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Zehorai E, Gross Lev T, Shimshoni E, Hadas R, Adir I, Golani O, Molodij G, Eitan R, Kadler KE, Kollet O, Neeman M, Dekel N, Solomonov I, Sagi I. Enhancing uterine receptivity for embryo implantation through controlled collagenase intervention. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202402656. [PMID: 39151945 PMCID: PMC11329778 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202402656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Ineffective endometrial matrix remodeling, a key factor in infertility, impedes embryo implantation in the uterine wall. Our study reveals the cellular and molecular impact of human collagenase-1 administration in mouse uteri, demonstrating enhanced embryo implantation rates. Collagenase-1 promotes remodeling of the endometrial ECM, degrading collagen fibers and proteoglycans. This process releases matrix-bound bioactive factors (e.g., VEGF, decorin), facilitating vascular permeability and angiogenesis. Collagenase-1 elevates embryo implantation regulators, including NK cell infiltration and the key cytokine LIF. Remarkably, uterine tissue maintains structural integrity despite reduced endometrial collagen fiber tension. In-utero collagenase-1 application rescues implantation in heat stress and embryo transfer models, known for low implantation rates. Importantly, ex vivo exposure of human uterine tissue to collagenase-1 induces collagen de-tensioning and VEGF release, mirroring remodeling observed in mice. Our research highlights the potential of collagenases to induce and orchestrate cellular and molecular processes enhancing uterine receptivity for effective embryo implantation. This innovative approach underscores ECM remodeling mechanisms critical for embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eldar Zehorai
- https://ror.org/0316ej306 Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tamar Gross Lev
- https://ror.org/0316ej306 Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Elee Shimshoni
- https://ror.org/0316ej306 Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ron Hadas
- https://ror.org/0316ej306 Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Idan Adir
- https://ror.org/0316ej306 Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ofra Golani
- https://ror.org/0316ej306 Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Guillaume Molodij
- https://ror.org/0316ej306 Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ram Eitan
- Gynecologic Oncology Division, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center; Petah-Tikva and The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Karl E Kadler
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Orit Kollet
- https://ror.org/0316ej306 Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michal Neeman
- https://ror.org/0316ej306 Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- https://ror.org/0316ej306 Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Inna Solomonov
- https://ror.org/0316ej306 Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Irit Sagi
- https://ror.org/0316ej306 Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Tremellen K, Alfer J, Cotán D, Pérez-Sánchez M, Harvey AJ, Gardner DK. Effect of a novel copper chloride gel on endometrial growth and function in healthy volunteers. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 49:104107. [PMID: 39067212 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.104107] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does the application of a micro-dose of copper chloride gel increase endometrial production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) without compromising endometrial function or producing embryo toxicity? DESIGN An estimate of optimal dose was made based on cell culture studies. Ten healthy participants received an initial uterine application of placebo gel, followed by copper chloride gel (37.5 μM, 75 μM, or 150 μM dose) in a later hormone replacement cycle. Endometrial biopsies (day 5.5 luteal) and pelvic ultrasound were carried out during each cycle to evaluate endometrial function and growth. Uterine fluid was assessed for residual copper levels on the day of biopsy, and copper chloride gel underwent mouse embryos assay assessment for potential embryo toxicity. RESULTS The copper gel significantly increased endometrial VEGF expression (quantitative polymerase chain reaction), and also increasing endometrial thickness by an average of 2.2 mm compared with matched control cycles. The copper gel did not adversely affect endometrial morphology or maturation (histological dating and molecular receptivity testing), and mouse embryos assay studies showed no evidence of embryo toxicity. Furthermore, uterine cavity flush samples mostly lacked copper, with only negligible amounts present in one sample. CONCLUSION Applying copper chloride gel to the uterine cavity upregulated endometrial VEGF and significantly increased endometrial thickness and volume. No adverse effects on the endometrium or embryos were observed. Copper chloride gels show promise for treating suboptimal endometrial thickness if the results of this study are confirmed by larger randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelton Tremellen
- Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia; Repromed, Dulwich, South Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | - David K Gardner
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Wei J, Huang L, Wu M, Lu X, Song Y, Wang Y, Guo Y. The relationship between human blood metabolites and preeclampsia-eclampsia: A Mendelian randomization study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37505. [PMID: 38552089 PMCID: PMC10977518 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia and eclampsia are serious complications of pregnancy, leading to high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality. During pregnancy, there are changes in relevant serum metabolites in women. However, it remains unclear if these serum metabolites contribute to the development of associated disorders during pregnancy. Therefore, we conducted a Mendelian randomization study to explore the causal relationship between serum metabolites and preeclampsia and eclampsia. We utilized the inverse variance weighted model as our primary analysis approach. We complemented this with sensitivity analyses, including the heterogeneity test, horizontal pleiotropy test, and leave-one-out analysis, to ensure the robustness of our findings. Furthermore, we conducted linkage disequilibrium score regression, multivariable Mendelian randomization, and metabolic pathway analysis to further explore the genetic data. The Mendelian randomization analysis has identified γ-glutamylglutamine, inosine, and isoleucine 10 metabolites that are significantly associated with preeclampsia, and γ-glutamylglutamine and phenylacetate 8 metabolites that may potentially contribute to the development of eclampsia. Notably, γ-glutamylglutamine has been found to have a causal relationship with both preeclampsia and eclampsia. In the multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis, our research findings suggest that both isoleucine and X-14304-leucylalanine directly impact preeclampsia within the context of amino acids and peptides. Moreover, our observations reveal that carbohydrates can also have a direct effect on preeclampsia. Importantly, it should be emphasized that only 3-lactate in amino acids has been shown to have a direct influence on eclampsia. This research has the potential to enhance our understanding of the biological variances related to disease status, providing a foundation for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiping Wei
- School of Clinical Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Liyuan Huang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Mingda Wu
- Precision Medical Center, Jilin Province General Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaodan Lu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- Precision Medical Center, Jilin Province General Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Yongfu Song
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yongji Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yan Guo
- School of Clinical Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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Li T, Chan RWS, Li RHW, Ng EHY, Zhang S, Yeung WSB. Endometrial mesenchymal stromal/stem cells improve regeneration of injured endometrium in mice. Biol Res 2024; 57:6. [PMID: 38347646 PMCID: PMC10863157 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00484-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The monthly regeneration of human endometrial tissue is maintained by the presence of human endometrial mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (eMSC), a cell population co-expressing the perivascular markers CD140b and CD146. Endometrial regeneration is impaired in the presence of intrauterine adhesions, leading to infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss and placental abnormalities. Several types of somatic stem cells have been used to repair the damaged endometrium in animal models, reporting successful pregnancy. However, the ability of endometrial stem cells to repair the damaged endometrium remains unknown. METHODS Electrocoagulation was applied to the left uterine horn of NOD/SCID mice causing endometrial injury. Human eMSC or PBS was then injected into the left injured horn while the right normal horn served as controls. Mice were sacrificed at different timepoints (Day 3, 7 and 14) and the endometrial morphological changes as well as the degree of endometrial injury and repair were observed by histological staining. Gene expression of various inflammatory markers was assessed using qPCR. The functionality of the repaired endometrium was evaluated by fertility test. RESULTS Human eMSC successfully incorporated into the injured uterine horn, which displayed significant morphological restoration. Also, endometrium in the eMSC group showed better cell proliferation and glands formation than the PBS group. Although the number of blood vessels were similar between the two groups, gene expression of VEGF-α significantly increased in the eMSC group. Moreover, eMSC had a positive impact on the regeneration of both stromal and epithelial components of the mouse endometrium, indicated by significantly higher vimentin and CK19 protein expression. Reduced endometrial fibrosis and down-regulation of fibrosis markers were also observed in the eMSC group. The eMSC group had a significantly higher gene expression of anti-inflammatory factor Il-10 and lower mRNA level of pro-inflammatory factors Ifng and Il-2, indicating the role of eMSC in regulation of inflammatory reactions. The eMSC group showed higher implantation sites than the PBS group, suggesting better endometrial receptivity with the presence of newly emerged endometrial lining. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest eMSC improves regeneration of injured endometrium in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, China
| | - Rachel W S Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Pokfulam, China.
