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Sternberg AK, Izmaylova L, Buck VU, Classen-Linke I, Leube RE. An Assessment of the Mechanophysical and Hormonal Impact on Human Endometrial Epithelium Mechanics and Receptivity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3726. [PMID: 38612536 PMCID: PMC11011295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073726] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The endometrial epithelium and underlying stroma undergo profound changes to support and limit embryo adhesion and invasion, which occur in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle during the window of implantation. This coincides with a peak in progesterone and estradiol production. We hypothesized that the interplay between hormone-induced changes in the mechanical properties of the endometrial epithelium and stroma supports this process. To study it, we used hormone-responsive endometrial adenocarcinoma-derived Ishikawa cells growing on substrates of different stiffness. We showed that Ishikawa monolayers on soft substrates are more tightly clustered and uniform than on stiff substrates. Probing for mechanical alterations, we found accelerated stress-relaxation after apical nanoindentation in hormone-stimulated monolayers on stiff substrates. Traction force microscopy furthermore revealed an increased number of foci with high traction in the presence of estradiol and progesterone on soft substrates. The detection of single cells and small cell clusters positive for the intermediate filament protein vimentin and the progesterone receptor further underscored monolayer heterogeneity. Finally, adhesion assays with trophoblast-derived AC-1M-88 spheroids were used to examine the effects of substrate stiffness and steroid hormones on endometrial receptivity. We conclude that the extracellular matrix and hormones act together to determine mechanical properties and, ultimately, embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rudolf E. Leube
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.K.S.); (L.I.); (V.U.B.); (I.C.-L.)
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2
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Kanaka V, Drakakis P, Loutradis D, Tsangaris GT. Proteomics in the study of female fertility: an update. Expert Rev Proteomics 2023; 20:319-330. [PMID: 37874610 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2023.2275683] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Female fertility has been a field of interest for the scientific community throughout the years. The contribution of proteomics in the study of female fertility as well as female infertility and in vitro fertilization (IVF) has been significant. Proteomics is a recently developed field, extensively applied to the identification and quantification of proteins, which could be used as potential biomarkers in a diagnostic, prognostic, or predictive manner in a variety of medical conditions. AREAS COVERED The present review focuses on proteomic studies of the oocyte and endometrial environment as well as on conditions related to infertility, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, obesity, and unexplained infertility. Moreover, this review presents studies that have been done in an effort to search for fertility biomarkers in individuals following the IVF procedure. EXPERT OPINION The comprehension of the molecular pathways behind female fertility and infertility could contribute to the diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of infertility. Moreover, the identification of proteomic biomarkers for IVF cycles could predict the possible outcome of an IVF cycle, prevent an unsuccessful IVF, and monitor the IVF cycle in a personalized manner, leading to increased success rates. [Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Kanaka
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Proteomics Research Unit, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Drakakis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Loutradis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George Th Tsangaris
- Proteomics Research Unit, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Galio L, Bernet L, Rodriguez Y, Fourcault C, Dieudonné M, Pinatel H, Henry C, Sérazin V, Fathallah K, Gagneux A, Krupova Z, Vialard F, Santos ED. The effect of obesity on uterine receptivity is mediated by endometrial extracellular vesicles that control human endometrial stromal cell decidualization and trophoblast invasion. JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 2:e103. [PMID: 38939074 PMCID: PMC11080792 DOI: 10.1002/jex2.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
The objectives of the present study were to determine whether obesity impacts human decidualization and the endometrial control of trophoblast invasion (both of which are required for embryo implantation) and evaluate the potential involvement of endometrial extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the regulation of these physiological processes. Using primary human cell cultures, we first demonstrated that obesity is associated with significantly lower in vitro decidualization of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). We then showed that a trophoblastic cell line's invasive ability was greater in the presence of conditioned media from cultures of ESCs from obese women. The results of functional assays indicated that supplementation of the culture medium with EVs from nonobese women can rescue (at least in part) the defect in in vitro decidualization described in ESCs from obese women. Furthermore, exposure to endometrial EVs from obese women (vs. nonobese women) was