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Dawson M, Flores D, Zou L, Anandasenthil S, Mahesh R, Zavala-Romero O, Arora R. Imaging the dynamics of murine uterine contractions in early pregnancy†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:1175-1190. [PMID: 38713674 PMCID: PMC11180618 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae071] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Uterine muscle contractility is essential for reproductive processes including sperm and embryo transport, and during the uterine cycle to remove menstrual effluent. Even still, uterine contractions have primarily been studied in the context of preterm labor. This is partly due to a lack of methods for studying the uterine muscle contractility in the intact organ. Here, we describe an imaging-based method to evaluate mouse uterine contractility of both the longitudinal and circular muscles in the cycling stages and in early pregnancy. By transforming the image-based data into three-dimensional spatiotemporal contractility maps, we calculate waveform characteristics of muscle contractions, including amplitude, frequency, wavelength, and velocity. We report that the native organ is highly contractile during the progesterone-dominant diestrus stage of the cycle when compared to the estrogen-dominant proestrus and estrus stages. We also observed that during the first phase of uterine embryo movement when clustered embryos move toward the middle of the uterine horn, contractions are dynamic and non-uniform between different segments of the uterine horn. In the second phase of embryo movement, contractions are more uniform and rhythmic throughout the uterine horn. Finally, in Lpar3-/- uteri, which display faster embryo movement, we observe global and regional increases in contractility. Our method provides a means to understand the wave characteristics of uterine smooth muscle in response to modulators and in genetic mutants. Better understanding uterine contractility in the early pregnancy stages is critical for the advancement of artificial reproductive technologies and a possibility of modulating embryo movement during clinical embryo transfers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Dawson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Diana Flores
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Lisa Zou
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Shivani Anandasenthil
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Rohit Mahesh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Olmo Zavala-Romero
- Department of Scientific Computing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Ripla Arora
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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Madani T, Jahangiri N, Moosavisadat SM, Mirzaagha E, Maroufizadeh S, Irani S, Ahmadi F. Association between Myometrial Thickness and Assisted Reproductive Technologies Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2024; 18:123-127. [PMID: 38368514 PMCID: PMC10875306 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2023.555447.1314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myometrial thickness has been expected to be a prognosticator for lower uterine segment function. An abnormal function of the uterine muscle layer can cause common and important reproductive problems. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between baseline myometrial thickness and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this prospective cohort study, 453 infertile women undergoing ART cycles without any obvious uterine pathology, participated in this prospective cohort study from February 2013 to May 2015. In order to measure the myometrial thickness in the anterior and posterior of the uterine, trans-vaginal ultrasounds were conducted on days 2-4 of the cycle (menstrual phase) preceding ovarian stimulation and the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection. We defined three groups based on the baseline myometrial thickness in the anterior and posterior, including (A) <25 mm, (B) 25-29.9 mm and (C) ≥30 mm. Ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval and luteal phase support were performed in accordance with the standard long protocol. Two weeks after embryo transfer, the patients underwent a pregnancy test by checking their serum β-hCG levels. The primary outcome measure was clinical pregnancy rate. Secondary outcome measures were, implantation rate, abortion rate and live birth rate. RESULTS The clinical pregnancy (P=0.013) and implantation (P=0.003) rates were significantly lower in group A than in two other groups. Although the live birth rate was lower in group A than two other groups, this decrease was not statistically significant (P=0.058). CONCLUSION The findings may be a way for clinicians to draw focus on providing therapeutic strategies and a specific supportive care for women with a baseline myometrial thickness <25 mm in order to improve the reproductive outcome of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Madani
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nadia Jahangiri
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Masoumeh Moosavisadat
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Asali Charity Hospital, Lorestan University of Medical Science, Lorestan, Iran
| | - Elaheh Mirzaagha
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saman Maroufizadeh
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Gilan, Iran
| | - Shohreh Irani
- Department of Reproductive Imaging, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Firoozeh Ahmadi