| | - Raymond H W Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Pokfulam, China
| | - Ernest H Y Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Pokfulam, China
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sir Run Run Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Pokfulam, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, China
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González López R, Contreras Caro Del Castillo DA, Valdez Magaña G, Sarmiento Silva RE, Martínez Castañeda FE, Trujillo Ortega ME. Expression and localization of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in the pig uterus during peri-implantation and determination of the in vitro effect of the angiogenesis inhibitor SU5416 on VEGF system expression. Theriogenology 2023; 207:49-60. [PMID: 37269596 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to determine endometrial mRNA expression and uterine protein localization of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 during the estrous cycle and peri-implantation period in sows. Uterine tissues were collected from pregnant sows on days 12, 14, 16, and 18 after artificial insemination and from non-pregnant animals on days 2 and 12 of the estrous cycle (day 0 = day of estrus). Using immunohistochemistry, a positive signal for VEGF and its receptor VEGFR2 was found in uterine luminal epithelial cells, endometrial glands, stroma, blood vessels, and myometrium. A VEGFR1 signal was only found in endometrial and myometrial blood vessels and stroma. By day 18 of gestation, the mRNA expression levels of VEGF, VEGFR1, and VEGFR2 were higher than those observed on days 2 and 12 of the estrous cycle and on days 12, 14, and 16 of gestation. Then, a primary culture of sow endometrial epithelial cells was established to define the potential of the selective inhibition of VEGFR2 after treatment with inhibitor SU5416 and determine its effects on the expression pattern of the VEGF system. The endometrial epithelial cells treated with SU5416 showed a dose-dependent decrease in VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 mRNA expression. The present study provides additional evidence on the importance of the VEGF system during peri-implantation, as well as on the specific inhibitory activity of SU5416 in epithelial cells, which, as demonstrated, express the protein and mRNA of VEGF and its receptors VEGFR1 and VEGFR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo González López
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Griselda Valdez Magaña
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Rosa Elena Sarmiento Silva
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - María Elena Trujillo Ortega
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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Poh QH, Rai A, Salamonsen LA, Greening DW. Omics insights into extracellular vesicles in embryo implantation and their therapeutic utility. Proteomics 2023; 23:e2200107. [PMID: 36591946 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202200107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Implantation success relies on intricate interplay between the developing embryo and the maternal endometrium. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent an important player of this intercellular signalling through delivery of functional cargo (proteins and RNAs) that reprogram the target cells protein and RNA landscape. Functionally, the signalling reciprocity of endometrial and embryo EVs regulates the site of implantation, preimplantation embryo development and hatching, antioxidative activity, embryo attachment, trophoblast invasion, arterial remodelling, and immune tolerance. Omics technologies including mass spectrometry have been instrumental in dissecting EV cargo that regulate these processes as well as molecular changes in embryo and endometrium to facilitate implantation. This has also led to discovery of potential cargo in EVs in human uterine fluid (UF) and embryo spent media (ESM) of diagnostic and therapeutic value in implantation success, fertility, and pregnancy outcome. This review discusses the contribution of EVs in functional hallmarks of embryo implantation, and how the integration of various omics technologies is enabling design of EV-based diagnostic and therapeutic platforms in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Hui Poh
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alin Rai
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Adanacıoglu F, Çetin Ç, Tokat G, Adanacıoglu D, Karasu AFG, Çetin MT. Comparison of the Effects of GMCSF-Containing and Traditional Culture Media on Embryo Development and Pregnancy Success Rates. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA : REVISTA DA FEDERACAO BRASILEIRA DAS SOCIEDADES DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA 2022; 44:1047-1051. [PMID: 36580949 PMCID: PMC9800067 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1759630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The use of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-containing medium, which is a commercial medium that is used for cultivation of embryos in in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, has been suggested to increase the efficiency of this procedure in patients with previous multiple unsuccessful attempts. In this retrospective study, we analyzed GM-CSF-containing embryo culture media compared with traditional culture media in terms of development of embryos, pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy success and live birth rates. METHODS This is a prospective case control study conducted in a single center. A total of 131 unexplained infertility patients were included in the study. A cohort of 69 patients whose embryos were cultured in GM-CSF-containing medium and a control group of 62 age-matched patients whose embryos were cultured in conventional Sage One Step medium were included in the study. The major study outcomes were achievement of pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy rate at 12 weeks of gestation. RESULTS The pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy rates of the patients whose embryos were cultured in GM-CSF-containing medium were 39.13% and 36.23%, respectively. These were higher than the rates of the control group, which were 30.65% and 29.03%, respectively, although this difference was not statistically significant. In addition, the 5th-day embryo transfer percentage in the GM-CSF group was higher than in the control group (34.78% versus 27.4%). CONCLUSION The main findings of our study were that there was no difference between the GM-CSF-enhanced medium and the control group in terms of our major study outcomes. However, blastomere inequality rate and embryo fragmentation rates were lower in the GM-CSF group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Çağlar Çetin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bezmialem Vakif University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gozde Tokat
- Department of Embryology, Turan Cetin Private IVF Center, Adana, Turkey
| | | | - Ayse Filiz Gokmen Karasu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bezmialem Vakif University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey,Address for correspondence Ayse Filiz Gokmen Karasu İskender Paşa Mh, Adnan Menderes Blv.34093 Fatih/İstanbulTurkey
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Rawlings TM, Makwana K, Tryfonos M, Lucas ES. Organoids to model the endometrium: implantation and beyond. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 2:R85-R101. [PMID: 35118399 PMCID: PMC8801025 DOI: 10.1530/raf-21-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in assisted reproductive techniques in the 4 decades since the first human birth after in vitro fertilisation, 1–2% of couples experience recurrent implantation failure, and some will never achieve a successful pregnancy even in the absence of a confirmed dysfunction. Furthermore, 1–2% of couples who do conceive, either naturally or with assistance, will experience recurrent early loss of karyotypically normal pregnancies. In both cases, embryo-endometrial interaction is a clear candidate for exploration. The impossibility of studying implantation processes within the human body has necessitated the use of animal models and cell culture approaches. Recent advances in 3-dimensional modelling techniques, namely the advent of organoids, present an exciting opportunity to elucidate the unanswerable within human reproduction. In this review, we will explore the ontogeny of implantation modelling and propose a roadmap to application and discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Rawlings
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Komal Makwana
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Maria Tryfonos
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Denizot AL, L'Hostis A, Sallem A, Favier S, Pierre R, Do Cruzeiro M, Guilbert T, Burlet P, Lapierre JM, Robain M, Le Lorc'H M, Vicaut E, Chatzovoulou K, Steffann J, Romana S, Méhats C, Santulli P, Patrat C, Vaiman D, Ziyyat A, Wolf JP. Cyclic fertilin-derived peptide stimulates in vitro human embryo development. F&S SCIENCE 2022; 3:49-63. [PMID: 35559995 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the cyclic fertilin peptide effects on preimplantation human embryogenesis. Cyclic fertilin peptide reproduces the structure of the binding site of the sperm Fertilin β (also named A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease 2: ADAM2) disintegrin domain. It binds to the oocyte membrane and increases sperm-oocyte fusion index in human and fertilization rate in mouse, providing healthy pups. It also improves human oocyte maturation and chromosome segregation in meiosis I and binds to human embryo blastomeres, suggesting that it has a membrane receptor. DESIGN Thawed human embryos at the 3 to 4 cells stage were randomly included in a dose-response study with cyclic fertilin peptide. Inner cell mass (ICM), trophectoderm (TE), and total cell numbers were evaluated in top- and good-quality blastocysts. SETTING The study was performed in an academic hospital and research laboratory. PATIENT(S) Human embryos donated for research. This project was approved by the French "Agence de la Biomédecine." INTERVENTION(S) Immunofluorescence and tissue-specific gene expression analysis, using Clariom D microarrays, were performed to study its mechanism of action. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Cyclic fertilin peptide improves blastocyst formation by almost 20%, the concentration of 1 μM being the lowest most efficient concentration. It significantly increases twice the TE cell number, without modifying the ICM. It increases the in vitro hatching rate from 14% to 45%. RESULT(S) Cyclic fertilin peptide stimulates TE growth. In the ICM, it induces transcriptional activation of intracellular protein and vesicle-mediated transport. CONCLUSION(S) Cyclic fertilin peptide dramatically improves human embryo development potential. It could be used to supplement culture medium and improve the in vitro human embryo development. Starting supplementation immediately after fertilization, instead of day 2, could significantly upgrade assisted reproductive technology outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Lyse Denizot
- Team "From Gametes To Birth," Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université de Paris, Paris, France; Department "Histologie-Embryologie-Biologie de la Reproduction," Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Audrey L'Hostis
- Team "From Gametes To Birth," Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université de Paris, Paris, France; Department "Histologie-Embryologie-Biologie de la Reproduction," Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Amira Sallem
- Team "From Gametes To Birth," Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université de Paris, Paris, France; Department "Histologie-Embryologie-Biologie de la Reproduction," Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France; Laboratoire d'Histologie-Embryologie et Cytogénétique (LR 18 ES 40), Faculté de Médecine de Monastir, Tunisie
| | - Sophie Favier
- Team "From Gametes To Birth," Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Rémi Pierre
- Homologous Recombination, Embryo Transfer and Cryopreservation Facility, Cochin Institute, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marcio Do Cruzeiro
- Homologous Recombination, Embryo Transfer and Cryopreservation Facility, Cochin Institute, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Guilbert
- IMAG'IC facility, Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, University of Paris UMR-S1016, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Burlet
- Department "Génétique Moléculaire," Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Jean-Michel Lapierre
- Department of "Histologie - Embryologie-Cytogénétique," Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | | | - Marc Le Lorc'H
- Department of "Histologie - Embryologie-Cytogénétique," Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Eric Vicaut
- Unité de Recherche Clinique, ACTION Study Group, Hôpital Fernand Widal, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Kalliopi Chatzovoulou
- Department "Génétique Moléculaire," Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France; Institut Imagine, Université de Paris, Laboratoire des Maladies Génétiques Mitochondriales. Inserm UMR1163, Paris, France
| | - Julie Steffann
- Department "Génétique Moléculaire," Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France; Institut Imagine, Université de Paris, Laboratoire des Maladies Génétiques Mitochondriales. Inserm UMR1163, Paris, France
| | - Serge Romana
- Department of "Histologie - Embryologie-Cytogénétique," Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France; Institut Imagine, Université de Paris, Laboratoire d'Embryologie et de Génétique des Malformations Congénitales, Inserm UMR1163, Paris, France
| | - Céline Méhats
- Team "From Gametes To Birth," Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Piétro Santulli
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique II et de Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Catherine Patrat
- Team "From Gametes To Birth," Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université de Paris, Paris, France; Department "Histologie-Embryologie-Biologie de la Reproduction," Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Daniel Vaiman
- Team "From Gametes To Birth," Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Ahmed Ziyyat
- Team "From Gametes To Birth," Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université de Paris, Paris, France; Department "Histologie-Embryologie-Biologie de la Reproduction," Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Jean Philippe Wolf
- Team "From Gametes To Birth," Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université de Paris, Paris, France; Department "Histologie-Embryologie-Biologie de la Reproduction," Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France.
