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Zambuto SG, Scott AK, Oyen ML. Beyond 2D: Novel biomaterial approaches for modeling the placenta. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00073-0. [PMID: 38514278 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.03.006] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
This review considers fully three-dimensional biomaterial environments of varying complexity as these pertain to research on the placenta. The developments in placental cell sources are first considered, along with the corresponding maternal cells with which the trophoblast interact. We consider biomaterial sources, including hybrid and composite biomaterials. Properties and characterization of biomaterials are discussed in the context of material design for specific placental applications. The development of increasingly complicated three-dimensional structures includes examples of advanced fabrication methods such as microfluidic device fabrication and 3D bioprinting, as utilized in a placenta context. The review finishes with a discussion of the potential for in vitro, three-dimensional placenta research to address health disparities and sexual dimorphism, especially in light of the exciting recent changes in the regulatory environment for in vitro devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G Zambuto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Adrienne K Scott
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michelle L Oyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Zhang Y, Chen Y, Zhang L, Wu Y, Feng Y, Ma F. lncRNA CLRN1-AS1 reduces adhesion ability of human trophoblasts via CXCL10/CXCL11. Placenta 2023; 140:47-59. [PMID: 37531749 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Trophoblast cells play an important role in embryo recognition and localization, as well as placental development during embryo implantation. Dysfunction of trophoblastic cells causes pathological changes that lead to insufficient recognition, positioning, and adhesion during embryo implantation, ultimately leading to embryo development has stopped. METHODS High-throughput sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed the mRNA and lncRNA in the villi tissue of pregnant women diagnosed with embryo cessation. In vitro implantation cell models, characteristic analysis, and bio information analysis confirmed that CLRN1-AS1 affected the adhesion function of trophoblast cells by influencing the chemokines CXCL10/CXCL11. RESULTS High throughput sequencing technology was used to identify 438 differentially expressed mRNAs and 41 lncRNAs. The three lncRNAs, namely CLRN1-AS1, USP27X-AS1, and AC104809.4, were screened by the mRNA-lncRNA network. In vitro implantation model suggested that all three lncRNAs could affect the adhesion between trophoblast cells, among which CLRN1-AS1 had the most significant effect. Characteristic analysis and correlation analysis showed that CLRN1-AS1 was closely related to the expression of six adhesion-related genes, LAMA1, FGL2, ITGB2, FBN1, EMP2, and PODN. Cell experiments and re-sequencing confirmed that CLRN1-AS1 could affect the adhesion ability of trophoblast cells to the extracellular matrix, and its process was related to the chemokine CXCL10/CXCL11. DISCUSSION These results constructed the network of mRNA-lncRNA and enrichment when embryonic development has stopped and found CLRN1-AS1 highly correlated to failure of embryo implantation, and revealed that CLRN1-AS1 modulates the adhesion ability of trophoblast cells to the extracellular matrix via the chemokines CXCL10/CXCL11 during the early stage of embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan,610041, China; Department of Post-Graduate Training, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - YingJiao Chen
- Office for West China Institute of Women and Children's Health, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Linyu Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan,610041, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - YiLun Wu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan,610041, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Ying Feng
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
| | - Fang Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan,610041, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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Kanda T, Kagami K, Iizuka T, Kasama H, Matsumoto T, Sakai Y, Suzuki T, Yamamoto M, Matsuoka A, Yamazaki R, Hattori A, Horie A, Daikoku T, Ono M, Fujiwara H. Spheroid formation induces chemokine production in trophoblast-derived Swan71 cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13752. [PMID: 37491922 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM In the cell column of anchoring villi, the cytotrophoblast differentiates into extravillous trophoblast (EVT) and invades the endometrium in contact with maternal immune cells. Recently, chemokines were proposed to regulate the decidual immune response. To investigate the roles of chemokines around the anchoring villi, we examined the expression profiles of chemokines in the first-trimester trophoblast-derived Swan71 cells using a three-dimensional culture model. METHOD OF STUDY The gene expressions in the spheroid-formed Swan71 cells were examined by microarray and qPCR analyses. The protein expressions were examined by immunochemical staining. The chemoattractant effects of spheroid-formed Swan71 cells were examined by migration assay using monocyte-derived THP-1 cells. RESULTS The expressions of an EVT marker, laeverin, and matrix metalloproteases, MMP2 and MMP9, were increased in the spheroid-cultured Swan71 cells. Microarray and qPCR analysis revealed that mRNA expressions of various chemokines, CCL2, CCL7, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5, CXCL6, CXCL8, and CXCL10, in the spheroid-cultured Swan71 cells were up-regulated as compared with those in the monolayer-cultured Swan71 cells. These expressions were significantly suppressed by hypoxia. Migration assay showed that culture media derived from the spheroid-formed Swan71 cells promoted THP-1 cell migration. CONCLUSION This study indicated that chemokine expressions in Swan71 cells increase under a spheroid-forming culture and the culture media have chemoattractant effects. Since three-dimensional cell assembling in the spheroid resembles the structure of the cell column, this study also suggests that chemokines play important roles in the interaction between EVT and immune cells in their early differentiation stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuhito Kanda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Kagami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Iizuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Haruki Kasama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takeo Matsumoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yuya Sakai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takuma Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Megumi Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Ayumi Matsuoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Rena Yamazaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Akira Hattori
- Department of System Chemotherapy and Molecular Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akihito Horie
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takiko Daikoku
- Division of Animal Disease Model, Research Center for Experimental Modeling of Human Disease, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Masanori Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
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Intrauterine administration of activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells in intrauterine insemination: a prospective double-blind randomized clinical trial. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2021; 44:383-389. [PMID: 34848351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2021.11.010] [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: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of intrauterine administration of activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) on intrauterine insemination (IUI) success rates. METHODS This prospective double-blind randomized parallel clinical trial included 213 patients undergoing IUI at the Fertilys clinic. PBMC were isolated on the day of ovulation (day 0; D0) and stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for 48 hours (day 2; D2). Patients in the PBMC group (n = 108) underwent in utero administration of 1.106 cells on D2, while patients in the control group (n = 105) were administered sperm-washing medium. Distribution of CD4 T lymphocyte populations (n = 61) was assessed on D0 and D2. Pregnancy and live birth rates were also evaluated. RESULTS Demographic and clinical characteristics, pregnancy rates, and live birth rates were not significantly different between the PBMC and control groups. Significantly higher levels of T helper (Th) 2, Th22, and T regulatory cells (P < 0.0001) and lower levels of Th17 cells were observed in hCG-activated PBMC at D2 than at D0. CONCLUSION Intrauterine administration of PBMC was not beneficial in IUI patients. New clinical approaches to better identify patients requiring endometrium immunomodulation needs to be addressed.