- Department of Reproductive Imaging, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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Zhang Y, Tian H. Telocytes and inflammation: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35983. [PMID: 37986278 PMCID: PMC10659634 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035983] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Telocytes are a new type of interstitial cell with a diverse morphology and important functions, such as mechanical support, signal transduction, immune regulation, and tissue repair. In this paper, the origin and physiological and pathological functions of telocytes as well as their role in inflammation will be discussed, and the functions and targets of telocytes in inflammation will be fully reviewed, which may contribute to a new therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of General Surgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Gastrointestinal Tumor, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Dan J, Cao Y. Yangmo decoction versus hyaluronic acid gel in women with intrauterine re-adhesion after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis: a retrospective efficacy and safety analysis. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:480. [PMID: 37689637 PMCID: PMC10493015 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02598-4] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis is the preferred primary method for intrauterine adhesion. However, there is about a 60% of chance of re-adhesion after surgery. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yangmo decoction as a secondary treatment in preventing intrauterine re-adhesion against those of hyaluronic acid gel. METHODS Women received oral Yangmo decoction (YD cohort, n = 105) or intrauterine hyaluronic acid gel (HA cohort, n = 125) or did not receive secondary re-adhesion prevention treatments (EP cohort, n = 165) after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis for 6 months. In addition, all women have received 3 mg of oral estrogen and 20 mg oral progesterone combination after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis for 3 months. Intrauterine re-adhesion after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis after 6 months with or without secondary treatment(s) was detected using hysteroscopy. The extent of the cavity, type of adhesion, and the menstrual pattern were included to define the American Fertility Society classification of intrauterine re-adhesions (AFS) score. RESULTS Fewer numbers of women suffered from intrauterine re-adhesion after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis in the YD cohort than those of the HA (15(14%) vs. 40(32%), p = 0.0019) and the EP (15(14%) vs. 58(35%). p = 0.0001) cohorts. Among women who developed intrauterine re-adhesion, AFS score was fewer for women of the YD cohort than those of HA (2(2-1) vs. 4(4-3), p < 0.001) and the EP (2(2-1) vs. 4(4-4), p < 0.001) cohorts. AFS score after surgery was fewer for women of the HA cohort than those of the EP cohort (p < 0.05). Higher numbers of women of the YD cohort retained pregnancies after 6-months of treatment than those of the HA (55(52%) vs. 45(36%), p = 0.0161) and EP (55(52%) vs. 35(21%), p < 0.0001) cohorts. Among women who develop re-adhesion, 10(10%) women of the YD cohort only had successful pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS Yangmo decoction for 6 months after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis can reduce AFS score, prevent intrauterine re-adhesion, and increases the chances of successful pregnancies of women. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV. TECHNICAL EFFICACY Stage 5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Dan
- Department of Gynecology of Jinshan Campus, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Department of Gynecology of Jinshan Campus, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Habiba M, Benagiano G, Guo SW. An Appraisal of the Tissue Injury and Repair (TIAR) Theory on the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis and Adenomyosis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:975. [PMID: 37371555 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As understanding their pathogenesis remains elusive, both endometriosis and adenomyosis are often referred to as "enigmatic diseases". The uncertainty and heightened interest are reflected in the range of expressed views and opinions. There is a sense of urgency because of the entailed patient suffering. The plethora of opinions calls for a critical analysis of proposed theories, both old and new. A series of papers published since 2009 proposed that both endometriosis and adenomyosis originate from the same aberrations occurring within the uterus. This came to be recognized as the tissue injury and repair theory, and the newly coined term "archimetrosis" posits that the two diseases share the same origin. While the theory opens an interesting channel for exploration, its claim as a unifying theory necessitates a critical appraisal. We, thus, undertook this review of the theory and analyzed its underpinnings based on a comprehensive review of the literature. Our appraisal indicates that the theory is open to a range of criticisms. Chief among these is the need for confirmatory evidence of features of abnormal uterine contractility and the lack of data addressing the question of causality. In addition, the theory has, as yet, no supporting epidemiological evidence, which is a major weakness. The theory suffers as it is not open to the test of falsifiability, and it lacks the ability to make useful predictions. It has not addressed the questions, such as why only a small percentage of women develop adenomyosis or endometriosis, given the ubiquity of uterine peristalsis. On the other hand, the triggers and prevention of hyper- or dys-peristalsis become critical to a theory of causation. We conclude that additional supportive evidence is required for the theory to be accepted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Habiba
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK
| | - Giuseppe Benagiano
