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Dutta S, Lee J, Banu SK, Arosh JA. Dual inhibition of AKT and ERK1/2 pathways restores the expression of progesterone Receptor-B in endometriotic lesions through epigenetic mechanisms. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 592:112290. [PMID: 38825223 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112290] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent and progesterone-resistant gynecological inflammatory disease of reproductive-age women. Progesterone resistance, loss of progesterone receptor -B (PR-B) in the stromal cells of the endometrium, is one of the hallmarks of endometriosis and a major contributing factor for infertility in endometriosis patients. Loss of PR-B in the stromal cells of the endometriotic lesions poses resistance to the success of progesterone-based therapy. The working hypothesis is that PR-B is hypermethylated and epigenetically silenced, and inhibition of AKT and ERK1/2 pathways will decrease the hypermethylation, reverse the epigenetic silencing, and restore the expression of PR-B via DNA methylation and histone modification mechanisms in the endometriotic lesions. The objectives are to (i) determine the effects of dual inhibition of AKT and ERK1/2 pathways on the expression of PR-B and DNA methylation and histone modification protein machinery in the endometriotic lesions and (ii) identify the underlying epigenetic mechanisms of PR-B restoration in the endometriotic lesions. The results indicate that dual inhibition of AKT and ERK1/2 pathways decreases the hypermethylation, reverses the epigenetic silencing, and restores the expression of PR-B via DNA methylation and H3K9 and H3K27 methylation mechanisms in the endometriotic lesions or endometriotic stromal cells of human origin. These results support the novel concept that restored expression of PR-B in the endometriotic lesions and endometrium may improve the clinical outcome of progesterone therapy in endometriosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudipta Dutta
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Texas, 77843, College Station, USA
| | - JeHoon Lee
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Texas, 77843, College Station, USA
| | - Sakhila K Banu
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Texas, 77843, College Station, USA
| | - Joe A Arosh
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Texas, 77843, College Station, USA.
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Wang J, Liang Y, Liang X, Peng H, Wang Y, Xu M, Liang X, Yao H, Liu X, Zeng L, Yao P, Xiang D. Evodiamine suppresses endometriosis development induced by early EBV exposure through inhibition of ERβ. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1426660. [PMID: 39148548 PMCID: PMC11324466 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1426660] [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: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Endometriosis (EMS) is characterized as a prevalent gynecological inflammatory disorder marked by the existence of endometrial tissues situated beyond the uterus. This condition leads to persistent pelvic pain and may contribute to infertility. In this investigation, we explored the potential mechanism underlying the development of endometriosis (EMS) triggered by transient exposure to either latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in a mouse model. Additionally, we examined the potential inhibitory effect of evodiamine (EDM) on EMS. Methods: Immortalized human endometrial stromal cells (HESC) or epithelial cells (HEEC) were transiently exposed to either EBV or LMP1. The presence of evodiamine (EDM) was assessed for its impact on estrogen receptor β (ERβ) expression, as well as on cell metabolism parameters such as redox balance, mitochondrial function, inflammation, and proliferation. Additionally, a mixture of LMP1-treated HESC and HEEC was administered intraperitoneally to generate an EMS mouse model. Different dosages of EDM were employed for treatment to evaluate its potential suppressive effect on EMS development. Results: Transient exposure to either EBV or LMP1 triggers persistent ERβ expression through epigenetic modifications, subsequently modulating related cell metabolism for EMS development. Furthermore, 4.0 µM of EDM can efficiently reverse this effect in in vitro cell culture studies. Additionally, 20 mg/kg body weight of EDM treatment can partly suppress EMS development in the in vivo EMS mouse model. Conclusion: Transient EBV/LMP1 exposure triggers permanent ERβ expression, favoring later EMS development, EDM inhibits EMS development through ERβ suppression. This presents a novel mechanism for the development of endometriosis (EMS) in adulthood stemming from early Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) exposure during childhood. Moreover, evodiamine (EDM) stands out as a prospective candidate for treating EMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junling Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanqi Liang
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoru Liang
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huijuan Peng
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongxia Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingtao Xu
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuefang Liang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Helen Yao
- University of California at Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Xiaohan Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen University Affiliated No. 8 Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liqin Zeng
- Department of Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen University Affiliated No. 8 Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Paul Yao
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongfang Xiang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Zeng Y, Hang F, Peng C, Zhao L, Ou S, Luo L, Liu B. Research progress in rodent models of endometriosis. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 163:104219. [PMID: 38422807 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104219] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common and frequent disease in gynecology; its etiology and pathogenesis are partially understood and still not clear. The construction of suitable animal models is beneficial for basic research related to the disease. Currently, rodents have the advantages of low cost, fast reproduction, easy rearing, and a similar endometrial structure to humans. Depending on the purpose of the experiment, different molding methods have their advantages. In this paper, we describe the traditional methods of constructing endometriosis rodent models, compare their advantages and disadvantages, and introduce newly developed rodent models, such as cell line injection models, pain models, genetically engineered mouse models, fluorescent tracer models, iron overload models, chemical induction models, and methods of constructing rodent models of different subtypes of endometriosis. Fertility and treatment of endometriosis rodent models are also described. This study provides a reference for researchers in the selection of animal models for pathogenesis and drug treatment studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zeng
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Fu Hang
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Chuyu Peng
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Shanshan Ou
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Liumei Luo
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.
