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Naem A, Krentel H, Moawad G, Naem J, Venezia R, Etrusco A, Terzic S, Laganà AS. Hormonal Therapies before in vitro fertilization in women with endometriosis: The Minotaur's Labyrinth and the Ariadne's Thread. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 95:102500. [PMID: 38772765 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102500] [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: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis-related infertility is one of the most debated topics in reproductive medicine. In recent years, prolonged pre-cycle hormonal regimens gained attention as a mean of improving the assisted reproduction technologies (ART) success rates in endometriosis patients. GnRH agonists, dienogest, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and aromatase inhibitors are the most studied medications. Conflicting results and a high risk of bias exist in almost all of the conducted studies in the field. However, current evidence suggests that pre-cycle treatment with GnRH agonists may be beneficial for patients with stage III/IV endometriosis. Dienogest and medroxyprogesterone acetate-based progestin-primed ovarian stimulation protocol was shown to be comparable to the prolonged GnRH agonists protocol. Finally, aromatase inhibitors seem to be of limited benefit to the assisted reproductive outcomes of endometriosis patients. Although it is challenging to draw any clinical conclusions, pre-cycle hormonal treatments seem to be best indicated in endometriosis patients who had previously failed ART treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Naem
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology and Senology, Bethesda Hospital Duisburg, 47053 Duisburg, Germany; Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Harald Krentel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology and Senology, Bethesda Hospital Duisburg, 47053 Duisburg, Germany
| | - Gaby Moawad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA; The Center for Endometriosis and Advanced Pelvic Surgery, Washington, DC 22101, USA
| | - Joelle Naem
- Faculty of Medicine of Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Renato Venezia
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Paolo Giaccone" Hospital, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Etrusco
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Paolo Giaccone" Hospital, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Sanja Terzic
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Zhanybek-Kerey Khans Street 5/1, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Paolo Giaccone" Hospital, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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Lissaman AC, Girling JE, Cree LM, Campbell RE, Ponnampalam AP. Androgen signalling in the ovaries and endometrium. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad017. [PMID: 37171897 PMCID: PMC10663053 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad017] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, our understanding of hormonal regulation within the female reproductive system is largely based on our knowledge of estrogen and progesterone signalling. However, while the important functions of androgens in male physiology are well known, it is also recognized that androgens play critical roles in the female reproductive system. Further, androgen signalling is altered in a variety of gynaecological conditions, including endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, indicative of regulatory roles in endometrial and ovarian function. Co-regulatory mechanisms exist between different androgens, estrogens, and progesterone, resulting in a complex network of steroid hormone interactions. Evidence from animal knockout studies, in vitro experiments, and human data indicate that androgen receptor expression is cell-specific and menstrual cycle stage-dependent, with important regulatory roles in the menstrual cycle, endometrial biology, and follicular development in the ovaries. This review will discuss the expression and co-regulatory interactions of androgen receptors, highlighting the complexity of the androgen signalling pathway in the endometrium and ovaries, and the synthesis of androgens from additional alternative pathways previously disregarded as male-specific. Moreover, it will illustrate the challenges faced when studying androgens in female biology, and the need for a more in-depth, integrative view of androgen metabolism and signalling in the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbey C Lissaman
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jane E Girling
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Lynsey M Cree
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca E Campbell
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Anna P Ponnampalam
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Pūtahi Manawa-Healthy Hearts for Aotearoa New Zealand, Centre of Research Excellence, New Zealand
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Waiyaput W, Wattanakamolchai K, Tingthanatikul Y, Lertvikool S, Tantanavipas S, Dittharot K, Sroyraya M, Sophonsritsuk A. Effect of combined contraceptive pill on immune cell of ovarian endometriotic tissue. J Ovarian Res 2021; 14:66. [PMID: 33980258 PMCID: PMC8117307 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00819-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of immune response is associated with development of endometriosis. The study aim was to evaluate effect of combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs) consisting of ethinyl estradiol (EE) and desogestrel on the expression of macrophage, natural killer cells, and regulatory T cells of ovarian endometriotic cysts. METHODS Endometriotic cyst wall tissues were collected from women with endometriosis who were treated (n = 22) with COCs (one table per day of EE 0.03 mg and desogestrel 0.15 mg administered for 28 to 35 days before surgery) or untreated (n = 22). The tissues were collected from endometriotic cyst wall during laparoscopic or laparotomy ovarian cystectomy. Immunohistochemistry