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Taravat M, Asadpour R, Jafari Jozani R, Fattahi A, Khordadmehr M, Hajipour H. Engineered exosome as a biological nanoplatform for drug delivery of Rosmarinic acid to improve implantation in mice with induced endometritis. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2024; 70:3-19. [PMID: 38323586 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2024.2306420] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Endometritis is an inflammatory and histopathologic disease in uterine tissues that interferes with the proper decidualization and implantation of the embryo. In this study, rosmarinic acid (RA) is used as an anti-inflammatory agent that encapsulates in exosomes and is used to attenuate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endometritis and improve implantation. For this purpose, exosomes were loaded with RA and then administrated into the animal groups, including RA, exosome, RA plus exosome (RA + Exo), and RA-loaded exosomes (RALExo) groups. The concentrations of RA or exosomes used in this study were 10 mg/kg, and the compounds were injected into the uterine horn 24 h following the induction of endometritis. Upon the presence of inflammation detected by the histopathological method, the most proper groups were mated with male mice. The effect of the treatment group on the implantation rate, progesterone levels, and gene expressions were assessed by Chicago Blue staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Quantitative PCR (qPCR), respectively. Results showed RALExo10 and RA10 + Exo10 groups improved pathological alterations, enhanced progesterone levels, increased implantation rate, as well as heightened expression levels of Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and Mucin-16 (MUC-16) genes. Besides, the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, including Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Interlukine-10 (IL-10), Interlukine-15 (IL-15), and Interlukine-18 (IL-18), were regulated. Our findings indicated that the expression of LIF, Muc-16 genes as well as IL-18, were significantly correlated with serum progesterone concentrations and the implantation rate in the treatment groups. The RALExo10 and RA10 + Exo10 groups showed ameliorated implantation rates in experimental groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Taravat
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Asadpour
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Razi Jafari Jozani
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Fattahi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Monireh Khordadmehr
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed Hajipour
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
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Yusuf ANM, Amri MF, Ugusman A, Hamid AA, Mokhtar MH. Supraphysiological Dose of Testosterone Impairs the Expression and Distribution of Sex Steroid Receptors during Endometrial Receptivity Development in Female Sprague-Dawley Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:10202. [PMID: 39337689 PMCID: PMC11432676 DOI: 10.3390/ijms251810202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Revised: 09/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the effect of a supraphysiological dose of testosterone on the levels of sex steroid hormones and the expression and distribution of sex steroid receptors in the uterus during the endometrial receptivity development period. In this study, adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 24) were subcutaneously administered 1 mg/kg/day of testosterone alone or in combination with the inhibitors (finasteride or anastrozole or both) from day 1 to day 3 post-coitus, while a group of six untreated rats served as a control group. The rats were sacrificed on the evening of post-coital day 4 of to measure sex steroid hormone levels by ELISA. Meanwhile, gene expression and protein distribution of sex steroid receptors were analysed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. In this study, treatment with a supraphysiological dose of testosterone led to a significant reduction in oestrogen and progesterone levels compared to the control. The mRNA expression of the androgen receptor increased significantly in all treatment groups, while the mRNA expression of both the progesterone receptor and the oestrogen receptor-α decreased significantly in all treatment groups. The IHC findings of all sex steroid receptors were coherent with all mRNAs involved. This study shows that a supraphysiological dose of testosterone was able to interrupt the short period of the implantation window. This finding could serve as a basis for understanding the role of testosterone in endometrial receptivity in order to develop further therapeutic approaches targeting androgen-mediated disorders of endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allia Najmie Muhammad Yusuf
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Fariz Amri
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
| | - Azizah Ugusman
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Adila A Hamid
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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Yun BS, Yun NY, Lee JE, Go M, Jang HY, Park JE, Roh JW, Shim SS. Endometrial E-cadherin and N-cadherin Expression during the Mid-Secretory Phase of Women with Ovarian Endometrioma or Uterine Fibroids. J Pers Med 2024; 14:920. [PMID: 39338174 PMCID: PMC11433430 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14090920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis and uterine fibroids are benign conditions frequently linked to subfertility/infertility. Recent research has highlighted the importance of epithelial-mesenchymal transition between embryonic and endometrial cells in the context of embryo implantation. Additionally, the adverse endometrial environment during implantation has been proposed as a mechanism contributing to infertility in endometriosis. Nevertheless, the role of cadherin molecule alterations in relation to endometrial receptivity and embryo invasion remains a subject of controversy. METHODS We investigated the expression patterns of E-cadherin and N-cadherin in the endometria of women with ovarian endometrioma or uterine fibroids and assessed whether they differed from those of healthy women. We enrolled 17 women with ovarian endometrioma, 16 with uterine fibroids, and 6 healthy women. Endometrial tissues were obtained at the mid-secretory phase on days 19-24 of the menstrual cycle. The E-cadherin and N-cadherin mRNA and protein expression levels were measured using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis, respectively. RESULTS The E-cadherin and N-cadherin mRNA expression levels were higher and lower, respectively, in the endometrium of women with ovarian endometrioma than in those of the controls. In the endometrium of women with uterine fibroids, similar patterns with higher E-cadherin and lower N-cadherin levels were observed compared with that of the controls. Protein expression showed similar patterns. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed higher E-cadherin expression and lower N-cadherin expression in the endometria of women with infertility-related diseases than in those of healthy women in the mid-secretory phase. This suggests a resistance to endometrial receptivity, potentially reflecting mesenchymal-epithelial transition properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Seong Yun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Ilsan Medical Center, CHA University, Goyang 10414, Republic of Korea
| | - Na Yeon Yun
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Eun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Minyeon Go
- Center for Genome Diagnostics, CHA Biotech Inc., Seoul 06125, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Yeon Jang
- Center for Genome Diagnostics, CHA Biotech Inc., Seoul 06125, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Park
- Center for Genome Diagnostics, CHA Biotech Inc., Seoul 06125, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Won Roh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Ilsan Medical Center, CHA University, Goyang 10414, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Shin Shim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul 06125, Republic of Korea