associated with significantly greater invasive activity by HTR-8/SVneo cells. Using mass-spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics, we found that EVs isolated from uterine supernatants of biopsies from obese women (vs. nonobese women) presented a molecular signature focused on cell remodelling and angiogenesis. The proteomics analysis revealed two differentially expressed proteins (fibronectin and angiotensin-converting enzyme) that might be involved specifically in the rescue of the decidualization capacity in ESCs from obese women; both of these proteins are abundantly present in endometrial EVs from nonobese women, and both are involved in the decidualization process. In conclusion, our results provided new insights into the endometrial EVs' pivotal role in the poor uterine receptivity observed in obese women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Galio
- Université Paris‐Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREEDJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREEDMaisons‐AlfortFrance
| | - Laetitia Bernet
- Université Paris‐Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREEDJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREEDMaisons‐AlfortFrance
| | - Yoann Rodriguez
- Université Paris‐Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREEDJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREEDMaisons‐AlfortFrance
| | - Camille Fourcault
- Université Paris‐Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREEDJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREEDMaisons‐AlfortFrance
| | - Marie‐Noëlle Dieudonné
- Université Paris‐Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREEDJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREEDMaisons‐AlfortFrance
| | - Hélène Pinatel
- Université Paris‐Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREEDJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREEDMaisons‐AlfortFrance
| | - Céline Henry
- Université Paris‐Saclay, INRAEAgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, PAPPSOJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
| | - Valérie Sérazin
- Université Paris‐Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREEDJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREEDMaisons‐AlfortFrance
- Service de Biologie MédicaleCentre Hospitalier de Poissy‐Saint GermainPoissyFrance
| | - Khadija Fathallah
- Service de Gynécologie et ObstétriqueCentre Hospitalier de Poissy‐Saint GermainPoissyFrance
| | - Anissa Gagneux
- Université Paris‐Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREEDJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREEDMaisons‐AlfortFrance
| | | | - François Vialard
- Université Paris‐Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREEDJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREEDMaisons‐AlfortFrance
- Service de Biologie MédicaleCentre Hospitalier de Poissy‐Saint GermainPoissyFrance
| | - Esther Dos Santos
- Université Paris‐Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREEDJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREEDMaisons‐AlfortFrance
- Service de Biologie MédicaleCentre Hospitalier de Poissy‐Saint GermainPoissyFrance
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Zhang S, Xiao Y, Wang Y, Qian C, Zhang R, Liu J, Wang Q, Zhang H. Role of kisspeptin in decidualization and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion via the ERK1/2 signalling pathway. Placenta 2023; 133:1-9. [PMID: 36680818 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to study the expression and function of kisspeptin during human uterine decidualization in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and the underlying mechanism. METHODS All patients were recruited from the Clinical Reproductive Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. Mice models of RSA (CBA/J × DBA/2) and normal pregnancy (CBA/J × BALB/c) were established, respectively. Kisspeptin expression in the serum and decidual tissues of women with RSA were detected. The function of kisspeptin during decidualization in human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) was assessed by enhancing and silencing kisspeptin expression. CBA/J × DBA/2 pregnant mice were injected with kisspeptin polypeptide, kisspeptin receptor blocker, and expression of decidualization markers was observed. The regulation of ERK1/2 signalling pathway were verified. RESULTS Serum kisspeptin levels were significantly lower in patients with RSA than in normal pregnant individuals, as was the expression of kisspeptin, p-ERK, and decidualization indicators in the decidua. Additionally, kisspeptin inhibition downregulated the expression of decidualization markers in HESCs. In mice with RSA, kisspeptin was significantly downregulated, and p-ERK expression at the maternal-foetal interface was significantly decreased. Moreover, exogenous kisspeptin supplementation improved the levels of IGFBP-1 and dPRL, upregulated p-ERK expression, and reduced the abortion rate. DISCUSSION Kisspeptin is involved in promoting uterine decidualization via the ERK1/2 signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyun Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China.
| | - Yi Xiao
- Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, 215008, China.
| | - Yunjie Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China.
| | - Chenyue Qian
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China.
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China.
| | - Juanjuan Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China.
| | - Qin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China.
| | - Hong Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China.