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Rezaee D, Bandehpour M, Kazemi B, Salehi M. Role of intrauterine administration of transfected peripheral blood mononuclear cells by GM-CSF on embryo implantation and pregnancy rate in mice. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:101-110. [PMID: 31899496 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the effective treatments in women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is the use of immune cells to facilitate embryo implantation. Previous studies have shown that intrauterine transmission of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) increased the embryo implantation rate. In this study using B6D2F1 (C57BL/6 × DBA2) mice, a fragment of the granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (Gm-csf) gene was cloned into an enhanced green fluorescent protein vector (pEGFP-N1) and then transfected into PBMC. The protein level of GM-CSF was evaluated in the transfected PBMC and untransfected PBMC by ELISA. Attachment of mouse embryos and the mRNA expression levels of leukemia inhibitory factor (Lif), vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegf), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Mmp9), Gmcsf-receptor (Gmcsf-r) and interleukin 6 (Il6) in vitro were assessed by real-time PCR in endometrial cells. To determine the pregnancy rate and number of implantation sites in vivo, the mouse uterine horns were analyzed on Day 7.5 post coitum. A greater amount of GM-CSF was produced in PBMC transfected with recombinant vector (552 pg/mL) compared with the untransfected PBMC (57 pg/mL) and PBMC transfected with empty vector (34 pg/mL) (P < 0.05). The data showed that the embryo attachment rate and mRNA expression levels (Vegf [1.7-fold], Mmp9 [1.4-fold], Lif [1.5-fold], Gm-csf r [1.6-fold] and Il6 [1.2-fold]) in the in vitro study (P < 0.01), pregnancy rate (P < 0.01) and number of implantation sites (P < 0.01) in the in vivo investigation (P < 0.05) were increased in PBMC transfected with recombinant vector compared with the PBMC group. The study demonstrated that, in mice, endometrium immunotherapy with transfected PBMC that contained recombinant GM-CSF before embryo implantation was effective in improving embryo implantation and endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delsuz Rezaee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojgan Bandehpour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Kazemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Salehi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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6
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Yang DN, Wu JH, Geng L, Cao LJ, Zhang QJ, Luo JQ, Kallen A, Hou ZH, Qian WP, Shi Y, Xia X. Efficacy of intrauterine perfusion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) for infertile women before embryo transfer: meta-analysis. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2020; 40:961-968. [PMID: 31791175 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2019.1673711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This meta-analysis was intended to evaluate the effects of intrauterine perfusion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) on the pregnancy outcomes including clinical pregnancy rates, embryo implantation rates, live birth rates and miscarriage rates of infertile women who were undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. By searching Pubmed, Embase database, five articles meeting the inclusion criteria were included, and 1173 women were enrolled (intrauterine PBMC group: n = 514; NO-PBMC group: n = 659). For the entire IVF/ICSI population and one or two embryo transfer failure patients, there was no significant difference in endometrial thickness, embryo implantation rates, live birth rates, and miscarriage rates between the PBMC group and NO-PBMC group. Although the clinical pregnancy rates of the PBMC group were higher than that of the NO-PBMC group, the confidence interval was close to the line of unity. As for the patients with three or more implantation failures, the clinical pregnancy rates, embryo implantation rates and live birth rates were much higher in the PBMC group than that of the NO-PBMC group. In summary, current evidence suggests that intrauterine perfusion of PBMC can significantly improve pregnancy outcomes in patients who have three or more implantation failures.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? An increasing number of studies have shown that immune cells play an important role in embryo transfer. There is no reliable evidence to confirm the clinical efficacy of intrauterine perfusion of PBMC.What do the results of this study add? The current evidence suggests that intrauterine perfusion of PBMC can significantly improve pregnancy outcomes in patients who have three or more implantation failures.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? To the best of our knowledge, this meta-analysis is the first to evaluate the effect of intrauterine perfusion of PBMC on pregnancy outcomes before embryo transfer. Our study indicated that intrauterine perfusion of PBMC significantly increased clinical pregnancy rates, embryo implantation rates, and live birth rates in patients who failed more than three implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- D N Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - J H Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - L Geng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - L J Cao
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Nanshan People's Hospital, Nan Shan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Q J Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - J Q Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Amanda Kallen
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, CT USA
| | - Z H Hou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - W P Qian
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Y Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - X Xia
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Pourakbari R, Ahmadi H, Yousefi M, Aghebati-Maleki L. Cell therapy in female infertility-related diseases: Emphasis on recurrent miscarriage and repeated implantation failure. Life Sci 2020; 258:118181. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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8
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Pourmoghadam Z, Soltani-Zangbar MS, Sheikhansari G, Azizi R, Eghbal-Fard S, Mohammadi H, Siahmansouri H, Aghebati-Maleki L, Danaii S, Mehdizadeh A, Hojjat-Farsangi M, Motavalli R, Yousefi M. Intrauterine administration of autologous hCG- activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells improves pregnancy outcomes in patients with recurrent implantation failure; A double-blind, randomized control trial study. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 142:103182. [PMID: 32781360 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the effect of intrauterine administration of autologous hCG-activated PBMCs in RIF women with low Th-17/Treg cell ratio. 248 women with a history of implantation failure volunteered to receive PBMC-therapy. After immunologic consultation and doing flow cytometry analysis, 100 women with at least three IVF/ET failure who had low Th-17/Treg ratio in comparison with healthy control were enrolled in this study. These 100 patients were randomly divided into two groups as PBMC receiving (n = 50) and controls (n = 50). Then PBMCs were obtained from patients and treated with hCG for 48 h. Afterward, PBMCs were administered into the uterine cavity of the patient in the study group, two days before ET. The concentration of inflammatory cytokines was examined in the supernatant of cultured PBMCs after 2, 24, and 48 h of incubation using the ELISA method. The frequency of Th-17, Treg, and the Th-17/Treg ratio was significantly lower in RIF women than the healthy controls (P < 0.0001). The secretion of inflammatory cytokines was significantly higher after 48 h compared to 2 and 24 h (P < 0.0001). The pregnancy and live birth rate were significantly increased in women undergoing the PBMC-therapy compared to control (PBS-injecting) group (P = 0.032 and P = 0.047, respectively). The miscarriage rate was considerably lower in PBMC-therapy group (P = 0.029). Our findings suggest that intrauterine administration of autologous in vitro hCG-activated PBMCs improves pregnancy outcomes in patients with at least three IVF/ET failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Pourmoghadam
