Ginsenoside Rg3 Decreases Fibrotic and Invasive Nature of Endometriosis by Modulating miRNA-27b: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Decreased expression of KLF6 in ectopic endometrial stromal cells contributes to endometriosis progression by targeting CTNNB1

Despite decades of research, endometriosis remains a mysterious gynecological disease with unknown etiology and pathogenesis. Krüppel-like Factor 6 (KLF6), a transcription factor, has a wide expression profile and regulates a variety of biological processes. Here, we investigated the expression and function of KLF6 and its possible regulatory mechanisms in endometriosis. To determine the function of KLF6, knockdown and overexpression experiments were performed in eutopic endometrial stromal cells (EU-ESCs) and ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EC-ESCs), respectively. Cell viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis assays were conducted in ESCs. ChIP-sequencing and mRNA-sequencing were performed to investigate the functional mechanism of KLF6 in regulating ESCs. We found that KLF6 was highly expressed in eutopic endometrium of endometriosis patients, compared with ectopic endometrium. Similarly, the same was true in EU-ESCs, which was compared with EC-ESCs. Overexpression of KLF6 significantly suppressed EC-ESC proliferation, migration and invasion and induced cell apoptosis, while knockdown of KLF6 resulted in the opposite effects on EU-ESCs. Overexpression of KLF6 significantly inhibited EC-ESC angiogenesis. Mechanistically, the results of ChIP sequencing and mRNA sequencing revealed that CTNNB1 may be a transcriptional target regulated by KLF6. Reintroduction of KLF6 reversed the effects of KLF6 knockdown on EU-ESCs. KLF6 inhibited the proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of EC-ESCs by inhibiting the expression of CTNNB1. Our findings provided a new perspective on the role of KLF6 in endometriosis progression and inspire potential targeted therapeutic strategies.

A systematic review of the mechanistic actions of microRNAs within integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medical treatment for endometriosis

Endometriosis (EM), also known as Zhengjia in traditional Chinese medicine, is a common disease that significantly impacts women's health. An integrated treatment approach combining traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in the management of this condition. Specifically, it has been effective in addressing blood circulation and other diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are molecules important in gene regulation, have been implicated in various physiologic and pathologic processes. In this review, we systematically summarized the potential mechanisms underlying the integrated EM treatment, with a focus on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs). Current research suggests that integrated TCM and western medicine treatment may exert their therapeutic effects on EM by influencing the expression of miRNAs. Through miRNA modulation, such a treatment approach may inhibit the growth of ectopic lesions and alleviate clinical symptoms. This review will shed light on the specific miRNAs that have been implicated in the integrated treatment of EM, as well as their potential mechanisms of action. By consolidating the existing evidence, we aim to provide clinicians and researchers with a clearer understanding of the therapeutic benefits of the integrated approach and potentially identify new avenues for improving clinical treatment outcomes. Ultimately, this review will contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this field, providing a basis for further research and the development of more targeted and efficient treatment strategies for EM.

Serum miRNA as a predictive biomarker for ovarian reserve after endometrioma-cystectomy

Ovarian endometrioma (OE) is a common gynecological disease that is often treated with surgery and hormonal treatment. However, ovarian cystectomy can impair the ovarian reserve (OR). Previously, we showed that perioperative administration of dienogest (DNG) is an effective option for OR preservation. However, there were differences in the extent of OR preservation among patients following perioperative DNG treatment. In the current study, we performed a global examination of serum microRNAs (miRNAs) to identify accurate biomarkers that predict post-operative restoration of OR following perioperative DNG treatment. We also sought to identify specific miRNAs related to the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). miRNA sequencing was performed on serum samples obtained from twenty-seven patients who received perioperative DNG treatment. Candidate miRNAs were selected by comparing patients whose ORs were restored postoperatively (responder group, n = 7) with those whose ORs were not (non-responder group, n = 7). miR-370-3p and miR-1307-3p were significantly upregulated in the responder group, whereas miR-27b-3p was upregulated in the non-responder group. The pretreatment value of each miRNA could predict DNG responsiveness for OR following ovarian cystectomy (area under the curve [AUC] > 0.8). The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed only miR-1307-3p was found to be significantly upregulated in the responder group (P < 0.05). In addition, we identified miR-139-3p, miR-140-3p, and miR-629-5p as AMH-associated miRNAs. The transition of AMH showed a correlation with miR-139-3p (P < 0.05, r = -0.76). The miRNAs identified herein represent potential serum biomarkers of clinical value in predicting OR prior to DNG treatment.

