1
|
Knez J, Kovačič B, Goropevšek A. The role of regulatory T-cells in the development of endometriosis. Hum Reprod 2024:deae103. [PMID: 38756099 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a benign disease of the female reproductive tract, characterized by the process of chronic inflammation and alterations in immune response. It is estimated to affect 2-19% of women in the general population and is commonly associated with symptoms of chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Regulatory T cells (Treg) are a subpopulation of T lymphocytes that are potent suppressors of inflammatory immune response, essential in preventing destructive immunity in all tissues. In endometriosis, several studies have investigated the possible role of Treg cells in the development of the disease. Most studies to date are heterogeneous in methodology and are based on a small number of cases, which means that it is impossible to define their exact role at present. Based on current knowledge, it seems that disturbed Treg homeostasis, leading to increased systemic and local inflammation within ectopic and eutopic endometrium, is present in women who eventually develop endometriosis. It is also evident that different subsets of human Treg cells have different roles in suppressing the immune response. Recent studies in patients with endometriosis have investigated naive/resting FOXP3lowCD45RA+ Treg cells, which upon T cell receptor stimulation, differentiate into activated/effector FOXP3highCD45RA- Treg cells, characterized by a strong immunosuppressive activity. In addition, critical factors controlling expression of Treg/effector genes, including reactive oxygen species and heme-responsive master transcription factor BACH2, were found to be upregulated in endometriotic lesions. As shown recently for cancer microenvironments, microbial inflammation may also contribute to the local composition of FOXP3+ subpopulations in endometriotic lesions. Furthermore, cytokines, such as IL-7, which control the homeostasis of Treg subsets through the tyrosine phosphorylation STAT5 signalling pathway, have also been shown to be dysregulated. To better understand the role of Treg in the development of endometriosis, future studies should use clear definitions of Tregs along with specific characterization of the non-Treg (FOXP3lowCD45RA-) fraction, which itself is a mixture of follicular Tregs and cells producing inflammatory cytokines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jure Knez
- Clinic for Gynaecology, Department for Gynaecological Oncology, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Borut Kovačič
- Clinic for Gynaecology, Department for Reproductive Medicine, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Aleš Goropevšek
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tang T, Zhong Y, Xu S, Yu H. Causal effects of endometriosis on SLE, RA and SS risk: evidence from meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:162. [PMID: 38395801 PMCID: PMC10885476 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06347-9] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is an underdiagnosed disorder that affects an estimated 6-10% of women of reproductive age. Endometriosis has been reported in epidemiological studies to be associated with autoimmune diseases. However, the relationship remains controversial. METHODS A meta-analysis of observational studies was undertaken to evaluate the risk of autoimmune diseases in patients with endometriosis. The relevant studies were retrieved via the databases Medline, Embase and Web of Science until July 20, 2023. Mendelian randomization (MR) was subsequently utilized to scrutinize the causal influence of genetic predisposition toward endometriosis on three autoimmune diseases. RESULTS The meta-analysis findings revealed a relationship between endometriosis and the onset of SLE (cohort studies: RR = 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.47-2.13, I2 = 0%; Case-control and cross-sectional studies: OR = 5.23, 95% CI: 0.74-36.98, I2 = 98%), RA (cohort studies: RR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.85-2.55, I2 = 92%; Case-control and cross-sectional studies: OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.19-1.64, I2 = 0%) and SS (cohort studies: RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.34-1.66, I2 = 0%). Similarly, in our MR study, the results of the inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) model suggested that genetic predisposition to endometriosis was causally associated with an increased risk for SLE (OR = 1.915, 95% CI: 1.204-3.045, p = 0.006) and RA (OR = 1.005, 95% CI: 1.001-1.009, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS Both our meta-analysis and MR study indicate that endometriosis increases the risk of autoimmune diseases. These findings not only broaden our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying the comorbidity of endometriosis and autoimmune diseases, but also offer a new strategy for autoimmune disease prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianyou Tang
- Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Yi Zhong
- Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sipei Xu
- The First Medicine College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huilin Yu
- The Second Medicine College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Menzhinskaya IV, Pavlovich SV, Melkumyan AG, Chuprynin VD, Yarotskaya EL, Sukhikh GT. Potential Significance of Serum Autoantibodies to Endometrial Antigens, α-Enolase and Hormones in Non-Invasive Diagnosis and Pathogenesis of Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15578. [PMID: 37958566 PMCID: PMC10649774 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of the study was to evaluate the profile of serum autoantibodies and their diagnostic and pathogenetic significance in ovarian endometrioma (OEM) and deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE). The study enrolled 74 patients with endometriosis (Group 1), including 53 patients with OEM (Subgroup 1a); 21 patients with DIE without ovarian lesions (Subgroup 1b); and 27 patients without endometriosis (Group 2). The diagnosis was confirmed by laparoscopic surgery and histologic examination of resected tissues. Antibodies (M, G) to tropomyosin 3 (TPM), tropomodulin 3 (TMOD), α-enolase (ENO), estradiol (E2), progesterone (PG), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were identified in blood serum using modified ELISA. In endometriosis, antibodies to endometrial antigens, hormones, and ENO were detected more often than antiphospholipid and antinuclear antibodies. Higher levels of IgM to TPM, hCG, E2, and PG and IgG to TMOD, ENO, E2, and hCG were found in Subgroup 1a compared to Group 2. IgM to TPM, hCG, E2, PG, and IgG to E2 and ENO had a high diagnostic value for OEM (AUC > 0.7), with antibodies to TPM having the highest sensitivity and specificity (73.6% and 81.5%). In Subgroup 1b, only the levels of IgM to TPM and hCG were higher than in Group 2. These antibodies had a high diagnostic value for DIE. Thus, endometriosis is associated with autoantibodies to endometrial antigens, α-enolase, steroid, and gonadotropic hormones. A wider spectrum of antibodies is detected in OEM than in DIE. These antibodies have a high diagnostic value for OEM and DIE and potential pathogenetic significance for endometriosis and associated infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina V. Menzhinskaya
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Stanislav V. Pavlovich
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology and Reproductology, Institute of Professional Education, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 119048 Moscow, Russia
| | - Arika G. Melkumyan
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir D. Chuprynin
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina L. Yarotskaya
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennady T. Sukhikh
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology and Reproductology, Institute of Professional Education, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 119048 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
McGrath IM, Montgomery GW, Mortlock S. Insights from Mendelian randomization and genetic correlation analyses into the relationship between endometriosis and its comorbidities. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:655-674. [PMID: 37159502 PMCID: PMC10477944 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis remains a poorly understood disease, despite its high prevalence and debilitating symptoms. The overlap in symptoms and the increased risk of multiple other traits in women with endometriosis is becoming increasingly apparent through epidemiological data. Genetic studies offer a method of investigating these comorbid relationships through the assessment of causal relationships with Mendelian randomization (MR), as well as identification of shared genetic variants and genes involved across traits. This has the capacity to identify risk factors for endometriosis as well as provide insight into the aetiology of disease. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We aim to review the current literature assessing the relationship between endometriosis and other traits using genomic data, primarily through the methods of MR and genetic correlation. We critically examine the limitations of these studies in accordance with the assumptions of the utilized methods. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed database was used to search for peer-reviewed original research articles using the terms 'Mendelian randomization endometriosis' and '"genetic correlation" endometriosis'. Additionally, a Google Scholar search using the terms '"endometriosis" "mendelian randomization" "genetic correlation"' was performed. All relevant publications (n = 21) published up until 7 October 2022 were included in this review. Upon compilation of all traits with published MR and/or genetic correlation with endometriosis, additional epidemiological and genetic information on their comorbidity with endometriosis was sourced by searching for the trait in conjunction with 'endometriosis' on Google Scholar. OUTCOMES The association between endometriosis and multiple pain, gynaecological, cancer, inflammatory, gastrointestinal, psychological, and anthropometric traits has been assessed using MR analysis and genetic correlation analysis. Genetic correlation analyses provide evidence that genetic factors contributing to endometriosis are shared with multiple traits: migraine, uterine fibroids, subtypes of ovarian cancer, melanoma, asthma, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, gastritis/duodenitis, and depression, suggesting the involvement of multiple biological mechanisms in endometriosis. The assessment of causality with MR has revealed several potential causes (e.g. depression) and outcomes (e.g. ovarian cancer and uterine fibroids) of a genetic predisposition to endometriosis; however, interpretation of these results requires consideration of potential violations of the MR assumptions. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Genomic studies have demonstrated that there is a molecular basis for the co-occurrence of endometriosis with other traits. Dissection of this overlap has identified shared genes and pathways, which provide insight into the biology of endometriosis. Thoughtful MR studies are necessary to ascertain causality of the comorbidities of endometriosis. Given the significant diagnostic delay of endometriosis of 7-11 years, determining risk factors is necessary to aid diagnosis and reduce the disease burden. Identification of traits for which endometriosis is a risk factor is important for holistic treatment and counselling of the patient. The use of genomic data to disentangle the overlap of endometriosis with other traits has provided insights into the aetiology of endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle M McGrath
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Grant W Montgomery
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sally Mortlock
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Salmeri N, Sinagra E, Dolci C, Buzzaccarini G, Sozzi G, Sutera M, Candiani M, Ungaro F, Massimino L, Danese S, Mandarino FV. Microbiota in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Endometriosis: Birds of a Feather Flock Together-A Review. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2089. [PMID: 37630649 PMCID: PMC10458414 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are chronic conditions affecting up to 10% of the global population, imposing significant burdens on healthcare systems and patient quality of life. Interestingly, around 20% of endometriosis patients also present with symptoms indicative of IBS. The pathogenesis of both these multifactorial conditions remains to be fully elucidated, but connections to gut microbiota are becoming more apparent. Emerging research underscores significant differences in the gut microbiota composition between healthy individuals and those suffering from either endometriosis or IBS. Intestinal dysbiosis appears pivotal in both conditions, exerting an influence via similar mechanisms. It impacts intestinal permeability, triggers inflammatory reactions, and initiates immune responses. Furthermore, it is entwined in a bidirectional relationship with the brain, as part of the gut-brain axis, whereby dysbiosis influences and is influenced by mental health and pain perception. Recent years have witnessed the development of microbiota-focused therapies, such as low FODMAP diets, prebiotics, probiotics, antibiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, designed to tackle dysbiosis and relieve symptoms. While promising, these treatments present inconsistent data, highlighting the need for further research. This review explores the evidence of gut dysbiosis in IBS and endometriosis, underscoring the similar role of microbiota in both conditions. A deeper understanding of this common mechanism may enable enhanced diagnostics and therapeutic advancements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Salmeri
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (C.D.); (G.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Emanuele Sinagra
- Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy;
| | - Carolina Dolci
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (C.D.); (G.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Giovanni Buzzaccarini
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (C.D.); (G.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Giulio Sozzi
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy; (G.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Miriam Sutera
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy; (G.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Massimo Candiani
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (C.D.); (G.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Federica Ungaro
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (F.U.); (L.M.); (S.D.); (F.V.M.)
| | - Luca Massimino
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (F.U.); (L.M.); (S.D.); (F.V.M.)
| | - Silvio Danese
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (F.U.); (L.M.); (S.D.); (F.V.M.)