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Rokhsartalab Azar P, Karimi S, Haghtalab A, Taram S, Hejazi M, Sadeghpour S, Pashaei MR, Ghasemnejad-Berenji H, Taheri-Anganeh M. The role of the endometrial microbiome in embryo implantation and recurrent implantation failure. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 162:104192. [PMID: 38215650 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
There is a suggested pathophysiology associated with endometrial microbiota in cases where repeated implantation failure of high-quality embryos is observed. However, there is a suspected association between endometrial microbiota and the pathogenesis of implantation failure. However, there is still a lack of agreement on the fundamental composition of the physiological microbiome within the uterine cavity. This is primarily due to various limitations in the studies conducted, including small sample sizes and variations in experimental designs. As a result, the impact of bacterial communities in the endometrium on human reproduction is still a subject of debate. In this discourse, we undertake a comprehensive examination of the existing body of research pertaining to the uterine microbiota and its intricate interplay with the process of embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarmad Karimi
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Arian Haghtalab
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Saman Taram
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Milad Hejazi
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Sonia Sadeghpour
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Pashaei
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hojat Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Mortaza Taheri-Anganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Juárez-Barber E, Corachán A, Carbajo-García MC, Faus A, Vidal C, Giles J, Pellicer A, Cervelló I, Ferrero H. Transcriptome analysis of adenomyosis eutopic endometrium reveals molecular mechanisms involved in adenomyosis-related implantation failure and pregnancy disorders. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:10. [PMID: 38195505 PMCID: PMC10775471 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01182-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with adenomyosis are characterized by having defective decidualization, impaired endometrial receptivity and/or embryo-maternal communication, and implantation failure. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying adenomyosis-related infertility remain unknown, mainly because of the restricted accessibility and the difficult preservation of endometrial tissue in vitro. We have recently shown that adenomyosis patient-derived endometrial organoids, maintain disease-specific features while differentiated into mid-secretory and gestational endometrial phase, overcoming these research barriers and providing a robust platform to study adenomyosis pathogenesis and the associated molecular dysregulation related to implantation and pregnancy disorders. For this reason, we aim to characterize the dysregulated mechanisms in the mid-secretory and gestational endometrium of patients with adenomyosis by RNA-sequencing. METHODS Endometrial organoids were derived from endometrial biopsies collected in the proliferative phase of women with adenomyosis (ADENO) or healthy oocyte donors (CONTROL) (n = 15/group) and differentiated into mid-secretory (-SECorg) and gestational (-GESTorg) phases in vitro. Following RNA-sequencing, the significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (FDR < 0.05) were identified and selected for subsequent functional enrichment analysis and QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Statistical differences in gene expression were evaluated with the Student's t-test or Wilcoxon test. RESULTS We identified 1,430 DEGs in ADENO-SECorg and 1,999 DEGs in ADENO-GESTorg. In ADENO-SECorg, upregulated genes included OLFM1, FXYD5, and RUNX2, which are involved in impaired endometrial receptivity and implantation failure, while downregulated genes included RRM2, SOSTDC1, and CHAC2 implicated in recurrent implantation failure. In ADENO-GESTorg, upregulated CXCL14 and CYP24A1 and downregulated PGR were related to pregnancy loss. IPA predicted a significant inhibition of ID1 signaling, histamine degradation, and activation of HMGB1 and Senescence pathways, which are related to implantation failure. Alternatively, IPA predicted an inhibition of D-myo-inositol biosynthesis and VEGF signaling, and upregulation of Rho pathway, which are related to pregnancy loss and preeclampsia. CONCLUSIONS Identifying dysregulated molecular mechanisms in mid-secretory and gestational endometrium of adenomyosis women contributes to the understanding of adenomyosis-related implantation failure and/or pregnancy disorders revealing potential therapeutic targets. Following experimental validation of our transcriptomic and in silico findings, our differentiated adenomyosis patient-derived organoids have the potential to provide a reliable platform for drug discovery, development, and personalized drug screening for affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Juárez-Barber
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, 46026, Spain
| | - Ana Corachán
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, 46026, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, 46010, Spain
| | - María Cristina Carbajo-García
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, 46026, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, 46010, Spain
| | - Amparo Faus
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, 46026, Spain
| | | | - Juan Giles
- IVI-RMA Valencia, Valencia, 46015, Spain
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, 46026, Spain
- IVI-RMA Rome, Rome, 00197, Italy
| | - Irene Cervelló
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, 46026, Spain
| | - Hortensia Ferrero
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, 46026, Spain.
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Or Y, Shufaro Y, Mashiach S, Czernobilsky B, Aviel-Ronen S, Apel-Sarid L, Dahan M, Kolatt TS. A new method for endometrial dating using computerized virtual pathology. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21308. [PMID: 38042938 PMCID: PMC10693573 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48481-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial dating (ED) is the process by which the menstrual cycle day is estimated and is an important tool for the evaluation of uterine status. To date, ED methods remain inaccurate and controversial. We demonstrate how the rise of computerized virtual histology changes the state of affairs and introduce a new ED method. We present the results of a clinical trial where magnified images of ex-vivo endometrial tissue samples were captured at different cycle days, together with measurements of serum hormone levels on the same day. Patient testimonies about their cycle day were also collected. Computerized image analysis, followed by statistical representation of the tissue features, allowed mathematical representation of the cycle day. The samples underwent ED histological assessment, which is currently the ED gold standard. We compared dating results from patient reports, serum hormone levels, and histology to establish their concordance level. We then compared histology-based ED with the new method ED in the secretory phase (i.e. post ovulation). The correlation coefficient between the two resulted in an R = 0.89 with a P-value of P < 10-4. The new method, Virtual Pathology Endometrial Dating (VPED), has the benefit of being a real time, in-vivo method that can be repeatedly applied without tissue damage, using a dedicated hysteroscope. One practical use of this method may be the determination of accurate real-time embryo transfer timing in IVF treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Or
- IVF unit, Kaplan Medical Center, 7642001, Rehovot, Israel
- Faculty of medicine, the Hebrew university, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yoel Shufaro
- The Felsenstein Medical Research Center, the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- IVF unit, Rabin Medical Center, 4941492, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | | | | | - Sarit Aviel-Ronen
- Patho-Lab Diagnostics Ltd., 7414001, Ness Ziona, Israel
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, 40700, Ariel, Israel
| | | | - Mazal Dahan
- Fertigo Medical Ltd., 3095303, Zichron Yaakov, Israel
| | - Tsafrir S Kolatt
- Fertigo Medical Ltd., 3095303, Zichron Yaakov, Israel.
- Iyar - The Israeli Institute for advanced research, 30900, Zichron Yaakov, Israel.