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Autophagy as a Therapeutic Target of Natural Products Enhancing Embryo Implantation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 15:ph15010053. [PMID: 35056110 PMCID: PMC8779555 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is an emerging health issue worldwide, and female infertility is intimately associated with embryo implantation failure. Embryo implantation is an essential process during the initiation of prenatal development. Recent studies have strongly suggested that autophagy in the endometrium is the most important factor for successful embryo implantation. In addition, several studies have reported the effects of various natural products on infertility improvement via the regulation of embryo implantation, embryo quality, and endometrial receptivity. However, it is unclear whether natural products can improve embryo implantation ability by regulating endometrial autophagy. Therefore, we performed a literature review of studies on endometrial autophagy, embryo implantation, natural products, and female infertility. Based on the information from these studies, this review suggests a new treatment strategy for female infertility by proposing natural products that have been proven to be safe and effective as endometrial autophagy regulators; additionally, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the regulation of endometrial autophagy by natural products and female infertility, with an emphasis on embryo implantation.
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11
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Cajas YN, Cañón-Beltrán K, de la Blanca MGM, Sánchez JM, Fernandez-Fuertes B, González EM, Rizos D. Role of reproductive fluids and extracellular vesicles in embryo–maternal interaction during early pregnancy in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:117-138. [PMID: 35231231 DOI: 10.1071/rd21275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The coordinated interaction between the developing embryo and the maternal reproductive tract is essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. An early cross-talk is established between the oviduct/uterus and the gametes and embryo. This dialogue will shape the microenvironment in which gamete transport, fertilisation, and early embryonic development occur. Due to the small size of the gametes and the early embryo relative to the volume of the oviductal and uterine lumina, collection of tissue and fluid adjacent to these cells is challenging in cattle. Thus, the combination of in vivo and in vitro models seems to be the most appropriate approach to better understand this fine dialogue. In this respect, the aim of this review is to summarise the recent findings in relation to gamete/embryo-maternal interaction during the pre-elongation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia N Cajas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; and Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca (UC), EC010205 Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; and Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Ambientales, Programa de Medicina Veterinaria, Fundación Universitaria Juan de Castellanos (JdC), 150001 Tunja, Colombia
| | - María Gemma Millán de la Blanca
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Sánchez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Encina M González
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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12
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Potential innate immunity-related markers of endometrial receptivity and recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Reprod Biol 2021; 21:100569. [PMID: 34808454 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The successful implantation of the embryo into a receptive endometrium is essential for the establishment of a viable pregnancy while recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is a real challenge in assisted reproduction. The maternal innate immune system, specifically the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), are involved in maintaining immunity in the female reproductive tract (FRT) required for fertility. In this study, we aimed to investigate the importance of innate immunity-related gene expression in the regulation of human fertility and as a prediction of potential outcome of in vitro fertilization - embryo transfer (IVF-ET), thus, we assessed the gene expression levels of TLR signalling molecules using quantitative real-time PCR between endometrial biopsies of healthy fertile women, and the patients experiencing RIF. Interestingly, our results showed that, TRIB2 and TLR9 genes were differentially expressed between the endometrial biopsies of healthy women and those with RIF. However, comparing expression levels of same genes between pre-receptive and receptive healthy endometrial biopsies showed different genes (ICAM1, NFKBIA, VCAM1, LIF, VEGFB, TLR5) had significantly altered expression, suggesting their involvement in endometrial receptivity. Thus, further investigations will enable us to better understand the role of these genes in the biology of FRT and as a possible target for the improvement of infertility treatments and/or development of non-hormonal contraception.
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13
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Gurner KH, Evans J, Hutchison JC, Harvey AJ, Gardner DK. A microenvironment of high lactate and low pH created by the blastocyst promotes endometrial receptivity and implantation. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:14-26. [PMID: 34810095 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is the blastocyst's idiosyncratic metabolic production of lactate, and creation of a specialized microenvironment at the implatation site, an important mediator of maternal-fetal signalling to promote endometrial receptivity and implantation? DESIGN Hormonally primed ECC-1 and Ishikawa cells were used to assess functional changes to the endometrial epithelium after exposure to lactic acid (LA), LA with neutralized pH (nLA) or acidic pH (pHL). Tight junction integrity (transepithelial resistance [TER]), cellular proliferation or changes to gene expression by RT-PCR were analysed. The effect of LA on Endometrial stromal cells decidualization and migratory capacity, and HUVEC endothelial tube formation and angiogenesis, were also assessed. RESULTS Treatment of ECC-1 cells with 2.5 mM (P = 0.0037), 5 mM (P = 0.0044), 7.5 mM and 10 mM (P = 0.003) (P = 0.0021) LA significantly decreased the rate of cellular proliferation while TER was decreased with exposure to 2.5 mM LA (P = 0.024), 5 mM LA (P = 0.021) and 7.5 mM LA (P = 0.033). Exposure to nLA or pHL had no effect on proliferation or TER. Upregulation of GLUT4 (P = 0.002), GPR81 (P = 0.048), VEGF, SNAI1 (both P < 0.001) and RELA (P = 0.023) mRNA expression was observed after exposure of Ishikawa cells to combined LA plus pHL. Lactic acid increased the migratory capacity of decidualized stromal cells (P = 0.047) without changing the extent of decidualization. HUVEC tube formation was significantly increased by 5 mM LA exposure (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS The identification of LA as an important mediator in the maternal-fetal dialogue underpinning implantation is supported. Further examination of the role of LA within the infertile or compromised endometrium could improve natural and assisted pregnancy success and needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn H Gurner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne VIC 3010, Australia; Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Jemma Evans
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Jennifer C Hutchison
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
| | | | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne VIC 3010, Australia; Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia.