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Golshan Sheikhansari
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ramyar Azizi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shadi Eghbal-Fard
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed Mohammadi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | | | | | - Shahla Danaii
- Gynecology Department, Eastern Azerbaijan ACECR ART center, Eastern Azerbaijan branch of ACECR, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Mehdizadeh
- Endocrine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hojjat-Farsangi
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Immune and Gene Therapy Lab, Cancer Center Karolinska (CCK), Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roza Motavalli
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Kidney Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Kidney Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Chen J, Zhao X, Ao L, Yin T, Yang J. Transcriptomic changes and potential regulatory mechanism of intrauterine human chorionic gonadotropin co-cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells infusion in mice with embryonic implantation dysfunction. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:99. [PMID: 32175392 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.12.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background This study aimed to explore whether intrauterine infusion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) could induce favorable transcriptomic changes in the endometrium for embryo implantation and the potential mechanism. Methods Twenty-one mice were randomly divided to five groups, including a normal pregnancy (NP) group, an embryo implantation dysfunction (EID) group, an EID with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) group, an EID with PBMCs group, and an EID with hCG co-cultured with PBMCs group. The endometrium in the implantation window from mice were collected and determined by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), and the expression of significantly different genes with high degree of coincidence was recommended and validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results There were totally 1,366 up-regulated and 1,374 down-regulated genes in the EID mice compared with the normal pregnant mice. We selected (fold change ≥2, P<0.05) and verified the candidate genes associated with embryo implantation, immune response and other reproductive processes in previous reports by qRT-PCR. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), solute carrier family 15 member 2 (SLC15A2), retinoic acid receptor responder 1 (RARRES1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) were down-regulated and musculin (MSC), chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 14 (CXCL14) were up-regulated significantly in EID group (P<0.05), and the synergistic effects of hCG were seen. In addition, the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-β in PBMCs of NP mice was higher than that of EID mice, and up-regulated GR-β in EID mice could significantly increase the expression of LIF, SLC15A2, RARRES1 and VCAM1, and decrease the expression of CXCL14 and MSC, which indicated GR-β might be a transcriptional factor of the six genes above. Conclusions Intrauterine PBMCs perfusion might improve the performance of impaired endometrial receptivity by regulating LIF, SLC15A2, RARRES1, VCAM1, MSC as well as CXCL14, and hCG could enhance the effect of PBMCs. In addition, GR-β, as a transcriptional factor, could regulate the six genes in PBMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Hubei Clinical Research Center for Assisted Reproductive and Embryonic Development, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xuehan Zhao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Hubei Clinical Research Center for Assisted Reproductive and Embryonic Development, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Liangfei Ao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Hubei Clinical Research Center for Assisted Reproductive and Embryonic Development, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Hubei Clinical Research Center for Assisted Reproductive and Embryonic Development, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Hubei Clinical Research Center for Assisted Reproductive and Embryonic Development, Wuhan 430060, China
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Fujiwara H, Ono M, Sato Y, Imakawa K, Iizuka T, Kagami K, Fujiwara T, Horie A, Tani H, Hattori A, Daikoku T, Araki Y. Promoting Roles of Embryonic Signals in Embryo Implantation and Placentation in Cooperation with Endocrine and Immune Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051885. [PMID: 32164226 PMCID: PMC7084435 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation in the uterus is an essential process for successful pregnancy in mammals. In general, the endocrine system induces sufficient embryo receptivity in the endometrium, where adhesion-promoting molecules increase and adhesion-inhibitory molecules decrease. Although the precise mechanisms remain unknown, it is widely accepted that maternal–embryo communications, including embryonic signals, improve the receptive ability of the sex steroid hormone-primed endometrium. The embryo may utilize repulsive forces produced by an Eph–ephrin system for its timely attachment to and subsequent invasion through the endometrial epithelial layer. Importantly, the embryonic signals are considered to act on maternal immune cells to induce immune tolerance. They also elicit local inflammation that promotes endometrial differentiation and maternal tissue remodeling during embryo implantation and placentation. Additional clarification of the immune control mechanisms by embryonic signals, such as human chorionic gonadotropin, pre-implantation factor, zona pellucida degradation products, and laeverin, will aid in the further development of immunotherapy to minimize implantation failure in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan; (M.O.); (T.I.); (K.K.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +81-(0)76-265-2425; Fax: +81-(0)76-234-4266
| | - Masanori Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan; (M.O.); (T.I.); (K.K.)
| | - Yukiyasu Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Takamatsu Red Cross Hospital, Takamatsu 760-0017, Japan;
| | - Kazuhiko Imakawa
- Research Institute of Agriculture, Tokai University, Kumamoto 862-8652, Japan;
| | - Takashi Iizuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan; (M.O.); (T.I.); (K.K.)
| | - Kyosuke Kagami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan; (M.O.); (T.I.); (K.K.)
| | - Tomoko Fujiwara
- Department of Home Science and Welfare, Kyoto Notre Dame University, Kyoto 606-0847, Japan;
| | - Akihito Horie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (A.H.); (H.T.)
| | - Hirohiko Tani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (A.H.); (H.T.)