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Toma C, Kuramoto G, Homma J, Sakaguchi K, Shimizu T. In-Vitro Decidualization With Different Progesterone Concentration: Development of a Hormone-Responsive 3D Endometrial Tissue Using Rat Endometrial Tissues. Cureus 2023; 15:e49613. [PMID: 38033443 PMCID: PMC10685080 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49613] [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] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility in women is associated with various uterine and ovarian disorders. Treatment strategies for infertility can range from medications to embryo implantation through assisted reproductive technology (ART). ART has enabled considerable progress; however, there is currently no treatment to replace the endometrium itself. Decidualization requires a complex interaction between endometrial tissue and estrogen and progesterone. We aimed to create a three-dimensional endometrial-like tissue model using in-vitro cell sheet engineering with rat endometrium, and culture cells at different progesterone concentrations to mimic local concentrations. Histological and morphological changes revealed that development of the endometrial-like tissue was not proportional to progesterone concentrations in terms of thickness, number of endometrial glands, or area fraction of intimal glands. These results suggest that decidualization may not be commensurate with the local endometrial progesterone concentration. Notably, the number of endometrial glands increased in the high concentration group and compaction occurred, indicating that the endometrial conditions in the high concentration group may be most conducive to increase pregnancy rates. These findings suggest that there may be an "optimal progesterone concentration" for decidualization, application of which may lead to new strategies for improving pregnancy rates in women with infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Toma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Goro Kuramoto
- Department of Clinical Regenerative Medicine, The Center for Advanced Reproductive Medicine, Fujita Medical Innovation Center Tokyo, Tokyo, JPN
- Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, TWIns, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Jun Homma
- Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, TWIns, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Katsuhisa Sakaguchi
- Department of Medical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Tokyo City University, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Tatsuya Shimizu
- Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, TWIns, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, JPN
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Li X, Yao X, Li K, Guo J, Deng K, Liu Z, Yang F, Fan Y, Yang Y, Zhu H, Wang F. CREB1 Is Involved in miR-134-5p-Mediated Endometrial Stromal Cell Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Autophagy. Cells 2023; 12:2554. [PMID: 37947633 PMCID: PMC10649013 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The successful establishment of endometrial receptivity is a key factor in ensuring the fertility of ewes and their economic benefits. Hu sheep have attracted attention due to their high fecundity and year-round estrus. In this study, we found that in the luteal phase, the uterine gland density, uterine coefficient, and number of uterine caruncles of high-fertility Hu sheep were higher than those of low-fertility Hu sheep. Thousands of differentially expressed genes were identified in the endometrium of Hu sheep with different fertility potential using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Several genes involved in endometrial receptivity were screened using bioinformatics analysis. The qRT-PCR analysis further revealed the differential expression of cAMP reactive element binding protein-1 (CREB1) in the Hu sheep endometrium during the estrous cycle. Functionally, our results suggested that CREB1 significantly affected the expression level of endometrial receptivity marker genes, promoted cell proliferation by facilitating the transition from the G1 phase to the S phase, and inhibited cell apoptosis and autophagy. Moreover, we observed a negative linear correlation between miR-134-5p and CREB1 in the endometrium. In addition, CREB1 overexpression prevented the negative effect of miR-134-5p on endometrial stromal cell (ESC) growth. Taken together, these data indicated that CREB1 was regulated by miR-134-5p and may promote the establishment of uterine receptivity by regulating the function of ESCs. Moreover, this study provides new theoretical references for identifying candidate genes associated with fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Li
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.L.)
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaolei Yao
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.L.)
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Kang Li
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.L.)
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jiahe Guo
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.L.)
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Kaiping Deng
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhipeng Liu
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.L.)
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yixuan Fan
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yingnan Yang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Huabin Zhu
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Sui C, Liao Z, Bai J, Hu D, Yue J, Yang S. Current knowledge on the role of extracellular vesicles in endometrial receptivity. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:471. [PMID: 37899459 PMCID: PMC10614333 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01459-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity has been widely understood as the capacity of the endometrium to receive implantable embryos. The establishment of endometrial receptivity involves multiple biological processes including decidualization, tissue remodeling, angiogenesis, immune regulation, and oxidative metabolism. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-bilayer-membrane nanosized vesicles mediating cell-to-cell communication. Recently, EVs and their cargo have been proven as functional factors in the establishment of endometrial receptivity. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the alteration of endometrium/embryo-derived EVs during the receptive phase and retrospected the current findings which revealed the pivotal role and potential mechanism of EVs to promote successful implantation. Furthermore, we highlight the potentiality and limitations of EVs being translated into clinical applications such as biomarkers of endometrial receptivity or reproductive therapeutic mediators, and point out the direction for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Sui
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqi Liao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Bai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Yue
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Shulin Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Yu SL, Jeong DU, Noh EJ, Jeon HJ, Lee DC, Kang M, Kim TH, Lee SK, Han AR, Kang J, Park SR. Exosomal miR-205-5p Improves Endometrial Receptivity by Upregulating E-Cadherin Expression through ZEB1 Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15149. [PMID: 37894829 PMCID: PMC10607375 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity is a complex process that prepares the uterine endometrium for embryo implantation; insufficient endometrial receptivity is one of the causes of implantation failure. Here, we analyzed the microRNA expression profiles of exosomes derived from both receptive (RL95-2) and non-receptive (AN3-CA) endometrial epithelial cell (EEC) lines to identify exosomal miRNAs closely linked to endometrial receptivity. Among the 466 differentially expressed miRNAs, miR-205-5p was the most highly expressed in exosomes secreted from receptive RL95-2 cells. miR-205-5p, enriched at the adhesive junction, was closely related to endometrial receptivity. ZEB1, a transcriptional repressor of E-cadherin associated with endometrial receptivity, was identified as a direct target of miR-205-5p. miR-205-5p expression was significantly lower in the endometrial tissues of infertile women than in that of non-infertile women. In vivo, miR-205-5p expression was upregulated in the post-ovulatory phase, and its inhibitor reduced embryo implantation. Furthermore, administration of genetically modified exosomes overexpressing miR-205-5p mimics upregulated E-cadherin expression by targeting ZEB1 and improved spheroid attachment of non-receptive AN3-CA cells. These results suggest that the miR-205-5p/ZEB1/E-cadherin axis plays an important role in regulating endometrial receptivity. Thus, the use of exosomes harboring miR-205-5p mimics can be considered a potential therapeutic approach for improving embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Lan Yu
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
| | - Da-Un Jeong
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
| | - Eui-Jeong Noh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hye Jin Jeon
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
| | - Dong Chul Lee
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; (D.C.L.); (M.K.)