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14
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Gurner KH, Richardson JJ, Harvey AJ, Gardner DK. A pilot study investigating a novel particle-based growth factor delivery system for preimplantation embryo culture. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1776-1783. [PMID: 33975346 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-loaded silica supraparticles (V-SPs) be used as a novel mode of delivering VEGF to the developing preimplantation embryo in vitro? SUMMARY ANSWER Supplementation of embryo culture media with V-SPs promoted embryonic development in a manner equivalent to media supplemented with free VEGF. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY VEGF is a maternally derived growth factor that promotes preimplantation embryonic development in vitro. However, its use in clinical media has limitations due to its low stability in solution. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study was a laboratory-based analysis utilising a mouse model. V-SPs were prepared in vitro and supplemented to embryonic culture media. The bioactivity of V-SPs was determined by analysis of blastocyst developmental outcomes (blastocyst development rate and total cell number). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS SPs were loaded with fluorescently labelled VEGF and release kinetics were characterised. Bioactivity of unlabelled VEGF released from V-SPs was determined by analysis of embryo developmental outcomes (blastocyst developmental rate and total cell number) following individual mouse embryo culture in 20 µl of G1/G2 media at 5% oxygen, supplemented with 10 ng/ml recombinant mouse VEGF in solution or with V-SPs. The bioactivity of freeze-dried V-SPs was also assessed to determine the efficacy of cryostorage. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE VEGF release kinetics were characterised by an initial burst of VEGF from loaded spheres followed by a consistent lower level of VEGF release over 48 h. VEGF released from V-SPs resulted in significant increases in total blastocyst cell number relative to the control (P < 0.001), replicating the effects of medium freely supplemented with fresh VEGF (P < 0.001). Similarly, freeze dried V-SPs exerted comparable effects on embryonic development (P < 0.05). LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In this proof of principle study, the effects of V-SPs on embryonic development were only analysed in a mouse model. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings suggest that SPs represent a novel method by which a targeted dose of therapeutic agents (e.g. bioactive VEGF) can be delivered to the developing in vitro embryo to promote embryonic development, an approach that negates the breakdown of VEGF associated with storage in solution. As such, V-SPs may be an alternative and effective method of delivering bioactive VEGF to the developing in vitro embryo; however, the potential use of V-SPs in clinical IVF requires further investigation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by the University of Melbourne. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn H Gurner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Joseph J Richardson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Alexandra J Harvey
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Jeschke L, Santamaria CG, Meyer N, Zenclussen AC, Bartley J, Schumacher A. Early-Pregnancy Dydrogesterone Supplementation Mimicking Luteal-Phase Support in ART Patients Did Not Provoke Major Reproductive Disorders in Pregnant Mice and Their Progeny. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5403. [PMID: 34065597 PMCID: PMC8161261 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Progestogens are frequently administered during early pregnancy to patients undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART) to overcome progesterone deficits following ART procedures. Orally administered dydrogesterone (DG) shows equal efficacy to other progestogens with a higher level of patient compliance. However, potential harmful effects of DG on critical pregnancy processes and on the health of the progeny are not yet completely ruled out. We treated pregnant mice with DG in the mode, duration, and doses comparable to ART patients. Subsequently, we studied DG effects on embryo implantation, placental and fetal growth, fetal-maternal circulation, fetal survival, and the uterine immune status. After birth of in utero DG-exposed progeny, we assessed their sex ratios, weight gain, and reproductive performance. Early-pregnancy DG administration did not interfere with placental and fetal development, fetal-maternal circulation, or fetal survival, and provoked only minor changes in the uterine immune compartment. DG-exposed offspring grew normally, were fertile, and showed no reproductive abnormalities with the exception of an altered spermiogram in male progeny. Notably, DG shifted the sex ratio in favor of female progeny. Even though our data may be reassuring for the use of DG in ART patients, the detrimental effects on spermatogenesis in mice warrants further investigations and may be a reason for caution for routine DG supplementation in early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Jeschke
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39108 Magdeburg, Germany; (L.J.); (C.G.S.); (N.M.); (A.C.Z.)
| | - Clarisa Guillermina Santamaria
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39108 Magdeburg, Germany; (L.J.); (C.G.S.); (N.M.); (A.C.Z.)
- UFZ—Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle, Department of Environmental Immunology, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nicole Meyer
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39108 Magdeburg, Germany; (L.J.); (C.G.S.); (N.M.); (A.C.Z.)
- UFZ—Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle, Department of Environmental Immunology, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ana Claudia Zenclussen
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39108 Magdeburg, Germany; (L.J.); (C.G.S.); (N.M.); (A.C.Z.)
- UFZ—Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle, Department of Environmental Immunology, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julia Bartley
- Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology, University Women’s Clinic, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39108 Magdeburg, Germany;
| | - Anne Schumacher
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39108 Magdeburg, Germany; (L.J.); (C.G.S.); (N.M.); (A.C.Z.)
- UFZ—Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle, Department of Environmental Immunology, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
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16
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Poh QH, Rai A, Carmichael II, Salamonsen LA, Greening DW. Proteome reprogramming of endometrial epithelial cells by human trophectodermal small extracellular vesicles reveals key insights into embryo implantation. Proteomics 2021; 21:e2000210. [PMID: 33860638 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Embryo implantation into the receptive endometrium is critical in pregnancy establishment, initially requiring reciprocal signalling between outer layer of the blastocyst (trophectoderm cells) and endometrial epithelium; however, factors regulating this crosstalk remain poorly understood. Although endometrial extracellular vesicles (EVs) are known to signal to the embryo during implantation, the role of embryo-derived EVs remains largely unknown. Here, we provide a comprehensive proteomic characterisation of a major class of EVs, termed small EVs (sEVs), released by human trophectoderm cells (Tsc-sEVs) and their capacity to reprogram protein landscape of endometrial epithelium in vitro. Highly purified Tsc-sEVs (30-200 nm, ALIX+ , TSG101+ , CD9/63/81+ ) were enriched in known players of implantation (LIFR, ICAM1, TAGLN2, WNT5A, FZD7, ROR2, PRICKLE2), antioxidant activity (SOD1, PRDX1/4/6), tissue integrity (EZR, RAC1, RHOA, TNC), and focal adhesions (FAK, ITGA2/V, ITGB1/3). Functionally, Tsc-sEVs were taken up by endometrial cells, altered transepithelial electrical resistance, and upregulated proteins implicated in embryo attachment (ITGA2/V, ITGB1/3), immune regulation (CD59, CD276, LGALS3), and antioxidant activity (GPX1/3/4, PRDX1/2/4/5/6): processes that are critical for successful implantation. Collectively, we provide critical insights into Tsc-sEV-mediated regulation of endometrial function that contributes to our understanding of the molecular basis of implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Hui Poh
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alin Rai
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Irena Iśka Carmichael
- Monash Micro Imaging, Monash, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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17
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Truong TT, Gardner DK. Antioxidants increase blastocyst cryosurvival and viability post-vitrification. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:12-23. [PMID: 31916568 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the effect of antioxidants acetyl-L-carnitine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine and α-lipoic acid (A3) in vitrification and warming solutions on mouse blastocyst development and viability? SUMMARY ANSWER The combination of three antioxidants in vitrification solutions resulted in mouse blastocysts with higher developmental potential in vitro and increased viability as assessed by both an outgrowth model in vitro and fetal development following uterine transfer. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The antioxidant combination of acetyl-L-carnitine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine and α-lipoic acid present in IVF handling and embryo culture media has significant beneficial effects on mouse embryo and fetal development, especially under oxidative stress. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study was a laboratory-based analysis of an animal model. Rapid cooling through vitrification was conducted on F1 mouse blastocysts, with antioxidants (A3) supplemented in vitrification and/or warming solutions, followed by culture and embryo transfer. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Pronucleate oocytes were collected and cultured in groups to Day 4 blastocysts. Expanded blastocysts were vitrified and warmed in solutions with and without the A3 antioxidants and cultured for a further 24 h. Blastocyst cell number and allocation, apoptosis and histone acetylation levels were all quantified, and viability through outgrowths and transfers assessed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Mouse blastocysts vitrified with no antioxidants had significantly lower cell numbers (P < 0.001) and higher apoptotic cells (P < 0.05) compared to non-vitrified embryos. Addition of combined A3 antioxidants to the vitrification and warming solutions resulted in a significant increase in inner cell mass cell (ICM) number (P < 0.001) and total cell number (P < 0.01), and an increase in outgrowth area (P < 0.05), which correlated with the increased fetal weight (P < 0.05), crown rump length (P < 0.05) and limb development (P < 0.05) determined following transfer compared to embryos with no antioxidants. Furthermore, while blastocyst vitrification significantly reduced acetylation levels (P < 0.05) compared to non-vitrified embryos, the inclusion of A3 antioxidants helped to ameliorate this. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Embryo development was only examined in the mouse. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Results in this study demonstrate that vitrification and warming of blastocysts have significant detrimental effects on embryo histone acetylation and subsequent viability. The presence of antioxidants in the vitrification solutions helps to alleviate the negative effects of cryopreservation. Our data indicate that antioxidants need to be present in the medium at the time of exposure to increased oxidative stress associated with vitrification and that prior exposure (i.e. during culture or IVF alone) is insufficient to protect cells against cryo-induced injury. Hence, A3 antioxidants may assist in maintaining the viability of vitrified human embryos in ART through the reduction of oxidative stress. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by a research grant from Vitrolife AB (Sweden). The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi T Truong
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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18
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Circulating MMP-7 and VEGF as potential predictive biomarkers for recurrent implantation failures. ZYGOTE 2021; 29:365-371. [PMID: 33736747 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199421000113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is considered to be one of the major limiting factors of assisted reproductive technology (ART) programme success. The current study focused on the investigation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs), cytokines and cell adhesion molecules in peripheral blood (PB) and follicular fluid (FF) obtained from 44 women aged between 25 and 39 years old and undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). These women were divided into two groups: 22 RIF women with embryo implantation failures after the transfer of at least four fresh or frozen-thawed good quality embryos in a minimum of three ICSI cycles, and 22 ICSI success women (controls) who achieved a clinical pregnancy at their first ICSI attempt. The PB and FF samples were obtained from each patient on the day of oocyte retrieval. MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -9, TIMP-1, -2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) and intercellular adhesion molecules 1 (ICAM1) were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of PB and FF. Our results showed significant decreases in PB MMP-7 and PB VEGF in the RIF group compared with controls [281.11 (33-614) pg/ml vs 119.92 (27-441) pg/ml; P-value = 0.030] and [82.54 (25.94-210.20) pg/ml vs 30.93 (13.62-193.33) pg/ml; P-value = 0.022; respectively]. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed informative area under the curve values for PB MMP-7, as well as for PB VEGF, making them able to be proposed as biomarkers of the RIF. Therefore, circulating MMP-7 and VEGF seem to play an interesting role in embryo implantation in in vitro fertilization (IVF)/ICSI cycles and could be proposed as circulating biomarkers of the RIF. These results could be helpful for clinicians and patients to choose the best rescue strategy and treatment to minimize implantation failure in women undergoing IVF/ICSI procedures after the first attempt.