| | - Akira Hattori
- Department of System Chemotherapy and Molecular Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan;
| | - Takiko Daikoku
- Division of Transgenic Animal Science, Advanced Science Research Center, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan;
| | - Yoshihiko Araki
- Institute for Environmental and Gender-specific Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Urayasu 279-0021, Japan;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
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Wu Y, Li L, Liu L, Yang X, Yan P, Yang K, Zhang X. Autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells intrauterine instillation to improve pregnancy outcomes after recurrent implantation failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2019; 300:1445-1459. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-019-05275-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Gifford CA, Aloqaily BH, Hernandez Gifford JA. BEEF SPECIES-RUMINANT NUTRITION CACTUS BEEF SYMPOSIUM: Maternal immune modulation prior to embryo arrival in the uterus is important for establishment of pregnancy in cattle1. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:3605-3610. [PMID: 31083718 PMCID: PMC6667245 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1953, Sir Peter Medawar first recognized the allogeneic properties of a developing conceptus and rationalized that an "immune-tolerant" physiological state must exist during pregnancy. Early theories speculated that the conceptus evaded the maternal immune system completely, but 40 yr after Medawar's observations, Wegmann proposed that the maternal immune system shifts the cytokine profile away from inflammatory cytokine production when an embryo is present. The economic consequences and production losses of subfertile animals have been well documented in studies evaluating calving distribution. Despite advances in understanding infertility or subfertility, few technologies exist to identify subfertile animals or improve fertility beyond hormonal intervention associated with synchronization protocols. Work in rodents and some livestock species indicates that the uterine immune cell population shifts dramatically after copulation and these early immune-modulated events establish a receptive uterine environment. Clearly, as evident in embryo transfer, the presence of a conceptus is sufficient to establish communication for pregnancy establishment but does not rule out the importance of other physiological events to prime the maternal immune system prior to blastocyst arrival in the uterus. In support of this concept, work in our laboratory and by others has demonstrated that autologous intrauterine transfer of peripheral immune cells prior to embryo transfer can increase pregnancy rates and accelerate conceptus development in women and cattle. Understanding aberrant immune regulation in subfertile animals may provide markers for subfertility or targets for clinical intervention to enhance fertility, particularly when using reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A Gifford
- Department of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
| | - Bahaa H Aloqaily
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
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13
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Bos-Mikich A, Ferreira MO, de Oliveira R, Frantz N. Platelet-rich plasma or blood-derived products to improve endometrial receptivity? J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:613-620. [PMID: 30610660 PMCID: PMC6504981 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1386-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to improve endometrial receptivity is gaining increasing attention in assisted reproduction technologies. The authors report that autologous PRP intrauterine administration improves pregnancy and birth rates, particularly in cases of patients presenting poor endometrial growth. Different groups of scientists proposed a similar approach years ago using whole blood-derived products also to improve endometrial receptivity. The important role played by cytokines and growth factors during embryo implantation has been well-known for a long time. These signaling molecules are present and released by blood cells during physiological, normal endometrial growth and implantation. Similar blood mediators are released from platelet granules upon a blood vessel injury. Methods described for PRP preparation for intrauterine administration are not precise, and they seem to be similar to those used to prepare peripheral blood-derived products. Thus, it is possible that when preparing PRP from whole blood, the final plasma product used as "PRP" contains platelets in addition to the important cytokines and growth factors released by the peripheral blood mononuclear cells present in the whole blood. Precise knowledge of the identity, concentration, and effects of the individual blood factors, their origin, whether platelets or blood mononuclear cells, will greatly contribute to improve and to make results obtained in fertility treatments more repeatable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Bos-Mikich
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Nilo Frantz
- nilo.frantz Medicina Reprodutiva, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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14
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Yu N, Zhang B, Xu M, Wang S, Liu R, Wu J, Yang J, Feng L. Intrauterine administration of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) activated by HCG improves the implantation and pregnancy rates in patients with repeated implantation failure: a prospective randomized study. Am J Reprod Immunol 2017; 76:212-6. [PMID: 27521928 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Intrauterine administration of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) activated by HCG in vitro was reported to improve implantation rates in patients with repeated failure of IVF-ET (in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer). In this article, the value of intrauterine administration of PBMCs before embryo transfer and its optimal cell culture method will be investigated. METHOD OF STUDY Patients who had not experienced successful pregnancy despite three or more IVF-ET sessions were enrolled in this study (n=240, 240 cycles). PBMCs were obtained from patients themselves and were cultured with HCG for 24 hours. Twenty-four hours later, PBMCs were then administered to the intrauterine cavity of that patient from the study group (n=93, 93 cycles). The control group (n=105, 105 cycles) underwent ET without intrauterine administration. RESULTS Clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, and miscarriage rate in the PBMC-treated group (46.24% and 23.66%, n=43 and 22, respectively) were significantly higher than those in the non-treated group (20.95% and 11.43%, P<.05; n=22 and 12, respectively). CONCLUSION These findings indicate that intrauterine administration of autologous PBMC activated by HCG in vitro effectively improves embryo implantation in patients with three or more IVF failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Yu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mei Xu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jianli Wu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ling Feng
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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The role of nitric oxide in the outgrowth of trophoblast cells on human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 54:227-31. [PMID: 26166331 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2013.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Embryo implantation is a complex process that requires coordinated trophoblast-endometrial interactions. Previous studies demonstrated that the identification of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in trophoblast cells and the remodeling of the implantation process by nitric oxide (NO) support the important role of NO during implantation. However, the role of NO in trophoblast-endometrial interactions is unclear and is therefore examined in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS We cocultured BeWo trophoblast spheroids with human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers to mimic the trophoblast-endometrial interaction. N(ω)-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME), a competitive inhibitor of NOS, and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor, were used to test the role of NO in the trophoblast-endometrial interaction. RESULTS l-NAME diminished spheroid expansion on HUVEC monolayers in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). However, trophoblast spreading on HUVEC-free culture surfaces was unaffected by l-NAME treatment (p > 0.05). Significant suppression of spheroid expansion was found at the higher dose (1mM) of SNP (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION NO may be needed in the process of implantation, and an adequate but not overly NO-containing environment might be an important factor for successful implantation. This finding is worthy of further investigation.
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16
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Fujiwara H, Araki Y, Imakawa K, Saito S, Daikoku T, Shigeta M, Kanzaki H, Mori T. Dual Positive Regulation of Embryo Implantation by Endocrine and Immune Systems--Step-by-Step Maternal Recognition of the Developing Embryo. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 75:281-9. [PMID: 26755274 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, HCG secreted from the implanting embryo stimulates progesterone production of the corpus luteum to maintain embryo implantation. Along with this endocrine system, current evidence suggests that the maternal immune system positively contributes to the embryo implantation. In mice, immune cells that have been sensitized with seminal fluid and then the developing embryo induce endometrial differentiation and promote embryo implantation. After hatching, HCG activates regulatory T and B cells through LH/HCG receptors and then stimulates uterine NK cells and monocytes through sugar chain receptors, to promote and maintain pregnancy. In accordance with the above, the intrauterine administration of HCG-treated PBMC was demonstrated to improve implantation rates in women with repeated implantation failures. These findings suggest that the maternal immune system undergoes functional changes by recognizing the developing embryos in a stepwise manner even from a pre-fertilization stage and facilitates embryo implantation in cooperation with the endocrine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Araki
- Institute for Environmental and Gender-specific Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Urayasu, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Imakawa
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeru Saito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Takiko Daikoku
- Division of Transgenic Animal Science, Advanced Science Research Center, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | | | | | - Takahide Mori
- Academia for Repro-Regenerative Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Seminal Fluid Signalling in the Female Reproductive Tract: Implications for Reproductive Success and Offspring Health. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 868:127-58. [PMID: 26178848 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-18881-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Carriage of sperm is not the only function of seminal fluid in mammals. Studies in mice show that at conception, seminal fluid interacts with the female reproductive tract to induce responses which influence whether or not pregnancy will occur, and to set in train effects that help shape subsequent fetal development. In particular, seminal fluid initiates female immune adaptation processes required to tolerate male transplantation antigens present in seminal fluid and inherited by the conceptus. A tolerogenic immune environment to facilitate pregnancy depends on regulatory T cells (Treg cells), which recognise male antigens and function to suppress inflammation and immune rejection responses. The female response to seminal fluid stimulates the generation of Treg cells that protect the conceptus from inflammatory damage, to support implantation and placental development. Seminal fluid also elicits molecular and cellular changes in the oviduct and endometrium that directly promote embryo development and implantation competence. The plasma fraction of seminal fluid plays a key role in this process with soluble factors, including TGFB, prostaglandin-E, and TLR4 ligands, demonstrated to contribute to the peri-conception immune environment. Recent studies show that conception in the absence of seminal plasma in mice impairs embryo development and alters fetal development to impact the phenotype of offspring, with adverse effects on adult metabolic function particularly in males. This review summarises our current understanding of the molecular responses to seminal fluid and how this contributes to the establishment of pregnancy, generation of an immune-regulatory environment and programming long-term offspring health.