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Minho Kang
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; (D.C.L.); (M.K.)
| | - Tae-Hyun Kim
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Ki Lee
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Ae Ra Han
- I-Dream Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mizmedi Hospital, Seoul 07639, Republic of Korea;
- Daegu CHA Fertility Center, CHA University, Daegu 42469, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeku Kang
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Rae Park
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
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11
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Mu X, Liu X, Zhou H, Shi J. The natural cycle protocol of endometrial preparation for frozen embryo transfer decreases the miscarriage rate in women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Gynecol Endocrinol 2023; 39:2269269. [PMID: 37839798 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2023.2269269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether different endometrial preparation methods lead to different results. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. PATIENTS Women with recurrent pregnancy loss undergoing frozen embryo transfer (FET). INTERVENTIONS Natural cycle (NC) protocol (n = 111) with no drug or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) used for endometrial preparation, vs. the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) protocol (n = 797) with estrogen or gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) plus estrogen used for endometrial preparation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Miscarriage rate and live birth rate (LBR). RESULTS Compared to women in the HRT protocol, women undergoing NCs had fewer previous FET cycles, lower antral follicle counts (AFCs), fewer oocytes retrieved and a thicker endometrium on the day of progesterone administration. Women in the HRT group had a higher miscarriage rate (29.4% vs. 17.2%) and a lower LBR (37% vs. 46.9%) than the rates of women in the NC group. Univariate analysis showed that female age also had a negative association with the miscarriage rate. Logistic regression indicated that endometrial preparation using the NC protocol was linked to a decreased likelihood of miscarriage. CONCLUSIONS The NC protocol decreased the miscarriage rate and increased the LBR for patients with recurrent pregnancy loss compared with the HRT protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Mu
- The Assisted Reproductive Medicine Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Xitong Liu
- The Assisted Reproductive Medicine Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanying Zhou
- The Assisted Reproductive Medicine Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Juanzi Shi
- The Assisted Reproductive Medicine Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
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12
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Dong J, Jiang X, Liu N, Li H, Zhao J, He J, Gao X. Identification and analysis of differentially expressed microRNAs in endometrium to explore the regulation of sheep fecundity. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:600. [PMID: 37814208 PMCID: PMC10563241 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09681-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important regulatory role in mammalian reproduction. Currently, most studies are primarily concentrated on ovarian miRNAs, ignoring the influence of endometrial miRNAs on the fecundity of female sheep. To uncover potential regulators of sheep fecundity, RNA-seq was used to comparatively analyze miRNA expression profiles of endometrium between high prolificacy sheep (HP, litter size = 3) and low prolificacy sheep (LP, litter size = 1) with FecB genotype. RESULTS Firstly, genomic features of miRNAs from endometrium were analyzed. Furthermore, 58 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were found in the endometrium of Hu sheep with different litter size. A co-expression network of DE miRNAs and target genes has been constructed, and hub genes related litter size are included, such as DE miRNA unconservative_NC_019472.2_1229533 and unconservative_NC_019481.2_1637827 target to estrogen receptor α (ESR1) and unconservative_NC_019481.2_1637827 targets to transcription factor 7 (TCF7). Moreover, functional annotation analysis showed that the target genes (NRCAM and NEGR1) of the DE miRNAs were significantly enriched in cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) signaling pathway, which was related to uterine receptivity. CONCLUSION Taken together, this study provides a new valuable resource for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Hu sheep prolificacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China
| | - Xuecheng Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China
| | - Nan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China
| | - Hegang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China
| | - Jinshan Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China
| | - Jianning He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China.
| | - Xiaoxiao Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China.
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13
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Gao J, Yuan Y, Li J, Tian T, Lian Y, Liu P, Li R, Qiao J, Long X, Wang H. Sequential embryo transfer versus double cleavage-stage embryo or double blastocyst transfer in patients with recurrent implantation failure with frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles: a cohort study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1238251. [PMID: 37745696 PMCID: PMC10515716 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1238251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is more common among patients receiving assisted reproductive treatment. Many efforts have been made to increase the incidence of clinical pregnancy among patients with RIF. The effect of the sequential transfer procedure, a two-step interval transfer of a cleavage-stage embryo followed by a blastocyst in one transfer cycle, on the clinical outcomes of RIF patients remains controversial. Methods In total, 1774 frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles in RIF patients were included. Of these cycles, 302 were sequential embryo transfer (ET) cycles, 979 were double day 3 cleavage-stage ET cycles, and 493 were double blastocyst ET cycles. The primary outcomes were the rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy and multiple pregnancy, and the secondary outcomes were the rates of hCG positive, early miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. Results The implantation, hCG positive, and clinical pregnancy rates in the sequential ET group (32.1%, 58.9%, 50.7%) were significantly higher than those in the day 3 cleavage-stage ET group (24.9%, 46.5%, 40.4%) and were similar to those in the blastocyst transfer group (30.1%, 56.4%, 47.1%). The early miscarriage rate in the blastocyst transfer group was significantly higher than that in the cleavage-stage ET group (17.2% vs. 8.1%, P <0.05), while the ectopic pregnancy rate in the blastocyst transfer group was significantly lower than that in the cleavage-stage ET group (0.4% vs. 3.0%, P <0.05). The multiple pregnancy rate in the sequential ET group was significantly lower than that in the cleavage-stage ET group (17.0% vs. 25.5%, P <0.05) and the blastocyst transfer group (17.0% vs. 27.6%, P <0.05). When cycles of blastocyst culture failure were excluded, the clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher (55.7% vs. 47.1%, P <0.05), and the early miscarriage rate and multiple pregnancy rate were significantly lower (8.5% vs. 17.2%, 17.7% vs. 27.6%; P <0.05, respectively) in the sequential ET group than in the double blastocyst ET group. Conclusions Sequential embryo transfer in FET cycles could improve the clinical outcomes of patients with RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangman Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yifeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Long
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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14
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Yusuf ANM, Amri MF, Ugusman A, Hamid AA, Wahab NA, Mokhtar MH. Hyperandrogenism and Its Possible Effects on Endometrial Receptivity: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12026. [PMID: 37569402 PMCID: PMC10419014 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512026] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity is a state of the endometrium defined by its readiness for embryo implantation. When the receptivity of the endometrium is impaired due to hyperandrogenism or androgen excess, this condition can lead to pregnancy loss or infertility. Hyperandrogenism encompasses a wide range of clinical manifestations, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), idiopathic hirsutism, hirsutism and hyperandrogaenemia, non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, acanthosis nigricans (HAIR-AN), ovarian or adrenal androgen-secreting neoplasms, Cushing's syndrome, and hyperprolactinaemia. Recurrent miscarriages have been shown to be closely related to elevated testosterone levels, which alter the endometrial milieu so that it is less favourable for embryo implantation. There are mechanisms for endometrial receptivity that are affected by excess androgen. The HOXA gene, aVβ3 integrin, CDK signalling pathway, MECA-79, and MAGEA-11 were the genes and proteins affect endometrial receptivity in the presence of a hyperandrogenic state. In this review, we would like to explore the other manifestations of androgen excess focusing on causes other than PCOS and learn possible mechanisms of endometrial receptivity behind androgen excess leading to pregnancy loss or infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allia Najmie Muhammad Yusuf
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Fariz Amri
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
| | - Azizah Ugusman
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Adila A. Hamid
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Norhazlina Abdul Wahab
