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Mann ON, Kong CS, Lucas ES, Brosens JJ, Hanyaloglu AC, Brighton PJ. Expression and function of the luteinizing hormone choriogonadotropin receptor in human endometrial stromal cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8624. [PMID: 35597810 PMCID: PMC9124191 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12495-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The human luteinising hormone choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) is a G-protein coupled receptor activated by both human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and luteinizing hormone (LH), two structurally related gonadotropins with essential roles in ovulation and maintenance of the corpus luteum. LHCGR expression predominates in ovarian tissues where it elicits functional responses through cyclic adenosine mononucleotide (cAMP), Ca2+ and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signalling. LHCGR expression has also been localized to the human endometrium, with purported roles in decidualization and implantation. However, these observations are contentious. In this investigation, transcripts encoding LHCGR were undetectable in bulk RNA sequencing datasets from whole cycling endometrial tissue and cultured human endometrial stromal cells (EnSC). However, analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed cell-to-cell transcriptional heterogeneity, and we identified a small subpopulation of stromal cells with detectable LHCGR transcripts. In HEK-293 cells expressing recombinant LHCGR, both hCG and LH elicited robust cAMP, Ca2+ and ERK signals that were absent in wild-type HEK-293 cells. However, none of these responses were recapitulated in primary EnSC cultures. In addition, proliferation, viability and decidual transformation of EnSC were refractory to both hCG and LH, irrespective of treatment to induce differentiation. Although we challenge the assertion that LHCGR is expressed at a functionally active level in the human endometrium, the discovery of a discrete subpopulation of EnSC that express LHCGR transcripts may plausibly account for the conflicting evidence in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- O N Mann
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - C-S Kong
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - E S Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.,Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - J J Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.,Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - A C Hanyaloglu
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - P J Brighton
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.
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Zhang T, Chen X, Wang CC, Li TC, Kwak-Kim J. Intrauterine infusion of human chorionic gonadotropin before embryo transfer in IVF/ET cycle: The critical review. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 81:e13077. [PMID: 30589989 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine infusion of human chorionic gonadotropin (IUI-hCG) has been proposed to improve the outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), since it plays a critical role in synchronizing endometrial and fetal development. As the early mediator from embryo, hCG promotes the decidualization, angiogenesis, maternal immune tolerance, and trophoblast invasion, favoring successful implantation of embryo. Although multiple clinical trials have been conducted to verify the efficacy of IUI-hCG on IVF-ET outcome in recent years, the findings remained controversial. The difference in study design and population might be the cause to the different consequences after administration of hCG. More importantly, the endometrial receptivity, which might affect the efficacy of IUI-hCG, has not been assessed in women receiving this intervention. Selecting the right population suitable for IUI-hCG based on known etiology would be crucial in enhancing its efficacy and minimize any possible complications. Investigation of optimal indications for IUI-hCG should be highlighted in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR.,Shenzhen Youshare Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Chi-Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong City, Hong Kong.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong City, Hong Kong
| | - Tin Chiu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois.,Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, Illinois
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Gellersen B, Brosens JJ. Cyclic decidualization of the human endometrium in reproductive health and failure. Endocr Rev 2014; 35:851-905. [PMID: 25141152 DOI: 10.1210/er.2014-1045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 622] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Decidualization denotes the transformation of endometrial stromal fibroblasts into specialized secretory decidual cells that provide a nutritive and immunoprivileged matrix essential for embryo implantation and placental development. In contrast to most mammals, decidualization of the human endometrium does not require embryo implantation. Instead, this process is driven by the postovulatory rise in progesterone levels and increasing local cAMP production. In response to falling progesterone levels, spontaneous decidualization causes menstrual shedding and cyclic regeneration of the endometrium. A growing body of evidence indicates that the shift from embryonic to maternal control of the decidual process represents a pivotal evolutionary adaptation to the challenge posed by invasive and chromosomally diverse human embryos. This concept is predicated on the ability of decidualizing stromal cells to