Interactions between miRNAs and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disease characterized by the ectopic growth of endometrial tissue (glands and stroma) outside the confines of the uterus and often involves vital organs such as the intestines and urinary system. Endometriosis is considered a refractory disease owing to its enigmatic etiology, propensity for recurrence following conservative or surgical interventions, and the absence of radical treatment and long-term management. In recent years, the incidence of endometriosis has gradually increased, rendering it a pressing concern among women of childbearing age. A more profound understanding of its pathogenesis can significantly improve prognosis. Recent research endeavors have spotlighted the molecular mechanisms by which microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the occurrence and progression of endometriosis. Many miRNAs have been reported to be aberrantly expressed in the affected tissues of both patients and animal models. These miRNAs actively participate in the regulation of inflammatory reactions, cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Their capacity to modulate crucial signaling pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, reinforces their potential utility as diagnostic markers or therapeutic agents for endometriosis. In this review, we provide the latest insights into the role of miRNAs that interact with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to regulate the biological behaviors of endometriosis cells and disease-related symptoms, such as pain and infertility. We hope that this review will provide novel insights and promising targets for innovative therapies addressing endometriosis.

Expression of miR-21 &IL-4 in endometriosis

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis characterized with existence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Fibrosis of ectopic lesions is an important feature of endometriosis. IL-4 induces fibrosis via fibroblast proliferation, collagen production and myofibroblast differentiation. Increasing of miR-21 expression promotes fibroblast activation and fibrosis expansion. The aim of study was to evaluate the expression of miR-21 and its relationship with IL-4 gene expression in endometrial ectopic and eutopic tissues of endometriosis patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Ectopic and eutopic tissue samples were taken from 20 women with endometriosis, and control samples were taken from the endometrium of 20 endometriosis-free women. The relative expression of IL-4 and miR-21 evaluated by Real Time PCR. IL-4 relative gene expression was significantly increased in ectopic tissue compared to eutopic (p = 0.025) and control tissue (p = 0.021). The relative expression of miR-21 gene in ectopic tissue was increased compared to eutopic (p = 0.850) and control tissue (p = 0.978) but these differences were not significant. Also, the correlation between IL-4 and miR-21 relative gene expression was not significant (p = 0.083).

CONCLUSION

The increased expression of miR-21 in endometrium of women with endometriosis may upregulate the IL-4 gene expression and lead to fibrosis. Further studies may suggest miR-21 and IL-4 as candidates for diagnosis of endometriosis.

Downregulation of DROSHA: Could It Affect miRNA Biogenesis in Endometriotic Menstrual Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cells?

Menstrual blood mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) have gained prominence in the endometriosis scientific community, given their multifunctional roles in regenerative medicine as a noninvasive source for future clinical applications. In addition, changes in post-transcriptional regulation via miRNAs have been explored in endometriotic MenSCs with a role in modulating proliferation, angiogenesis, differentiation, stemness, self-renewal, and the mesenchymal-epithelial transition process. In this sense, homeostasis of the miRNA biosynthesis pathway is essential for several cellular processes and is related to the self-renewal and differentiation of progenitor cells. However, no studies have investigated the miRNA biogenesis pathway in endometriotic MenSCs. In this study, we profiled the expression of eight central genes for the miRNA biosynthesis pathway under experimental conditions involving a two-dimensional culture of MenSCs obtained from healthy women (n = 10) and women with endometriosis (n = 10) using RT-qPCR and reported a two-fold decrease in DROSHA expression in the disease. In addition, miR-128-3p, miR-27a-3p, miR-27b-3p, miR-181a-5p, miR-181b-5p, miR-452-3p, miR-216a-5p, miR-216b-5p, and miR-93-5p, which have been associated with endometriosis, were identified through in silico analyses as negative regulators of DROSHA. Because DROSHA is essential for miRNA maturation, our findings may justify the identification of different profiles of miRNAs with DROSHA-dependent biogenesis in endometriosis.