for anti-CD68, anti-CD56, and anti-forkhead-winged helix transcription factor (FoxP3), a marker for macrophages, natural killer cells, and regulatory T cells, respectively, were investigated. RESULTS The median (interquartile range [IQR]) number of anti-CD68 positive cells in the COC group was significantly lower than in the untreated group (12.7; 4.9-19.3) versus 45.7 (26.0-70.7), p < 0.001). Tissue infiltration of anti-CD56 positive cells in endometriotic cyst was significantly higher after the treatment when compared with tissue from untreated group (42.9, 27.4-68.9 versus 25.3 (14.1-37.3; p = 0.009). The number of regulatory T cells was also significantly increased in the COC group (6.3, 2.8-15.5) versus 0 (0-1.8; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The effects of COC, containing EE 0.30 mg with desogestrel 0.15 mg, on the immune system was demonstrated by a significant decrease in the number of macrophages and an increase in natural killer and regulatory T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanwisa Waiyaput
- Office of Research Academic and Innovation, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Keerati Wattanakamolchai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, 40002, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Yada Tingthanatikul
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Srithean Lertvikool
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Siriluk Tantanavipas
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanthanadon Dittharot
- Office of Research Academic and Innovation, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Morakot Sroyraya
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Areepan Sophonsritsuk
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Lai ZZ, Yang HL, Ha SY, Chang KK, Mei J, Zhou WJ, Qiu XM, Wang XQ, Zhu R, Li DJ, Li MQ. Cyclooxygenase-2 in Endometriosis. Int J Biol Sci 2019; 15:2783-2797. [PMID: 31853218 PMCID: PMC6909960 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.35128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMS) is the most common gynecological disease in women of reproductive age, and it is associated with chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia and infertility. As a consequence of genetic, immune and environmental factors, endometriotic lesions have high cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and COX-2-derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) biosynthesis compared with the normal endometrium. The transcription of the PTGS2 gene for COX-2 is associated with multiple intracellular signals, which converge to cause the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). COX-2 expression can be regulated by several factors, such as estrogen, hypoxia, proinflammatory cytokines, environmental pollutants, metabolites and metabolic enzymes, and platelets. High concentrations of COX-2 lead to high cell proliferation, a low level of apoptosis, high invasion, angiogenesis, EMS-related pain and infertility. COX-2-derived PGE2 performs a crucial function in EMS development by binding to EP2 and EP4 receptors. These basic findings have contributed to COX-2-targeted treatment in EMS, including COX-2 inhibitors, hormone drugs and glycyrrhizin. In this review, we summarize the most recent basic research in detail and provide a short summary of COX-2-targeted treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Zhen Lai
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Li Yang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Yao Ha
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai-Kai Chang
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Mei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - We-Jie Zhou
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Min Qiu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Qiu Wang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Zhu
- Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou 215008, People's Republic of China
| | - Da-Jin Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
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Therapeutic Approaches of Resveratrol on Endometriosis via Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Angiogenic Pathways. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24040667. [PMID: 30781885 PMCID: PMC6413140 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24040667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis represents a severe gynecological pathology, defined by implantation of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. This pathology affects almost 15% of women during reproductive age and has a wide range of consequences. In affected women, infertility has a 30% rate of prevalence and endometriosis implants increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Despite long periods of studies and investigations, the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease still remain not fully understood. Initially, endometriosis was related to retrograde menstruation, but new theories have been launched, suggesting that chronic inflammation can influence the development of endometriosis because inflammatory mediators have been identified elevated in patients with endometriosis, specifically in the peritoneal fluid. The importance of dietary phytochemicals and their effect on different inflammatory diseases have been highlighted, and nowadays more and more studies are focused on the analysis of nutraceuticals. Resveratrol is a phytoestrogen, a natural polyphenolic compound with antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory actions, found in many dietary sources such as grapes, wine, peanuts, soy, berries, and stilbenes. Resveratrol possesses a significant anti-inflammatory effect via inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and it has been proved that resveratrol can exhibit apoptosis-inducing activities. From the studies reviewed in this paper, it is clear that the anti-inflammatory effect of this natural compound can contribute to the prevention of endometriosis, this phenolic compound now being considered a new innovative drug in the prevention and treatment of this disease.