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Teng M, Luo Y, Wang C, Lei A. Effect of Disulfiram on the Reproductive Capacity of Female Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032371. [PMID: 36768698 PMCID: PMC9916984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In the process of assisted reproduction, the high-oxygen in vitro environment can easily cause oxidative damage to oocytes. Disulfiram (DSF) can play an anti-oxidant or pro-oxidant role in different cells, and the effect of DSF on oocytes remains unclear. Moreover, it remains unclear whether the use of DSF in the early stages of pregnancy has a negative impact on the fetus. In this study, we found that DSF increased serum FSH levels and increased the ovulation rate in mice. Moreover, DSF enhanced the antioxidant capacity of oocytes and contributed to the success rate of in vitro fertilization. Moreover, the use of DSF in early pregnancy in mice increased the uterine horn volume and the degree of vascularization, which contributed to a successful pregnancy. In addition, it was found that DSF regulated the mRNA expression of angiogenesis-related genes (VEGF), follicular development-related genes (C1QTNF3, mTOR and PI3K), ovulation-related genes (MAPK1, MAPK3 and p38 MAPK) and antioxidant-related genes (GPX4 and CAT). These results indicate that DSF is helpful for increasing the antioxidant capacity of oocytes and the ovulation rate. In early pregnancy in mice, DSF promotes pregnancy by increasing the degree and volume of uterine vascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anmin Lei
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-029-87080068
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Cao Z, Yan Q, Zhang M, Zhu Y, Liu J, Jiang Y, Zhen X, Xu M, Yue Q, Zhou J, Zhou Q, Wang X, Ding L, Sun H, Yan G. FHL1 mediates HOXA10 deacetylation via SIRT2 to enhance blastocyst-epithelial adhesion. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:461. [DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01253-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractRecurrent implantation failure (RIF) is a rather thorny problem in the clinical practice of assisted reproductive technology. Due to the complex aetiology of RIF, its pathogenesis is far from fully understood, and there is no effective treatment available. Here, We explored the regulatory mechanism of the four half-domains of LIM domain 1 (FHL1), which is significantly downregulated in the endometrium of RIF patients, in blastocyst-epithelial adhesion. Indeed, FHL1 expression was dramatically increased in normal female mid-secretory endometrial epithelial cells and was abnormally reduced in RIF patients. Furthermore, FHL1 overexpression promoted blastocyst-epithelial adhesion, and interfering with FHL1 expression in the mouse uterus significantly inhibited embryo implantation. Mechanistically, FHL1 did not regulate HOXA10 mRNA expression but increased HOXA10 protein stability and activated HOXA10, thereby promoting its regulation of downstream gene expression and the β3 integrin/FAK pathway. Meanwhile, FHL1 regulates HOXA10 function by increasing HOXA10 deacetylation through enhanced binding of HOXA10 and SIRT2. SIRT2-specific inhibitors can significantly inhibit this effect. In the endometrial epithelial cells of RIF patients, the correlation between FHL1 and HOXA10 and its downstream target genes has also been verified. Finally, our data indicated FHL1 is a regulatory molecule that promotes blastocyst-epithelial adhesion. Altogether, downstream dysfunction due to aberrant FHL1 expression is an important molecular basis for embryo implantation failure in patients with RIF and to provide new potential therapeutic targets.
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Shekibi M, Heng S, Nie G. MicroRNAs in the Regulation of Endometrial Receptivity for Embryo Implantation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116210. [PMID: 35682889 PMCID: PMC9181585 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of endometrial receptivity is crucial for successful embryo implantation and pregnancy initiation. Understanding the molecular regulation underpinning endometrial transformation to a receptive state is key to improving implantation rates in fertility treatments such as IVF. With microRNAs (miRNAs) increasingly recognized as important gene regulators, recent studies have investigated the role of miRNAs in the endometrium. Studies on miRNAs in endometrial disorders such as endometriosis and endometrial cancer have been reviewed previously. In this minireview, we aim to provide an up-to-date knowledge of miRNAs in the regulation of endometrial receptivity. Since endometrial remodelling differs considerably between species, we firstly summarised the key events of the endometrial cycle in humans and mice and then reviewed the miRNAs identified so far in these two species with likely functional significance in receptivity establishment. To date, 29 miRNAs have been reported in humans and 15 miRNAs in mice within various compartments of the endometrium that may potentially modulate receptivity; miRNAs regulating the Wnt signalling and those from the let-7, miR-23, miR-30, miR-200 and miR-183 families are found in both species. Future studies are warranted to investigate miRNAs as biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets to detect/improve endometrial receptivity in human fertility treatment.