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19
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Das D, Saikia PJ, Gowala U, Sarma HN. Cell Specific Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (Flk-1/KDR) in Developing Mice Embryo and Supporting Maternal Uterine Tissue during Early Gestation (D4-D7). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2021; 15:148-157. [PMID: 33687169 PMCID: PMC8052796 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2021.134530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the corresponding receptors play key role in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis processes. VEGF is one of the prime candidates in regulating embryo implantation by increasing vascular permeability. VEGF receptor-2, also called Flk-1/KDR, is one of the prime receptor which is actively involved in the execution of various functions of VEGF. However, precise role of this receptor during early gestation period is yet to be addressed. In the present study, expression of Flk-1/KDR during peri-implantation mice uterus as well as fetal-maternal tissues from day 4-day 7 (D4-D7) of gestation was investigated. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, localization of Flk-1/KDR was investigated by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques, in paraffin embedded tissue sections. Flk-1/KDR protein and mRNA expressions were investigated by western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively. Effects of ovarian steroids on expression of Flk-1/KDR were also assessed by estrogen and progesterone antagonist treatment. Results Uterine tissue on D4 showed strong expression of Flk-1/KDR in luminal and uterine glandular epithelium. On D5 and D6, differential expression of Flk-1/KDR was evidenced in certain cell types of the embryo, maternal tissues and fetal-maternal interface with varied intensity. Flk-1/KDR was specifically expressed in the ectoplacental cone (EPC) and various cells of the embryo on D7. Flk-1/KDR expression was not evidenced in the estradiol-17β (E2) and progesterone (P4) antagonist treated uterus. Western blotting result revealed presence of Flk-1/KDR protein in the all gestation days, except antagonist treated uterus. qRT-PCR analysis showed significant increase of Flk-1/KDR mRNA transcript on D6 and D7. Conclusion Spatial-temporal expression of Flk-1/KDR during peri-implntation period in mice uterus especially in the feto-maternal interface was observed. This spatio-temporal specificity as well as increased expression of Flk-1/KDR could be one of the determinants for establishment of fetal-maternal cross talk during the critical period of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimpimoni Das
- Molecular Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India
| | - Purba J Saikia
- Department of Zoology, Dhemaji College, Dhemaji, Assam, India.
| | - Upasa Gowala
- Molecular Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India
| | - Hirendra N Sarma
- Molecular Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India
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Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Human Embryo Implantation: Clinical Implications. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020253. [PMID: 33578823 PMCID: PMC7916576 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-known angiogenic factor that plays a critical role in various physiological and pathological processes. VEGF also contributes to the process of embryo implantation by enhancing embryo development, improving endometrial receptivity, and facilitating the interactions between the developing embryo and the endometrium. There is a correlation between the alteration of VEGF expression and reproductive failure, including recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent miscarriage (RM). In order to clarify the role of VEGF in embryo implantation, we reviewed recent literature concerning the expression and function of VEGF in the reproductive system around the time of embryo implantation and we provide a summary of the findings reported so far. We also explored the effects and the possible underlying mechanisms of action of VEGF in embryo implantation.
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21
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Hu M, Li J, Baker PN, Tong C. Revisiting preeclampsia: a metabolic disorder of the placenta. FEBS J 2021; 289:336-354. [PMID: 33529475 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide, impacting the long-term health of both mother and offspring. PE has long been characterized by deficient trophoblast invasion into the uterus and consequent placental hypoperfusion, yet the upstream causative factors and effective interventional targets for PE remain unknown. Alterations in the metabolism of preeclamptic placentas are thought to result from placental ischemia, while disturbances of the metabolism and of metabolites in PE pathogenesis are largely ignored. In fact, as one of the largest fetal organs at birth, the placenta consumes a considerable amount of glucose and fatty acid. Increasing evidence suggests glucose and fatty acid exist as energy substrates and regulate placental development through bioactive derivates. Moreover, recent findings have revealed that the placental metabolism adapts readily to environmental changes, altering its response to nutrients and endocrine signals; this adaptability optimizes pregnancy outcomes by diversifying available carbon sources for energy production, hormone synthesis, angiogenesis, immune activation, and tolerance, and fetoplacental growth. These observations raise the possibility that carbohydrate and lipid metabolism abnormalities play a role in both the etiology and clinical progression of PE, sparking a renewed interest in the interrelationship between PE and metabolic dysregulation. This review will focus on key metabolic substrates and regulatory molecules in the placenta and aim to provide novel insights with respect to the metabolism's role in modulating placental development and functions. Further investigations from this perspective are poised to decipher the etiology of PE and suggest potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Hu
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Chao Tong
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China
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22
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Abraham S, Sanjay G, Majiyd NA, Chinnaiah A. Encapsulated VEGF 121-PLA microparticles promote angiogenesis in human endometrium stromal cells. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2021; 19:23. [PMID: 33523322 PMCID: PMC7851192 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-021-00118-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background In this study, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 121 expressed abundantly in endometrial stromal cells is encapsulated with poly-l-lactide and characterized the properties for endometrial angiogenesis. We studied the migration, proliferation and the protein levels of human immortalized endometrium stromal cells after treating the cells with recombinant Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (200 and 500 nanogram), and poly-l-lactide loaded Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 121 (day 1, 20 and 30). The present study explains endometrium angiogenesis because endometrium plays an important role in pregnancy. Results Migration and proliferation studies in endometrium cells proved the efficiency of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and poly-l-lactide loaded Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 121. This proliferated and increased the migration of the cells in vitro and also activated the Protein kinase B, Phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-Bisphosphate 3-Kinase Catalytic Subunit Beta, α-Smooth muscle actin and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 pathways. Western blot analysis showed the increased expression levels of kinases, smooth muscle actin and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 after the treatment with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and poly-l-lactide loaded Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 121 particles in comparison to the control group. The elevated levels of α-Smooth muscle actin in endometrium cells with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor prove the regulation of angiogenesis in vitro. Conclusion Endometrium thickness is one of the important factors during implantation of embryo and pregnancy. Slow release of VEGF from PLA encapsulated microparticle further controls the endothelial cell proliferation and migration and helps in the promotion of angiogenesis. The combined effect studied in vitro could be used as a pro-angiogenic drug on further in vivo confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Abraham
- Department of Animal Behavior & Physiology, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, 625021, India
| | - Geetha Sanjay
- Innov4Sight Health and Biomedical Systems Pvt. Ltd. Biologics Lab- # EGF11, Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre, Bangalore Helix Biotech Park, Electronics City Phase 1, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560100, India
| | - Noushin Abdul Majiyd
- CRAFT Hospital and Research Centre, Centre for Excellence in Infertility Treatment, Kodungalur P O, Thrissur, Kerala, 680664, India
| | - Amutha Chinnaiah
- Department of Animal Behavior & Physiology, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, 625021, India.