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Šestak I, Cuzick J. Endometrial cancer risk in postmenopausal breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2016; 11:425-432. [PMID: 30058908 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2016.1216101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The gynaecological toxicity profile of tamoxifen presents a significant burden to the patients and oncologist as tamoxifen-related side effects result in additional investigations, procedures and referrals. Aromatase inhibitor have been shown to result in significant reduction in gynaecological problems, possibly including endometrial cancer. Areas covered: We reviewed the main breast cancer trials, observation or cohort studies investigating tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor to report on endometrial adverse events and cancer. Expert commentary: Evidence for an increase in endometrial cancers with tamoxifen in breast cancer treated patients is now very clear. Aromatase inhibitors have shown to have a beneficial effect on the endometrium. There is an important need for further studies to clearly determine the influence of aromatase inhibitors on the endometrial in tamoxifen-naïve women. The effect of aromatase inhibitors on gynaecological problems may have potentially a very important impact in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Šestak
- a Centre for Cancer Pevention , Queen Mary University of London , London , United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Jack Cuzick
- a Centre for Cancer Pevention , Queen Mary University of London , London , United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Guo J, Chen L, Luo N, Li C, Chen R, Qu X, Liu M, Kang L, Cheng Z. LPS/TLR4-mediated stromal cells acquire an invasive phenotype and are implicated in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21416. [PMID: 26898650 PMCID: PMC4761971 DOI: 10.1038/srep21416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study tested whether the LPS/TLR4 signal pathway in endometrial stromal cells is essential for the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. We tested the expression of TLR4, MD2 in the endometrium without adenomyosis (CE), the eutopic endometrium with adenomyosis (EuE) and the ectopic endometrium with adenomyosis (EE). We isolated the stromal cells from CE, EuE and EE (CESC, EuESC, EESC), treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and TLR4 antagonist and detected the cell viability. And we also measured the key protein of the TLR4 signal pathway and inflammatory proliferation and invasive growth of experimental cells. We found that the viability of experimental cells treated with LPS was significantly greater than that of the non-treated cells, blocked by the TLR4 antagonist VIPER. TLR4 signal pathway and inflammatory proliferation and invasive growth of experimental cells stimulated by LPS, and it was inhibited by VIPER. This study suggested that stromal cells were activated by the TLR4 signalling pathway, which processed the cellular inflammatory proliferation and invasive growth involved in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tengyue Road 450#, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tengyue Road 450#, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Ning Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tengyue Road 450#, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Caixia Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tengyue Road 450#, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Rong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tengyue Road 450#, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Xiaoyan Qu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tengyue Road 450#, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Mingmin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tengyue Road 450#, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Le Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tengyue Road 450#, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Zhongping Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tengyue Road 450#, Shanghai, 200090, China
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Abstract
Diagnostic workup of endometriosis usually involves laparoscopic inspection and histological examination of biopsies. Unequivocal laboratory parameters for this ailment have not been available in routine diagnostic evaluations thus far. In this study, we examined urine concentrations of cytokeratin 19 (CYFRA 21-1), a structural protein specific for epithelia. We performed immunoassays for CYFRA 21-1 in urine samples from women afflicted with endometriosis throughout their menstrual cycle. We observed a significant increase in CYFRA 21-1 concentrations, corrected by creatinine levels, in the late follicular phase as compared with the level in healthy controls. We conclude that cyclically increased CYFRA 21-1 concentrations in urine could serve as a valuable noninvasive diagnostic parameter in the workup of clinically manifesting endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risto Gjavotchanoff
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Bodenseelabor, Hörbranz, Austria ; Institute of Anatomy II, University of Jena, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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Wang L, Lu X, Wang D, Qu W, Li W, Xu X, Huang Q, Han X, Lv J. CYP19 gene variant confers susceptibility to endometriosis-associated infertility in Chinese women. Exp Mol Med 2014; 46:e103. [PMID: 24968701 PMCID: PMC4081552 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2014.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An aromatase encoded by the CYP19 gene catalyzes the final step in the biosynthesis of estrogens, which is related to endometriosis development. To assess the association of CYP19 gene polymorphisms with the risks of endometriosis, chocolate cysts and endometriosis-related infertility, a case-control study was conducted in Chinese Han women by recruiting 225 healthy control females, 146 patients with endometriosis, 94 endometriosis women with chocolate cyst and 65 women with infertility resulting from endometriosis, as diagnosed by both pathological and laparoscopic findings. Individual genotypes at rs2236722:T>C, rs700518:A>G, rs10046:T>C and [TTTA]n polymorphisms were identified. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were compared between the control group and case groups by chi-square analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were determined by logistic regression analysis to predict the association of CYP19 gene polymorphisms with the risk of endometriosis, the related chocolate cysts and infertility. The genotype distributions of the tested CYP19 gene polymorphisms were not significantly different between the healthy control group and the endometriosis/endometriosis with the chocolate cyst group. However, the CYP19 rs700518AA genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of endometriosis-related infertility (55.4% in the infertility group vs 25.3% in the control group, P<0.001; OR (95% CI): 3.66 (2.06-6.50)) under the recessive form of the A allele. Therefore, we concluded that in Chinese Han females CYP19 gene polymorphisms are not associated with susceptibility to endometriosis or chocolate cysts, whereas CYP19 rs700518AA genotype confers genetic susceptibility to endometriosis-related infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ledan Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of the Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaosheng Lu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of the Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Danhan Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of the Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wanglei Qu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of the Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenju Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of the Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaowen Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of the Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qiusui Huang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of the Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xueying Han
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of the Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jieqiang Lv
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of the Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Maia H, Haddad C, Pinheiro N, Casoy J. The effect of oral contraceptives on aromatase and Cox-2 expression in the endometrium of patients with idiopathic menorrhagia or adenomyosis. Int J Womens Health 2013; 5:293-9. [PMID: 23788841 PMCID: PMC3684227 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s45093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The presence of aromatase and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) expression was investigated in the endometrium of patients with idiopathic menorrhagia or adenomyosis. The effect of oral contraceptives administered in extended regimens on the endometrial expression of these enzymes was also investigated. Methods and results Aromatase expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in the endometrial glands and stroma of patients with idiopathic menorrhagia or adenomyosis. There was no difference in the percentage of aromatase expression in the endometria between the two groups. The mean intensity of Cox-2 expression in the glandular epithelium also did not differ significantly between the groups. Among the patients using oral contraceptives in extended regimens, the relative decrease in both aromatase and Cox-2 expression was significantly greater in amenorrheic patients compared with those who were experiencing breakthrough bleeding. Conclusion The presence of aromatase expression in the endometrium is associated with the occurrence of menorrhagia, irrespective of the presence of adenomyosis. Continuous expression of these enzymes in the endometrium of users of oral contraceptives in extended regimens is positively associated with the presence of breakthrough bleeding. This suggests a role for both aromatase and Cox-2 in the etiology of abnormal uterine bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Maia
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil ; School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil ; School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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Maia H, Haddad C, Coelho G, Casoy J. Role of inflammation and aromatase expression in the eutopic endometrium and its relationship with the development of endometriosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [PMID: 23181530 DOI: 10.2217/whe.12.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic changes favoring the transcription of the aromatase gene in the endometrium allow endometrial cells to survive in ectopic locations by producing estrogens that spare them from destruction through activated macrophages. Local estrogen production hastens prostaglandin synthesis by stimulating COX-2 activity, thus creating a self-perpetuating sequence of augmented estrogen formation and enhanced inflammation. Repetitive retrograde menstruation reintroduces aromatase-positive endometrial cells endowed with the capacity to implant and invade the peritoneum. In order to control endometriosis, an effective medication must inhibit aromatase, block COX-2, decrease fibrosis and induce amenorrhea. Within this framework, progestins, either alone or in the form of oral contraceptives, appear as first-line treatment for endometriosis owing to their capacity to block enzymes such as aromatase and COX-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Maia
- Centro de Pesquisas e Assistência em Reprodução Humana (CEPARH) & Instituto da Mulher, Rua Caetano Moura, 35, 40210-341 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
