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Holdsworth-Carson SJ, Menkhorst E, Maybin JA, King A, Girling JE. Cyclic processes in the uterine tubes, endometrium, myometrium, and cervix: pathways and perturbations. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad012. [PMID: 37225518 PMCID: PMC10208902 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad012] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This review leads the 2023 Call for Papers in MHR: 'Cyclical function of the female reproductive tract' and will outline the complex and fascinating changes that take place in the reproductive tract during the menstrual cycle. We will also explore associated reproductive tract abnormalities that impact or are impacted by the menstrual cycle. Between menarche and menopause, women and people who menstruate living in high-income countries can expect to experience ∼450 menstrual cycles. The primary function of the menstrual cycle is to prepare the reproductive system for pregnancy in the event of fertilization. In the absence of pregnancy, ovarian hormone levels fall, triggering the end of the menstrual cycle and onset of menstruation. We have chosen to exclude the ovaries and focus on the other structures that make up the reproductive tract: uterine tubes, endometrium, myometrium, and cervix, which also functionally change in response to fluctuations in ovarian hormone production across the menstrual cycle. This inaugural paper for the 2023 MHR special collection will discuss our current understanding of the normal physiological processes involved in uterine cyclicity (limited specifically to the uterine tubes, endometrium, myometrium, and cervix) in humans, and other mammals where relevant. We will emphasize where knowledge gaps exist and highlight the impact that reproductive tract and uterine cycle perturbations have on health and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Holdsworth-Carson
- Julia Argyrou Endometriosis Centre, Epworth HealthCare, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ellen Menkhorst
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jacqueline A Maybin
- Institute for Regeneration and Repair, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anna King
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jane E Girling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Moses AS, Demessie AA, Taratula O, Korzun T, Slayden OD, Taratula O. Nanomedicines for Endometriosis: Lessons Learned from Cancer Research. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2004975. [PMID: 33491876 PMCID: PMC7928207 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202004975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is an incurable gynecological disease characterized by the abnormal growth of endometrium-like tissue, characteristic of the uterine lining, outside of the uterine cavity. Millions of people with endometriosis suffer from pelvic pain and infertility. This review aims to discuss whether nanomedicines that are promising therapeutic approaches for various diseases have the potential to create a paradigm shift in endometriosis management. For the first time, the available reports and achievements in the field of endometriosis nanomedicine are critically evaluated, and a summary of how nanoparticle-based systems can improve endometriosis treatment and diagnosis is provided. Parallels between cancer and endometriosis are also drawn to understand whether some fundamental principles of the well-established cancer nanomedicine field can be adopted for the development of novel nanoparticle-based strategies for endometriosis. This review provides the state of the art of endometriosis nanomedicine and perspective for researchers aiming to realize and exploit the full potential of nanoparticles for treatment and imaging of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham S Moses
- College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Ananiya A Demessie
- College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Olena Taratula
- College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Tetiana Korzun
- College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Ov D Slayden
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Oleh Taratula
- College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
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Onak Kandemir N, Barut F, Barut A, Birol İE, Dogan Gun B, Ozdamar SO. Biological importance of podoplanin expression in chorionic villous stromal cells and its relationship to placental pathologies. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14230. [PMID: 31578434 PMCID: PMC6775148 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50652-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Podoplanin, a reliable marker of lymphatic endothelium, is a mucin-type transmembrane protein. Although the human placenta is devoid of a lymphatic system, chorionic villous stromal (CVS) cells express podoplanin. In this study, the pattern of podoplanin expression in normal and pathological placental tissues and the biological role of podoplanin were investigated. In total, 198 placental tissues belonging to 184 patients, seen at the Department of Pathology of Bulent Ecevit University Education and Research Hospital, Zonguldak, Turkey, were evaluated histopathologically and determined to meet the study criteria. The tissues were assigned to control, cisternal placental disorders, inflammation and hypoxic-ischemic pathology groups. Podoplanin expression in CVS cells was graded from 0 to 3 depending on the staining intensity, as determined by an immunohistochemical evaluation of chorionic villi in the most intensively stained tissue region. Podoplanin levels in control CVS cells increased in parallel with placental maturation, whereas in molar pregnancies podoplanin expression was lower than in control tissues. In the acute placental inflammation group, podoplanin immunoreactivity was similar to that in the control group, whereas in the preeclampsia group, podoplanin expression was higher than in all other groups. Our study showed an increase in podoplanin expression in CVS cells during pregnancy. In preeclamptic patients, the increase in podoplanin expression may be a response to hypoxic-ischemic conditions, whereas in molar pregnancies the decrease in podoplanin levels may cause villous swelling by disrupting intercellular fluid homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilufer Onak Kandemir
- Department of Pathology, Ankara Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, 06310, Turkey.