respond to individual embryos in a manner that either promotes implantation and further development or facilitates early rejection. Furthermore, menstruation and cyclic regeneration involves stem cell recruitment and renders the endometrium intrinsically capable of adapting its decidual response to maximize reproductive success. Here we review the endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine cues that tightly govern this differentiation process. In response to activation of various signaling pathways and genome-wide chromatin remodeling, evolutionarily conserved transcriptional factors gain access to the decidua-specific regulatory circuitry. Once initiated, the decidual process is poised to transit through distinct phenotypic phases that underpin endometrial receptivity, embryo selection, and, ultimately, resolution of pregnancy. We discuss how disorders that subvert the programming, initiation, or progression of decidualization compromise reproductive health and predispose for pregnancy failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Gellersen
- Endokrinologikum Hamburg (B.G.), 20251 Hamburg, Germany; and Division of Reproductive Health (J.J.B.), Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
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Tadesse S, Kidane D, Guller S, Luo T, Norwitz NG, Arcuri F, Toti P, Norwitz ER. In vivo and in vitro evidence for placental DNA damage in preeclampsia. PLoS One 2014; 9:e86791. [PMID: 24466242 PMCID: PMC3899334 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 12/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is an idiopathic multisystem disease affecting 5–7% of pregnant women. Placental oxidative stress is a characteristic feature of PE and occurs when the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the placenta overwhelms the intrinsic anti-oxidant defenses. We hypothesize that excessive oxidative DNA damage at the fetal-maternal interface coupled with a defective DNA damage/repair response is causally related to PE. Here we demonstrate that γH2AX (a sensitive marker of DNA damage) is expressed in the maternal decidua but not trophoblast of normal placentas, and that expression is significantly higher in PE placental tissues in vivo. Using primary in vitro cultures of maternal decidual stromal cells (DSCs) and fetal cytotrophoblast cells (CTs), we show an increase in γH2AX foci in DSCs cultured with vs without H2O2 (70.6% vs 11.6%; P<0.0001) or under hypoxia-reperfusion vs normoxia (20- vs 3-fold; P = 0.01); no foci were seen in CTs. We further demonstrate that Base Excision Repair (BER) intermediates are significantly increased in DSCs (not CTs) under these same conditions. Our data show that DNA damage is significantly more common in PE placentas, and that this DNA damage is localized to the maternal and not fetal side of the placenta. CTs may be selectively resistant to DNA damage in an effort to protect the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serkalem Tadesse
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Mother Infant Research Institute (MIRI), Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Dawit Kidane
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Seth Guller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Tianmeng Luo
- Mother Infant Research Institute (MIRI), Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nicholas G. Norwitz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Felice Arcuri
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Paolo Toti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Errol R. Norwitz
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Mother Infant Research Institute (MIRI), Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Srivastava A, Sengupta J, Kriplani A, Roy KK, Ghosh D. Profiles of cytokines secreted by isolated human endometrial cells under the influence of chorionic gonadotropin during the window of embryo implantation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; 11:116. [PMID: 24345207 PMCID: PMC3878507 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have indicated that human pre-implantation embryo-derived chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) may influence the implantation process by its action on human endometrial epithelial and stromal cells. Despite reports indicating that hCG acts on these cells to affect the production of several cytokines and growth factors (e.g., MIF, IGF-I, VEGF, LIF, IL-11, GMCSF, CXL10 and FGF2), our understanding of the integral influence of hCG on paracrine interactions between endometrial stromal and epithelial cells during implantation is very limited. METHODS In the present study, we examined the profile of 48 cytokines in the conditioned media of primary cell cultures of human implantation stage endometrium. Endometrial epithelial cells (group 1; n = 20), stromal cells (group 2; n = 20), and epithelial plus stromal cells (group 3; n = 20) obtained from mid-secretory stage endometrial samples (n = 60) were grown on collagen and exposed to different doses (0, 1, 10 and 100 IU/ml) of rhCG for 24 h in vitro. Immunochemical and qRT-PCR methods were used to determine cytokine profiles. Enrichment and process networks analyses were implemented using a list of cytokines showing differential secretion in response to hCG. RESULTS Under basal conditions, endometrial epithelial and stromal cells exhibited cell type-specific profiles of secreted cytokines. Administration of hCG (100 IU) resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) different cytokine secretion profiles indicative of macropinocytic transport (HGF, MCSF) in epithelial cells, signal transduction (CCL4, FGF2, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-17, VEGF) in stromal cells, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (FGF2, HGF, IL-1b, TNF) in mixed cells. Overall, the administration of hCG affected cytokines involved in the immune response, chemotaxis, inflammatory changes, proliferation, cell adhesion and apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS CG can influence the function of the endometrium during blastocyst implantation via its differential action on endometrial epithelial and stromal cells. CG may also affect complex paracrine processes in the different endometrial cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhilesh Srivastava
