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Wang Y, Wen Y, Kim K, Wu H, Zhang J, Dobberfuhl AD, Chen B. Functional outcome of the anterior vaginal wall in a pelvic surgery injury rat model after treatment with stem cell-derived progenitors of smooth muscle cells. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4172308. [PMID: 38946968 PMCID: PMC11213168 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4172308/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Background Stem-cell-derived therapy is a promising option for tissue regeneration. Human iPSC-derived progenitors of smooth muscle cells (pSMCs) have limited proliferation and differentiation, which may minimize the risk of in vivo tumor formation while restoring smooth muscle cell deficiencies. Up to 30 % of women who suffer from recurrence of vaginal prolapse after prolapse surgery are faced with reoperation. Therefore, there is an unmet need for therapies that can restore vaginal tissue function. We hypothesize that human pSMCs can restore vaginal function in a vaginal-injury rat model. Methods Female immune-compromised RNU rats were divided into 5 groups: intact controls (n=12), VSHAM (surgery + saline injection, n=33), and cell-injection group (surgery + cell injection using three patient pSMCs lines, n=14/cell line). The surgery, similar to what is done in vaginal prolapse surgery, involved ovariectomy, urethrolysis, and vagina injury. The vagina, urethra, bladder dome and trigone were harvested 10 weeks after surgery (5 weeks after injection). Organ bath myography was performed to evaluate the contractile function of vagina, and smooth muscle thickness was examined by tissue immunohistochemistry. Collagen I, collagen III, and elastin mRNA and protein expressions in tissues were assessed. Results When compared to the VSHAM group, cell-injection groups showed significantly increased vaginal smooth muscle contractions induced by carbachol (groups A and C) and by KCl (group C), and significantly higher collagen I protein expression in the vagina (groups A and B). Elastin mRNA and protein expressions in the vagina did not correlate with injection group. In the urethra, mRNA expressions of collagen I, collagen III, and elastin were all significantly higher in the cell-injection groups compared to the VSHAM group. Collagen I protein expression of the urethra was also higher in the cell-injection group compared to the VSHAM group. Elastin protein expression in the urethra did not correlate with injection group. Conclusions Human iPSC-derived pSMCs improved contractile function of the post-surgery vagina. Additionally, pSMC injection modulated collagen I, collagen III and elastin mRNA and protein expressions in the vagina and urethra. These findings suggest that pSMCs may be a possible therapy for vaginal prolapse recurrence after surgical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yan Wen
- Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Kayla Kim
- Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Hugo Wu
- Stanford University School of Medicine
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Jennings CM, Markel AC, Domingo MJE, Miller KS, Bayer CL, Parekh SH. Collagen organization and structure in FBLN5-/- mice using label-free microscopy: implications for pelvic organ prolapse. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:2863-2875. [PMID: 38855688 PMCID: PMC11161343 DOI: 10.1364/boe.518976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a gynecological disorder described by the descent of superior pelvic organs into or out of the vagina as a consequence of disrupted muscles and tissue. A thorough understanding of the etiology of POP is limited by the availability of clinically relevant samples, restricting longitudinal POP studies on soft-tissue biomechanics and structure to POP-induced models such as fibulin-5 knockout (FBLN5-/- ) mice. Despite being a principal constituent in the extracellular matrix, little is known about structural perturbations to collagen networks in the FBLN5-/- mouse cervix. We identify significantly different collagen network populations in normal and prolapsed cervical cross-sections using two label-free, nonlinear microscopy techniques. Collagen in the prolapsed mouse cervix tends to be more isotropic, and displays reduced alignment persistence via 2-D Fourier transform analysis of images acquired using second harmonic generation microscopy. Furthermore, coherent Raman hyperspectral imaging revealed elevated disorder in the secondary structure of collagen in prolapsed tissues. Our results underscore the need for in situ multimodal monitoring of collagen organization to improve POP predictive capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian M Jennings
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew C Markel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Lousiana, USA
| | - Mari J E Domingo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Kristin S Miller