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23
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de Brun V, Loor JJ, Naya H, Graña-Baumgartner A, Vailati-Riboni M, Bulgari O, Shahzad K, Abecia JA, Sosa C, Meikle A. The presence of an embryo affects day 14 uterine transcriptome depending on the nutritional status in sheep. b. Immune system and uterine remodeling. Theriogenology 2020; 161:210-218. [PMID: 33340754 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.12.008] [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: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptomics and bioinformatics were used to investigate the potential interactions of undernutrition and the presence of the conceptus at the time of maternal recognition of pregnancy on uterine immune system and remodeling. Adult Rasa Aragonesa ewes were allocated to one of two planes of nutrition for 28 days: maintenance energy intake (control; 5 cyclic, 6 pregnant ewes) providing 7.8 MJ of metabolisable energy and 0.5 maintenance intake (undernourished; 6 cyclic, 7 pregnant ewes) providing 3.9 MJ of metabolisable energy per ewe. Uterine gene expression was measured using Agilent 15 K Sheep Microarray chip on day 14 of estrus or pregnancy. Functional bioinformatics analyses were performed using PANTHER (Protein ANalysis THrough Evolutionary Relationships) Classification System. Pregnancy affected the expression of 18 genes in both control and undernourished ewes, underscoring the relevance for embryo-maternal interactions. Immune system evidenced by classical interferon stimulated genes were activated in control and -in a lesser extent-in undernourished pregnant vs cyclic ewes. Genes involved in uterine remodeling such as protein metabolism were also upregulated with the presence of an embryo in control and undernourished ewes. However, relevant genes for the adaptation of the uterus to the embryo were differentially expressed between pregnant vs cyclic ewes both in control and undernourished groups. Undernutrition alone led to an overall weak activation of immune system pathways both in cyclic and pregnant ewes. Data revealed that cellular and immune adaptations of the uterus to pregnancy are dependent on the nutritional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria de Brun
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Metabolismo Animal, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Juan J Loor
- Department of Animal Sciences and Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Hugo Naya
- Departamento de Bioinformática, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Andrea Graña-Baumgartner
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Metabolismo Animal, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mario Vailati-Riboni
- Department of Animal Sciences and Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Omar Bulgari
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Khuram Shahzad
- Department of Animal Sciences and Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - José Alfonso Abecia
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Cecilia Sosa
- Departamento de Anatomía Patológica, Medicina Legal, Forense y Toxicología, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Meikle
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Metabolismo Animal, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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24
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Gurner KH, Truong TT, Harvey AJ, Gardner DK. A combination of growth factors and cytokines alter preimplantation mouse embryo development, foetal development and gene expression profiles. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 26:953-970. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Within the maternal tract, the preimplantation embryo is exposed to an array of growth factors (GFs) and cytokines, most of which are absent from culture media used in clinical IVF. Whilst the addition of individual GFs and cytokines to embryo culture media can improve preimplantation mouse embryo development, there is a lack of evidence on the combined synergistic effects of GFs and cytokines on embryo development and further foetal growth. Therefore, in this study, the effect of a combined group of GFs and cytokines on mouse preimplantation embryo development and subsequent foetal development and gene expression profiles was investigated. Supplementation of embryo culture media with an optimised combination of GFs and cytokines (0.05 ng/ml vascular endothelial GF, 1 ng/ml platelet-derived GF, 0.13 ng/ml insulin-like GF 1, 0.026 ng/ml insulin-like GF 2 and 1 ng/ml granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) had no effect on embryo morphokinetics but significantly increased trophectoderm cell number (P = 0.0002) and total cell number (P = 0.024). Treatment with this combination of GFs and cytokines also significantly increased blastocyst outgrowth area (P < 0.05) and, following embryo transfer, increased foetal weight (P = 0.027), crown-rump length (P = 0.017) and overall morphological development (P = 0.027). RNA-seq analysis of in vitro derived foetuses identified concurrent alterations to the transcriptional profiles of liver and placental tissues compared with those developed in vivo, with greater changes observed in the GF and cytokine treated group. Together these data highlight the importance of balancing the actions of such factors for the regulation of normal development and emphasise the need for further studies investigating this prior to clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn H Gurner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Thi T Truong
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Alexandra J Harvey
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
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25
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In Vitro Study on the Regulation of Annexin IV and VEGF by hCG in the Human Endometrium. Biochem Res Int 2020; 2020:8892930. [PMID: 33149950 PMCID: PMC7603560 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8892930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Whether changes in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and annexin IV during implantation are regulated through the LH/hCG-R needs further research. To investigate the mechanism of hCG on the expression of annexin IV and VEGF in human endometrial cells. Methods Endometrial cells were isolated and identified from human specimens. The proportion of glandular and epithelial cells was analyzed. Annexin IV and VEGF were analyzed by qRT-PCR (mRNA), western blot (proteins), and immunohistochemistry (proteins). Protein location was identified by immunohistochemistry. The cells were cultured with hCG, hCG/PD98059 (a MAPK inhibitor), or no treatment (control). Results The proportions between the glandular epithelial cells and stromal cells at inoculation and when adding hCG were 25.8 ± 0.2% and 27.8 ± 0.04%, respectively (P > 0.05). LH/hCG-R, annexin IV, and VEGF were found in the cytoplasm of endometrial cells. After 2, 6, 12, and 24 h of hCG treatment, compared with 1 h, VEGF mRNA was increased by 1.25-fold, 3.19-fold, 4.21-fold, and 4.86-fold and annexin IV by 2.23-fold, 3.37-fold, 5.14-fold, and 5.02-fold. Compared with the control group, annexin IV mRNA and protein were increased in the hCG and hCG/PD98059 groups (mRNA/protein: 1.99-fold/1.80-fold and 2.33-fold/1.93-fold, P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, VEGF mRNA and protein were increased in the hCG group (mRNA/protein: 2.30-fold/1.86-fold), but not in the hCG/PD98059 group. Conclusion hCG could upregulate the mRNA and protein expression of annexin IV and VEGF. The upregulation of annexin IV by hCG could not be inhibited by PD98059, but the upregulation of VEGF by hCG could.