Protective role of Ginseng in endomertriosis during covid-19

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID) pandemic began in December 2019. Many countries have implemented restrictions such as mandatory mask wearing and social distancing. These measures have caused diverse and complex health problems, particularly in women's health, anxiety, and depression. This review examines an alternative approach to the treatment of endometriosis during the COVID pandemic. The efficacy of ginseng with anti-inflammatory activity and ability to relieve or prevent symptoms of endometriosis is discussed and reviewed.

Confounding Factors Impacting microRNA Expression in Human Saliva: Methodological and Biological Considerations

There is growing interest in saliva microRNAs (miRNAs) as non-invasive biomarkers for human disease. Such an approach requires understanding how differences in experimental design affect miRNA expression. Variations in technical methodologies, coupled with inter-individual variability may reduce study reproducibility and generalizability. Another barrier facing salivary miRNA biomarker research is a lack of recognized “control miRNAs”. In one of the largest studies of human salivary miRNA to date (922 healthy individuals), we utilized 1225 saliva samples to quantify variability in miRNA expression resulting from aligner selection (Bowtie1 vs. Bowtie2), saliva collection method (expectorated vs. swabbed), RNA stabilizer (presence vs. absence), and individual biological factors (sex, age, body mass index, exercise, caloric intake). Differential expression analyses revealed that absence of RNA stabilizer introduced the greatest variability, followed by differences in methods of collection and aligner. Biological factors generally affected a smaller number of miRNAs. We also reported coefficients of variations for 643 miRNAs consistently present in saliva, highlighting several salivary miRNAs to serve as reference genes. Thus, the results of this analysis can be used by researchers to optimize parameters of salivary miRNA measurement, exclude miRNAs confounded by numerous biologic factors, and identify appropriate miRNA controls.

Long Intergenic Non-Protein Coding RNA 02381 Promotes the Proliferation and Invasion of Ovarian Endometrial Stromal Cells through the miR-27b-3p/CTNNB1 Axis

Purpose: Catenin Beta 1 (CTNNB1) is a key regulator of cell proliferation and invasion in endometriosis; however, its upstream factor is not clear. Long noncoding RNAs may participate in endometriosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of interaction between LINC02381 and CTNNB1 in endometriosis. Method: Screening and validation of RNAs were completed by whole transcriptional sequencing and qRT-PCR. The subcellular localization of LINC02381 was determined by RNA in situ hybridization and nucleo-cytoplasmic separation. Plasmids were transfected for functional experiments. Luciferase assay was used to verify the binding relationship. Results: The expression of LINC02381 and CTNNB1 was significantly increased in ovarian ectopic endometrial tissues (OSAs) and ectopic endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). When LINC02381 was downregulated in ESCs, the expression of CTNNB1, metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) and cyclinD1, as well as ESCs invasion and proliferation, decreased. LINC02381 was mainly present in the cytoplasm of ESCs, indicating that it may act as a competitive endogenous RNA. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that microRNA-27b-3p (miR-27b-3p) is a downstream target of LINC02381. miR-27b-3p decreased in OSAs and ESCs. Moreover, when miR-27b-3p was upregulated in ESCs, the expression of CTNNB1, MMP9 and cyclinD1, as well as the invasion and proliferation ability of ESCs, were reduced. Additionally, rescue experiments demonstrated that the expression of CTNNB1, MMP9 and cyclinD1, as well as the invasion and proliferation ability, were significantly increased in the group transfected with both sh-LINC02381 and a miR-27b-3p inhibitor. Conclusion: LINC02381 upregulated CTNNB1 by adsorbing miR-27b-3p, causing increased proliferation and invasion of ESCs.

Administration of red ginseng regulates microRNA expression in a mouse model of endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

Red ginseng (RG) exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and immunomodulatory effects on endometriosis through the regulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression. It may also ameliorate endometriosis by affecting the expression of multiple miRNAs simultaneously, rather than acting on a single miRNA at a given time. Since studies on the overall effects of RG on endometriosis via the regulation of miRNA expression are lacking, the current study aimed to explore the global effect of RG on miRNA expression in a mouse model of endometriosis.