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Chen X, Fernando SR, Lee YL, Yeung WSB, Ng EHY, Li RHW, Lee KF. High-Throughput In Vitro Screening Identified Nemadipine as a Novel Suppressor of Embryo Implantation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095073. [PMID: 35563464 PMCID: PMC9103851 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Current contraceptive methods interfere with folliculogenesis, fertilization, and embryo implantation by physical or hormonal approaches. Although hormonal contraceptive pills are effective in regulating egg formation, they are less effective in preventing embryo implantation. To explore the use of non-hormonal compounds that suppress embryo implantation, we established a high-throughput spheroid-endometrial epithelial cell co-culture assay to screen the Library of Pharmacologically Active Compounds (LOPAC) for compounds that affect trophoblastic spheroid (blastocyst surrogate) attachment onto endometrial epithelial Ishikawa cells. We identified 174 out of 1280 LOPAC that significantly suppressed BeWo spheroid attachment onto endometrial Ishikawa cells. Among the top 20 compounds, we found the one with the lowest cytotoxicity in Ishikawa cells, P11B5, which was later identified as Nemadipine-A. Nemadipine-A at 10 µM also suppressed BeWo spheroid attachment onto endometrial epithelial RL95-2 cells and primary human endometrial epithelial cells (hEECs) isolated from LH +7/8-day endometrial biopsies. Mice at 1.5 days post coitum (dpc) treated with a transcervical injection of 100 µg/kg Nemadipine-A or 500 µg/kg PRI-724 (control, Wnt-inhibitor), but not 10 µg/kg Nemadipine-A, suppressed embryo implantation compared with controls. The transcript expressions of endometrial receptivity markers, integrin αV (ITGAV) and mucin 1 (MUC1), but not β-catenin (CTNNB1), were significantly decreased at 2.5 dpc in the uterus of treated mice compared with controls. The reduction of embryo implantation by Nemadipine-A was likely mediated through suppressing endometrial receptivity molecules ITGAV and MUC1. Nemadipine-A is a potential novel non-hormonal compound for contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (X.C.); (S.R.F.); (Y.-L.L.); (W.S.-B.Y.); (E.H.-Y.N.); (R.H.-W.L.)
| | - Sudini Ranshaya Fernando
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (X.C.); (S.R.F.); (Y.-L.L.); (W.S.-B.Y.); (E.H.-Y.N.); (R.H.-W.L.)
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Yin-Lau Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (X.C.); (S.R.F.); (Y.-L.L.); (W.S.-B.Y.); (E.H.-Y.N.); (R.H.-W.L.)
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - William Shu-Biu Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (X.C.); (S.R.F.); (Y.-L.L.); (W.S.-B.Y.); (E.H.-Y.N.); (R.H.-W.L.)
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Ernest Hung-Yu Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (X.C.); (S.R.F.); (Y.-L.L.); (W.S.-B.Y.); (E.H.-Y.N.); (R.H.-W.L.)
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Raymond Hang-Wun Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (X.C.); (S.R.F.); (Y.-L.L.); (W.S.-B.Y.); (E.H.-Y.N.); (R.H.-W.L.)
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Kai-Fai Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (X.C.); (S.R.F.); (Y.-L.L.); (W.S.-B.Y.); (E.H.-Y.N.); (R.H.-W.L.)