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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15
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Tabeeva G, Silachev D, Vishnyakova P, Asaturova A, Fatkhudinov T, Smetnik A, Dumanovskaya M. The Therapeutic Potential of Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Endometrial Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119431. [PMID: 37298382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of endometrial regeneration, fibrosis formation, and intrauterine adhesions underlie the development of "thin" endometrium and/or Asherman's syndrome (AS) and are a common cause of infertility and a high risk for adverse obstetric outcomes. The methods used (surgical adhesiolysis, anti-adhesive agents, and hormonal therapy) do not allow restoration of the regenerative properties of the endometrium. The experience gained today with cell therapy using multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MMSCs) proves their high regenerative and proliferative properties in tissue damage. Their contribution to regenerative processes is still poorly understood. One of these mechanisms is based on the paracrine effects of MMSCs associated with the stimulation of cells of the microenvironment by secreting extracellular vesicles (EVs) into the extracellular space. EVs, whose source is MMSCs, are able to stimulate progenitor cells and stem cells in damaged tissues and exert cytoprotective, antiapoptotic, and angiogenic effects. This review described the regulatory mechanisms of endometrial regeneration, pathological conditions associated with a decrease in endometrial regeneration, and it presented the available data from studies on the effect of MMSCs and their EVs on endometrial repair processes, and the involvement of EVs in human reproductive processes at the level of implantation and embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyuzyal Tabeeva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis Silachev
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Polina Vishnyakova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandra Asaturova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Timur Fatkhudinov
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Antonina Smetnik
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Madina Dumanovskaya
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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16
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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: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 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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17
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Tapilskaya NI, Savicheva AM, Shalepo KV, Budilovskaya OV, Gzgzyan AM, Bespalova ON, Khusnutdinova TA, Krysanova AA, Obedkova KV, Safarian GK. Local Immune Biomarker Expression Depending on the Uterine Microbiota in Patients with Idiopathic Infertility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087572. [PMID: 37108732 PMCID: PMC10143846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The endometrium has traditionally been considered sterile. Nowadays, active studies are performed on the female upper genital tract microbiota. Bacteria and/or viruses colonizing the endometrium are known to alter its functional properties, including receptivity and embryo implantation. Uterine cavity inflammation caused by microorganisms leads to disrupted cytokine expression, which, in turn, is mandatory for the successful implantation of the embryo. The present study assessed the vaginal and endometrial microbiota composition and its relation to the levels of cytokines produced by the endometrium in reproductive-aged women complaining of secondary infertility of unknown origin. The multiplex real-time PCR assay was applied for vaginal and endometrial microbiota analysis. The quantitative measurement of endometrial α-defensin (DEFa1), transforming growth factor (TGFβ1), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF2) was carried out using the ELISA (Cloud-Clone Corporation (Katy, TX, USA; manufactured in Wuhan, China). A reliable decline in endometrial TGFβ1 and bFGF2 and an increase in DEFa1 were demonstrated in women with idiopathic infertility when compared to fertile patients. However, TGFβ1, bFGF2, and DEFa1 expression correlated reliably only with the presence of Peptostreptococcus spp. and HPV in the uterine cavity. The obtained results highlight the importance of local immune biomarker determination in the assessment of certain bacteria and viruses' significance as causative agents of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya I Tapilskaya
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alevtina M Savicheva
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kira V Shalepo
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Olga V Budilovskaya
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Aleksandr M Gzgzyan
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Olesya N Bespalova
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tatiana A Khusnutdinova
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna A Krysanova
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kseniia V Obedkova
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Galina Kh Safarian
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
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Juárez-Barber E, Segura-Benítez M, Carbajo-García MC, Bas-Rivas A, Faus A, Vidal C, Giles J, Labarta E, Pellicer A, Cervelló I, Ferrero H. Extracellular vesicles secreted by adenomyosis endometrial organoids contain miRNAs involved in embryo implantation and pregnancy. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:470-481. [PMID: 36697316 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Do extracellular vesicles secreted by the endometrium of women with adenomyosis contain miRNAs involved in adenomyosis-related infertility? DESIGN A descriptive study using organoids from eutopic endometrium of women with adenomyosis (n = 4) generated and differentiated to secretory and gestational phases, in which miRNA cargo from extracellular vesicles secreted by these differentiated organoids in each phase was analysed by next-generation sequencing. miRNAs in secretory-extracellular vesicles and gestational-extracellular vesicles were selected based on the counts per million. miRNAs target genes in each phase were obtained from miRNet and gene ontology was used for enrichment analysis. RESULTS miRNA sequencing identified 80 miRNAs in secretory-phase extracellular vesicles, including hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-24-3p, hsa-miR-26a-5p, hsa-miR-92a-3p, hsa-miR-92b-3p, hsa-miR-200c-3p and hsa-miR-423a-5p, related to adenomyosis pathogenesis and implantation failure. Further, 60 miRNAs were identified in gestational-phase extracellular vesicles, including hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-26a-5p, hsa-miR-30a-5p, hsa-miR-30c-5p, hsa-miR-222-3p and hsa-miR-423a-5p were associated with preeclampsia and miscarriage. Among the target genes of these miRNAs, PTEN, MDM4, PLAGL2 and CELF1, whose downregulation (P = 0.0003, P < 0.0001, P = 0.0002 and P = 0.0003, respectively) contributes to adenomyosis pathogenesis, and impaired early embryo development, leading to implantation failure and miscarriage, are highlihghted. Further, functional enrichment analyses of the target genes revealed their involvement in cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation and response to extracellular stimuli. CONCLUSIONS Eutopic endometrium in secretory and gestational phase from women with adenomyosis releases extracellular vesicles containing miRNAs involved in adenomyosis progression, impaired embryo implantation and pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Juárez-Barber
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Marina Segura-Benítez
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Cristina Carbajo-García
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Alba Bas-Rivas
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Faus
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Vidal
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; IVI-RMA Valencia, 46015 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Giles
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; IVI-RMA Valencia, 46015 Valencia, Spain
| | - Elena Labarta
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; IVI-RMA Valencia, 46015 Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; IVI-RMA Rome, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Cervelló
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Hortensia Ferrero
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain.
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19
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Inversetti A, Zambella E, Guarano A, Dell’Avanzo M, Di Simone N. Endometrial Microbiota and Immune Tolerance in Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032995. [PMID: 36769318 PMCID: PMC9917440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that the uterus has its own microbiota. However, there is no consensus on endometrial microbiota composition, thus its role in the healthy uterine environment is still a frontier topic. Endometrial receptivity is key to embryo implantation, and in this specific context immunological tolerance against fetal antigens and the tightly regulated expression of inflammatory mediators are fundamental. According to recent evidence, endometrial microbiota may interact in a very dynamic way with the immune system during the peri-conceptional stage and later during pregnancy. For this reason, a condition of dysbiosis might lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this review is to summarize the evidence on the molecular mechanisms by which the endometrial microbiota may interact with the immune system. For this purpose, the link between dysbiosis and reproductive disorders, such as infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), and preterm birth, will be discussed. In conclusion, the most recent findings from molecular analyses will be reported to illustrate and possibly overcome the intrinsic limitations of uterine microbiota detection (low endometrial biomass, high risk of contamination during sampling, and lack of standardization).