| | - Francesco Vito Mandarino
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (F.U.); (L.M.); (S.D.); (F.V.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Şerifoğlu H, Arinkan SA, Pasin O, Vural F. Is there an association between endometriosis and thyroid autoimmunity? REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2023; 69:e20221679. [PMID: 37255083 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20221679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It has been suggested that non-uterine endometrial implants can express thyroid-stimulating hormone receptors, thus inducing the formation of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin. We aimed to compare the autoantibody positivity in patients with and without endometriosis and to determine whether there is a difference in the incidence of thyroid diseases. METHODS This prospective observational study was conducted on 102 women who had been operated on for benign gynecological diseases. Cases enrolling in the study were divided into two groups: the study group with endometriosis (n=51) and the control group without endometriosis (n=51). The blood tests for thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin, and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody levels were checked. RESULTS The mean thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin level was found to be higher in the endometriosis group than in the control group. However, this difference was not statistically significant. No significant difference was detected between endometriosis and control groups in terms of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. The mean fT4 value (0.97±0.13 ng/dL) of the endometriosis patients was found to be significantly lower than the control group (1.08±0.21 ng/dL) (p=0.002; p<0.05). The mean anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody value of cases with bilateral endometrioma (82.21±252.29 IU/mL) was significantly higher than cases with unilateral endometrioma (15.81±83.13 IU/mL) (p=0.028; p<0.05). There is a positive and significant relationship between the size of endometriosis and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody values (p=0.011; p<0.05). CONCLUSION This study points to an association between endometrioma diameter and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody values which can be a stepping stone for new studies evaluating this hypothesis further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hilal Şerifoğlu
- University of Health Sciences, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevcan Arzu Arinkan
- Central Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Ozge Pasin
- Bezmialem University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics - Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fisun Vural
- University of Health Sciences, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Salmeri N, Li Piani L, Cavoretto PI, Somigliana E, Viganò P, Candiani M. Endometriosis increases the risk of gestational diabetes: a meta-analysis stratified by mode of conception, disease localization and severity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8099. [PMID: 37208452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35236-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
To review the current evidence on the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women with endometriosis, taking into account relevant confounders such as the higher frequency of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) conceptions. Database searches on PubMed, Medline, Embase and Scopus through June 2022, using combinations of relevant keywords. A total of 18 studies, involving N = 4,600,885 women, were included. The overall risk of GDM in endometriosis patients was significantly higher than in controls (OR, 1.23; 95% CI 1.07-1.51). This significant association persisted in natural pregnancies (OR, 1.08; 95% CI 1.04-1.12) but not in pregnancies conceived through ART (OR, 0.93;95% CI 0.70-1.24). Based on the limited number of studies that examined this association in relation to endometriosis phenotype, an increased risk was found in more severe stages (OR, 3.20; 95% CI 1.20-8.54) but independently from localization of the lesions. Endometriosis increases the risk of GDM, with a possible progressive effect in more advanced stages of the disease. Although the effect magnitude may be limited in some subgroups, this finding has a clinically relevant impact due to both the strong biological plausibility and to the relatively high incidence of both endometriosis and GDM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Salmeri
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Li Piani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ivo Cavoretto
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via M. Fanti 6, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Viganò
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via M. Fanti 6, 20122, Milan, Italy.