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18
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Care AS, Ingman WV, Moldenhauer LM, Jasper MJ, Robertson SA. Ovarian steroid hormone-regulated uterine remodeling occurs independently of macrophages in mice. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:60. [PMID: 25061095 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.116509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are abundant in the uterine stroma and are intimately juxtaposed with other cell lineages comprising the uterine epithelial and stromal compartments. We postulated that macrophages may participate in mediating or amplifying the effects of ovarian steroid hormones to facilitate the uterine remodeling that is a characteristic feature of every estrus cycle and is essential for pregnancy. Using the Cd11b-Dtr transgenic mouse model with an ovariectomy and hormone replacement strategy, we depleted macrophages to determine their role in hormone-driven proliferation of uterine epithelial and stromal cells and uterine vascular development. Following diphtheria toxin (DT) administration, approximately 85% of EMR1-positive (EMR1⁺) macrophages, as well as 70% of CD11C⁺ dendritic cells, were depleted from Cd11b-Dtr mice. There was no change in bromodeoxyuridine incorporation into epithelial cells induced to proliferate by administration of 17beta-estradiol (E2) to ovariectomized mice or into stromal cells induced to proliferate in response to E2 and progesterone (P4), and the resulting sizes and structures of the luminal epithelial and stromal cell compartments were not altered compared with those of leukocyte replete controls. Depletion of CD11B⁺ myeloid cells failed to alter the density or pattern of distribution of uterine blood vessels, as identified by staining PECAM1-positive endothelial cells in the uterine stroma of E2- or E2 combined with P4 (E2P4)-treated ovariectomized mice. These experiments support the interpretation that macrophages are dispensable to regulation of proliferative events induced by steroid hormones in the cycling and early pregnant mouse uterus to establish the epithelial, stromal, and vascular architecture which is critical for normal reproductive competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison S Care
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Wendy V Ingman
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia School of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Adelaide, Woodville, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lachlan M Moldenhauer
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Melinda J Jasper
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Menstrual cyclic change of metastin/GPR54 in endometrium. Med Mol Morphol 2014; 48:76-84. [PMID: 24908069 DOI: 10.1007/s00795-014-0081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metastin/kisspeptin is encoded by KISS1 and functions as an endogenous ligand of GPR54. Interaction of metastin with GPR54 suppresses metastasis and also regulates release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which promotes secretion of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). We have previously demonstrated epigenetic regulation of GPR54 in endometrial cancer and the potent role of metastin peptides in inhibiting metastasis in endometrial cancer. However, little is known about how the metastin-GPR54 axis is regulated in the endometrium, the precursor tissue of endometrial cancer. Endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and endometrial glandular cells (EGCs) within the endometrium show morphological changes when exposed to E2 and P4. In this study, we show that metastin expression is induced in ESCs through decidualization, but is repressed in glandular components of atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) and endometrial cancer relative to EGCs. The promoter of GPR54 is unmethylated in normal endometrium and in AEH. These results indicate metastin may function in decidualized endometrium to prepare for adequate placentation but this autocrine secretion of metastin is deregulated during oncogenesis to enable tumor cells to spread.
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Bromfield JJ. Seminal fluid and reproduction: much more than previously thought. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:627-36. [PMID: 24830788 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0243-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The influence of seminal plasma on the cytokine and immune uterine environment is well characterised in mice and humans, while the effects of disruption to uterine seminal plasma exposure on pregnancy and offspring health is becoming more clearly understood. The cellular and molecular environment of the uterus during the pre- and peri-implantation period of early pregnancy is critical for implantation success and optimal foetal and placental development. Perturbations to this environment not only have consequences for the success of pregnancy and neonatal health and viability, but can also drive adverse health outcomes in the offspring after birth, particularly the development of metabolic disorders such as obesity, hypertension and insulin resistance. It is now reported that an absence of seminal plasma at conception in mice promotes increased fat accumulation, altered metabolism and hypertension in offspring. The evidence reviewed here demonstrates that seminal plasma is not simply a transport medium for sperm, but acts also as a key regulator of the female tract environment providing optimal support for the developing embryo and benefiting future health of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Bromfield
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 110910, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA,
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Dekel N, Gnainsky Y, Granot I, Racicot K, Mor G. The role of inflammation for a successful implantation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 72:141-7. [PMID: 24809430 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately half of all human embryo implantations result in failed pregnancy. Multiple factors may contribute to this failure, including genetic or metabolic abnormalities of the embryo. However, many of these spontaneous early abortion cases are attributed to poor uterine receptivity. Furthermore, although many fertility disorders have been overcome by a variety of assisted reproductive techniques, implantation remains the rate-limiting step for the success of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. We, as well as others, have demonstrated that endometrial biopsies performed either during the spontaneous, preceding cycle, or during the IVF cycle itself, significantly improve the rate of implantation, clinical pregnancies, and live births. These observations suggest that mechanical injury of the endometrium may enhance uterine receptivity by provoking the immune system to generate an inflammatory reaction. In strong support of this idea, we recently found that dendritic cells (DCs), an important cellular component of the innate immune system, play a critical role in successful implantation in a mouse model. In this review, we discuss the hypothesis that the injury-derived inflammation in the biopsy-treated patients generates a focus for uterine DCs and Mac accumulation that, in turn, enhance the endometrial expression of essential molecules that facilitate the interaction between the embryo and the uterine epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
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Ho H, Singh H, Aljofan M, Nie G. A high-throughput in vitro model of human embryo attachment. Fertil Steril 2012; 97:974-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.01.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2011] [Revised: 01/06/2012] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Okitsu O, Kiyokawa M, Oda T, Miyake K, Sato Y, Fujiwara H. Intrauterine administration of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells increases clinical pregnancy rates in frozen/thawed embryo transfer cycles of patients with repeated implantation failure. J Reprod Immunol 2011; 92:82-7. [PMID: 22035703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Revised: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine administration of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) activated by HCG in vitro are reported to improve implantation rates in patients with repeated failure of IVF-ET. In this study, we examined the effects of intrauterine administration of freshly isolated PBMC on clinical pregnancy and the implantation rates of patients who received frozen/thawed embryo transfer by prospective cohort study. Patients who had not achieved a successful pregnancy despite at least one or more IVF-ET sessions were enrolled in this study (n = 253, 253 cycles). Based on the patient's treatment preferences, PBMC were freshly isolated from each patient and then administered to the intrauterine cavity of that patient. Frozen/thawed embryo transfer was performed and the success of implantation in the PBMC-treated group (n = 83, 83 cycles) was compared with that in the non-treated control groups (n = 170, 170 cycles). There were no significant differences in the clinical pregnancy rate (34.9% vs. 32.9%), implantation rate (21.6% vs. 21.1%) and live birth delivery rate (21.7% vs. 21.8%) between PBMC-treated and non-treated groups. However, when the analyses were restricted to patients who had three or more implantation failures, the clinical pregnancy rate and the implantation rate in the PBMC-treated group (42.1% and 25.0%, p<0.05; n = 19 and 32, respectively) were significantly higher than those in the non-treated group (16.7% and 9.4%, p<0.05; n = 36 and 64, respectively). These findings indicate that intrauterine administration of autologous PBMC freshly isolated from patients, effectively improves embryo implantation in patients with three or more IVF failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Okitsu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Miyake Clinic, 369-8 Ofuku, Minami-ku, Okayama 701-0204, Japan.