| | - Figen Barut
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Bulent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, 67600, Turkey
| | - Aykut Barut
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Bulent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, 67600, Turkey
| | - İsmail Eren Birol
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Bulent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, 67600, Turkey
| | - Banu Dogan Gun
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Bulent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, 67600, Turkey
| | - Sukru Oguz Ozdamar
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Bulent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, 67600, Turkey
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Breslin JW, Yang Y, Scallan JP, Sweat RS, Adderley SP, Murfee WL. Lymphatic Vessel Network Structure and Physiology. Compr Physiol 2018; 9:207-299. [PMID: 30549020 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c180015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The lymphatic system is comprised of a network of vessels interrelated with lymphoid tissue, which has the holistic function to maintain the local physiologic environment for every cell in all tissues of the body. The lymphatic system maintains extracellular fluid homeostasis favorable for optimal tissue function, removing substances that arise due to metabolism or cell death, and optimizing immunity against bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other antigens. This article provides a comprehensive review of important findings over the past century along with recent advances in the understanding of the anatomy and physiology of lymphatic vessels, including tissue/organ specificity, development, mechanisms of lymph formation and transport, lymphangiogenesis, and the roles of lymphatics in disease. © 2019 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 9:207-299, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome W Breslin
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Joshua P Scallan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Richard S Sweat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Tampa, Louisiana, USA
| | - Shaquria P Adderley
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Walter L Murfee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Sakaki M, Yasuda M, Yano M, Goto Y, Nakamura M, Kayano H, Hasegawa K. The prognostic significance of tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic vessel density in endometrioid carcinoma of the uterine corpus. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:5313-5318. [PMID: 29113165 PMCID: PMC5662912 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in endometrioid carcinoma of the uterine corpus. The association between LVD and various factors, including lymphatic vessel invasion (LVI), and nodal metastases, were investigated. Among 202 surgically treated cases, 19 cases with nodal metastases with the infiltration reaching the outer-half myometrium (N+ group) were selected. The LVDs of hotspots in each case were examined at 100× magnification on D2-40 stained slides of the inner- and outer-half myometrium of the peritumoral, and control compartments. Furthermore, for the peritumoral compartment, the LVDs in two types of areas, LVI-present and LVI-absent, were examined for each location of myometrium, which amounted to 6 spots/case. They were statistically compared. Second, to determine whether the existing myometrium influenced LVD, LVDs in the intratumoral compartment were investigated, which were defined as a region where residual muscular tissue was unrecognizable with desmin-immnostaining. As a negative control group, LVDs of the inner- and outer-half myometrium of the peritumoral, and control compartments of 29 cases without nodal metastases in stage IB (N- group) were examined. No significant association was identified between the LVD and frequency of LVI. However, the LVDs in the peritumoral compartment and inner-half myometrium were higher compared those in the control compartment, and outer-half myometrium in N+ and N- groups, respectively. No significant differences were identified in LVD of the peritumoral compartment between groups. The lymphatic vessels were absent where the existing muscular tissue was absent in 16/19 cases. Although higher LVDs in the peritumoral compartment suggested tumor lymphangiogenesis, it was not associated with LVI and nodal metastases. Other factors that influenced LVD were the location in the myometrium and the existing myometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika Sakaki
- Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1298, Japan
| | - Masanori Yasuda
- Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1298, Japan
| | - Mitsutake Yano
- Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1298, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Goto
- Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1298, Japan
| | - Masaru Nakamura
- Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1298, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Kayano