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Oral contraceptives in the prevention of endometrioma recurrence: does the different progestins used make a difference? Arch Gynecol Obstet 2013; 288:821-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-013-2841-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Maia H, Haddad C, Pinheiro N, Casoy J. Advantages of the association of resveratrol with oral contraceptives for management of endometriosis-related pain. Int J Womens Health 2012; 4:543-9. [PMID: 23091400 PMCID: PMC3474155 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s36825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of resveratrol on the management of endometriosis-related pain was investigated in 12 patients who failed to obtain pain relief during use of an oral contraceptive containing drospirenone + ethinylestradiol. METHODS AND RESULTS The addition of 30 mg of resveratrol to the contraceptive regimen resulted in a significant reduction in pain scores, with 82% of patients reporting complete resolution of dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain after 2 months of use. In a separate experiment, aromatase and cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression were investigated in the endometrial tissue of 42 patients submitted to laparoscopy and hysteroscopy for the management of endometriosis. Sixteen of these patients were using oral contraceptives alone prior to hospital admission, while the remaining 26 were using them in combination with resveratrol. Inhibition of both aromatase and cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression was significantly greater in the eutopic endometrium of patients using combined drospirenone + resveratrol therapy compared with the endometrium of patients using oral contraceptives alone. CONCLUSION These results suggest that resveratrol potentiates the effect of oral contraceptives in the management of endometriosis-associated dysmenorrhea by further decreasing aromatase and cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression in the endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Maia
- Itaigara Memorial Day Hospital, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil ; Centro de Pesquisas e Assistência em Reprodução Humana, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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Maia H, Haddad C, Casoy J, Maia R, Pinheiro N, Coutinho EM. Effect of a hormone-releasing intrauterine system (Mirena(®)) on aromatase and Cox-2 expression in patients with adenomyosis submitted or not, to endometrial resection. Int J Womens Health 2012; 4:175-83. [PMID: 22532781 PMCID: PMC3333826 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s30087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Mirena(®)) on aromatase and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) expression in the endometrium of patients with adenomyosis who were submitted to endometrial resection at the time of insertion, compared to a group not submitted to endometrial resection and a group of controls with adenomyosis not submitted to any previous hormonal treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with adenomyosis (n = 89) were included in this study. Twenty- two patients had been using Mirena(®) for 5 years but had not been submitted to endometrial resection prior to insertion of the device. Twenty-four patients were submitted to endometrial resection at the time of Mirena(®) insertion. The remaining 43 patients with adenomyosis had undergone no previous hormonal treatment and served as a control group. Cox-2 and aromatase expression were determined in the endometrium by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Use of Mirena(®) for 5 years reduced aromatase expression in the endometrium; however, this reduction was significantly greater in the uteri previously submitted to endometrial resection. The reduction in Cox-2 expression was significant only in the uteri submitted to endometrial resection followed by the insertion of Mirena(®). CONCLUSION Endometrial resection followed by the insertion of Mirena(®) was associated with greater rates of amenorrhea in patients with adenomyosis, which in turn were associated with a more effective inhibition of aromatase and Cox-2 expression in the endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Maia
- Centro de Pesquisa e Assistência em Reprodução Humana (CEPARH), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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Maia H, Haddad C, Casoy J. Correlation between aromatase expression in the eutopic endometrium of symptomatic patients and the presence of endometriosis. Int J Womens Health 2012; 4:61-5. [PMID: 22393305 PMCID: PMC3292405 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s29154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate whether aromatase expression in the eutopic endometrium correlates with the presence and severity of endometriosis in patients with infertility and/or dysmenorrhea undergoing laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. Patients The study involved 106 patients of reproductive age with symptoms of dysmenorrhea and infertility. Sixteen endometriosis-free asymptomatic patients were used as a control group. Methods Concomitant laparoscopy and hysteroscopy was carried out in all cases. An endometrial biopsy was taken to determine aromatase p450 expression by immunohistochemistry. Endometriosis was staged according to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine classification. Results Endometriosis was diagnosed by laparoscopy in 92/106 symptomatic patients. In this group, aromatase expression was detected in the eutopic endometrium of 66/92 patients with endometriosis (72%) and in 13/14 (95%) patients in the symptomatic, endometriosis-free group (P = 0.09). Aromatase expression was not detected in any patients from the control group. In the endometriosis group, aromatase expression was detected in the eutopic endometrium of 28/45 patients (62%) with American Society of Reproductive Medicine classification stage 1 of the disease, in 11/14 patients (78%) with stage II, 14/20 patients (70%) with stage III, and in 12/13 patients (92%) with stage IV; however, the difference was only statistically significant between stages I and IV (P = 0.04). Conclusion Aromatase expression in the endometrium was associated with the presence of dysmenorrhea and infertility irrespective of the presence of endometriosis. When endometriosis was present, however, there was a tendency for aromatase expression to be positively correlated with dysmenorrhea severity.
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Abstract
Aromatase is expressed in multiple tissues, indicating a crucial role for locally produced oestrogens in the differentiation, regulation and normal function of several organs and processes. This review is an overview of the role of aromatase in different tissues under normal physiological conditions and its contribution to the development of some oestrogen-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Stocco
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, United States.