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Jasper MJ, Care AS, Sullivan B, Ingman WV, Aplin JD, Robertson SA. Macrophage-derived LIF and IL1B regulate alpha(1,2)fucosyltransferase 2 (Fut2) expression in mouse uterine epithelial cells during early pregnancy. Biol Reprod 2011; 84:179-88. [PMID: 20864644 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.085399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages accumulate within stromal tissue subjacent to the luminal epithelium in the mouse uterus during early pregnancy after seminal fluid exposure at coitus. To investigate their role in regulating epithelial cell expression of fucosylated structures required for embryo attachment and implantation, fucosyltransferase enzymes Fut1, Fut2 (Enzyme Commission number [EC] 2.4.1.69), and Fut4 (EC 2.4.1.214) and Muc1 and Muc4 mRNAs were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR in uterine epithelial cells after laser capture microdissection in situ or after epithelial cell coculture with macrophages or macrophage-secreted factors. When uterine macrophage recruitment was impaired by mating with seminal plasma-deficient males, epithelial cell Fut2 expression on Day 3.5 postcoitus (pc) was reduced compared to intact-mated controls. Epithelial cell Fut2 was upregulated in vitro by coculture with macrophages or macrophage-conditioned medium (MCM). Macrophage-derived cytokines LIF, IL1B, and IL12 replicated the effect of MCM on Fut2 mRNA expression, and MCM-stimulated expression was inhibited by anti-LIF and anti-IL1B neutralizing antibodies. The effects of acute macrophage depletion on fucosylated structures detected with lectins Ulex europaeus 1 (UEA-1) and Lotus tetragonolobus purpureas (LTP), or LewisX immunoreactivity, were quantified in vivo in Cd11b-dtr transgenic mice. Depletion of macrophages caused a 30% reduction in luminal epithelial UEA-1 staining and a 67% reduction in LewisX staining in uterine tissues of mice hormonally treated to mimic early pregnancy. Together, these data demonstrate that uterine epithelial Fut2 mRNA expression and terminal fucosylation of embryo attachment ligands is regulated in preparation for implantation by factors including LIF and IL1B secreted from macrophages recruited during the inflammatory response to insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda J Jasper
- Research Centre for Reproductive Health, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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Fujii H, Fujiwara H, Horie A, Sato Y, Konishi I. Ephrin A1 induces intercellular dissociation in Ishikawa cells: possible implication of the Eph-ephrin A system in human embryo implantation. Hum Reprod 2010; 26:299-306. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deq340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Ott TL, Gifford CA. Effects of Early Conceptus Signals on Circulating Immune Cells: Lessons from Domestic Ruminants. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64:245-54. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2010.00912.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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Abstract
Blastocyst implantation is a process of interaction between embryo and the uterus. To understand this process, this review tries to summarize what blastocyst implantation essential factors (BIEFs) play what roles, as well as where in the uterus and at what stage of implantation process. Addition of more new data to this kind of compilation of information will help the development of diagnosis and treatment of infertility caused by implantation failure. The major, important cells of the endometrial cells that interact with invading blastocyst (trophoblast) are luminal epithelial cells, stromal cells (decidual cells) and resident immune cells. BIEFs regulate these cells to successfully maintain pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Yoshinaga
- Reproductive Sciences Branch, Center for Population Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, DHHS, MD 20892-7510, USA.