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Saitama Medical University, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1298, Japan
| | - Kosei Hasegawa
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1298, Japan
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Klein KR, Caron KM. Adrenomedullin in lymphangiogenesis: from development to disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:3115-26. [PMID: 25953627 PMCID: PMC11113374 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1921-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, we have begun to appreciate that the lymphatic vascular system does more than simply return plasma back into the circulatory system and, in fact, contributes to a wide variety of normal and disease states. For this reason, much research has been devoted to understanding how lymphatic vessels form and function, with a particular interest in which molecules contribute to lymphatic vessel growth and maintenance. In the following review, we focus on a potent lymphangiogenic factor, adrenomedullin, and its known roles in lymphangiogenesis, lymphatic function, and human lymphatic disease. As one of the first, pharmacologically tractable G protein-coupled receptor pathways characterized in lymphatic endothelial cells, the continued study of adrenomedullin effects on the lymphatic system may open new avenues for the modulation of lymphatic growth and function in a variety of lymphatic-related diseases that currently have few treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara R. Klein
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB # 7545, 6312B MBRB, 111 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Kathleen M. Caron
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB # 7545, 6312B MBRB, 111 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- Department of Genetics, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
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Deng SR, Li J, Zhang ZQ, Li B, Sheng LL, Zeng JW, Liu YP, An SL, Wu YX. DS147 improves pregnancy in mice with embryo implantation dysfunction induced by controlled ovarian stimulation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 33:573-580. [PMID: 23904380 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-013-1161-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The study examined the effect of DS147, the bioactive component of the traditional herbal recipe Bangdeyun, on pregnancy in mice with embryo implantation dysfunction induced by controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), and the underlying mechanisms. Female mice were superovulated by intraperitoneal injection of 7.5 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) followed by an additional injection of 7.5 IU hCG 48 h later to establish embryo implantation dysfunction (EID) model. Pregnant mice were randomly divided into normal control group, COS group and DS147-treated groups. The pregnancy rate and the average implantation site were obtained on pregnancy day 8 (PD8). The side effect of 200 mg/kg of DS147 on naturally pregnant mice was also observed. Further, the uterine and ovarian tissue samples were collected on PD5 for measuring their weights, observing the development of the endometrium and ovary, and detecting the endometrial expression of MMP-2, TIMP-2, CD34 and angiogenin (ANG). The female mice treated with DS147 at doses of 100 to 800 mg/kg showed a higher pregnancy rate than those in COS group, and the highest pregnancy rate of 83.3% occurred in the 200 mg/kg DS147-treated group. Moreover, no obvious side effect was found in mice treated with 200 mg/kg DS147 on PD8 and PD16. The ovarian and uterine weights, and the expression levels of MMP-2, ANG and CD34 were significantly increased in DS147-treated groups when compared with COS group. The TIMP-2 expression level was much lower in DS147-treated mice than in COS mice and the ratio of MMP-2/TIMP-2 was much higher in DS147-treated group than in COS group, and even higher than normal control group. In all, these findings suggest that DS147 may improve pregnancy in mice with COS-induced EID by promoting matrix degradation and angiogenesis, and improving the development of corpus luteum and endometrial decidualization around the implantation window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Rong Deng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resources Evaluation, Department of Traditional Chinese Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pathology, Hubei General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Hubei General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Pathology, Hubei General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Li-Li Sheng
- Department of Pathology, Hubei General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Jian-Wu Zeng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resources Evaluation, Department of Traditional Chinese Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ya-Ping Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resources Evaluation, Department of Traditional Chinese Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Song-Lin An