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Correspondence: ; Fax: +852-28161947
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Feng Y, Zhang S, Zhou Y, He G, Hong L, Shi L, Wang J, Zhang P, Zhai L. Three-dimensional measurement and analysis of morphological parameters of the uterus in infertile women. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2022; 12:2224-2237. [PMID: 35371941 PMCID: PMC8923859 DOI: 10.21037/qims-21-812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine differences in endometrial cavity anteroposterior diameter, thickness, volume, and diameter lines of uterine body and thickness, and volume of upper, middle, and lower regions of the endometrium in infertile women using a new method for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction based on two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound images. METHODS This retrospective cross-sectional study included a total of 81 infertile women, who underwent 2D ultrasound standard examination. We created 3D models of the uterine body, endometrial cavity, and endometrium based on 2D ultrasound images. The parameters that were measured and analyzed in a 3D plane included volume and diameter lines of endometrial cavity, surface area, thickness, volume, and diameter lines of uterine body, and surface area, thickness, and volume of upper, middle, and lower region of the endometrium. These parameters were used for comparisons between normal and arcuate uterus, between non-pregnant and pregnant infertile women, and between nulliparous and multiparous infertile women. The differences between the different regions of the endometrium and the correlations between age and the parameters were also determined in this study. RESULTS Endometrial cavity length, and middle and lower regions of the endometrial volume in the normal uterus were 39.63±7.61 mm, 1,307.92±1,034.40 mm3, and 653.98±460.41 mm3, respectively. For arcuate uterus, these parameters were 32.96±4.69 mm, 539.89±298.94 mm3, and 347.90±129.61 mm3, respectively. The parameters were significantly higher in normal uterus compared with arcuate uterus (P=0.000, 0.001, and 0.006, respectively). Upper, middle, and lower regions of endometrial thickness in normal uterus were 7.79±3.26, 8.18±3.33, and 6.41±2.60 mm, respectively. Both upper and middle regions of endometrial thickness were significantly greater than the lower regions of endometrial thickness with P=0.009 and P=0.001, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed that age positively correlated with volume of upper endometrial regions (r=0.274, P=0.028). CONCLUSIONS This study provides references for the volume and thickness of the endometrium in the different anatomical regions of normal and arcuate uterus. Age mainly affects the upper region of the endometrium. The 3D measurement provides a precise way to quantify the morphological parameters of gynecological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yankun Feng
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shaojing Zhang
- Department of Family Planning, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Family Planning, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Guibing He
- Department of Urology, Jinhua People’s Hospital, Jinhua, China
| | - Liting Hong
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Shi
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianmei Wang
- Department of Family Planning, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lidong Zhai
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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Thach B, Samarajeewa N, Li Y, Heng S, Tsai T, Pangestu M, Catt S, Nie G. Podocalyxin molecular characteristics and endometrial expression: high conservation between humans and macaques but divergence in mice†. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:1143-1158. [PMID: 35284933 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac053] [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: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Podocalyxin (PODXL) is a newly identified key negative regulator of human endometrial receptivity, specifically down-regulated in the luminal epithelium at receptivity to permit embryo implantation. Here, we bioinformatically compared the molecular characteristics of PODXL among the human, rhesus macaque and mouse, determined by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization (mouse tissues) whether endometrial PODXL expression is conserved across the three species, and examined if PODXL inhibits mouse embryo attachment in vitro. The PODXL gene, mRNA and protein sequences showed greater similarities between humans and macaques than with mice. In all species, PODXL was expressed in endometrial luminal/glandular epithelia and endothelia. In macaques (n = 9), luminal PODXL was significantly down-regulated when receptivity is developed, consistent with the pattern found in women. At receptivity PODXL was also reduced in shallow glands, whereas endothelial expression was unchanged across the menstrual cycle. In mice, endometrial PODXL did not vary considerably across the estrous cycle (n = 16); however, around embryo attachment on d4.5 of pregnancy (n = 4), luminal PODXL was greatly reduced especially near the site of embryo attachment. Mouse embryos failed to attach or thrive when co-cultured on a monolayer of Ishikawa cells overexpressing PODXL. Thus, endometrial luminal PODXL expression is down-regulated for embryo implantation in all species examined, and PODXL inhibits mouse embryo implantation. Rhesus macaques share greater conservations with humans than mice in PODXL molecular characteristics and regulation, thus represent a better animal model for functional studies of endometrial PODXL for treatment of human fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bothidah Thach