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26
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Marinaro F, Macías-García B, Sánchez-Margallo FM, Blázquez R, Álvarez V, Matilla E, Hernández N, Gómez-Serrano M, Jorge I, Vázquez J, González-Fernández L, Pericuesta E, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Casado JG. Extracellular vesicles derived from endometrial human mesenchymal stem cells enhance embryo yield and quality in an aged murine model†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:1180-1192. [PMID: 30596891 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced age is a risk factor undermining women's fertility. Hence, the optimization of assisted reproduction techniques is an interdisciplinary challenge that requires the improvement of in vitro culture systems. Here, we hypothesize that supplementation of embryo culture medium with extracellular vesicles from endometrial-derived mesenchymal stem cells (EV-endMSCs) may have a positive impact on the embryo competence of aged oocytes. In this work, 24 weeks old B6D2 female mice were used as egg donors and in vitro fertilization assays were performed using males from the same strain (8-12 weeks); the presumptive zygotes were incubated in the presence of 0, 10, 20, 40, or 80 μg/ml of EV-endMSCs. The results from the proteomic analysis of EV-endMSCs and the classification by Reactome pathways allowed us to identify proteins closely related with the fertilization process. Moreover, in our aged murine model, the supplementation of the embryo culture medium with EV-endMSCs improved the developmental competence of the embryos as well as the total blastomere count. Finally, gene expression analysis of murine blastocysts showed significant changes on core genes related to cellular response to oxidative stress, metabolism, placentation, and trophectoderm/inner cell mass formation. In summary, we demonstrate that EV-endMSCs increase the quality of the embryos, and according to proteomic and genomic analysis, presumably by modulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes and promoting pluripotent activity. Therefore, EV-endMSCs could be a valuable tool in human assisted reproduction improving the developmental competence of aged oocytes and increasing the odds of implantation and subsequent delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Marinaro
- Stem Cell Therapy Unit, Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre (JUMISC), Cáceres, Spain
| | - Beatriz Macías-García
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Francisco Miguel Sánchez-Margallo
- Stem Cell Therapy Unit, Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre (JUMISC), Cáceres, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Blázquez
- Stem Cell Therapy Unit, Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre (JUMISC), Cáceres, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica Álvarez
- Stem Cell Therapy Unit, Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre (JUMISC), Cáceres, Spain
| | - Elvira Matilla
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Nuria Hernández
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre, Cáceres, Spain
| | - María Gómez-Serrano
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain.,Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Jorge
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain.,Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Vázquez
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain.,Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lauro González-Fernández
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | | | | | - Javier G Casado
- Stem Cell Therapy Unit, Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre (JUMISC), Cáceres, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
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27
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Evans J, Rai A, Nguyen HPT, Poh QH, Elglass K, Simpson RJ, Salamonsen LA, Greening DW. Human Endometrial Extracellular Vesicles Functionally Prepare Human Trophectoderm Model for Implantation: Understanding Bidirectional Maternal-Embryo Communication. Proteomics 2019; 19:e1800423. [PMID: 31531940 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201800423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Embryo implantation into maternal endometrium is critical for initiation and establishment of pregnancy, requiring developmental synchrony between endometrium and blastocyst. However, factors regulating human endometrial-embryo cross talk and facilitate implantation remain largely unknown. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as important mediators of this process. Here, a trophectoderm spheroid-based in vitro model mimicking the pre-implantation human embryo is used to recapitulate important functional aspects of blastocyst implantation. Functionally, human endometrial EVs, derived from hormonally treated cells synchronous with implantation, are readily internalized by trophectoderm cells, regulating adhesive and invasive capacity of human trophectoderm spheroids. To gain molecular insights into mechanisms underpinning endometrial EV-mediated enhancement of implantation, quantitative proteomics reveal critical alterations in trophectoderm cellular adhesion networks (cell adhesion molecule binding, cell-cell adhesion mediator activity, and cell adherens junctions) and metabolic and gene expression networks, and the soluble secretome from human trophectodermal spheroids. Importantly, transfer of endometrial EV cargo proteins to trophectoderm to mediate changes in trophectoderm function is demonstrated. This is highlighted by correlation among endometrial EVs, the trophectodermal proteome following EV uptake, and EV-mediated trophectodermal cellular proteome, important for implantation. This work provides an understanding into molecular mechanisms of endometrial EV-mediated regulation of human trophectoderm functions-fundamental in understanding human endometrium-embryo signaling during implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemma Evans
- Endometrial Remodelling Laboratory, Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Alin Rai
- Molecular Proteomics, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Hong P T Nguyen
- Endometrial Remodelling Laboratory, Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Qi Hui Poh
- Molecular Proteomics, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Kirstin Elglass
- Endometrial Remodelling Laboratory, Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Richard J Simpson
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Endometrial Remodelling Laboratory, Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.,Departments of Physiology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Molecular Proteomics, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
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28
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Lv BY, Sun HY, Li Q, Zhang HL, Pan CS, Yan L, Fan JY, Li D, Han JY. The ameliorating effects of Bushen Tiaoxue Granules and Kunling Wan on impaired angiogenesis and endometrial receptivity in rats following controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Microcirculation 2019; 27:e12581. [PMID: 31313405 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Bushen Tiaoxue Granules and Kunling Wan, the two Chinese medicines, on vascular dysfunction and the impairment of endometrial receptivity caused by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and its underlying mechanism. METHODS Female Sprague Dawley rats with regular estrous cycle were enrolled and given Bushen Tiaoxue Granules or Kunling Wan by gavage for 12 days, and then, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation model was induced. We assessed endometrial microvessels, endometrial blood flow, levels of estradiol and progesterone in serum, vascular endothelial growth factor A upstream molecules estrogen and progesterone receptors in the endometrium, and pregnancy outcome. RESULTS Pre-treatment of Bushen Tiaoxue Granules or Kunling Wan increases endometrial blood flow of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation rats, up-regulates vascular endothelial growth factor A and microvessels, improves the endometrial morphology of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation rats during implantation, decreases the super physiological concentration of estradiol and progesterone in serum, and increases the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A upstream molecules estrogen and progesterone receptors in the endometrium. In addition, Bushen Tiaoxue Granules or Kunling Wan elevates the lysophosphatidic acid receptor 3 that participates in vascularization and increases the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor through up-regulating the expression of p53 in the endometrium, ultimately affecting pregnancy outcome. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated Bushen Tiaoxue Granules or Kunling Wan as a potential strategy for prevention of impairment in angiogenesis and endometrial receptivity induced by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Yang Lv
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hao-Yu Sun
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Quan Li
- Tasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Academy of integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Microcirculation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Stasis and Phlegm, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Core Technology in Innovative Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hao-Lin Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Shui Pan
- Tasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Academy of integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Microcirculation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Stasis and Phlegm, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Core Technology in Innovative Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Li Yan
- Tasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Academy of integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Microcirculation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Stasis and Phlegm, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Core Technology in Innovative Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Yu Fan
- Tasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Academy of integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Microcirculation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Stasis and Phlegm, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Core Technology in Innovative Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Yan Han
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Tasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Academy of integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Microcirculation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Stasis and Phlegm, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Core Technology in Innovative Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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29