METHODS

To establish the mouse model, the uterine horn of donor mice was implanted into the lateral side of the recipients' peritoneum, followed by vehicle or RG treatment for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

To confirm the effects of RG on the established mouse model, the size of the implanted uterus was measured; it was found to be lower in mice from the RG group than in mice from the control group. miRNA expression profiles in the implanted uterus of the mouse model of endometriosis after vehicle or RG administration were analyzed using microarray technology. Thereafter, seven candidate miRNAs and 125 candidate genes (miRNA targets) were identified through a bioinformatics analysis.

CONCLUSION

The present findings suggest that RG regulates the expression of multiple miRNAs and mRNAs, thereby alleviating endometriosis in a mouse model of the disease.

Korean red ginseng attenuates Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced inflammatory response in endometrial cancer cells and an endometriosis mouse model

Background

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the most common endocrine disrupting chemical used as a plasticizer. DEHP is associated with the development of endometrium-related diseases through the induction of inflammation. The major therapeutic approaches against endometrial cancer and endometriosis involve the suppression of inflammatory response. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a natural product with anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of KRG on DEHP-induced inflammatory response in endometrial cancer Ishikawa cells and a mouse model of endometriosis.

Methods

RNA-sequencing was performed and analyzed on DEHP-treated Ishikawa cells in the presence and absence of KRG. The effects of KRG on DEHP-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA levels in Ishikawa cells were determined by RT-qPCR. Furthermore, the effects of KRG on the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) pathway, COX-2, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 after DEHP treatment of Ishikawa cells were evaluated by western blotting. In the mouse model, the severity of endometriosis induced by DEHP and changes in immunohistochemistry were used to assess the protective effect of KRG.

Results

According to the RNA-sequencing data, DEHP-induced inflammatory response-related gene expression was downregulated by KRG. Moreover, KRG significantly inhibited DEHP-induced ERK1/2/NF-κB/COX-2 levels in Ishikawa cells. In the mouse model, KRG administration significantly inhibited ectopic endometriosis growth after DEHP-induced endometriosis.

Conclusions

Overall, these results suggest that KRG may be a promising lead for the treatment of endometrial cancer and endometriosis via suppression of the inflammatory response.

DROSHA rs10719 and DICER1 rs3742330 polymorphisms in endometriosis and different diseases: Case-control and review studies

OBJECTIVE

DROSHA and DICER1 enzymes participate in the main stages of microRNA synthesis. Polymorphisms can influence mRNAs stability and genes expression, and hence affect the binding of miRNAs. Thus, the present study evaluated the association of DROSHA and DICER1 polymorphisms in the development of endometriosis and other diseases.

METHODS

A total of 240 endometriosis cases and 242 controls were genotyped for the DROSHA rs10719 G > A and DICER1 rs3742330 A > G polymorphisms using the TaqMan system. The association between polymorphisms and endometriosis was estimated by binary logistic regression. A literature review was also performed including all published articles (PubMed database) until December 2020, regarding the association of the studied polymorphisms and different diseases.

RESULTS

DICER1 rs3742330GG was only found in endometriosis cases (2.1%) and deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) (2.5%). The DICER1 rs3742330GG genotype was significantly associated with endometriosis (P < 0.05), suggesting a tendency to present an increased risk for disease. DROSHA rs10719A and DICER1 rs3742330G allele frequencies varied among populations (6%-79% and 10.2%-55.1%, respectively). In the Brazilian population, the frequencies of these alleles were 42.3% and 7.3%, respectively. Both polymorphisms were risk factors for nonsyndromic orofacial clefts, tuberculosis, stroke ischemia and mortality after stroke, recurrent idiopathic pregnancy loss, and some types of cancer. Moreover, the DICER1 rs3742330 polymorphism was a protective factor for precancerous cervical lesions, different types of cancer and tuberculosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that only the DICER1 rs3742330 A > G polymorphism may be associated with susceptibility to endometriosis. The frequencies of both polymorphisms were significantly different among populations, and there were discrepancies in the risk associations with the development of diseases.