| | - Massimo Candiani
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Salmeri N, Gennarelli G, Vanni VS, Ferrari S, Ruffa A, Rovere-Querini P, Pagliardini L, Candiani M, Papaleo E. Concomitant Autoimmunity in Endometriosis Impairs Endometrium-Embryo Crosstalk at the Implantation Site: A Multicenter Case-Control Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12103557. [PMID: 37240662 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12103557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis and autoimmune diseases share a hyper-inflammatory state that might negatively impact the embryo-endometrium crosstalk. Inflammatory and immune deregulatory mechanisms have been shown to impair both endometrial receptivity and embryo competence at the implantation site. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential additional impact of co-existing autoimmunity in women affected by endometriosis on the early stages of reproduction. This was a retrospective, multicenter case-control study enrolling N = 600 women with endometriosis who underwent in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer cycles between 2007 and 2021. Cases were women with endometriosis and concomitant autoimmunity matched based on age and body mass index to controls with endometriosis only in a 1:3 ratio. The primary outcome was the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (cCPR). The study found significantly lower cleavage (p = 0.042) and implantation (p = 0.029) rates among cases. Autoimmunity (p = 0.018), age (p = 0.007), and expected poor response (p = 0.014) were significant negative predictors of cCPR, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.54 (95% CI, 0.33-0.90) for autoimmunity. These results suggest that the presence of concomitant autoimmunity in endometriosis has a significant additive negative impact on embryo implantation. This effect might be due to several immunological and inflammatory mechanisms that interfere with both endometrial receptivity and embryo development and deserves further consideration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Salmeri
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gennarelli
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Valeria Stella Vanni
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ruffa
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Patrizia Rovere-Querini
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Pagliardini
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Massimo Candiani
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Papaleo
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Coloma JL, Martínez-Zamora, Tàssies D, Reverter JC, Espinosa G, Cervera R, Carmona F. Serological autoimmune profile of systemic lupus erythematosus in deep and non-deep endometriosis patients. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 156:103827. [PMID: 36773494 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several studies have reported a high prevalence of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in endometriosis patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the SLE autoimmune antibody profile in patients with deep (DE) and non-deep endometriosis (Non-DE). MATERIALS AND METHODS Four groups of premenopausal patients were evaluated: patients with DE (n = 50); patients with ovarian endometriomas (Non-DE; n = 50); healthy patients without endometriosis (C group; n = 45); and SLE patients without endometriosis (SLE group; N = 46). Blood samples were obtained and the standard SLE autoimmune profile was evaluated in all patients. Pain symptoms related to endometriosis and clinical SLE manifestations were also recorded. RESULTS The DE group presented a statistically significant higher proportion of patients with antinuclear antibodies (ANA) (20%) compared to the Non-DE group (4%) and C group (2.2%). Levels of complement were more frequently lower among DE and Non-DE patients although differences did not reach statistical significance. Similarly, anti-dsDNA antibodies and anticoagulant lupus were positive in more patients of the DE group but did not reach statistical significance. The DE group complained of more arthralgia and asthenia compared to the Non-DE and C groups. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study showed higher positivity of ANA and greater arthralgia and asthenia in patients with DE compared with Non-DE patients and healthy controls, suggesting that they may have a higher susceptibility to autoimmune diseases and present more generalized pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J L Coloma
- Department of Gynaecology, Institut Clínic of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Faculty of Medicine-University of Barcelona, Institut d´Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Martínez-Zamora
- Department of Gynaecology, Institut Clínic of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Faculty of Medicine-University of Barcelona, Institut d´Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - D Tàssies
- Department of Hemotherapy and Hemostasis, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - J C Reverter
- Department of Hemotherapy and Hemostasis, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Espinosa
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Cervera
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Carmona