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resources Evaluation, Department of Traditional Chinese Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yun-Xia Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resources Evaluation, Department of Traditional Chinese Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Veiseh M, Breadner D, Ma J, Akentieva N, Savani RC, Harrison R, Mikilus D, Collis L, Gustafson S, Lee TY, Koropatnick J, Luyt LG, Bissell MJ, Turley EA. Imaging of homeostatic, neoplastic, and injured tissues by HA-based probes. Biomacromolecules 2011; 13:12-22. [PMID: 22066590 DOI: 10.1021/bm201143c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
An increase in hyaluronan (HA) synthesis, cellular uptake, and metabolism occurs during the remodeling of tissue microenvironments following injury and during disease processes such as cancer. We hypothesized that multimodality HA-based probes selectively target and detectably accumulate at sites of high HA metabolism, thus providing a flexible imaging strategy for monitoring disease and repair processes. Kinetic analyses confirmed favorable available serum levels of the probe following intravenous (i.v.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) injection. Nuclear (technetium-HA, (99m)Tc-HA, and iodine-HA, (125)I-HA), optical (fluorescent Texas Red-HA, TR-HA), and magnetic resonance (gadolinium-HA, Gd-HA) probes imaged liver ((99m)Tc-HA), breast cancer cells/xenografts (TR-HA, Gd-HA), and vascular injury ((125)I-HA, TR-HA). Targeting of HA probes to these sites appeared to result from selective HA receptor-dependent localization. Our results suggest that HA-based probes, which do not require polysaccharide backbone modification to achieve favorable half-life and distribution, can detect elevated HA metabolism in homeostatic, injured, and diseased tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandana Veiseh
- Division of Life Sciences, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories, Berkeley, California, USA
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Maybin JA, Battersby S, Hirani N, Nikitenko LL, Critchley HOD, Jabbour HN. The expression and regulation of adrenomedullin in the human endometrium: a candidate for endometrial repair. Endocrinology 2011; 152:2845-56. [PMID: 21558311 PMCID: PMC3192419 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-1256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2010] [Accepted: 04/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
After menstruation, the endometrium has a remarkable capacity for repair, but the factors involved remain undefined. We hypothesize adrenomedullin (AM) plays a role in this process. Premenstrually progesterone levels decline, stimulating prostaglandin (PG) synthesis, vasoconstriction, and hypoxia. This study aimed to determine 1) AM expression throughout the menstrual (M) cycle and 2) its regulation by PG and hypoxia. Human endometrial biopsies (n = 51) were collected with ethical approval and consent. AM mRNA expression was examined by quantitative RT-PCR and was found to be selectively elevated in endometrium from the menstrual (M) phase (P < 0.001). AM immunohistochemical staining was maximal in M and proliferative (P) endometrium. Culture of secretory, but not P, explants with 100 nm PGF(2α) or hypoxia (0.5% O2) increased AM mRNA (P < 0.05). P explants were induced to increase AM expression using in vitro progesterone withdrawal but required the presence of hypoxia (P < 0.05). Short hairpin sequences against hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) inhibited AM hypoxic up-regulation but did not alter PGF(2α)-induced expression. The AM receptor was immunolocalized to endothelial cells in both lymphatic and blood vessels. Conditioned medium from PGF(2α)-treated cells increased endothelial cell proliferation and branching (P < 0.05). This was abolished by AM receptor antagonists. In conclusion, AM is elevated at the time of endometrial repair and induces both angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis by stimulating endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation. In the human endometrium, AM expression is up-regulated by two mechanisms: a HIF-1α-mediated hypoxic induction and a HIF-1α-independent PGF(2α) pathway. These physiological mechanisms may provide novel therapeutic targets for disorders such as heavy menstrual bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A Maybin
- Centre for Reproductive Biology, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