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Research Institute, Shanghai Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
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Zhan YJ, Zhang SW, Zhu S, Jiang N. Tissue Clearing and Its Application in the Musculoskeletal System. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:1739-1758. [PMID: 36687066 PMCID: PMC9850472 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c05180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The musculoskeletal system is an integral part of the human body. Currently, most skeletal muscle research is conducted through conventional histological sections due to technological limitations and the structure of skeletal muscles. For studying and observing bones and muscles, there is an urgent need for three-dimensional, objective imaging technologies. Optical tissue-clearing technologies seem to offer a novel and accessible approach to research of the musculoskeletal system. Using this approach, the components which cause refraction or prevent light from penetrating into the tissue are physically and chemically eliminated; then the liquid in the tissue is replaced with high-refractive-index chemicals. This innovative method, which allows three-dimensional reconstruction at the cellular and subcellular scale, significantly improves imaging depth and resolution. Nonetheless, this technology was not originally developed to image bones or muscles. When compared with brain and nerve organs which have attracted considerable attention in this field, the musculoskeletal system contains fewer lipids and has high levels of hemoglobin, collagen fibers, and inorganic hydroxyapatite crystals. Currently, three-dimensional imaging methods are widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of skeletal and muscular illnesses. In this regard, it is vitally important to review and evaluate the optical tissue-clearing technologies currently employed in the musculoskeletal system, so that researchers may make an informed decision. In the meantime, this study offers guidelines and recommendations for expanding the use of this technology in the musculoskeletal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jing Zhan
- State
Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center
for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shi-Wen Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center
for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- West
China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - SongSong Zhu
- State
Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center
for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- West
China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- State
Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center
for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- West
China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Erickson EN, Knight AK, Smith AK, Myatt L. Advancing understanding of maternal age: correlating epigenetic clocks in blood and myometrium. EPIGENETICS COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2. [PMID: 36052275 PMCID: PMC9432845 DOI: 10.1186/s43682-022-00010-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background: Advanced maternal age is currently a term defined by chronological age. However, a group of biomarkers known as epigenetic clocks, which can predict morbidity and mortality, has been used to estimate measures of biological aging. Uterine myometrial function during the process of parturition may be influenced by aging, as labor dystocia, unplanned intrapartum cesarean birth, and postpartum hemorrhage are more common in older individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of epigenetic clocks in maternal myometrium and blood for predicting age and to evaluate the correlation of epigenetic age between the tissues. Results: We compared epigenetic age in blood and myometrial samples provided by women undergoing planned cesarean birth at term gestation. Chronological age ranged from 20 to 50 with a median (IQR) age of 35.5(8) years. The MethylationEPIC BeadChip was used to obtain DNA methylation data, and then epigenetic age was calculated using the Horvath, Hannum, GrimAge, and PhenoAge clocks. Spearman correlations of epigenetic age with chronological age were calculated. We tested the relationship of epigenetic age in maternal blood to epigenetic age in myometrium. Age acceleration, for each clock, was also correlated between tissues. Twenty-seven participants provided samples, and 21 matched specimens were included in the final analysis after quality control. Spearman correlation between maternal chronological age and epigenetic age were significant in three of the four clocks (pan-tissue Horvath, Hannum, and GrimAge), for both myometrium and blood samples. Correlations between blood epigenetic age and maternal age ranged from 0.72 to 0.87 (all p < 0.001). Correlations between myometrial epigenetic age and maternal age were also significant (0.62–0.70, p = 0.002), though lower than correlations seen in blood. Maternal blood epigenetic age also correlated with epigenetic age in myometrium with each of these three clocks 0.60 (p = 0.004, Horvath), 0.63 (p = 0.003, Hannum), and 0.80 (p < 0.001, GrimAge). GrimAge age acceleration had the highest correlation between tissues among the clocks (0.49, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Given the limited sample, this study provides insight into the potential use of epigenetic age derived from blood as a proxy for myometrial epigenetic age, which may be a useful biomarker in estimating myometrial biological age in relationship to myometrial dysfunction. GrimAge outperformed the other tested clocks in terms of concordance of epigenetic age and age acceleration between tissues; however, the Horvath and Hannum clocks may be useful depending on the outcome of interest in pregnancy.