- Department of Gynaecology, Institut Clínic of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Faculty of Medicine-University of Barcelona, Institut d´Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gajbhiye RK. Endometriosis and inflammatory immune responses: Indian experience. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13590. [PMID: 35751585 PMCID: PMC7615030 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a public health disorder affecting ∼ 247 million women globally and ∼ 42 million women in India. Women with endometriosis suffer from dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, dyschezia, fatigue, depression, and infertility leading to significant socioeconomic impact and morbidity. The etiology of endometriosis is not understood well even after 100 years of research. Currently, there is no permanent cure for endometriosis. The inflammatory immune response is one of the important features of etiopathogenesis of endometriosis and therefore understanding the inflammatory immune response would lead to a better understanding of this enigmatic disorder and may also lead to biomarker discovery for diagnosis of endometriosis. We investigated the autoimmune etiology of endometriosis in the Indian population. Using the proteomics approach, anti-endometrial antibodies (AEAs) were detected in Indian women with endometriosis [anti-endometrial antibodies - tropomyosin 3 (TPM3), stomatin-like protein2 (SLP-2), and tropomodulin 3 (TMOD3)]. The studies on AEAs provided a better understanding of autoimmune mechanisms in endometriosis. All three subtypes of endometriosis; superficial peritoneal, ovarian endometrioma, and deep infiltrating endometriosis were reported in Indian women. In this review, we discuss our experiences of the inflammatory immune response, autoimmunity, comorbidities, and clinical phenotypes in women with endometriosis in India.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul K Gajbhiye
- Clinical Research Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Falasinnu T, Nguyen T, Jiang TE, Chaichian Y, Rector A, Darnall BD, Mackey S, Simard JF. The Problem of Pain in Rheumatology: Clinical Profiles Associated With Concomitant Diagnoses With Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions. ACR Open Rheumatol 2022; 4:890-896. [PMID: 35872631 PMCID: PMC9555198 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The chronification of pain is heterogeneous in rheumatology. Chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) such as fibromyalgia, endometriosis, migraine, and back pain may co-occur with one another and in rheumatic diseases. We describe the sociodemographic and clinical profiles associated with concomitant COPCs among patients with rheumatic diseases. METHODS We retrospectively identified patients visiting rheumatology clinics at a single institution from 2010 to 2020 for five common rheumatic conditions: psoriatic arthritis (PsA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren syndrome (SjS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and systemic sclerosis (SSc). We compared sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors by rheumatic condition and by COPC status. We also report sex-stratified diagnosis of COPCs. The primary outcome was diagnostic validation of one or more COPCs. RESULTS We identified 5992 rheumatology patients: 846 with PsA, 2605 with RA, 956 with SjS, 975 with SLE, and 610 with SSc. Approximately 36-62% of patients had a concomitant COPC diagnosis. Patients with SjS had the highest prevalence (62%). Diagnosis of one or more COPCs was highest among Black patients and lowest among Asian patients. Patients using public insurance had a higher prevalence of one or more COPCs compared with those with private insurance. Patients with one or more COPCs had more depression and anxiety and more frequent emergency department visits, surgeries, and hospitalizations. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that COPCs are strikingly common among patients with rheumatic disease and are associated with lower quality of life and greater health care needs. Future research may elucidate drivers of chronic pain and how to best address the unique analgesic needs of this multimorbid population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thy Nguyen
- Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordCalifornia
| | | | | | - Amadeia Rector
- Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordCalifornia
| | | | - Sean Mackey
- Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordCalifornia
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Szukiewicz D. Epigenetic regulation and T-cell responses in endometriosis – something other than autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:943839. [PMID: 35935991 PMCID: PMC9355085 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.943839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-like glands and stroma located outside the uterine cavity. This common, estrogen dependent, inflammatory condition affects up to 15% of reproductive-aged women and is a well-recognized cause of chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Despite the still unknown etiology of endometriosis, much evidence suggests the participation of epigenetic mechanisms in the disease etiopathogenesis. The main rationale is based on the fact that heritable phenotype changes that do not involve alterations in the DNA sequence are common triggers for hormonal, immunological, and inflammatory disorders, which play a key role in the formation of endometriotic foci. Epigenetic mechanisms regulating T-cell responses, including DNA methylation and posttranslational histone modifications, deserve attention because tissue-resident T lymphocytes work in concert with organ structural cells to generate appropriate immune responses and are functionally shaped by organ-specific environmental conditions. Thus, a failure to precisely regulate immune cell transcription may result in compromised immunological integrity of the organ with an increased risk of inflammatory disorders. The coexistence of endometriosis and autoimmunity is a well-known occurrence. Recent research results indicate regulatory T-cell (Treg) alterations in endometriosis, and an increased number of highly active Tregs and macrophages have been found in peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis. Elimination of the regulatory function of T cells and an imbalance between T helper cells of the Th1 and Th2 types have been reported in the endometria of women with endometriosis-associated infertility. This review aims to present the state of the art in recognition epigenetic reprogramming of T cells as the key factor in the pathophysiology of endometriosis in the context of T-cell-related autoimmunity. The new potential therapeutic approaches based on epigenetic modulation and/or adoptive transfer of T cells will also be outlined.