A mechanistic insight of phytoestrogens used for Rheumatoid arthritis: An evidence-based review

Assessment of the potential therapeutic benefits offered by naturally occurring phytoestrogens necessitate inspection of their potency and sites of action in impeding the chronic, systemic, autoimmune, joint destructing disorder Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Possessing structural and functional similarity with human estrogen, phytoestrogen promisingly replaces the use of hormone therapy in eradicating RA symptoms with their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenesis, immunomodulatory, joint protection properties abolishing the harmful side effects of synthetic drugs. Scientific evidences revealed that use of phytoestrogens from different chemical categories including flavonoids, alkaloids, stilbenoids derived from different plant species manifest beneficial effects on RA through various cellular mechanisms including suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in particular tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin(IL-6) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and destructive metalloproteinases, inhibition of oxidative stress, suppressing inflammatory signalling pathways, attenuating osteoclastogenesis ameliorating cartilage degradation and bone erosion. This review summarizes the evidences of different phytoestrogen treatment and their pharmacological mechanisms in both in vitro and in vivo studies along with discussing clinical evaluations in RA patients showing phytoestrogen as a promising agent for RA therapy. Further investigations and more clinical trials are mandatory to clarify the utility of these plant derived compounds in RA prevention and in managing oestrogen deficient diseases in patients.

Macrophage polarization in intestinal inflammation and gut homeostasis

Gut homeostasis is a process that requires a prudent balance of host responses to the beneficial enteric microbial community and the pathogenic stimuli that can arise. The lack of this balance in the intestine can result in inflammatory bowel diseases, where the immune system dysfunctions leading to exacerbated inflammatory responses. In this process, macrophages are considered to play a pivotal role. In this review, we describe the important role of macrophages in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and we discuss how altered macrophage function may lead to inflammatory bowel diseases. The plasticity of macrophages during the gut inflammatory response shows the broad role of these cells in orchestrating not only the onset of inflammation but also its termination as well as healing and repair. Indeed, the state of macrophage polarization can be the key factor in defining the resolution or the progression of inflammation and disease. Here, we discuss the different populations of macrophages and their implication in development, propagation, control and resolution of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Role of Non-coding RNAs in the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma like lesions outside of the uterus. Although several hypothesis have tried to explain the underlying cause of endometriosis, yet the main cause remained obscure. Recent studies have shown contribution of non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Two classes of these transcripts namely long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have mostly attracted attention of researchers. Several studies have reported aberrant expression of these transcripts in affected tissues from patients as well as animal models. Modulation of important signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, P38-MAPK, ERK1/2-MAPK and Wnt-β catenin by miRNAs and lncRNAs have potentiated these molecules as biomarkers or therapeutic agents in endometriosis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms with miR-126, miR-143 and miR-146b have been associated with risk of endometriosis. Moreover, miRNAs and lncRNAs control inflammatory responses, cell proliferation, angiogenesis and tissue remodeling, thus understanding the role of these transcripts in endometriosis is a possible way to develop novel diagnostic tests and therapeutic targets for this disorder.

Dammarane-type leads panaxadiol and protopanaxadiol for drug discovery: Biological activity and structural modification

Based on the definite therapeutic benefits, such as neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anticancer, anti-diabetic and so on, the Panax genus which contains many valuable plants, including ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), notoginseng (Panax notoginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.), attracts research focus. Actually, the biological and pharmacological effects of the Panax genus are mainly attributed to the abundant ginsenosides. However, the low membrane permeability and the gastrointestinal tract influence seriously limit the absorption and bioavailability of ginsenosides. The acid or base hydrolysates of ginsenosides, 20 (R,S)-panaxadiol and 20 (R,S)-protopanaxadiol showed improved bioavailability and diverse pharmacological activities. Moreover, relative stable skeletons and active hydroxyl group at C-3 position and other reactive sites are suitable for structural modification to improve biological activities. In this review, the pharmacological activities of panaxadiol, protopanaxadiol and their structurally modified derivatives are comprehensively summarized.