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Zhao X, He S, You Z, Wang H, Xu D, Zhang A. Chinese medicine Yangmo decoction ameliorates intrauterine adhesion prognosis following hysteroscopic adhesiolysis. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 47:1540-1549. [PMID: 36481632 PMCID: PMC10930621 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2022.220519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis (HA) remains the mainstay on treatment for intrauterine adhesions (IUA). The fertility outcome of patients with moderate and severe intrauterine adhesions after HA is still far from satisfactory. Estrogen combined with progesterone is the most common treatment; however, they do not help in improving the fertility rate to the maximum because of the limitations. This retrospective, non-randomized controlled study will assess the effects of traditional Chinese medicine Yangmo decoction after HA in restoration of the endometrium and improvement of the fertility rate. METHODS A total of 427 patients, who met the inclusion criteria, aged between 20 and 45 years and diagnosed with moderate or severe IUA underwent HA at the Third Xiangya Hospital from January to August 2021, were enrolled for this study. Participants were assigned into 2 groups: A Yangmo decoction group (n=213, patients were given Yangmo decoction consisting of Ginseng flower, Sanchi flower, Daidai flower, Snow lotus, Licorice and so on after HA), and an estrogen and progesterone group (n=214, patients were given estrogen and progesterone after HA). The following basic information was collected retrospectively for both groups, including age, parity, history of abortion, menstrual status, and times of hysteroscopic interventions. American Fertility Society (AFS) score was used by a senior surgeon and the density of opening of endometrial glands was evaluated during HA. The parameters were obtained from three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound (3D-TVUS) preoperatively and postoperatively, to evaluate the efficacy of Yangmo decoction, estrogen, and progesterone. All patients were followed up on telephone to determine the fertility rate until 6 months from the last HA. RESULTS Based on the basic information collected preoperatively, there were no significant differences between the groups (all P>0.05). Postoperatively, patients in the Yangmo decoction group had a better surgical success rate with a more significant AFS reduction (P<0.001), better density of opening of endometrial glands in the uterine cavity (P<0.000 1) after HA, and a better fertility rate (40.4%) in the time of 6 months after the last HA than those of the estrogen and progesterone group. CONCLUSIONS Yangmo decoction has better therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of intrauterine adhesion after HA than the combined effect of estrogen and progesterone. Yangmo decoction helps restore the endometrium and improve the fertility rate, therefore, it can be adopted as a routine practice for IUA patients who have fertility requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingping Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013.
| | - Shuhan He
- Department of Gynecology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013.