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Carolyn L Bayer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Lousiana, USA
| | - Sapun H Parekh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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Wu X, Zhang F, Mao X, Xu F, Ding X, Sun X, Wang J. The mechanism of adipose mesenchymal stem cells to stabilize the immune microenvironment of pelvic floor injury by regulating pyroptosis and promoting tissue repair. Mater Today Bio 2024; 24:100910. [PMID: 38204481 PMCID: PMC10776425 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) has a high incidence rate among Chinese women. Repeated mechanical stimulation is an important factor causing POP, but the injury mechanism has not yet been elucidated. The purpose of this study is to explore the related mechanisms of pelvic floor supporting tissue damage caused by mechanical force and the application of stem cell therapy. First, we obtained vaginal wall and sacral ligament tissue samples from clinical patients for examination. Pelvic floor support tissues of POP patients displayed high expression of inflammation and immune disorders. Then, we constructed a rat model of childbirth injury. In vivo and in vitro experiments investigated the key mechanism of pelvic floor support tissue injury caused by mechanical force. We discovered that after mechanical force, a large number of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and macrophages rapidly accumulated in pelvic floor tissues. ROS stimulated macrophages to produce NLRP3 inflammatory complex, induced the release of interleukin (IL-1β) and pyroptosis and exacerbated the inflammatory state of damaged tissues, persisting chronic inflammation of fibroblasts in supporting tissues, thus causing the pelvic floor's extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen metabolic disorder. Resultingly impeding the repair process, thereby causing the onset and progression of the disease. Through their paracrine ability, we discovered that adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) could inhibit this series of pathological processes and promote tissue repair, asserting a good therapeutic effect. Simultaneously, to overcome the low cell survival rate and poor therapeutic effect of directly injecting cells, we developed a ROS-responsive PVA@COLI hydrogel with ADSCs. The ROS-scavenging properties of the gel could reshape the site of inflammation injury, enhance cell survival, and play a role in subsequent treatment. The findings of this study could serve as a basis for early, targeted intervention therapy for POP and representing a promising approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders, 100044, Beijing, China
| | - Fengshi Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Mao
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Fujian Xu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaokang Ding
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuli Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders, 100044, Beijing, China
| | - Jianliu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders, 100044, Beijing, China
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Zhang R, Li Y, Zhang J. Molecular mechanisms of pelvic organ prolapse influenced by FBLN5 via FOSL1/miR-222/MEIS1/COL3A1 axis. Cell Signal 2024; 114:111000. [PMID: 38056607 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.111000] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
This study delves into the role of FBLN5 in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and its molecular mechanisms, focusing on the FOSL1/miR-222/MEIS1/COL3A1 axis. Gene relationships linked to POP were confirmed using bioinformatics databases like GEO and StarBase. Primary human uterosacral ligament fibroblasts (hUSLF) were extracted and subjected to mechanical stretching. Cellular cytoskeletal changes were examined via phalloidin staining, intracellular ROS levels with a ROS kit, cell apoptosis through flow cytometry, and cell senescence using β-galactosidase staining. FBLN5's downstream targets were identified, and the interaction between FOSL1 and miR-222 and miR-222 and MEIS1 were validated using assays. In rat models, the role of FBLN5 in POP was assessed using bladder pressure tests. Results indicated diminished FBLN5 expression in uterine prolapse. Enhanced FBLN5 countered mechanical damage in hUSLF cells by downregulating FOSL1. FOSL1 augmented miR-222, inhibiting MEIS1, which subsequently fostered COL3A1 transcription. In rat models, the absence of FBLN5 exacerbated POP by influencing the FOSL1/miR-222/MEIS1/COL3A1 pathway. FBLN5's protective role likely involves regulating the above axis and boosting COL3A1 expression. Further research is needed to validate the effectiveness and safety of this mechanism in human patients and to propose potential new treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, PR China
| | - Ya Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, PR China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, PR China.