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Castro E, Tony Parks W, Galambos C. Neither normal nor diseased placentas contain lymphatic vessels. Placenta 2011; 32:310-6. [PMID: 21316100 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2011.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2010] [Revised: 01/13/2011] [Accepted: 01/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scant data on placental lymphatic vessels have pointed to the absence of lymphatic circulation. A recent study on mesenchymal dysplasia (MD), however, has identified pathologic lymphangiogenesis using the D2-40 lymphatic marker. These conflicting data have prompted us to investigate whether lymphatic vessels are present in normal developing placentas and in placental disorders characterized by cistern formation. DESIGN Seventeen human placentas without significant pathological abnormality ranging from 12 to 39 weeks of gestational age were studied. Cisternal placental disorders were represented by mesenchymal dysplasia (n = 1), partial hydatitiform mole (n = 2), spontaneous abortion (n = 3) and complete hydatiform mole (n = 2). To identify lymphatic vessels, we used lymphatic endothelial markers Prox-1 and D2-40. The pan-endothelial marker CD31 was used to highlight overall placental vasculature and to determine if the lining cells of cisterns were of endothelial origin. Lymphatic marker positivity was assessed in maternal (decidual) as well as in fetal (chorionic villous) vasculature. RESULTS No staining with Prox-1 or D2-40 was identified in fetal vessels in developing or term placentas, or in selected cisternal placental disorders, although both markers highlighted a number of thin-walled decidual vessels. Cistern lining cells were negative for Prox-1, D2-40 and CD31. D2-40 consistently marked stromal cells in chorionic villi and highlighted perivascular/pericellular extracellular matrix. CONCLUSION We established that no lymphatic vasculature is present in the chorionic villi during development, at term or in selected edematous placental disorders. The cisternal lining cells are not endothelial cells; most likely they are of stromal cell origin. Lymphangiogenesis is a part of decidual vascular remodeling during gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Castro
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Reyes-Aldasoro CC, Williams LJ, Akerman S, Kanthou C, Tozer GM. An automatic algorithm for the segmentation and morphological analysis of microvessels in immunostained histological tumour sections. J Microsc 2010; 242:262-78. [PMID: 21118252 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2818.2010.03464.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A fully automatic segmentation and morphological analysis algorithm for the analysis of microvessels from CD31 immunostained histological tumour sections is presented. Development of the algorithm exploited the distinctive hues of stained vascular endothelial cells, cell nuclei and background, to provide the seeds for a 'region-growing' method for object segmentation in the 3D hue, saturation, value (HSV) colour model. The segmented objects, identified as microvessels by CD31 immunostaining, were post-processed with three morphological tasks: joining separate objects that were likely to belong to a single vessel, closing objects that had a narrow gap around their periphery, and splitting objects with multiple lumina into individual vessels. The automatic segmentation was validated against a hand-segmented set of 44 images from three different SW1222 human colorectal carcinomas xenografted into mice. 96.3 ± 0.9% of pixels were found to be correctly classified. Automated segmentation was carried out on a further 53 images from three histologically distinct mouse fibrosarcomas (MFs) for morphological comparison with the SW1222 tumours. Four morphometric measurements were calculated for each segmented vessel: vascular area (VA), ratio of lumen area to vascular area (lu/VA), eccentricity (e), and roundness (ro). In addition, the total vascular area relative to tumour tissue area (rVA) was calculated. lu/VA, e and ro were found to be significantly smaller in MF tumours than in SW1222 tumours (p < 0.05; unpaired t-test). The algorithm is available through the website http://www.caiman.org.uk where images can be uploaded, processed and sent back to users. The output from CAIMAN consists of the original image with boundaries of segmented vessels overlaid, the calculated parameters and a Matlab file, which contains the segmentation that the user can use to derive further results.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Reyes-Aldasoro
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Research UK Tumour Microcirculation Group, The University of Sheffield, School of Medicine, U.K
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Girling JE, Donoghue JF, Lederman FL, Cann LM, Achen MG, Stacker SA, Rogers PAW. Vascular endothelial growth factor-D over-expressing tumor cells induce differential effects on uterine vasculature in a mouse model of endometrial cancer. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2010; 8:84. [PMID: 20615255 PMCID: PMC2909246 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-8-84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2010] [Accepted: 07/08/2010] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been hypothesised that increased VEGF-D expression may be an independent prognostic factor for endometrial cancer progression and lymph node metastasis; however, the mechanism by which VEGF-D may promote disease progression in women with endometrial cancer has not been investigated. Our aim was to describe the distribution of lymphatic vessels in mouse uterus and to examine the effect of VEGF-D over-expression on these vessels in a model of endometrial cancer. We hypothesised that VEGF-D over-expression would stimulate growth of new lymphatic vessels into the endometrium, thereby contributing to cancer progression. METHODS We initially described the distribution of lymphatic vessels (Lyve-1, podoplanin, VEGFR-3) and VEGF-D expression in the mouse uterus during the estrous cycle, early pregnancy and in response to estradiol-17beta and progesterone using immunohistochemistry. We also examined the effects of VEGF-D over-expression on uterine vasculature by inoculating uterine horns in NOD SCID mice with control or VEGF-D-expressing 293EBNA tumor cells. RESULTS Lymphatic vessels positive for the lymphatic endothelial cell markers Lyve-1, podoplanin and VEGFR-3 profiles were largely restricted to the connective tissue between the myometrial circular and longitudinal muscle layers; very few lymphatic vessel profiles were observed in the endometrium. VEGF-D immunostaining was present in all uterine compartments (epithelium, stroma, myometrium), although expression was generally low. VEGF-D immunoexpression was slightly but significantly higher in estrus relative to diestrus; and in estradiol-17beta treated mice relative to vehicle or progesterone treated mice. The presence of VEGF-D over-expressing tumor cells did not induce endometrial lymphangiogenesis, although changes were observed in existing vessel profiles. For myometrial lymphatic and endometrial blood vessels, the percentage of profiles containing proliferating endothelial cells, and the cross sectional area of vessel profiles were significantly increased in response to VEGF-D in comparison to control tumor cells. In contrast, no significant changes were noted in myometrial blood vessels. In addition, examples of invading cells or tumor emboli were observed in mice receiving VEGF-D expressing 293EBNA cells. CONCLUSIONS These results illustrate that VEGF-D over-expression has differential effects on the uterine vasculature. These effects may facilitate VEGF-D's ability to promote endometrial cancer metastasis and disease progression.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Carcinoma, Endometrioid/blood supply
- Carcinoma, Endometrioid/genetics
- Carcinoma, Endometrioid/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Endometrioid/pathology
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endometrial Neoplasms/blood supply
- Endometrial Neoplasms/genetics
- Endometrial Neoplasms/metabolism
- Endometrial Neoplasms/pathology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Mice, Transgenic
- Transplantation, Heterologous
- Up-Regulation/genetics
- Uterus/blood supply
- Uterus/metabolism
- Uterus/pathology
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Girling
- Centre for Women's Health Research, Monash Institute of Medical Research and Monash University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Jacqueline F Donoghue
- Centre for Women's Health Research, Monash Institute of Medical Research and Monash University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Fiona L Lederman
- Centre for Women's Health Research, Monash Institute of Medical Research and Monash University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Leonie M Cann
- Centre for Women's Health Research, Monash Institute of Medical Research and Monash University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Marc G Achen
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, PO Box 2008, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven A Stacker
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, PO Box 2008, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter AW Rogers
- Centre for Women's Health Research, Monash Institute of Medical Research and Monash University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
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15
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Serafini P, Da Rocha AM, De Toledo Osório CAB, Smith GD, Hassun PA, da Silva IGDCG, Da Motta ELA, Baracat EC. Protein profile of the luteal phase endometrium by tissue microarray assessment. Gynecol Endocrinol 2009; 25:587-92. [PMID: 19557595 DOI: 10.1080/09513590902972018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the luteal phase endometrial expression of leukemia inhibitor factor (LIF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), progesterone receptor (PR), claudin 4 (CLDN4), vascular-endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3), bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4) and citokeratin 7 (CK-7), we obtained luteal phase endometrial samples from 52 women. Samples were dated and integrated using a tissue microarray (TMA). Samples were immunostained for LIF, IGF-1, PR, CLDN4, VEGFR-3, BMP-4 and CK-7. Frequencies of positive expressions at the early, mid and late luteal phases were compared by two proportions test. Concomitant expression of these proteins was assessed with Chi-square or Fischer's test. The frequency of LIF was positively correlated to the frequency of IGF-1 (r = 0.99; p < 0.05) and PR (r = 0.99; p < 0.05), and the correlation between IGF-1 and PR tended to be significant (r = 0.98; p < 0.1). The expression of PR was associated with the absence of CLDN4 (p < 0.001). Thus, expression of LIF, IGF-1 and PR are correlated during the luteal phase, and immunohistochemistry for these proteins might be used to assist in the assessment of endometrial maturation. In addition, the expression of CLDN4 and PR was not concomitant, warranting further investigation on the relationship of their endometrial expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Serafini