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Inversetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Enrica Zambella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Guarano
- Humanitas San Pio X, Via Francesco Nava 31, 20159 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
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20
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Integrating Analysis to Identify Differential circRNAs Involved in Goat Endometrial Receptivity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021531. [PMID: 36675045 PMCID: PMC9865150 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021531] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity is one of the main factors underlying a successful pregnancy, with reports substantiating the fact that suboptimal endometrial receptivity accounts for two-thirds of early implantation event failures. The association between circRNAs and endometrial receptivity in the goat remains unclear. This study aims to identify potential circRNAs and regulatory mechanisms related to goat endometrial receptivity. Therefore, the endometrial samples on day 16 of pregnancy and day 16 of the estrous cycle were analyzed using high-throughput RNA-seq and bioinformatics. The results show that 4666 circRNAs were identified, including 7 downregulated and 11 upregulated differentially expressed circRNAs (DE-circRNAs). Back-splicing and RNase R resistance verified the identified circRNAs. We predicted the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory mechanism and potential target genes of DE-circRNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of these predicted target genes suggest that DE-circRNAs were significantly involved in establishing endometrial receptivity. Furthermore, Sanger sequencing, qPCR, correlation analysis and Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH) show that circ_MYRF derived from the host gene myelin regulatory factor (MYRF) might regulate the expression of interferon stimulating gene 15 (ISG15), thereby promoting the formation of endometrial receptivity. These novel findings may contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating endometrial receptivity and promoting the maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP).
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21
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Yaghoobi A, Nazerian Y, Meymand AZ, Ansari A, Nazerian A, Niknejad H. Hypoxia-sensitive miRNA regulation via CRISPR/dCas9 loaded in hybrid exosomes: A novel strategy to improve embryo implantation and prevent placental insufficiency during pregnancy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1082657. [PMID: 36704201 PMCID: PMC9871368 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1082657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive techniques as a new regenerative medicine approach have significantly contributed to solving infertility problems that affect approximately 15% of couples worldwide. However, the success rate of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle remains only about 20%-30%, and 75% of these losses are due to implantation failure (the crucial rate-limiting step of gestation). Implantation failure and abnormal placenta formation are mainly caused by defective adhesion, invasion, and angiogenesis. Placental insufficiency endangers both the mother's and the fetus's health. Therefore, we suggested a novel treatment strategy to improve endometrial receptivity and implantation success rate. In this strategy, regulating mir-30d expression as an upstream transcriptomic modifier of the embryo implantation results in modified expression of the involved genes in embryonic adhesion, invasion, and angiogenesis and consequently impedes implantation failure. For this purpose, "scaffold/matrix attachment regions (S/MARs)" are employed as non-viral episomal vectors, transfecting into trophoblasts by exosome-liposome hybrid carriers. These vectors comprise CRISPR/dCas9 with a guide RNA to exclusively induce miR-30d gene expression in hypoxic stress conditions. In order to avoid concerns about the fetus's genetic manipulation, our vector would be transfected specifically into the trophoblast layer of the blastocyst via binding to trophoblast Erb-B4 receptors without entering the inner cell mass. Additionally, S/MAR episomal vectors do not integrate with the original cell DNA. As an on/off regulatory switch, a hypoxia-sensitive promoter (HRE) is localized upstream of dCas9. The miR-30d expression increases before and during the implantation and placental insufficiency conditions and is extinguished after hypoxia elimination. This hypothesis emphasizes that improving the adhesion, invasion, and angiogenesis in the uterine microenvironment during pregnancy will result in increased implantation success and reduced placental insufficiency, as a new insight in translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Yaghoobi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Nazerian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arman Zeinaddini Meymand
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hassan Niknejad
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,*Correspondence: Hassan Niknejad,
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22
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Zeng X, Li S, Ye Q, Cai S, Quan S, Liu L, Zhang S, Chen F, Cai C, Wang F, Qiao S, Zeng X. The Combined Use of Medium- and Short-Chain Fatty Acids Improves the Pregnancy Outcomes of Sows by Enhancing Ovarian Steroidogenesis and Endometrial Receptivity. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204405. [PMID: 36297089 PMCID: PMC9607977 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty acids play important roles in maintaining ovarian steroidogenesis and endometrial receptivity. Porcine primary ovarian granulosa cells (PGCs) and endometrial epithelial cells (PEECs) were treated with or without medium- and short-chain fatty acids (MSFAs) for 24 h. The mRNA abundance of genes was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR. The hormone levels in the PGCs supernatant and the rate of adhesion of porcine trophoblast cells (pTrs) to PEECs were measured. Sows were fed diets with or without MSFAs supplementation during early gestation. The fecal and vaginal microbiomes were identified using 16S sequencing. Reproductive performance was recorded at parturition. MSFAs increased the mRNA abundance of genes involved in steroidogenesis, luteinization in PGCs and endometrial receptivity in PEECs (p < 0.05). The estrogen level in the PGC supernatant and the rate of adhesion increased (p < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with MSFAs increased serum estrogen levels and the total number of live piglets per litter (p < 0.01). Moreover, MSFAs reduced the fecal Trueperella abundance and vaginal Escherichia-Shigella and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 abundance. These data revealed that MSFAs improved pregnancy outcomes in sows by enhancing ovarian steroidogenesis and endometrial receptivity while limiting the abundance of several intestinal and vaginal pathogens at early stages of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangzhou Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biofeed Additives, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Siyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biofeed Additives, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qianhong Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shuang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biofeed Additives, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shuang Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biofeed Additives, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biofeed Additives, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shihai Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chuanjiang Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xi’an 712100, China
| | - Fenglai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biofeed Additives, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shiyan Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biofeed Additives, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiangfang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biofeed Additives, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence:
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23