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.,Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Nirukshi Samarajeewa
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Ying Li
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Sophea Heng
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Tesha Tsai
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Mulyoto Pangestu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Sally Catt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Guiying Nie
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.,Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
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11
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Heng S, Samarajeewa N, Wang Y, Paule SG, Breen J, Nie G. Podocalyxin promotes an impermeable epithelium and inhibits pro-implantation factors to negatively regulate endometrial receptivity. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24016. [PMID: 34907278 PMCID: PMC8671585 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03425-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is a key step in establishing pregnancy and a major limiting factor in IVF. Implantation requires a receptive endometrium but the mechanisms governing receptivity are not well understood. We have recently discovered that podocalyxin (PCX or PODXL) is a key negative regulator of human endometrial receptivity. PCX is expressed in all endometrial epithelial cells in the non-receptive endometrium but selectively down-regulated in the luminal epithelium at receptivity. We have further demonstrated that this down-regulation is essential for implantation because PCX inhibits embryo attachment and penetration. However, how PCX confers this role is unknown. In this study, through RNAseq analysis of Ishikawa cell line stably overexpressing PCX, we discovered that PCX suppresses expression of genes controlling cell adhesion and communication, but increases those governing epithelial barrier functions, especially the adherens and tight junctions. Moreover, PCX suppresses multiple factors such as LIF and signaling pathways including Wnt and calcium signaling that support receptivity but stimulates anti-implantation genes such as LEFTY2. Functional studies confirmed that PCX promotes epithelial barrier functions by increasing key epithelial junction proteins such as E-cadherin and claudin 4. PCX thus promotes an anti-adhesive and impermeable epithelium while impedes pro-implantation factors to negatively control endometrial receptivity for implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophea Heng
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Nirukshi Samarajeewa
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Yao Wang
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Sarah G Paule
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - James Breen
- The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,University of Adelaide Bioinformatics Hub, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Guiying Nie
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3083, Australia. .,Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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12
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McNagny KM, Hughes MR, Brassard J. Molecular Teflon and fertility: an old adhesion regulator takes center stage. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:1402-1403. [PMID: 34602258 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M McNagny
- The Biomedical Research Centre and School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael R Hughes
- The Biomedical Research Centre and School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Julyanne Brassard
- The Biomedical Research Centre and School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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13
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Heng S, Samarajeewa N, Aberkane A, Essahib W, Van de Velde H, Scelwyn M, Hull ML, Vollenhoven B, Rombauts LJ, Nie G. Podocalyxin inhibits human embryo implantation in vitro and luminal podocalyxin in putative receptive endometrium is associated with implantation failure in fertility treatment. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:1391-1401. [PMID: 34272065 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study whether endometrial epithelial podocalyxin (PCX) inhibits implantation of human embryos in vitro and in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). DESIGN We have recently identified PCX as a key negative regulator of endometrial epithelial receptivity. Podocalyxin is expressed in all epithelial cells in the nonreceptive endometrium, but is selectively downregulated in the luminal epithelium (LE) for receptivity. In the current study, we first investigated whether high levels of PCX in Ishikawa monolayer inhibit attachment and/or penetration of human blastocysts in in vitro models. We then examined PCX by immunohistochemistry in putative receptive endometrial tissues biopsied from 81 IVF patients who underwent frozen embryo transfer in the next natural cycle and retrospectively analyzed the association between PCX staining in LE and clinical pregnancy as a proxy of successful implantation. SETTING RMIT University, Australia; Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium. PATIENT(S) In vitro fertilization patients undergoing frozen/thawed embryo transfer. INTERVENTION(S) N/A. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Endometrial epithelial PCX inhibits implantation of human embryos in vitro and in IVF patients. RESULT(S) High levels of PCX in Ishikawa monolayer significantly inhibited blastocyst attachment and penetration. Among the 81 putative receptive tissues, 73% were negative, but 27% were heterogeneously positive for PCX in LE. The clinical pregnancy rate was 53% in those with a PCX-negative LE but only 18% in those with a PCX-positive LE. If LE was positive for PCX, the odds ratio of no clinical pregnancy was 4.95 (95% Confidence interval, 1.48-14.63). CONCLUSION(S) Podocalyxin inhibits embryo implantation. Assessment of PCX may aid the evaluation and optimization of endometrial receptivity in fertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophea Heng
