RA¯ CCR7¯), terminally differentiated CD4+ T (CD3+ CD4+ CD45RA+ CCR7¯), and mature NK cells (CD3¯ CD56+lo) significantly increased with maternal age. A significant decrease in the percentage of Naïve CD4+ T cells (CD3+ CD4+ CD45RA+ CCR7+) with age was observed in women from the NP group. Women aged 35 or older had significantly higher percentages of effector memory CD4+ T cells, terminally differentiated CD4+ T cells, and mature NK cells than younger women. Maternal age positively correlates with terminally differentiated CD4+ T, effector memory CD4+ T, and mature NK cell percentages. In contrast, an inverse correlation was observed between Naïve CD4+ T cell and age among women from the NP group. Our findings indicate that age-related CD4+ T and NK cell dysregulation might be involved in the pathogenesis of PL in women with advanced maternal age. The underlying mechanism needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kahindo P Muyayalo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Ding Tao
- School of Data Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Xin-Xiu Lin
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Yu-Jing Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
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Rezayat F, Esmaeil N, Rezaei A. Potential Therapeutic Effects of Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells on Gynecological Disorders Leading to Infertility or Abortion. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:368-381. [PMID: 36331801 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10464-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The induction of feto-maternal tolerance, fetal non-immunogenicity, and the regulation of mother's immune system are essential variables in a successful pregnancy. Fetal membranes have been used as a source of stem cells and biological components in recent decades. Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAEC) have stem/progenitor characteristics like those found in the amniotic membrane. Based on their immunomodulatory capabilities, recent studies have focused on the experimental and therapeutic applications of hAECs in allograft transplantation, autoimmune disorders, and gynecological problems such as recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), recurrent implantation failure (RIF), and premature ovarian failure (POF). This review discusses some of the immunomodulatory features and therapeutic potential of hAECs in preventing infertility, miscarriage, and implantation failure by controlling the maternal immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Rezayat
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Esmaeil
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. .,Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. .,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 81744-176, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Abbas Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Genest G, Banjar S, Almasri W, Beauchamp C, Benoit J, Buckett W, Dzineku F, Gold P, Dahan MH, Jamal W, Jacques Kadoch I, Kadour-Peero E, Lapensée L, Miron P, Shaulov T, Sylvestre C, Tulandi T, Mazer BD, Laskin CA, Mahutte N. Immunomodulation for unexplained recurrent implantation failure: where are we now? Reproduction 2023; 165:R39-R60. [PMID: 36322478 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In brief Immune dysfunction may contribute to or cause recurrent implantation failure. This article summarizes normal and pathologic immune responses at implantation and critically appraises currently used immunomodulatory therapies. Abstract Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) may be defined as the absence of pregnancy despite the transfer of ≥3 good-quality blastocysts and is unexplained in up to 50% of cases. There are currently no effective treatments for patients with unexplained RIF. Since the maternal immune system is intricately involved in mediating endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation, both insufficient and excessive endometrial inflammatory responses during the window of implantation are proposed to lead to implantation failure. Recent strategies to improve conception rates in RIF patients have focused on modulating maternal immune responses at implantation, through either promoting or suppressing inflammation. Unfortunately, there are no validated, readily available diagnostic tests to confirm immune-mediated RIF. As such, immune therapies are often started empirically without robust evidence as to their efficacy. Like other chronic diseases, patient selection for immunomodulatory therapy is crucial, and personalized medicine for RIF patients is emerging. As the literature on the subject is heterogenous and rapidly evolving, we aim to summarize the potential efficacy, mechanisms of actions and side effects of select therapies for the practicing clinician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève Genest
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal Quebec, Canada
| | - Shorooq Banjar
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal Quebec, Canada
| | - Walaa Almasri
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal Quebec, Canada
| | - Coralie Beauchamp
- Department of Gynaecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Joanne Benoit
- Department of Gynaecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - William Buckett
- McGill University Health Centre Reproductive Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Phil Gold
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael H Dahan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Wael Jamal
- Department of Gynaecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Einav Kadour-Peero
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Louise Lapensée
- Department of Gynaecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre Miron
- Fertilys Reproductive Center, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Talya Shaulov