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jayasree Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
- Present address: Department of Physiology, North DMC Medical College, Hindu Rao Hospital, New Delhi 110007, India
| | - Alka Kriplani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Kallol K Roy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Debabrata Ghosh
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Tumor necrosis factor α up-regulates endometrial milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 protein production via nuclear factor κB activation, resulting in cell migration of epithelial cells. Fertil Steril 2013; 101:552-9. [PMID: 24262600 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Revised: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, an early embryonic product, on endometrial epithelial cell migration and endometrial milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 protein (MFG-E8) production. DESIGN In vitro study. SETTING Academic center. INTERVENTION(S) Ishikawa cells, used as surrogates for human epithelial cells, were treated with and without TNF-α. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Effect of TNF-α on intracellular MFG-E8 protein was evaluated with the use of ELISA, Western blot, and subcellular fractionation. Specific inhibitors were used to study TNF-α mechanism of action. Effect of TNF-α on cell migration was studied with the use of a wound healing assay and reorganization of E-cadherin. RESULT(S) TNF-α induced: 1) significant up-regulation of MFG-E8 intracellular protein, which was attenuated by pretreatment with a specific inhibitor of nuclear factor κB; 2) increased transcription of MFG-E8 and other proinflammatory factors, such as interleukins 6 and 8, which were suppressed by cotreatment with hCG; and 3) significant cell migration with E-cadherin remodeling, changes associated with subcellular MFG-E8 relocalization. CONCLUSION(S) TNF-α up-regulates endometrial epithelial cell migration and MFG-E8 production, which are critical steps required for the endometrial changes during menstrual cycle as well as during embryonic attachment and invasion.
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Riggs RM, Bocca S, Anderson S, Franchi A, Rhavi BS, Oehninger S. Epithelial cell protein milk fat globule–epidermal growth factor 8 and human chorionic gonadotropin regulate stromal cell apoptosis in the human endometrium. Fertil Steril 2012; 98:1549-56.e3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.07.1127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2011] [Revised: 07/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Lei W, Feng XH, Deng WB, Ni H, Zhang ZR, Jia B, Yang XL, Wang TS, Liu JL, Su RW, Liang XH, Qi QR, Yang ZM. Progesterone and DNA damage encourage uterine cell proliferation and decidualization through up-regulating ribonucleotide reductase 2 expression during early pregnancy in mice. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:15174-92. [PMID: 22403396 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.308023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation into the maternal uterus is a crucial step for the successful establishment of mammalian pregnancy. Following the attachment of embryo to the uterine luminal epithelium, uterine stromal cells undergo steroid hormone-dependent decidualization, which is characterized by stromal cell proliferation and differentiation. The mechanisms underlying steroid hormone-induced stromal cell proliferation and differentiation during decidualization are still poorly understood. Ribonucleotide reductase, consisting of two subunits (RRM1 and RRM2), is a rate-limiting enzyme in deoxynucleotide production for DNA synthesis and plays an important role in cell proliferation and tumorgenicity. Based on our microarray analysis, Rrm2 expression was significantly higher at implantation sites compared with interimplantation sites in mouse uterus. However, the expression, regulation, and function of RRM2 in mouse uterus during embryo implantation and decidualization are still unknown. Here we show that although both RRM1 and RRM2 expression are markedly induced in mouse uterine stromal cells undergoing decidualization, only RRM2 is regulated by progesterone, a key regulator of decidualization. Further studies showed that the induction of progesterone on RRM2 expression in stromal cells is mediated by the AKT/c-MYC pathway. RRM2 can also be induced by replication stress and DNA damage during decidualization through the ATR/ATM-CHK1-E2F1 pathway. The weight of implantation sites and deciduoma was effectively reduced by specific inhibitors for RRM2. The expression of decidual/trophoblast prolactin-related protein (Dtprp), a reliable marker for decidualization in mice, was significantly reduced in deciduoma and steroid-induced decidual cells after HU treatment. Therefore, RRM2 may be an important effector of progesterone signaling to induce cell proliferation and decidualization in mouse uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lei
- Department of Biology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
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