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Hebeda CB, Savioli AC, Scharf P, de Paula-Silva M, Gil CD, Farsky SHP, Sandri S. Neutrophil depletion in the pre-implantation phase impairs pregnancy index, placenta and fetus development. Front Immunol 2022; 13:969336. [PMID: 36248911 PMCID: PMC9558710 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.969336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal neutrophils cells are players in gestational tolerance and fetus delivery. Nonetheless, their actions in each phase of the pregnancy are unknown. We here investigated the role of maternal neutrophil depletion before the blastocyst implantation phase and outcomes in the pregnancy index, placenta, and fetus development. Neutrophils were pharmacologically depleted by i.p. injection of anti-Gr1 (anti-neutrophils; 200 µg) 24 hours after plug visualization in allogeneic-mated C57BL/6/BALB/c mice. Depletion of peripheral neutrophils lasted until 48 hours after anti-Gr1 injection (gestational day 1.5-3.5). On gestational day 5.5, neutrophil depletion impaired the blastocyst implantation, as 50% of pregnant mice presented reduced implantation sites. On gestational day 18.5, neutrophil depletion reduced the pregnancy rate and index, altered the placenta disposition in the uterine horns, and modified the structure of the placenta, detected by reduced junctional zone, associated with decreased numbers of giant trophoblast cells, spongiotrophoblast. Reduced number of placenta cells labeled for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1), and intercellular cell adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), important markers of angiogenesis and adhesiveness, were detected in neutrophil depleted mice. Furthermore, neutrophil depletion promoted a higher frequency of monocytes, natural killers, and T regulatory cells, and lower frequency of cytotoxic T cells in the blood, and abnormal development of offspring. Associated data obtained herein highlight the pivotal role of neutrophils actions in the early stages of pregnancy, and address further investigations on the imbricating signaling evoked by neutrophils in the trophoblastic interaction with uterine epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Bichels Hebeda
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, SP, São Paulo, Brazil
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Médicas, Fundação Universidade para o Desenvolvimento do Alto Vale do Itajaí – UNIDAVI, Rio do Sul, SC, Brazil
| | - Anna Carolina Savioli
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, SP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pablo Scharf
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, SP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina de Paula-Silva
- Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cristiane Damas Gil
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sandra Helena Poliselli Farsky
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, SP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvana Sandri
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, SP, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Silvana Sandri,
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24
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Hamidova A, Isenlik BS, Hidisoglu E, Dirican EK, Olgan S, Kumru S. Investigating of the effects of trophectoderm morphology on obstetrics outcome in 5th day blastocyst transfer in patients with in vitro fertilization. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc 2022; 23:167-176. [PMID: 35781674 PMCID: PMC9450918 DOI: 10.4274/jtgga.galenos.2022.2021-10-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Trophectoderm (TE) cells are the first differentiating cells in embryo development and have epithelial features. TE cells, which associate with implantation of the blastocyst into the uterine endometrium, contribute to the formation of the placenta. Inner cells mass (ICM) together with TE cells are used for determining embryo quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of TE and ICM cells on pregnancy outcome in 5th day blastocyst transferred in-vitro-fertilization (IVF) pregnancy. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective study using data from all patients who applied for blastocyst transfer IVF between January 2015 and March 2019 at the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Center of Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. ALPHA İstanbul consensus evaluation system was used for grading of the blastocyst. The embryo quality, expansion, ICM and TE morphology of the 5th day transferred blastocyst was assessed, together with abortion rate, live birth rate, pregnancy complications, and pregnancy outcomes. Results: There was a significantly increased risk of preeclampsia (PE) (7.8% vs 1.1%; p=0.041), preterm delivery (PD) (36% vs 17.7%; p=0.037), and antenatal bleeding rates (13.6% vs 5%; p=0.021) in TE-C compared to the TE-A + TE-B blastocysts. Furthermore, a higher rate of obstetric complications was observed in ICM-C compared to ICM-A and B (p=0.003). There was a significant correlation between TE morphology and implantation success, ongoing pregnancy rate, and abortion incidence. Conclusion: These results suggest that TE cell morphology is related to implantation success and pregnancy outcomes, especially in terms of the risk of abortion, PE, PD, and antenatal bleeding. It may be advisable to counsel women concerning possible poor obstetric outcome due to poor ICM quality. Future prospective and controlled studies are needed to clarify this association.
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25
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Correlation of TNF-α, IFN-γ and TGF-β Expression with In-vitro Fertilization Success Rates in Women with Recurrent Implantation Failure Undergoing Treatment with Intra-lipid Infusion. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.16.2.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed at assessing the correlations between gene expression of TNF-a, IFN-g, TGF-β in peripheral lymphocytes from women suffering from repeated implantation failure before and after intravenous Intra-lipid (IL) therapy, and correlation between changes in gene expression with IL infusion and success rate of IVF cycles. Twenty-three women complaining of unexplained infertility without history of autoimmune disorders, or immunodeficient diseases were included. All women included aged <40 years, BMI <28 with history of recurrent IVF cycles failure, seeking medical advice for new IVF trial. All were average responders to induction of ovulation (≥5 oocytes in each cycle) with good quality embryos transferred to uterus at proper time. Included women received 200 ml of 10% IL slowly intravenous. Two venous blood samples were taken from all candidates, one before IL infusion and the second was at day of embryo transfer. The current study detected a significant reduction of expression in TNF-a and increased expression of TGF-β, while non-significant reduction in expression of IFN-g after treatment. Significant associations between reduction of TNF-α, IFN-g expression and positive clinical and ongoing pregnancy were observed, while increased TGF-β expression was associated with only positive ongoing pregnancy. In conclusion, IL therapy might have a positive impact on IVF pregnancy rates via alterations in peripheral cytokines expression mainly reduction of TNF-a mRNA expression and increased TGF-b mRNA expression.
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Shekibi M, Heng S, Nie G. MicroRNAs in the Regulation of Endometrial Receptivity for Embryo Implantation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116210. [PMID: 35682889 PMCID: PMC9181585 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of endometrial receptivity is crucial for successful embryo implantation and pregnancy initiation. Understanding the molecular regulation underpinning endometrial transformation to a receptive state is key to improving implantation rates in fertility treatments such as IVF. With microRNAs (miRNAs) increasingly recognized as important gene regulators, recent studies have investigated the role of miRNAs in the endometrium. Studies on miRNAs in endometrial disorders such as endometriosis and endometrial cancer have been reviewed previously. In this minireview, we aim to provide an up-to-date knowledge of miRNAs in the regulation of endometrial receptivity. Since endometrial remodelling differs considerably between species, we firstly summarised the key events of the endometrial cycle in humans and mice and then reviewed the miRNAs identified so far in these two species with likely functional significance in receptivity establishment. To date, 29 miRNAs have been reported in humans and 15 miRNAs in mice within various compartments of the endometrium that may potentially modulate receptivity; miRNAs regulating the Wnt signalling and those from the let-7, miR-23, miR-30, miR-200 and miR-183 families are found in both species. Future studies are warranted to investigate miRNAs as biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets to detect/improve endometrial receptivity in human fertility treatment.