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Camille Sylvestre
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Togas Tulandi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bruce D Mazer
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Division of Allergy Immunology and Clinical Dermatology, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Carl A Laskin
- Deptartments of Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neal Mahutte
- The Montreal Fertility Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Obesity Induces an Impaired Placental Antiviral Immune Response in Pregnant Women Infected with Zika Virus. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020320. [PMID: 36851534 PMCID: PMC9966111 DOI: 10.3390/v15020320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is increasing in incidence worldwide, especially in women, which can affect the outcome of pregnancy. During this period, viral infections represent a risk to the mother, the placental unit, and the fetus. The Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak in Brazil has been the cause of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), with devastating consequences such as microcephaly in newborns. Herein, we analyzed the impact of maternal overweight/obesity on the antiviral factors' expression in the placental tissue of Zika-infected mothers. We accessed placentas from women with and without obesity from 34 public health units (São Paulo) and from Zika-infected mothers with and without obesity from the Clinical Cohort Study of ZIKV pregnant women (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). We first verified that obesity, without infection, did not alter the constitutive transcriptional expression of antiviral factors or IFN type I/III expression. Interestingly, obesity, when associated with ZIKV infection, showed a decreased transcriptional expression of RIG-I and IFIH1 (MDA-5 protein precursor gene). At the protein level, we also verified a decreased RIG-I and IRF-3 expression in the decidual placenta from the Zika-infected obese group, regardless of microcephaly. This finding shows, for the first time, that obesity associated with ZIKV infection leads to an impaired type I IFN downstream signaling pathway in the maternal-fetal interface.
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Kuroda K, Matsumoto A, Horikawa T, Takamizawa S, Ochiai A, Kawamura K, Nakagawa K, Sugiyama R. Transcriptomic profiling analysis of human endometrial stromal cells treated with autologous platelet-rich plasma. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12498. [PMID: 36704119 PMCID: PMC9868347 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To clarify the mechanisms of intrauterine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) infusion that support embryo implantation in in vitro fertilization treatment. Methods Blood and endometrial samples were collected from four infertile women. Human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) were cultured and passaged equally into four cell culture dishes in each patient. Two were treated with PRP twice, and the other two were treated with vehicle. Subsequently, two cultures with and without PRP were decidualized with 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic AMP and progesterone for 5 days. Results The gene expression in undifferentiated or decidualized HESCs with and without PRP was compared. In the microarray analysis, 381 and 63 differentially expressed genes were detected in undifferentiated and decidualized HESCs, respectively. In the undifferentiated HESCs, PRP was found to promote the gene expression associated with cell growth, tissue regeneration, proinflammatory response, and antibiotic effects. In decidualized HESCs, PRP was found to attenuate the gene expression involved in cell proliferation and inflammation by inhibiting the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling. Conclusions Platelet-rich plasma regulates the reprogramming of cell proliferation and inflammation depending on menstrual cycle phases in an appropriate manner, suggesting that PRP has the potential to increase endometrial thickness in the proliferative phase and improve immune tolerance in the secretory phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiji Kuroda
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and EndoscopySugiyama Clinic MarunouchiTokyoJapan,Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation ResearchSugiyama Clinic ShinjukuTokyoJapan,Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyJuntendo University Faculty of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Akemi Matsumoto
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyJuntendo University Faculty of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Takashi Horikawa
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation ResearchSugiyama Clinic ShinjukuTokyoJapan
| | - Satoru Takamizawa
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation ResearchSugiyama Clinic ShinjukuTokyoJapan
| | - Asako Ochiai
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyJuntendo University Faculty of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Kazuhiro Kawamura
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyJuntendo University Faculty of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Koji Nakagawa
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation ResearchSugiyama Clinic ShinjukuTokyoJapan
| | - Rikikazu Sugiyama
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation ResearchSugiyama Clinic ShinjukuTokyoJapan