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Marquardt RM, Tran DN, Lessey BA, Rahman MS, Jeong JW. Epigenetic Dysregulation in Endometriosis: Implications for Pathophysiology and Therapeutics. Endocr Rev 2023; 44:1074-1095. [PMID: 37409951 PMCID: PMC10638603 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a prevalent gynecological condition associated with pelvic pain and infertility. Despite more than a century of research, the etiology of endometriosis still eludes scientific consensus. This lack of clarity has resulted in suboptimal prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options. Evidence of genetic contributors to endometriosis is interesting but limited; however, significant progress has been made in recent years in identifying an epigenetic role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis through clinical studies, in vitro cell culture experiments, and in vivo animal models. The predominant findings include endometriosis-related differential expression of DNA methyltransferases and demethylases, histone deacetylases, methyltransferases, and demethylases, and regulators of chromatin architecture. There is also an emerging role for miRNAs in controlling epigenetic regulators in the endometrium and endometriosis. Changes in these epigenetic regulators result in differential chromatin organization and DNA methylation, with consequences for gene expression independent of a genetic sequence. Epigenetically altered expression of genes related to steroid hormone production and signaling, immune regulation, and endometrial cell identity and function have all been identified and appear to play into the pathophysiological mechanisms of endometriosis and resulting infertility. This review summarizes and critically discusses early seminal findings, the ever-growing recent evidence of epigenetic contributions to the pathophysiology of endometriosis, and implications for proposed epigenetically targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Marquardt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Dinh Nam Tran
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Bruce A Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Yu M, Yang Y, Zhao H, Li M, Chen J, Wang B, Xiao T, Huang C, Zhao H, Zhou W, Zhang JV. Targeting the chemerin/CMKLR1 axis by small molecule antagonist α-NETA mitigates endometriosis progression. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:985618. [PMID: 36523492 PMCID: PMC9745129 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.985618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease, characterized by the presence of endometrial-like lesions outside the uterus. This debilitating disease causes chronic pelvic pain and infertility with limited therapeutics. Chemerin is a secretory protein that acts on CMKLR1 (Chemokine-Like Receptor 1) to execute functions vital for immunity, adiposity, and metabolism. Abnormal chemerin/CMKLR1 axis underlies the pathological mechanisms of certain diseases including cancer and inflammatory diseases, but its role in endometriosis remains unknown. Herein, our results showed that chemerin and CMKLR1 are up-regulated in endometriotic lesions by analyzing the human endometriosis database and murine model. Knockdown of chemerin or CMKLR1 by shRNA led to mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) along with compromised viability, migration, and invasion of hEM15A cells. Most importantly, 2-(α-naphthoyl) ethyltrimethylammonium iodide (α-NETA), a small molecule antagonist for CMKLR1, was evidenced to exhibit profound anti-endometriosis effects (anti-growth, anti-mesenchymal features, anti-angiogenesis, and anti-inflammation) in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, α-NETA exhibited a dual inhibition effect on PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways in hEM15A cells and murine endometriotic grafts. This study highlights that the chemerin/CMKLR1 signaling axis is critical for endometriosis progression, and targeting this axis by α-NETA may provide new options for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yu
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yali Yang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen College of Advanced Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hao Zhao
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Mengxia Li
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Shenzhen, China
| | - Baobei Wang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tianxia Xiao
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huashan Zhao
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian V. Zhang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Shenzhen, China
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6
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Sun H, Hirata T, Koga K, Arakawa T, Nagashima N, Neriishi K, Elsherbini M, Maki E, Izumi G, Harada M, Hirota Y, Wada-Hiraike O, Osuga Y. Elevated phosphorylation of estrogen receptor α at serine-118 in ovarian endometrioma. F&S SCIENCE 2022; 3:401-409. [PMID: 35654737 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the phosphorylation of estrogen receptor α at serine-118 (phospho-ERα S118) in the endometrium, ovarian endometrioma, and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). DESIGN Experimental study. SETTING University-affiliated hospital and academic research laboratory. PATIENT(S) Twenty-five patients underwent a hysterectomy, 18 patients underwent surgical removal of ovarian endometrioma, and 6 patients underwent DIE. INTERVENTION(S) Tissue samples were obtained from patients who underwent surgical procedures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Immunostaining for phospho-ERα S118, ERα, or phosphorylated p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (phospho-p44/42 MAPK) was performed to evaluate the endometrium with or without endometriosis, ovarian endometrioma, and DIE. For in vitro analysis, endometrial epithelial cells (Ishikawa cells) were stimulated with estradiol (E2) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and the expression levels of phospho-ERα S118 and phospho-p44/42 MAPK were evaluated via Western blotting. RESULT(S) First, phospho-ERα S118 level was significantly higher in the glands and stroma of ovarian endometriosis samples than in those of endometrial and DIE samples. Second, colocalization of phospho-p44/42 