Ginsenosides: potential therapeutic source for fibrosis-associated human diseases

Tissue fibrosis is an eventual pathologic change of numerous chronic illnesses, which is characterized by resident fibroblasts differentiation into myofibroblasts during inflammation, coupled with excessive extracellular matrix deposition in tissues, ultimately leading to failure of normal organ function. Now, there are many mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis, which facilitate the discovery of effective antifibrotic drugs. Moreover, many chronic diseases remain a significant clinical unmet need. For the past five years, many research works have undoubtedly addressed the functional dependency of ginsenosides in different types of fibrosis and the successful remission in various animal models treated with ginsenosides. Caveolin-1, interleukin, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), liver X receptors (LXRs), Nrf2, microRNA-27b, PPARδ-STAT3, liver kinase B1 (LKB1)-AMPK, and TGF-β1/Smads are potential therapy targeting using ginsenosides. Ginsenosides can play a targeting role and suppress chronic inflammatory response, collagen deposition, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as well as myofibroblast activation to attenuate fibrosis. In this report, our aim was to focus on the therapeutic prospects of ginsenosides in fibrosis-related human diseases making use of results acquired from various animal models. These findings should provide important therapeutic clues and strategies for the exploration of new drugs for fibrosis treatment.

Anti-inflammatory cytokines in endometriosis

Although the pathogenesis of endometriosis is not fully understood, it is often considered to be an inflammatory disease. An increasing number of studies suggest that differential expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukin-4 and -10, and transforming growth factor-β1) occurs in women with endometriosis, including in serum, peritoneal fluid and ectopic lesions. These anti-inflammatory cytokines also have indispensable roles in the progression of endometriosis, including by promoting survival, growth, invasion, differentiation, angiogenesis, and immune escape of the endometriotic lesions. In this review, we provide an overview of the expression, origin, function and regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines in endometriosis, with brief discussion and perspectives on their future clinical implications in the diagnosis and therapy of the disease.

Circular RNA expression profiles and bioinformatics analysis in ovarian endometriosis

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) with miRNA response elements (MREs) could function as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in regulating gene expression, thus playing vital roles in pathogenesis and progression of many diseases. However, the function of circRNAs in endometriosis remains unknown. This study was carried to profile the expression patterns of circRNAs in ovarian endometriosis.

Methods

High throughput RNA‐Seq was performed in six paired ectopic and eutopic endometrium tissues (ecEM vs. euEM), followed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) in 30 paired samples. Through bioinformatics prediction, we constructed a circRNA‐miRNA ‐mRNA network and elucidated circRNAs functions by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses.

Results

A total of 146 upregulated and 148 downregulated circRNAs were identified, binding with 2,495 MREs. The qRT‐PCR validation results of four upregulated circRNAs matched the RNA‐Seq data. The ceRNA network included 48 miRNAs and 296 mRNAs. Functional analysis revealed several important pathways such as MAPK signaling pathway, and PI3K‐AKT signaling pathway, which might be associated with the pathogenesis and development of endometriosis.

Conclusion

Our data suggested that circRNAs are differentially expressed in endometriosis, which might be candidate factors for pathogenesis of this disease and be considered as promising therapeutic targets in the future.

Ginsenoside Rg3 protects against iE-DAP-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition by regulating the miR-139-5p-NF-κB axis

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in endothelial dysfunction due to persistent inflammation is a key component and emerging concept in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), an active compound from red ginseng, has been known to be important for vascular homeostasis. However, the effect of Rg3 on inflammation-induced EndMT has never been reported. Here, we hypothesize that Rg3 might reverse the inflammation-induced EndMT and serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for vascular diseases.

Methods

EndMT was examined under an inflammatory condition mediated by the NOD1 agonist, γ-d-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid (iE-DAP), treatment in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The expression of EndMT markers was determined by Western blot analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunocytochemistry. The underlying mechanisms of Rg3-mediated EndMT regulation were investigated by modulating the microRNA expression.

Results

The NOD1 agonist, iE-DAP, led to a fibroblast-like morphology change with a decrease in the expression of endothelial markers and an increase in the expression of the mesenchymal marker, namely EndMT. On the other hand, Rg3 markedly attenuated the iE-DAP–induced EndMT and preserved the endothelial phenotype. Mechanically, miR-139 was downregulated in cells with iE-DAP–induced EndMT and partly reversed in response to Rg3 via the regulation of NF-κB signaling, suggesting that the Rg3–miR-139-5p-NF-κB axis is a key mediator in iE-DAP-induced EndMT.

Conclusion

These results suggest, for the first time, that Rg3 can be used to inhibit inflammation-induced EndMT and may be a novel therapeutic option against EndMT-associated vascular diseases.