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Jennings CM, Markel AC, Domingo MJ, Miller KS, Bayer CL, Parekh SH. Collagen organization and structure in FLBN5-/- mice using label-free microscopy: implications for pelvic organ prolapse. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.31.578106. [PMID: 38352586 PMCID: PMC10862878 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.31.578106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a gynecological disorder described by the descent of superior pelvic organs into or out of the vagina as a consequence of disrupted muscles and tissue. A thorough understanding of the etiology of POP is limited by the availability of clinically relevant samples, restricting longitudinal POP studies on soft-tissue biomechanics and structure to POP-induced models such as fibulin-5 knockout (FBLN5-/-) mice. Despite being a principal constituent in the extracellular matrix, little is known about structural perturbations to collagen networks in the FBLN5-/- mouse cervix. We identify significantly different collagen network populations in normal and prolapsed cervical cross-sections using two label-free, nonlinear microscopy techniques. Collagen in the prolapsed mouse cervix tends to be more isotropic, and displays reduced alignment persistence via 2-D Fourier Transform analysis of images acquired using second harmonic generation microscopy. Furthermore, coherent Raman hyperspectral imaging revealed elevated disorder in the secondary structure of collagen in prolapsed tissues. Our results underscore the need for in situ multimodal monitoring of collagen organization to improve POP predictive capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian M. Jennings
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Andrew C. Markel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Mari J.E. Domingo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Kristin S. Miller
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Carolyn L. Bayer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Sapun H. Parekh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Buchanan LM, Domingo MJ, White SE, Vanoven TN, Karbasion N, Bersi MR, Pence IJ, Florian-Rodriguez M, Miller KS. Advances in vaginal bioengineering: Applications, techniques, and needs. Curr Res Physiol 2023; 6:100111. [PMID: 38107786 PMCID: PMC10724214 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphys.2023.100111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lily M. Buchanan
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Bioengineering, 800 W. Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Mari J.E. Domingo
- Tulane University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 6823 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Shelby E. White
- Tulane University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 6823 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Triniti N. Vanoven
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Bioengineering, 800 W. Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Niyousha Karbasion
- Washington University at St. Louis, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, 1 Brookings Dr, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Matthew R. Bersi
- Washington University at St. Louis, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, 1 Brookings Dr, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Isaac J. Pence
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Bioengineering, 800 W. Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Maria Florian-Rodriguez
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Kristin S. Miller
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Bioengineering, 800 W. Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 800 W. Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
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White SE, Kiley JX, Visniauskas B, Lindsey SH, Miller KS. Biaxial Murine Vaginal Remodeling With Reproductive Aging. J Biomech Eng 2022; 144:061010. [PMID: 35425969 PMCID: PMC10782864 DOI: 10.1115/1.4054362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Higher reproductive age is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and severe vaginal tearing during delivery. Further, menopause is associated with vaginal stiffening. However, the mechanical properties of the vagina during reproductive aging before the onset of menopause are unknown. Therefore, the first objective of this study was to quantify the biaxial mechanical properties of the nulliparous murine vagina with reproductive aging. Menopause is further associated with a decrease in elastic fiber content, which may contribute to vaginal stiffening. Hence, our second objective was to determine the effect of elastic fiber disruption on the biaxial vaginal mechanical properties. To accomplish this, vaginal samples from CD-1 mice aged 2-14 months underwent extension-inflation testing protocols (n = 64 total; n = 16/age group). Then, half of the samples were randomly allocated to undergo elastic fiber fragmentation via elastase digestion (n = 32 total; 8/age group) to evaluate the role of elastic fibers. The material stiffness increased with reproductive age in both the circumferential and axial directions within the control and elastase-treated vaginas. The vagina demonstrated anisotropic mechanical behavior, and anisotropy increased with age. In summary, vaginal remodeling with reproductive age included increased direction-dependent material stiffness, which further increased following elastic fiber disruption. Further work is needed to quantify vaginal remodeling during pregnancy and postpartum with reproductive aging to better understand how age-related vaginal remodeling may contribute to an increased risk of vaginal tearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby E. White
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, 6823 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
| | - Jasmine X. Kiley
- Department of Biology, Tulane University, 6823 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
| | - Bruna Visniauskas
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
| | - Sarah H. Lindsey
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
| | - Kristin S. Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, 6823 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
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