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Correlation of the Expression of Integrin αvβ3 in Endometrium and Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in Infertile Patients. Reprod Sci 2010; 17:487-93. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719110362269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Franken DR, Bastiaan HS. Can a cumulus cell complex be used to select spermatozoa for assisted reproduction? Andrologia 2009; 41:369-76. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2009.00938.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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30
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Ectopic and eutopic stromal endometriotic cells have a damaged ceramide signaling pathway to apoptosis. Fertil Steril 2009; 92:1834-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2004] [Revised: 08/21/2008] [Accepted: 09/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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31
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Is the zona pellucida an intrinsic source of signals activating maternal recognition of the developing mammalian embryo? J Reprod Immunol 2009; 81:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2009.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2008] [Revised: 03/12/2009] [Accepted: 04/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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32
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Fujiwara H. Do circulating blood cells contribute to maternal tissue remodeling and embryo-maternal cross-talk around the implantation period? Mol Hum Reprod 2009; 15:335-43. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gap027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Gifford CA, Racicot K, Clark DS, Austin KJ, Hansen TR, Lucy MC, Davies CJ, Ott TL. Regulation of interferon-stimulated genes in peripheral blood leukocytes in pregnant and bred, nonpregnant dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2008; 90:274-80. [PMID: 17183095 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(07)72628-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In ruminants, pregnancy results in up-regulation of a large number of IFN-stimulated genes (ISG) in the uterus. Recently, one of these genes was also shown to increase in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) during early pregnancy in sheep. Our working hypothesis is that conceptus signaling activates maternal gene expression in PBL in dairy cattle. The objectives of this study were to characterize ISG expression in PBL from pregnant (n = 20) and bred, nonpregnant (n = 30) dairy cows. Steady-state levels of mRNA for Mx1, Mx2, beta2-microglobulin, ISG-15, IFN regulatory factor-1, and IFN regulatory factor-2 were quantified. Holstein cows were synchronized to estrus and artificially inseminated (d 0). Blood samples were collected (coccygeal venipuncture) on d 0 and 16, 18, and 20 d after insemination for progesterone analysis and PBL isolation. Pregnancy was confirmed by transrectal ultrasonography at approximately 40 d after breeding. A status x day interaction was detected for Mx1, Mx2, and ISG-15 gene expression. When analyzed within day, levels of mRNA for ISG-15 and Mx1 were greater in pregnant compared with bred, nonpregnant cows on d 18 and 20, respectively. Expression of the Mx2 gene increased in the pregnant group compared with bred, nonpregnant cows on d 16, 18, and 20 after insemination. beta2-Microglobulin, IFN regulatory factor-1, and IFN regulatory factor-2 were not different between groups. The results clearly indicated that components of the innate immune response are activated in PBL during the period of pregnancy recognition and early embryo signaling. The physiological implications of these changes on maternal immune function are as yet unknown; however, they do provide a unique opportunity to identify bred, nonpregnant, cows 18 d after insemination in dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Gifford
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow 83844, USA
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Gifford CA, Assiri AM, Satterfield MC, Spencer TE, Ott TL. Receptor transporter protein 4 (RTP4) in endometrium, ovary, and peripheral blood leukocytes of pregnant and cyclic ewes. Biol Reprod 2008; 79:518-24. [PMID: 18495679 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.069468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon-tau (IFNT) is secreted by the conceptus trophoblast and signals pregnancy recognition in ruminants. IFNT regulates expression of genes in the endometrium, peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs), and corpus luteum (CL). Microarray analysis identified that expression of (chemosensory) receptor transporter protein 4 (RTP4) increased in PBLs during early pregnancy in cows. In the present study, we cloned and characterized RTP4 transcription during early pregnancy in ewes. Endometrium, PBLs, and CL were collected on Days 11, 13, and 15 of the cycle and on Days 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19 of pregnancy. Northern blot analysis revealed an expected 1.6-kb mRNA and an unexpected 2.6-kb mRNA. In endometria, RTP4 mRNA levels in cyclic ewes remained low, whereas RTP4 mRNA increased from Day 11 to Day 17 in pregnant ewes. Levels of RTP4 mRNA also increased from Day 15 to Day 19 in CL and PBL samples from pregnant ewes only. The RTP4 mRNA was located in the glandular epithelium, stratum compactum, and caruncular stroma. Ovine glandular epithelial cells were treated with IFNT to determine if IFNT alone could induce RTP4. IFNT increased RTP4 more than 70-fold at 1.5 h after treatment, with maximal induction of nearly 300-fold above values observed in nontreated controls at 6 h after treatment. These results indicate that RTP4 mRNA levels are induced in the ovine endometrium, PBLs, and CL by IFNT during early pregnancy and in cell culture in response to IFNT. If RTP4 expression affects G protein-coupled receptor function, it may be important for establishment of pregnancy in domestic ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Gifford
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83843, USA
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Anti-Fas Activating Antibody Enhances Trophoblast Outgrowth on Endometrial Epithelial Cells by Induction of P38 MAPK/JNK-mediated Apoptosis. Placenta 2008; 29:338-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2007] [Revised: 01/19/2008] [Accepted: 01/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Li HY, Shen JT, Chang SP, Hsu WL, Sung YJ. Calcitonin promotes outgrowth of trophoblast cells on endometrial epithelial cells: involvement of calcium mobilization and protein kinase C activation. Placenta 2007; 29:20-9. [PMID: 17983652 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2007.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2006] [Revised: 09/25/2007] [Accepted: 09/29/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Embryo implantation is a complex process that requires coordinated trophoblast-endometrial interactions. During implantation, trophoblast cells of the attached blastocyst penetrate the luminal epithelium of the endometrium before invasion into the endometrial stroma. Previous studies demonstrated that calcitonin was actively secreted by rat and human endometrial epithelial cells (EEC) during the implantation window and targeted disruption of endometrial calcitonin expression dramatically decreased embryo implantation rates; however, the role and signal transduction of calcitonin in trophoblast-endometrial interactions remained unclear and are therefore examined in this study. BeWo trophoblast and RL95-2 EEC lines were used because they preserve many properties of their respective normal tissues. We co-cultured BeWo trophoblast spheroids with RL95-2 EEC monolayers to mimic the blastocyst-endometrial interaction, and found that most spheroids quickly attached to EEC monolayers and then progressively expanded, with marked displacement of EEC adjacent to the outgrowing trophoblast cells. Interestingly, pretreatment of EEC monolayers with calcitonin before the addition of spheroids significantly enhanced trophoblast expansion on EEC monolayers. Cytosolic calcium (Ca(2+)) levels in EEC increased rapidly upon exposure to calcitonin, and blockade of Ca(2+) release by BAPTA-AM effectively prevented the promoting effect of calcitonin on trophoblast expansion on EEC. The Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinase C (PKC) was also activated in EEC after calcitonin treatment, and the PKC inhibitors staurosporine and calphostin C could completely abolish calcitonin-induced augmentation of trophoblast expansion on EEC. Our results suggest that calcitonin promotes trophoblastic displacement of EEC through calcium mobilization and PKC activation, thereby facilitating embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- H-Y Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
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37