Plant-derived medicines for treatment of endometriosis: A comprehensive review of molecular mechanisms

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease with inflammatory lesions at extra-uterine sites, causing pelvic pain and fertility reduction. Conventional therapies primarily focus on reducing systemic levels of estrogens; however, they do not have desirable effectiveness and possess considerable side effects. Therefore, there is a growing interest in the use of herbal medicine for the treatment of endometriosis. In this paper, electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane library and Google Scholar were searched to obtain any studies evaluating any herbal products in the management of endometriosis. Data were collected from 1980 to 2018. Most of studies investigating the effect of herbal medicines in endometriosis were in vitro and animal and only three clinical trials were found; one on Pinus pinaster bark extract (Pycnogenol) and two on Chinese herbal formulas. The studies on phytochemicals had mostly focused on polyphenolic compounds (epigallocatechin-3-gallate, genistein) and sesquiterpenes (β-caryophyllene, parthenolide). Various molecular mechanisms of action have been involved in beneficial effects of herbal medicines and phytochemicals including anti-inflammatory (via reduction of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin -1, interleukin -6, interleukin -8, transforming growth factor-beta, tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor-kappa B, growth factors, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), antioxidant (through downregulation of hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species and upregulation of superoxide dismutase), anti-proliferative and apoptotic (via enhancing Bcl-2-associated X protein/ B-cell lymphoma-2 and caspase3, 8 and 9 activity), anti-angiogenic (by downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors/ vascular endothelial growth factor), anti-invasive (via decreasing expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and matrix metalloproteinases), immunomodulatory, and estrogen modulating activities. So, medicinal plants seem to be a valuable source for identifying new drugs for treatment of endometriosis; however, since most of studies are preclinical, further clinical trials are required to achieve more conclusive results.

Anti-Angiogenic Alternative and Complementary Medicines for the Treatment of Endometriosis: A Review of Potential Molecular Mechanisms

Endometriosis is caused by the growth or infiltration of endometrial tissues outside of the endometrium and myometrium. Symptoms include pain and infertility. Surgery and hormonal therapy are widely used in Western medicine for the treatment of endometriosis; however, the side effects associated with this practice include disease recurrence and menopause, which can severely influence quality of life. Angiogenesis is the main biological mechanism underlying the development of endometriosis. Numerous natural products and Chinese medicines with potent anti-angiogenic effects have been investigated, and the molecular basis underlying their therapeutic effects in endometriosis has been explored. This review aims to describe natural products and compounds that suppress angiogenesis associated with endometriosis and to assess their diverse molecular mechanisms of action. Furthermore, this review provides a source of information relating to alternative and complementary therapeutic products that mediate anti-angiogenesis. An extensive review of the literature and electronic databases, such as the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, and Embase, was conducted using the keywords 'endometriosis,' 'traditional Chinese medicine,' 'Chinese herbal medicine,' 'natural compounds,' and 'anti-angiogenic' therapy. Anti-angiogenic therapy is an emerging strategy for the treatment of endometriosis. Natural anti-angiogenic products and Chinese medicines provide several beneficial clinical effects, including pain relief. In this review, we summarize clinical trials and experimental studies of endometriosis using natural products and Chinese medicines. In particular, we focus on anti-angiogenic products and alternative and complementary medicines for the treatment of endometriosis and additionally examine their therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of action. Anti-angiogenic natural products and/or compounds provide a new approach for the treatment of endometriosis. Future work will require randomized trials with larger numbers of subjects, as well as long-term follow-up to confirm the findings described here.

Non-Coding RNAs in Endometrial Physiopathology

The Human Genome Project led to the discovery that about 80% of our DNA is transcribed in RNA molecules. Only 2% of the human genome is translated into proteins, the rest mostly produces molecules called non-coding RNAs, which are a heterogeneous class of RNAs involved in different steps of gene regulation. They have been classified, according to their length, into small non-coding RNAs and long non-coding RNAs, or to their function, into housekeeping non-coding RNAs and regulatory non-coding RNAs. Their involvement has been widely demonstrated in all cellular processes, as well as their dysregulation in human pathologies. In this review, we discuss the function of non-coding RNAs in endometrial physiology, analysing their involvement in embryo implantation. Moreover, we explore their role in endometrial pathologies such as endometrial cancer, endometriosis and chronic endometritis.