- Department of Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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16
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Heazell AEP, Sahasrabudhe N, Grossmith AK, Martindale EA, Bhatia K. A case of intrauterine growth restriction in association with placental mesenchymal dysplasia with abnormal placental lymphatic development. Placenta 2009; 30:654-7. [PMID: 19443029 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2009.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2008] [Revised: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 04/09/2009] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) is a rare human disorder associated with stillbirth, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Although the morphology of this condition has been described in 86 cases, the underlying cellular origin is unclear. We investigate the placental cell type involved in a case of PMD associated with a live born female infant with IUGR. In PMD intermediate villi contain cisternae, lined by non-proliferative cells. Immunostaining reveals they are not of trophoblast or vascular endothelial origin. There is positive immunostaining for lymphatic endothelium; this abnormal lymphangiogenesis is in concordance with current hypotheses regarding the aetiology of PMD. Furthermore, such observations suggest that placental villous mesenchyme may differentiate into various cell types, even those not normally found in the human placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E P Heazell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Group, University of Manchester, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester M13 0JH, UK.
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17
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Smith SD, Dunk CE, Aplin JD, Harris LK, Jones RL. Evidence for immune cell involvement in decidual spiral arteriole remodeling in early human pregnancy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2009; 174:1959-71. [PMID: 19349361 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2009.080995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 328] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Decidual artery remodeling is essential for a healthy pregnancy. This process involves loss of vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelium, which are replaced by endovascular trophoblasts (vEVTs) embedded in fibrinoid. Remodeling is impaired during pre-eclampsia, a disease of pregnancy that results in maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Early vascular changes occur in the absence of vEVTs, suggesting that another cell type is involved; evidence from animal models indicates that decidual leukocytes play a role. We hypothesized that leukocytes participate in remodeling through the triggering of apoptosis or extracellular matrix degradation. Decidua basalis samples (8 to 12 weeks gestation) were examined by immunohistochemistry to elucidate associations between leukocytes, vEVTs, and key remodeling events. Trophoblast-independent and -dependent phases of remodeling were identified. Based on a combination of morphological attributes, vessel profiles were classified into a putative temporal series of four stages. In early stages of remodeling, vascular smooth muscle cells showed dramatic disruption and disorganization before vEVT presence. Leukocytes (identified as uterine natural killer cells and macrophages) were apparent infiltrating vascular smooth muscle cells layers and were matrix metalloproteinase-7 and -9 immunopositive. A proportion of vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells were terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling positive, suggesting remodeling involves apoptosis. We thus confirm that vascular remodeling occurs in distinct trophoblast-independent and -dependent stages and provide the first evidence of decidual leukocyte involvement in trophoblast-independent stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha D Smith
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Group, Research Floor, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK.
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18
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Plaisier M, Dennert I, Rost E, Koolwijk P, van Hinsbergh V, Helmerhorst F. Decidual vascularization and the expression of angiogenic growth factors and proteases in first trimester spontaneous abortions. Hum Reprod 2008; 24:185-97. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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