Collapse
|
13
|
'Guess who'? An Italian multicentric study on pigmentation traits prevalence in endometriosis localizations. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 274:5-12. [PMID: 35561567 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous evidence seems to support the more common presence of certain pigmentation types in women with endometriosis. The aim of this study was to assess the association of certain somatic phenotypes with specific localizations of the disease. The genetic makeup of those somatic traits may will help in better define the disease pathogenesis. STUDY DESIGN Multicentric, retrospective study of women aged 18 to 45 with histologically confirmed endometriosis. 575 patients were recruited at eleven different Italian endometriosis clinics from March 2015 to January 2021. Data regarding clinical and surgical features were recorded following the self-administered endometriosis patient questionnaire and the surgical standard of reports approved by the World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF). Pigmentation types/somatic phenotypes frequencies among endometriosis localizations were reported. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine somatic types independently associated with disease' localizations. RESULTS Having green eyes increased by ∼4 folds (OR 3.7; 95% CI: 1.42-9.61; p = 0.007) the risk of having a ureteral nodule, whereas brown/black eyes decreased this risk (OR 0.34; 95% CI: 0.13-0.87; p = 0.025). Consistently, the combination of green eyes and blonde/light brown hairs increased the odds of ureteral endometriosis by more than 5 folds (OR 5.40; 95%CI: 2.02-14.49; p = 0.001), even after correction for anthropometric confounders (aOR 5.85; 95% CI: 2.13-16.09; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The association between endometriosis and pigmentary traits has been herein confirmed, with the novel finding of the possible predisposition of ureteral endometriosis in patients with green eyes and blonde/light brown hairs. Further investigation on the genetic makeup of somatic traits may provide new inroads also into the molecular aspects of endometriosis leading to a better understanding of this complex disease.
Collapse
|
14
|
Vallvé-Juanico J, George AF, Sen S, Thomas R, Shin MG, Kushnoor D, Vásquez JJ, Vo KC, Irwin JC, Roan NR, Combes AJ, Giudice LC. Deep immunophenotyping reveals endometriosis is marked by dysregulation of the mononuclear phagocytic system in endometrium and peripheral blood. BMC Med 2022; 20:158. [PMID: 35421980 PMCID: PMC9011995 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02359-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent disorder where inflammation contributes to disease-associated symptoms of pelvic pain and infertility. Immune dysfunction includes insufficient immune lesion clearance, a pro-inflammatory endometrial environment, and systemic inflammation. Comprehensive understanding of endometriosis immune pathophysiology in different hormonal milieu and disease severity has been hampered by limited direct characterization of immune populations in endometrium, blood, and lesions. Simultaneous deep phenotyping at single-cell resolution of complex tissues has transformed our understanding of the immune system and its role in many diseases. Herein, we report mass cytometry and high dimensional analyses to study immune cell phenotypes, abundance, activation states, and functions in endometrium and blood of women with and without endometriosis in different cycle phases and disease stages. METHODS A case-control study was designed. Endometrial biopsies and blood (n = 60 total) were obtained from women with (n = 20, n = 17, respectively) and without (n = 14, n = 9) endometriosis in the proliferative and secretory cycle phases of the menstrual cycle. Two mass cytometry panels were designed: one broad panel and one specific for mononuclear phagocytic cells (MPC), and all samples were multiplexed to characterize both endometrium and blood immune composition at unprecedented resolution. We combined supervised and unsupervised analyses to finely define the immune cell subsets with an emphasis on MPC. Then, association between cell types, protein expression, disease status, and cycle phase were performed. RESULTS The broad panel highlighted a significant modification of MPC in endometriosis; thus, they were studied in detail with an MPC-focused panel. Endometrial CD91+ macrophages overexpressed SIRPα (phagocytosis inhibitor) and CD64 (associated with inflammation) in endometriosis, and they were more abundant in mild versus severe disease. In blood, classical and intermediate monocytes were less abundant in endometriosis, whereas plasmacytoid dendritic cells and non-classical monocytes were more abundant. Non-classical monocytes were higher in severe versus mild disease. CONCLUSIONS A greater inflammatory phenotype and decreased phagocytic capacity of endometrial macrophages in endometriosis are consistent with defective clearance of endometrial cells shed during menses and in tissue homeostasis, with implications in endometriosis pathogenesis and pathophysiology. Different proportions of monocytes and plasmacytoid dendritic cells in blood from endometriosis suggest systemically aberrant functionality of the myeloid system opening new venues for the study of biomarkers and therapies for endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Vallvé-Juanico