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Mosli HA, Al-Abd AM, El-Shaer MA, Khedr A, Gazzaz FS, Abdel-Naim AB. Local inflammation influences oestrogen metabolism in prostatic tissue. BJU Int 2011; 110:274-82. [PMID: 22145816 DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2011.10796.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? The role of oestrogen in prostatic inflammation has been extensively shown. The catechol oestrogens are known to be more potent oestrogenic moieties that not only aggravate the inflammatory response in situ, but are also believed to have oxidative stress and genotoxic effects. The present study highlights a significant role of inflammation in oestrogen metabolism and, particularly, in generating 'bad' oestrogen metabolites. This finding may pave the way for new therapeutic methods for the treatment and/or prevention of prostate diseases. OBJECTIVE • To investigate the impact of experimentally induced inflammation on oestrogen metabolism in rat prostate. MATERIALS AND METHODS • Prostatitis was induced in normal and oestrogen-treated male rats by injecting 2% carrageenan solution into the ventral prostate. After 48 h, the rats were killed and the ventral prostate was collected. • Prostatic inflammation and proliferation were confirmed by gross visual evidence, histology and elevated tumour necrosis factor-α, prostaglandin E(2) and cyclin-D(1) . • Expression of oestrogen-metabolizing enzymes was assessed using capillary electrophoresis, and oestrogen metabolites within prostate tissue were assayed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. RESULTS • Animals exposed to carrageenan insult combined with oestrogen treatment showed the most prominent inflammatory and proliferative response. • Treatment of animals with oestrogen alone induced moderate inflammation and proliferation. • Oestrogen-metabolizing enzymes were overexpressed in animals with experimental prostatitis with sequential accumulation of catechol oestrogens within prostatic tissues. • Oestrogen receptor-α was underexpressed in the prostatitis with oestrogen group, while oestrogen receptor-β was overexpressed. CONCLUSIONS • The present work provides experimental evidence that local inflammation enhances oestrogen synthesis and directs oestrogen metabolism to generate catechol oestrogens within prostatic tissues. • This may contribute, at least partly, to enhanced prostatic cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham A Mosli
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Clomiphene citrate versus letrozole: molecular analysis of the endometrium in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril 2011; 96:1051-6. [PMID: 21851939 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.07.1092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Revised: 07/09/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the effect of clomiphene citrate (CC) and letrozole on endometrial receptivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN A randomized controlled trial. SETTING University teaching hospital. PATIENT(S) Ten anovulatory women with PCOS and 5 fertile ovulatory women. INTERVENTION(S) Patients received 2.5 mg of letrozole on cycle days 3-7 (5 patients, 1 cycle) or 50 mg of CC on cycle days 5-9 (5 patients, 1 cycle). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Serum estrogen (E) and progesterone (P) endometrial protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), dickkhopf homolog 1 (DKK-1), fibroblast growth factor 22 (FGF-22), and endometrial mRNA expression of LIF/GP130 receptor (LIFR). RESULT(S) No statistically significant differences were observed between groups compared with fertile ovulatory women when serum E and P were examined, or between body mass index (BMI), and cycle day at time of biopsy. Letrozole increased mRNA expression of LIF, DKK1, LIFR, and FGF-22, whereas CC only increased endometrial mRNA expression of LIF. Letrozole mRNA expression directly translated into increased protein expression of like genes in the endometrium. The CC protein expression of DKK-1 was significantly decreased compared with controls. CONCLUSION(S) Letrozole positively influences a number of markers of endometrial receptivity compared with CC.
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Comparison between 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and 2-hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin for inclusion complex formation with danazol. J INCL PHENOM MACRO 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10847-010-9917-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Pasqualini JR, Chetrite GS. Recent advances on the action of estrogens and progestogens in normal and pathological human endometrium. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2010; 2:155-75. [DOI: 10.1515/hmbci.2010.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2009] [Accepted: 04/07/2010] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
AbstractHormonal control in the development of the normal endometrium is of the utmost importance. It is well established that the two main hormones involved in this process are estradiol and progesterone, which are also implicated in the pathological conditions concerning endometriosis and endometrial carcinoma. There are two types of endometrial carcinoma: type I which represents 80%–90% is hormone-dependent, whereas the remainder is type II and is hormone-independent. The endometrial tissue contains all the enzymatic systems in the formation and transformation of the various hormones, including aromatases, sulfatases, sulfotransferases, hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, hydroxylases, and glucuronidases. It is interesting to note that increased sulfatase activity is correlated with severity of endometriosis. An increased sulfatase/sulfotransferase ratio represents a poor prognosis in patients with endometrial carcinoma. Treatment with hormone replacement therapy (estrogens+progestogens), as well as with tibolone, is most effective in protecting this tissue by climacteric alterations, owing to the significant decrease of ovarian hormones. In conclusion, enzymatic control can open appealing perspectives to protect this organ from possible pathological alterations.
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