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nirukshi Samarajeewa
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Asma Aberkane
- Research Group of Reproduction and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wafaa Essahib
- Research Group of Reproduction and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hilde Van de Velde
- Research Group of Reproduction and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - M Louise Hull
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Beverley Vollenhoven
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Womens and Newborn Programme, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luk J Rombauts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Womens and Newborn Programme, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Guiying Nie
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Victoria, Australia; Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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14
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Podocalyxin in Normal Tissue and Epithelial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13122863. [PMID: 34201212 PMCID: PMC8227556 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Podocalyxin (PODXL), a glycosylated cell surface sialomucin of the CD34 family, is normally expressed in kidney podocytes, vascular endothelial cells, hematopoietic progenitors, mesothelium, as well as a subset of neurons. In the kidney, PODXL functions primarily as an antiadhesive molecule in podocyte epithelial cells, regulating adhesion and cell morphology, and playing an essential role in the development and function of the organ. Outside the kidney, PODXL plays subtle roles in tissue remodelling and development. Furthermore, many cancers, especially those that originated from the epithelium, have been reported to overexpress PODXL. Collective evidence suggests that PODXL overexpression is linked to poor prognosis, more aggressive tumour progression, unfavourable treatment outcomes, and possibly chemoresistance. This review summarises our current knowledge of PODXL in normal tissue function and epithelial cancer, with a particular focus on its underlying roles in cancer metastasis, likely involvement in chemoresistance, and potential use as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.
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15
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Fernando SR, Lee CL, Wong BP, Cheng KW, Lee YL, Chan MC, Ng EH, Yeung WS, Lee KF. Expression of membrane protein disulphide isomerase A1 (PDIA1) disrupt a reducing microenvironment in endometrial epithelium for embryo implantation. Exp Cell Res 2021; 405:112665. [PMID: 34111473 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Various proteins in the endometrial epithelium are differentially expressed in the receptive phase and play a pivotal role in embryo implantation. The Protein Disulphide Isomerase (PDI) family contains 21 members that function as chaperone proteins through their redox activities. Although total PDIA1 protein expression was high in four common receptive (Ishikawa and RL95-2) and non-receptive (HEC1-B and AN3CA) endometrial epithelial cell lines, significantly higher membrane PDIA1 expression was found in non-receptive AN3CA cells. In Ishikawa cells, oestrogen up-regulated while progesterone down-regulated membrane PDIA1 expression. Moreover, mid-luteal phase hormone treatment down-regulated membrane PDIA1 expression. Furthermore, oestrogen at 10 nM reduced spheroid attachment on Ishikawa cells. Interestingly, inhibition of PDIA1 function by bacitracin or 16F16 increased the spheroid attachment rate onto non-receptive AN3CA cells. Over-expression of PDIA1 in receptive Ishikawa cells reduced the spheroid attachment rate and significantly down-regulated integrin β3 levels, but not integrin αV and E-cadherin. Addition of reducing agent TCEP induced a sulphydryl-rich microenvironment and increased spheroid attachment onto AN3CA cells and human primary endometrial epithelial cells collected at LH+7/8 days. The luminal epithelial cells from human endometrial biopsies had higher PDIA1 protein expression in the proliferative phase than in the secretory phase. Our findings suggest oestrogen and progesterone regulate PDIA1 expression, resulting in the differential expressions of membrane PDIA1 protein to modulate endometrial receptivity. This suggests that membrane PDIA1 expression prior to embryo transfer could be used to predict endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation in women undergoing assisted reproduction treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudini R Fernando
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science & Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, 50000, Sri Lanka
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518053, China
| | - Benancy Pc Wong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Kiu-Wai Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yin-Lau Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518053, China
| | - Ming-Chung Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Ernest Hy Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518053, China
| | - William Sb Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518053, China
| | - Kai-Fai Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518053, China.
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