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
- Bioliquid Innovative Genetics S.L., Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ashley F. George
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA USA
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Sushmita Sen
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
- San Jose State University, San Jose, CA USA
| | - Reuben Thomas
- Bioinformatic Core Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Min-Gyoung Shin
- Bioinformatic Core Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Divyashree Kushnoor
- UCSF CoLabs, University of California of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
- ImmunoX initiative, University of California of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Joshua J. Vásquez
- Department of Medicine, University of California of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Kim Chi Vo
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Juan C. Irwin
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Nadia R. Roan
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA USA
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Alexis J. Combes
- UCSF CoLabs, University of California of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
- ImmunoX initiative, University of California of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Linda C. Giudice
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Maksym RB, Hoffmann-Młodzianowska M, Skibińska M, Rabijewski M, Mackiewicz A, Kieda C. Immunology and Immunotherapy of Endometriosis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10245879. [PMID: 34945174 PMCID: PMC8708975 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10245879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological and systemic diseases, with a remarkable immune background. Patients suffer from pain and fertility reduction. Due to the distinct immune component, an immunotherapeutic approach may gain importance in the future. In endometriosis, shifts in the cell fractions of the immune system are well known. Moreover, hypoxia concomitant with inflammation causes a disturbed immune response. The removal of endometriosis has a therapeutic effect, normalizes the immune disorders, and remains the most effective causative treatment in terms of pain and infertility. A key issue is whether a similar effect can be achieved for fertility with non-invasive immunotherapy where surgery is inadvisable or cannot be performed for various reasons. Numerous immunotherapy trials, including vaccines, were conducted on animals only, although the research is encouraging. Among the promising methods of non-specific immunotherapy is the administration of an ethiodized oil contrast. Moreover, due to the significant successes of immunotherapy in oncology, the possibility of immunotherapy affecting NK cells has been postulated. NK cells are responsible for the surveillance and apoptosis of ectopic cells. Expanding the arsenal of endometriosis treatment by immunotherapy is promising due to the significant contribution of immunological factors and the limitations of current treatment methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radosław B. Maksym
- Department of Reproductive Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-004 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Marta Hoffmann-Młodzianowska
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Department of Oncology, Military Institute of Medicine, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland; (M.H.-M.); (C.K.)
| | - Milena Skibińska
- Doctoral Studies, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Michał Rabijewski
- Department of Reproductive Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-004 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Andrzej Mackiewicz
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-806 Poznan, Poland;
- Department of Diagnostics & Cancer Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, 61-866 Poznań, Poland
| | - Claudine Kieda
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Department of Oncology, Military Institute of Medicine, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland; (M.H.-M.); (C.K.)
- Centre for Molecular Biophysics, UPR CNRS 4301, CEDEX 2, 45071 Orléans, France
| |
Collapse
|