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Robertson SA. Seminal fluid signaling in the female reproductive tract: lessons from rodents and pigs. J Anim Sci 2006; 85:E36-44. [PMID: 17085725 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2006-578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminal fluid contains potent signaling agents that influence female reproductive physiology to improve the chances of conception and pregnancy success. Cytokines and prostaglandins synthesized in the male accessory glands are transferred to the female at insemination, where they bind to receptors on target cells in the cervix and uterus, activating changes in gene expression that lead to modifications in structure and function of the female tissues. The consequences are increased sperm survival and fertilization rates, conditioning of the female immune response to tolerate semen and the conceptus, and molecular and cellular changes in the endometrium that facilitate embryo development and implantation. Male-female tract signaling occurs in rodents, livestock animals, and all other mammals examined thus far, including humans. In mice, the key signaling moieties in seminal plasma are identified as members of the transforming growth factor-beta family. Recent studies indicate a similar signaling function for boar factors in the pig, whereby the sperm and plasma fractions of seminal fluid appear to synergize in activating an inflammatory response and downstream changes in the female tract after insemination. Seminal plasma elicits endometrial changes, with induction of proinflammatory cytokines and cyclooxygenase-2, causing recruitment of macrophages and dendritic cells. Sperm contribute by interacting with seminal plasma factors to modulate neutrophil influx into the luminal cavity. The cascade of changes in local leukocyte populations and cytokine synthesis persists throughout the preimplantation period. Exposure to seminal fluid alters the dynamics of preimplantation embryo development, with an increase in the number of fertilized oocytes attaining the viable blastocyst stage. There is also evidence that seminal factors influence the timing of ovulation, corpus luteum development, and progesterone synthesis. Insight into the molecular basis of seminal fluid signaling in the female reproductive tract may inform new interventions and management practices to ensure maximal fertility and reduce embryo mortality in pigs and, potentially, other livestock species.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Robertson
- Research Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
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Yoshioka S, Fujiwara H, Nakayama T, Kosaka K, Mori T, Fujii S. Intrauterine administration of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells promotes implantation rates in patients with repeated failure of IVF–embryo transfer. Hum Reprod 2006; 21:3290-4. [PMID: 17021188 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/del312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are few effective approaches to infertile patients with repeated failure in IVF-embryo transfer therapy. Since recent evidence suggests that some populations of maternal immune cells positively support embryo implantation, we have developed a new approach using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). METHODS Patients who had not experienced successful pregnancy despite four or more IVF-embryo transfer sessions were enrolled in this study (n = 35, 35 cycles). PBMCs were obtained from patients on the day of oocyte retrieval and were cultured with HCG for 48 h. Two days later, PBMCs were freshly isolated from patients again, combined with cultured PBMC and then administered to the intrauterine cavity of the patients. Blastocyst transfer was performed on day 5, and the success of implantation in the PBMC-treated group was compared with that in the non-treated group. RESULTS Clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate and live birth rate in the PBMC-treated group (41.2, 23.4 and 35.3%; n = 17, 47 and 16, respectively) were significantly higher than those in the non-treated group (11.1, 4.1 and 5.5%; n = 18, 49 and 18, respectively). CONCLUSION Intrauterine administration of autologous PBMC may be an effective approach to improve embryo implantation in patients with repeated IVF failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Yoshioka
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
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Fujiwara H. Immune cells contribute to systemic cross-talk between the embryo and mother during early pregnancy in cooperation with the endocrine system. Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5:19-29. [PMID: 29699232 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0578.2006.00119.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In early pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) stimulates the corpus luteum to produce progesterone that in turn maintains human embryo implantation in the uterus. This inevitable communication through blood circulation can be called 'systemic cross-talk between the embryo and mother'. Despite considerable evidence suggesting that the human corpus luteum cannot be maintained by HCG alone, no other responsible soluble factors have been proposed. We found that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) derived from pregnant women promoted progesterone production by human luteal cells and propose that both hormones and immune cells participate in this systemic cross-talk. This systemic cross-talk by immune cells is believed to operate in embryo implantation. Splenocytes derived from pregnant mice promoted endometrial differentiation and embryo implantation in vivo. Human PBMC derived from women early in pregnancy promoted invasion of murine embryos in vitro. In addition, recombinant HCG increased the effects of human PBMC on murine embryo invasion. Human chorionic gonadotropin also increased chemokine production by human PBMC through a lectin-glycan interaction, which is a primitive pathway in the immune system. Furthermore, chemokines were shown to induce human trophoblast invasion. These findings suggest that the immune system positively contributes to systemic cross-talk between the embryo and mother in cooperation with the endocrine system. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 19-29).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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40
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Makker A, Singh MM. Endometrial receptivity: Clinical assessment in relation to fertility, infertility, and antifertility. Med Res Rev 2006; 26:699-746. [PMID: 16710862 DOI: 10.1002/med.20061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Fertility in humans and other mammalian species depends absolutely on synchronous events that render the developing blastocyst and the receiving uterus competent for implantation. Endometrial receptivity is defined as the period during which the endometrial epithelium acquires functional, but transient, ovarian steroid-dependent status supportive to blastocyst acceptance and implantation. Once inside the uterus, the blastocyst is surrounded by an intact luminal epithelium, which is considered to act as barrier to its attachment, except for this short period of high endometrial receptivity to blastocyst signal(s). Its transport and permeability properties, in conjunction with cellular action of the endometrium and the embryo, have been suggested to influence creation and maintenance of informational and nutritional status of uterine luminal milieu. This period, also termed as the 'window of implantation,' is limited to days 20-24 of menstrual cycle in humans. However, establishment of endometrial receptivity is still a biological mystery that remains unsolved despite marked advances in our understanding of endometrial physiology following extensive research associated with its development and function. This review deals with various structural, biochemical, and molecular events in the endometrium coordinated within the implantation window that constitute essential elements in the repertoire that signifies endometrial receptivity and is aimed to achieve a better understanding of its relationship to fertility, infertility, and for the development of targeted antifertility agents for human use and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annu Makker
- Endocrinology Division, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, India
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Robertson SA. Seminal plasma and male factor signalling in the female reproductive tract. Cell Tissue Res 2005; 322:43-52. [PMID: 15909166 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-005-1127-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2005] [Accepted: 03/30/2005] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, insemination results in the transmission of seminal factors that act, in the female reproductive tract, to promote sperm survival, to "condition" the female immune response to tolerate the conceptus and to organise molecular and cellular changes in the endometrium to facilitate embryo development and implantation. These events are initiated when signalling agents, including transforming growth factor-beta and other cytokines and prostaglandins secreted by seminal vesicle and prostate glands, interact with epithelial cells in the cervix and uterus to activate cytokine synthesis and to induce cellular and molecular changes resembling a classical inflammatory cascade. The consequences are the recruitment and activation of macrophages, granulocytes and dendritic cells, which have immune-regulatory and tissue-remodelling roles that culminate in improved endometrial receptivity to the implanting embryo. Cytokines elicited by seminal activation have embryotrophic properties and also contribute directly to the optimal development of the early embryo. This review summarises our current understanding of the physiology of responses to seminal plasma in the female reproductive tract and considers the evolutionary significance of seminal plasma in influencing female tissues to promote the success of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Robertson
- Research Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia.
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