| | - Zhaoling You
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013
| | - Dabao Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013
| | - Aiqian Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013. Zhangaiqian1112@126. com
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Maldarine JS, Sanches BDA, Santos VA, Góes RM, Vilamaior PSL, Carvalho HF, Taboga SR. The complex role of telocytes in female prostate tumorigenesis in a rodent model. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1495-1509. [PMID: 35598087 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The prostate is not an organ exclusive to the male. It is also found in females of several species, including humans, in which part of the Skene gland is homologous to the male prostate. Evidence is accumulating that changes in the stroma are central to tumorigenesis. Equally, telocytes, a recently discovered type of interstitial cell, are essential for the maintenance of stromal organization. However, it is still uncertain whether there are telocytes in the female prostate and if they play a role in tumorigenesis. The present study used ultrastructural and immunofluorescence techniques to investigate the presence of telocytes in the prostate of Mongolian gerbil females, a rodent model that often has a functional prostate in females, as well as to assess the impact of a combination of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea, testosterone, and estradiol on telocytes. The results point to the presence of telocytes in the female prostate in the perialveolar and interalveolar regions, and reveal that these cells are absent in regions of benign and premalignant lesions in the gland, in which the perialveolar smooth muscle is altered. Additionally, telocytes are also closely associated with infiltrated immune cells in the stroma. Our data suggest that telocytes are important for both the maintenance of smooth muscle and prostatic epithelium integrity, which indicates a protective role against the advancement of tumorigenesis. But telocytes are also associated with immune cells and a proinflammatory/proangiogenic role for these cells cannot be ruled out, implying that telocytes have a complex role in prostatic tumorigenesis in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana S Maldarine
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno D A Sanches
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vitória A Santos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rejane M Góes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patricia S L Vilamaior
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hernandes F Carvalho
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sebastião R Taboga
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
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Kuan KKW, Saunders PTK. Female Reproductive Systems: Hormone Dependence and Receptor Expression. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1390:21-39. [PMID: 36107311 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-11836-4_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The female reproductive system which consists of the ovaries, uterus (myometrium, endometrium), Fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina is exquisitely sensitive to the actions of steroid hormones. The ovaries play a key role in the synthesis of bioactive steroids (oestrogens, androgens, progestins) that act both within the tissue (intracrine/paracrine) as well as on other reproductive organs following release into the blood stream (endocrine action). Sex steroid receptors encoded by the oestrogen (ESR1, ESR2), progesterone (PR) and androgen (AR) receptor genes, which are members of the superfamily of ligand activated transcription factors are widely expressed within these tissues. These receptors play critical role(s) in regulation of cell proliferation, ovulation, endometrial receptivity, myometrial cell function and inflammatory cell infiltration. Our understanding of their importance has been informed by studies on human tissues and cells, which have employed immunohistochemistry as well as a wide range of molecular and genetic methods to identify which processes are dependent steroid ligand activation. The development of mice with targeted deletions of each of these receptors has provided complementary data that has extended our appreciation of cell-cell interactions in the fine tuning of reproductive tissue function. This large body of work has formed the basis of new and improved therapeutics to treat conditions such as infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K W Kuan
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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11
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Elia A, Georgiades P. Investigation of the pregnancy-induced muscle bundle dispersal of the inner myometrium of adult mouse uterus and its relationship to the metrial gland/MLAp. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 584:66-72. [PMID: 34768084 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.11.007] [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: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the adult uterus of mice, rats and humans, the initially closely packed muscle bundles of the inner myometrium (muscular tissue that encircles the endometrium where the conceptus implants) undergo a pregnancy-induced dispersal that is clinically significant and hypothesized to regulate important pregnancy events. However, where, when and how this dispersal occurs, what its functions are, as well as its spatial relationship to the mouse metrial gland/mesometrial lymphoid aggregate of pregnancy (MG/MLAp), are unknown. The MG/MLAp, is a pregnancy-induced uterine structure required for successful rodent pregnancy located mesometrial to (above) the decidua basalis (pregnancy-modified mesometrial endometrium) and defined by its accumulation of maternal lymphocytes known as uterine Natural Killer (uNK) cells. To begin to understand how mouse inner myometrium dispersal (IMD) occurs, we spatiotemporally described it by observing the distribution of its muscle bundles and measuring their volume fraction (VF), as well as the VF of uNKs and stromal cells of inner myometrium. We discovered that (a) IMD (defined as reduction in VF of inner myometrium muscle bundles) is restricted to the mesometrial half of the uterus, is first evident at Embryonic day (E) 5.5 (early postimplantation) but not at E3.5 (preimplantation), further increases between E6.5 and E7.5 and remains unchanged from E7.5 to E10.5, (b) IMD initiation (observed between E3.5 and E5.5) occurs in the absence of uNKs and is associated with VF increases of pre-existing inner myometrium stromal cells and (c) the IMD observed between E6.5 and E7.5 is not associated with VF increases of uNKs or stromal cells. To get functional clues about IMD, we examined whether stromal cells between the dispersed muscle bundles undergo decidualization (important for correct fetomaternal interactions) and provide evidence that they do by E10.5, based on their production of Desmin (decidualization marker). Lastly, we examined whether mouse MG/MLAp only comprises the dispersed inner myometrium or additionally includes the mesometrial triangle (a triangular-like area mesometrial to the inner myometrium at the mesometrium-uterus attachment site), as is the case in rats. Our data supports that the dispersed inner myometrium is the only tissue that makes up the mouse MG/MLAp. In conclusion, we provide novel cellular and spatiotemporal insights about IMD that will contribute to understanding its mechanism and function and allow more informed inter-species comparisons about this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artemis Elia
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 1 University Avenue, 2109, Aglandjia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pantelis Georgiades
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 1 University Avenue, 2109, Aglandjia, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Hosono T, Ono M, Daikoku T, Mieda M, Nomura S, Kagami K, Iizuka T, Nakata R, Fujiwara T, Fujiwara H, Ando H. Time-Restricted Feeding Regulates Circadian Rhythm of Murine Uterine Clock. Curr Dev Nutr 2021; 5:nzab064. [PMID: 33981944 PMCID: PMC8099714 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzab064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skipping breakfast is associated with dysmenorrhea in young women. This suggests that the delay of food intake in the active phase impairs uterine functions by interfering with circadian rhythms. OBJECTIVES To examine the relation between the delay of feeding and uterine circadian rhythms, we investigated the effects of the first meal occasion in the active phase on the uterine clock. METHODS Zeitgeber time (ZT) was defined as ZT0 (08:45) with lights on and ZT12 (20:45) with lights off. Young female mice (8 wk of age) were divided into 3 groups: group I (ad libitum consumption), group II (time-restricted feeding during ZT12-16, initial 4 h of the active period), and group III (time-restricted feeding during ZT20-24, last 4 h of the active period, a breakfast-skipping model). After 2 wk of dietary restriction, mice in each group were killed at 4-h intervals and the expression profiles of uterine clock genes, Bmal1 (brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like protein 1), Per1 (period circadian clock 1), Per2, and Cry1 (cryptochrome 1), were examined. RESULTS qPCR and western blot analyses demonstrated synchronized circadian clock gene expression within the uterus. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that BMAL1 protein expression was synchronized among the endometrium and myometrium. In groups I and II, mRNA expression of Bmal1 was elevated after ZT12 at the start of the active phase. In contrast, Bmal1 expression was elevated just after ZT20 in group III, showing that the uterine clock rhythm had shifted 8 h backward. The changes in BMAL1 protein expression were confirmed by western blot analysis. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to indicate that time-restricted feeding regulates a circadian rhythm of the uterine clock that is synchronized throughout the uterine body. These findings suggest that the uterine clock system is a new candidate to explain the etiology of breakfast skipping-induced uterine dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Hosono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Masanori Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takiko Daikoku
- Institute for Experimental Animals, Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Michihiro Mieda
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nomura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Kagami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Iizuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Rieko Nakata
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women's University, Nara, Japan
| | - Tomoko Fujiwara
- Department of Social Work and Life Design, Kyoto Notre Dame University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ando
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Function Analysis, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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