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27
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Microbiome as a predictor of implantation. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2022; 34:122-132. [PMID: 35645010 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Review the latest research on the female urogenital microbiome as a predictor of successful implantation. RECENT FINDINGS Lactobacillus crispatus seems to be beneficial species in a healthy female genital tract, although the presence of anaerobic bacteria and their impact has yet to be determined. The vaginal microbiome is associated with assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcome in terms of successful implantation and pregnancy. Approaches restoring a dysbiotic vaginal microbiome seem promising. It is questionable if a unique endometrial microbiome exists, given the low bacterial biomass, the invasiveness of endometrial sampling, and its associated high contamination risk. Future studies should focus on the whole microbiome using proteomics and metabolomics, as well as the virome to get a more holistic understanding of its role in reproduction. SUMMARY The vaginal and endometrial compartments are being studied to determine a healthy and unhealthy microbiome composition. Defining a healthy composition could provide insight into physiological processes related to the success of embryo implantation. The vaginal microbiome is easily accessible and its composition can be reliably assessed and can be associated with ART outcome. The existence of an endometrial or uterine microbiome is still debated, due to the combination of low biomass and unavoidable high risk of contamination during sampling.
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28
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Zhou W, Barton S, Cui J, Santos LL, Yang G, Stern C, Kieu V, Teh WT, Ang C, Lucky T, Sgroi J, Ye L, Dimitriadis E. Infertile human endometrial organoid apical protein secretions are dysregulated and impair trophoblast progenitor cell adhesion. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1067648. [PMID: 36589798 PMCID: PMC9794621 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1067648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Embryo implantation failure leads to infertility. As an important approach to regulate implantation, endometrial epithelial cells produce and secrete factors apically into the uterine cavity in the receptive phase to prepare the initial blastocyst adhesion and implantation. Organoids were recently developed from human endometrial epithelium with similar apical-basal polarity compared to endometrial gland making it an ideal model to study endometrial epithelial secretions. METHODS Endometrial organoids were established using endometrial biopsies from women with primary infertility and normal fertility. Fertile and infertile organoids were treated with hormones to model receptive phase of the endometrial epithelium and intra-organoid fluid (IOF) was collected to compare the apical protein secretion profile and function on trophoblast cell adhesion. RESULTS Our data show that infertile organoids were dysregulated in their response to estrogen and progesterone treatment. Proteomic analysis of organoid apical secretions identified 150 dysregulated proteins between fertile and infertile groups (>1.5-fold change). Trophoblast progenitor spheroids (blastocyst surrogates) treated with infertile organoid apical secretions significantly compromised their adhesion to organoid epithelial cell monolayers compared to fertile group (P < 0.0001). DISCUSSION This study revealed that endometrial organoid apical secretions alter trophoblast cell adhesiveness relative to fertility status of women. It paves the way to determine the molecular mechanisms by which endometrial epithelial apical released factors regulate blastocyst initial attachment and implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Siena Barton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jinwei Cui
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Leilani L. Santos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Guannan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Catharyn Stern
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- The Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne IVF, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Violet Kieu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- The Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne IVF, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wan Tinn Teh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- The Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne IVF, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Epworth HealthCare, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Catarina Ang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- The Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tarana Lucky
- The Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Joseph Sgroi
- Melbourne IVF, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Epworth HealthCare, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Louie Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Evdokia Dimitriadis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Evdokia Dimitriadis,
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Francés-Herrero E, Lopez R, Hellström M, de Miguel-Gómez L, Herraiz S, Brännström M, Pellicer A, Cervelló I. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:798-837. [PMID: 35652272 PMCID: PMC9629485 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To provide the optimal milieu for implantation and fetal development, the female reproductive system must orchestrate uterine dynamics with the appropriate hormones produced by the ovaries. Mature oocytes may be fertilized in the fallopian tubes, and the resulting zygote is transported toward the uterus, where it can implant and continue developing. The cervix acts as a physical barrier to protect the fetus throughout pregnancy, and the vagina acts as a birth canal (involving uterine and cervix mechanisms) and facilitates copulation. Fertility can be compromised by pathologies that affect any of these organs or processes, and therefore, being able to accurately model them or restore their function is of paramount importance in applied and translational research. However, innate differences in human and animal model reproductive tracts, and the static nature of 2D cell/tissue culture techniques, necessitate continued research and development of dynamic and more complex in vitro platforms, ex vivo approaches and in vivo therapies to study and support reproductive biology. To meet this need, bioengineering is propelling the research on female reproduction into a new dimension through a wide range of potential applications and preclinical models, and the burgeoning number and variety of studies makes for a rapidly changing state of the field. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to summarize the mounting evidence on bioengineering strategies, platforms and therapies currently available and under development in the context of female reproductive medicine, in order to further understand female reproductive biology and provide new options for fertility restoration. Specifically, techniques used in, or for, the uterus (endometrium and myometrium), ovary, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina will be discussed. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search of full-text articles available in PubMed and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published between January 2000 and September 2021. The search terms included: bioengineering, reproduction, artificial, biomaterial, microfluidic, bioprinting, organoid, hydrogel, scaffold, uterus, endometrium, ovary, fallopian tubes, oviduct, cervix, vagina, endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, chlamydia, Asherman’s syndrome, intrauterine adhesions, uterine polyps, polycystic ovary syndrome and primary ovarian insufficiency. Additional studies were identified by manually searching the references of the selected articles and of complementary reviews. Eligibility criteria included original, rigorous and accessible peer-reviewed work, published in English, on female reproductive bioengineering techniques in preclinical (in vitro/in vivo/ex vivo) and/or clinical testing phases. OUTCOMES Out of the 10 390 records identified, 312 studies were included for systematic review. Owing to inconsistencies in the study measurements and designs, the findings were assessed qualitatively rather than by meta-analysis. Hydrogels and scaffolds were commonly applied in various bioengineering-related studies of the female reproductive tract. Emerging technologies, such as organoids and bioprinting, offered personalized diagnoses and alternative treatment options, respectively. Promising microfluidic systems combining various bioengineering approaches have also shown translational value. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The complexity of the molecular, endocrine and tissue-level interactions regulating female reproduction present challenges for bioengineering approaches to replace female reproductive organs. However, interdisciplinary work is providing valuable insight into the physicochemical properties necessary for reproductive biological processes to occur. Defining the landscape of reproductive bioengineering technologies currently available and under development for women can provide alternative models for toxicology/drug testing, ex vivo fertility options, clinical therapies and a basis for future organ regeneration studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mats Hellström
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lucía de Miguel-Gómez
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Fundación IVI, IVI-RMA Global, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sonia Herraiz
- Fundación IVI, IVI-RMA Global, Valencia, Spain
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, IIS La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mats Brännström
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Stockholm IVF-EUGIN, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- IVI Roma Parioli, IVI-RMA Global, Rome, Italy
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30
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Ermini L. Editorial for the special issue on "Tissue and cell crosstalk at feto-maternal interface". Tissue Cell 2021; 74:101692. [PMID: 34875449 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Ermini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
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