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Chen Q, Shan D, Xie Y, Luo X, Wu Y, Chen Q, Dong R, Hu Y. Single cell RNA sequencing research in maternal fetal interface. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1079961. [PMID: 36704195 PMCID: PMC9871254 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1079961] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The maternal-fetal interface is an essential environment for embryonic growth and development, and a successful pregnancy depends on the dynamic balance of the microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface. Single-cell sequencing, which unlike bulk sequencing that provides averaged data, is a robust method for interpreting the cellular and molecular landscape at single-cell resolution. With the support of single-cell sequencing, the issue of maternal-fetal interface heterogeneity during pregnancy has been more deeply elaborated and understood, which is important for a deeper understanding of physiological and pathological pregnancy. In this paper, we analyze the recent studies of single-cell transcriptomics in the maternal-fetal interface, and provide new directions for understanding and treating various pathological pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Qian Chen, ; Yayi Hu,
| | - Dan Shan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Yupei Xie
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingrong Luo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuxia Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiuhe Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruihong Dong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Yayi Hu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China,Qingbaijiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Qian Chen, ; Yayi Hu,
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Shen L, Wang W, Hou W, Jiang C, Yuan Y, Hu L, Shang A. The function and mechanism of action of uterine microecology in pregnancy immunity and its complications. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 12:1025714. [PMID: 36683698 PMCID: PMC9846260 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1025714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The human microbiota influences physiology, disease, and metabolic reproduction. The origin of uterine bacteria is controversial. The main assumption is that the germs enter the uterine cavity from the vagina through the cervical canal, bloodstream, fallopian tubes, and gynecological surgical channels. Understanding the microbiota at various anatomical sites is critical to the female reproductive system and pregnancy. Today's study focuses on the role of uterine bacteria in pregnancy and embryo implantation. According to our findings, the uterine microbiome influences embryo implantation and pregnancy outcome. Pregnancy is a natural, evolutionarily selected approach to human reproduction. During pregnancy, the microbiota of the reproductive tract changes, facilitating the maintenance of pregnancy, and the human immune system undergoes a series of changes that recognize and adapt to the non-self. From the beginning of pregnancy, a non-self fetus must establish a placenta of embryonic origin to protect itself and promote growth; the VMB tends to be more stable and lactobacillus-dominated in late gestation than in early gestation. Any material that disrupts this connection, such as microbial changes, is associated with a higher risk of poor health and poor pregnancy outcomes in women (eclampsia). The presence of any material that disrupts this connection, such as microbial changes, is associated with a higher risk of poor health and poor pregnancy outcomes (preeclampsia, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, etc.). In this work, we review the last decade of relevant research to improve our understanding of the mechanisms by which the microbiota of the female reproductive tract influences female reproductive health. This work discusses the mechanisms associated with the reproductive tract microbiota and pregnancy immunity, as well as the impact of an abnormal microbiota on adverse pregnancy outcomes. Emphasis is placed on the characteristics and sources of the female vaginal, uterine, and placental microbiota and the importance of a well-stabilized local human microbiota and immune system for embryo implantation, placental development, fetal growth, and pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changning Maternity & Infant Health Hospital, Shanghai, China,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang & The Oncology Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, P.R., China,Department of Pathology, Tinghu People's Hospital of Yancheng City, Yancheng, Jiangsu, P.R., China
| | - Weiwei Hou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenfei Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang & The Oncology Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, P.R., China
| | - Liqing Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ningbo First Hospital & Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, P.R., China,*Correspondence: Anquan Shang, ; Liqing Hu,
| | - Anquan Shang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang & The Oncology Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, P.R., China,*Correspondence: Anquan Shang, ; Liqing Hu,
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Zhao L, Yang Y, Yang H, Luo N, Li X, Zheng J, Yang S, Zhao Y. Screening genes related to embryo implantation in Dazu black goats (Capra Hircus) by morphological and transcriptome analyses. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skac401. [PMID: 36644826 PMCID: PMC9841154 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac401] [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: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is a critical step in the establishment of pregnancy. However, the mechanisms of embryo implantation during early pregnancy in goats remain unclear due to the lack of published studies examining the genes involved in embryo implantation. As a popular goat breed in southwest China, Dazu black goats (DBGs) are highly adaptable and exhibit high fertility, making this breed a good model in which to study reproductive performance of goats. Here, morphological analysis showed that compared with the non-pregnant (NP) groups, the endometrial thickness of the goats in the P15 and P19 groups (15 and 19-day pregnant groups, respectively) were increased (P < 0.01). Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) staining showed that PCNA was expressed in the NP, P15, and P19 groups. Transcriptome analysis was then conducted to identify gene expression patterns in uterine tissue during DBG embryo implantation. By comparing uterine tissue at different stages of embryonic implantation, 48 in NP_vs._P15, 318 in NP_vs._P19, and 1439 in P15_vs._P19, differentially expressed mRNAs were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichments of the differentially expressed genes were enriched in the extracellular region, extracellular space, transporter activity, extracellular region, immune system process, immune response, and defense response etc. Through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, the biological metabolic pathways with which the differentially expressed genes are associated were explored. Through KEGG analysis, the DBGs were associated with oxidative phosphorylation, complement and coagulation cascades, arginine and proline metabolism, metabolic pathways, arachidonic acid metabolism, and ECM-receptor interaction. These candidate genes (CSF1, C1S, CST6, SLC24A4, HOXA10, HOXA11, MMP9, and ITGA11) and enriched signaling pathways could be valuable references for exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying goat embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yongheng Yang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Haili Yang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Nanjian Luo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xingchun Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jikang Zheng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Songjian Yang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yongju Zhao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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Goldman B, Radnaa E, Kechichian T, Menon R. Silencing P38 MAPK reduces cellular senescence in human fetal chorion trophoblast cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13648. [PMID: 36334089 PMCID: PMC9771926 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Amniochorion senescence generates mechanistic signals to initiate parturition. Activation of p38 mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) in fetal amnion cells is a key mediator of senescence as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of amnion cells. However, the impact of p38 MAPK in chorion trophoblast cells (CTCs) is unclear. We tested if eliminating p38 will reduce oxidative stress (OS) induced cell fates like cellular senescence, EMT, and inflammation induced by these processes in CTCs. METHODS p38MAPK in CTCs was silenced using CRISPR/Cas9. OS was evoked by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposure. EMT was evoked by transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß treatment. Cell cycle, senescence, EMT, and inflammation were analyzed. RESULTS CSE-induced changes in the cell cycle were not seen in p38KO CTCs compared to WT cells. OS induced by CSE evoked senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP as indicated by IL-6 and IL-8 increase) in WT but not in p38MAPK KO CTCs. No changes were noted in HLA-G expression regardless of the status of p38MAPK. Neither CSE nor TGF-ß evoked EMT in either WT or p38 KO CTCs. CONCLUSION Senescence and senescence-associated inflammation in human fetal CTCs are mediated by p38MAPK. Compared to amnion epithelial cells, CTCs are resistant to EMT. This refractoriness may help them to maintain the barrier functions at the choriodecidual interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Goldman
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Talar Kechichian
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
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Covarrubias A, Aguilera-Olguín M, Carrasco-Wong I, Pardo F, Díaz-Astudillo P, Martín SS. Feto-placental Unit: From Development to Function. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:1-29. [PMID: 37466767 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is an intriguing organ that allows us to survive intrauterine life. This essential organ connects both mother and fetus and plays a crucial role in maternal and fetal well-being. This chapter presents an overview of the morphological and functional aspects of human placental development. First, we describe early human placental development and the characterization of the cell types found in the human placenta. Second, the human placenta from the second trimester to the term of gestation is reviewed, focusing on the morphology and specific pathologies that affect the placenta. Finally, we focus on the placenta's primary functions, such as oxygen and nutrient transport, and their importance for placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambart Covarrubias
- Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS Health), Chillán, Chile
| | - Macarena Aguilera-Olguín
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Chile
- Cellular Signalling and Differentiation Laboratory (CSDL), Medicine and Science Faculty, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ivo Carrasco-Wong
- Cellular Signalling and Differentiation Laboratory (CSDL), School of Medical Technology, Medicine and Science Faculty, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fabián Pardo
- Metabolic Diseases Research Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Centre of Territorial Health Research (CIISTe), Biomedical Research Center (CIB), San Felipe Campus, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, San Felipe, Chile
| | - Pamela Díaz-Astudillo
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - Sebastián San Martín
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Chile.
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS Health), Chillan, Chile.
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