MAPK and phospho-ERα S118 was observed in the glands of ovarian endometrioma. The proportions of cells strongly expressing phospho-p44/42 and phospho-ERα were 87% in phosphor-p44/42 MAPK-positive cells and 79% in phosphor-ERα-positive cells. Third, E2 stimulation significantly enhanced phospho-ERα S118 after 15 and 30 minutes in in vitro analysis using endometrial epithelial cells. Fourth, TNFα stimulation modestly but significantly enhanced phospho-ERα S118 after 15 and 30 minutes. Fifth, in Ishikawa cells, treatment with a p44/42 inhibitor (PD98059) significantly reduced phospho-ERα S118 by TNFα but not by E2. CONCLUSION(S) ERα-S118 phosphorylation was increased in ovarian endometriosis. Our findings may provide a new perspective for understanding the mechanism of increased ERα action in the pathophysiology of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Doai Kinen Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kaori Koga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Arakawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Natsuki Nagashima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Neriishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mohammed Elsherbini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eiko Maki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gentaro Izumi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miyuki Harada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Wada-Hiraike
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Unveil the pain of endometriosis: from the perspective of the nervous system. Expert Rev Mol Med 2022; 24:e36. [PMID: 36059111 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2022.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease with pelvic pain and uncharacteristic accompanying symptoms. Endometriosis-associated pain often persists despite treatment of the disease, thus it brings a deleterious impact on their personal lives as well as imposing a substantial economic burden on them. At present, mechanisms underlie endometriosis-associated pain including inflammatory reaction, injury, aberrant blood vessels and the morphological and functional anomaly of the peripheral and central nervous systems. The nerve endings are influenced by the physical and chemical factors surrounding the lesion, via afferent nerve to the posterior root of the spinal nerve, then to the specific cerebral cortex involved in nociception. However, our understanding of the aetiology and mechanism of this complex pain process caused by endometriosis remains incomplete. Identifying the pathogenesis of endometriosis is crucial to disease management, offering proper treatment, and helping patients to seek novel targets for the maintenance and contributors of chronic pain. The main aim of this review is to focus on every possible mechanism of pain related to endometriosis in both peripheral and central nervous systems, and to present related mechanisms of action from the interaction between peripheral lesions and nerves to the changes in transmission of pain, resulting in hyperalgesia and the corresponding alterations in cerebral cortex and brain metabolism.
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Abudula M, Fan X, Zhang J, Li J, Zhou X, Chen Y. Ectopic Endometrial Cell-Derived Exosomal Moesin Induces Eutopic Endometrial Cell Migration, Enhances Angiogenesis and Cytosolic Inflammation in Lesions Contributes to Endometriosis Progression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:824075. [PMID: 35557941 PMCID: PMC9086167 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.824075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Endometriosis (EMs) is the most common gynaecological disorder with its etiology and/or pathophysiology remains enigmatic. Recent studies showed that extracellular vesicles (EVs), exosomes in particular, play a critical role in developing various clinical disorders. However, the implication of exosomes in endometriosis progression has not been well elucidated. Method: The ectopic stromal cellular exosomes (eEVs) were assessed by transwell assay, scratch tests, tube formation assay, western blot, and qRT-PCR analysis. Protein expression profiles of exosomes in endometrial tissue and vaginal discharge collected from patients with EMS and healthy donors were analysed by Mass spectrometry. siRNA interference technology was used to inhibit the expression of exosomal protein for the functional analysis in in-vivo. Finally, in-vitro experiments were performed to validate the results that we observed in EMs mouse model. Results:In vitro, we discovered that eEVs improved NSC migratory potential by upregulating MMP9 expression and activity. eEVs also aided angiogenesis and elevated the expression of inflammatory cytokines in ovarian epithelial cells, according to our findings. Moesin (MSN) levels in ESC exosomes were substantially greater than in NSC exosomes (1.22e8±5.58e6 vs. 6.605e7±4.574e6, LFQ intensity), as shown by protein mass spectrometry and bioinformatics analysis. In ectopic stromal cells, ERa receptors stimulated the RhoA/Rock-2/MSN pathway. We discovered that downregulating exosomal moesin reduced NSC migration (about 3-fold change) and MMP9 expression (about 2-fold change). On the other hand, Exomsni inhibited angiogenesis and inflammatory cytokine release. In vivo the result of immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence demonstrated that exosomal MSN substantially modified the expression of MM9, VEGFR and p-VEGFR in polyclonal lesions. In addition, we discovered an elevation in the expression of proinflammatory factors in the surrounding tissue. Conclusion: Exosomal MSN derived from ectopic stromal cells can contribute to endometriosis progression by mediating the construction of a “migration-vascularization-inflammation” loop in the ectopic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaodan Fan
- Department of Gynecology, Ningbo Women and Children’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiajie Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yichen Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Ningbo Women and Children’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
- Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningbo Institute of Medical Science, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Yichen Chen,
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