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Zhang T, Hu C, Wu Y, Wang S, Liu X, Zhang D, Huang F, Gao H, Wang Z. Carbon Disulfide Induces Embryo Implantation Disorder by Disturbing the Polarization of Macrophages in Mice Uteri. Chem Res Toxicol 2019; 32:1989-1996. [PMID: 31468960 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Carbon disulfide (CS2) induces embryo implantation disorders. Macrophages participate in the process of pregnancy. Therefore, we want to explore the effects of CS2 exposure on polarization and immune function of macrophages in pregnant mice uteri. The exposure times were gestation days 3 (GD3), 4 (GD4), and 5 (GD5), and the observation end points were arranged in a time series after CS2 exposure. The uterine tissues were collected to detect the expression levels of macrophages cytokines (IL-6, IL-12, TGF-β1, and Vegf-a) and downstream regulatory cytokines of Th1-type (IL-2 and IFN-γ) and Th2-type (IL-10 and IL-4) by flow cytometry, ELISA, and q-PCR. The results showed that, compared with the controls, the ratios of M1/M2 macrophages in the endometrium significantly increased by 96%, 110%, and 177% at the GD4, GD6, and GD7 observation end points after GD3 exposure and increased about 3.88-fold and 2.37-fold at the GD6 and GD7 observation end points after GD4 exposure, respectively. In contrast, the ratio of M1 and M2 macrophages significantly reduced by 53% at the GD5 observation end point after GD3 exposure. Meanwhile, the expression levels of IL-6 were significantly increased about 2.00-fold for mRNA and 1.60-fold for protein at GD4 observation end points after GD3 exposure, and the mRNA levels of IL-12 increased about 3.61-fold at the GD6 observation end points after GD4 exposure. The mRNA levels of TGF-β1 were significantly decreased by 41%, 25%, and 20% at the GD7 observation end points after exposure at GD3, GD4, and GD5, and the expression levels of Vegf-a mRNA and protein were decreased. Furthermore, the ratio of IL-2/IL4, IL-2/IL-10, IFN-γ/IL-4, and IFN-γ/IL-10 in the uterine tissue was significantly increased at the exposure groups. These findings suggest that the imbalanced polarization of macrophages is the key regulator in the progress of CS2-induced embryo loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongchao Zhang
- School of Public Health , Shandong University , 44 Wenhua Xi Road , Jinan , Shandong 250012 , P.R. China
| | - Chengxia Hu
- School of Public Health , Shandong University , 44 Wenhua Xi Road , Jinan , Shandong 250012 , P.R. China
| | - Yanling Wu
- School of Public Health , Shandong University , 44 Wenhua Xi Road , Jinan , Shandong 250012 , P.R. China
| | - Shuting Wang
- School of Public Health , Shandong University , 44 Wenhua Xi Road , Jinan , Shandong 250012 , P.R. China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- School of Public Health , Shandong University , 44 Wenhua Xi Road , Jinan , Shandong 250012 , P.R. China
| | - Danhua Zhang
- School of Public Health , Shandong University , 44 Wenhua Xi Road , Jinan , Shandong 250012 , P.R. China
| | - Fengyan Huang
- School of Public Health , Shandong University , 44 Wenhua Xi Road , Jinan , Shandong 250012 , P.R. China
| | - Han Gao
- School of Public Health , Shandong University , 44 Wenhua Xi Road , Jinan , Shandong 250012 , P.R. China
| | - Zhiping Wang
- School of Public Health , Shandong University , 44 Wenhua Xi Road , Jinan , Shandong 250012 , P.R. China
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Hamdi M, Lopera-Vasquez R, Maillo V, Sanchez-Calabuig MJ, Núnez C, Gutierrez-Adan A, Rizos D. Bovine oviductal and uterine fluid support in vitro embryo development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 30:935-945. [PMID: 29167013 DOI: 10.1071/rd17286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to mimic the maternal oviductal environment, we evaluated the effect of oviductal fluid (OF) and/or uterine fluid (UF) supplementation on in vitro embryo development and quality. In vitro-produced zygotes were cultured with 1.25% OF from Day 1 to Day 4 after insemination (OF group), 1.25% OF from Day 1 to Day 4 followed by 1.25% UF from Day 4 to Day 9 (OF+UF group) or 1.25% UF only from Day 4 to Day 9 (UF group). Control groups were cultured in the presence of synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) supplemented with 3mgmL-1 bovine serum albumin (BSA) or 5% fetal calf serum (FCS). Supplementation of the culture medium with OF and/or UF (both at 1.25%) supported embryo development (Day 9 blastocyst rate 28.2-30.6%). At 72h after vitrification-warming, the survival of blastocysts from the OF and OF+UF groups was similar to that of blastocysts in the SOF+BSA group (61.0±5.7% and 62.8±6.4% vs 64.8±6.4% respectively), but significantly higher than that of blastocysts from the SOF+FCS group (31.6±4.9%; P<0.001). Blastocysts from the OF group exhibited upregulation of epigenetic genes (i.e. DNA methyltransferase 3α (DNMT3A) and insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R)), compared with expression in the SOF+FCS group (P<0.05). Whereas those from OF+UF and UF groups exhibited downregulation of oxidative stress genes compared to SOF+BSA and OF groups for glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) and to SOF+FCS, SOF+BSA and OF groups for chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) (P<0.05). In addition, accumulation of reactive oxygen species was lower in blastocysts from the OF, OF+UF and UF groups. In conclusion, the use of low concentrations of OF and UF in in vitro serum-free culture supports embryo development, with OF providing a better control of embryo methylation, whereas UF may have antioxidant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Hamdi
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricaurte Lopera-Vasquez
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Veronica Maillo
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Jesus Sanchez-Calabuig
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Núnez
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutierrez-Adan
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Jha SK, Rauniyar K, Chronowska E, Mattonet K, Maina EW, Koistinen H, Stenman UH, Alitalo K, Jeltsch M. KLK3/PSA and cathepsin D activate VEGF-C and VEGF-D. eLife 2019; 8:44478. [PMID: 31099754 PMCID: PMC6588350 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) acts primarily on endothelial cells, but also on non-vascular targets, for example in the CNS and immune system. Here we describe a novel, unique VEGF-C form in the human reproductive system produced via cleavage by kallikrein-related peptidase 3 (KLK3), aka prostate-specific antigen (PSA). KLK3 activated VEGF-C specifically and efficiently through cleavage at a novel N-terminal site. We detected VEGF-C in seminal plasma, and sperm liquefaction occurred concurrently with VEGF-C activation, which was enhanced by collagen and calcium binding EGF domains 1 (CCBE1). After plasmin and ADAMTS3, KLK3 is the third protease shown to activate VEGF-C. Since differently activated VEGF-Cs are characterized by successively shorter N-terminal helices, we created an even shorter hypothetical form, which showed preferential binding to VEGFR-3. Using mass spectrometric analysis of the isolated VEGF-C-cleaving activity from human saliva, we identified cathepsin D as a protease that can activate VEGF-C as well as VEGF-D. The lymphatic system is composed of networks of vessels that drain fluids from the body’s tissues and filter it back into the blood. Growing these vessels depends on a factor known as VEGF-C, which is released in an inactive form and must be cut by enzymes before it can work. One enzyme that is known to activate the VEGF-C signal when the early embryo is developing is ADAMTS3. If this signal fails to switch on this can result in a condition known as lymphedema – whereby problems in the lymphatic system cause tissues to swell due to insufficient drainage. However, it is unknown whether the VEGF-C signal can be activated by enzymes other than ADAMTS3. To investigate this Jha, Rauniyar et al. tested a specific family of proteins commonly found in the human prostate, which have previously been predicted to act on VEGF-C. This revealed that the lymphatic vessel growth factor can also be activated by an enzyme found in seminal fluid called prostate specific antigen, or PSA for short. To see if enzymes in other bodily fluids could switch on VEGF-C, different components of human saliva were separated and tested to see which could cut inactive VEGF-C. This showed that VEGF-C could be converted to an active form by another enzyme called cathepsin D. Unexpectedly, Jha, Rauniyar et al. found that VEGF-C was also present in semen. For conception to occur PSA must liquify the semen following ejaculation. It was discovered that PSA activates VEGF-C just as the semen starts to liquify, suggesting that the lymphatic vessel growth factor might also play an important role in reproduction. In addition to VEGF-C, both PSA and cathepsin D were found to activate another growth factor called VEGF-D, which has an unknown role in the human body. VEGF-C helps the spread of tumors, and blocking the two enzymes that activate this growth factor may be a new therapeutic approach for cancer. However, more work is needed to validate which types of tumor, if any, use these enzymes to activate VEGF-C. In addition, understanding the relationship between PSA and VEGF-C could help improve our knowledge of human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawan Kumar Jha
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Khushbu Rauniyar
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ewa Chronowska
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Kenny Mattonet
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Eunice Wairimu Maina
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Koistinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ulf-Håkan Stenman
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael Jeltsch
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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Angiogenic Properties of Menstrual Stem Cells Are Impaired in Women with a History of Preeclampsia. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:1916542. [PMID: 30809262 PMCID: PMC6369467 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1916542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder defined by the new onset of hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. Although its precise etiology is still unknown, there is evidence suggesting that it may be a consequence of impaired decidual and stromal cell function. Recently, a stem cell population derived from endometrial tissue and isolated from menstrual effluent called menstrual stem cells (MenSCs) has been identified. MenSCs exhibit important angiogenic and inflammatory properties that may contribute to both normal and pathological complications of implantation and placentation, including preeclampsia. We hypothesized that the angiogenic and inflammatory activity of MenSCs is altered in women who have a past history of preeclampsia and that this phenotype persists postpartum. The primary outcome measures were stromal progenitor cell formation, in vitro induction of endothelial tube formation, and release of proinflammatory cytokines. MenSCs obtained from women with a previous normal or preeclamptic pregnancy displayed similar phenotypic characteristics, tri-differentiation capacity, and proliferation. MenSCs derived from women who had preeclampsia on their previous pregnancy had reduced angiogenic capacity (~30% fewer junctions and nodes, p < 0.05) and stromal progenitor cell formation (<50% measured at a serial dilution of 1 : 10.000, p < 0.05) when compared to controls. In vitro, MenSCs obtained from patients with a history of preeclampsia expressed less endoglin and secreted less VEGF but more IL-6 than controls did. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that the angiogenic and inflammatory properties of MenSCs of women with a previous pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia have reduced angiogenic capacity and are more proinflammatory than those of MenSCs of women with a previous normal pregnancy. This altered phenotype of MenSCs observed following preeclampsia could either be present before the development of the pathology, predisposing the endometrial milieu to and consequently leading to limited vascular remodeling, or be a consequence of preeclampsia itself. The former may afford opportunity for targeted therapeutic intervention; the latter, a putative biomarker for future risk of pregnancy complications.
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Antoniotti GS, Coughlan M, Salamonsen LA, Evans J. Obesity associated advanced glycation end products within the human uterine cavity adversely impact endometrial function and embryo implantation competence. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:654-665. [PMID: 29471449 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do obese levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) within the uterine cavity detrimentally alter tissue function in embryo implantation and placental development? SUMMARY ANSWER Obese levels of AGEs activate inflammatory signaling (p65 NFκB) within endometrial epithelial cells and alter their function, cause endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in endometrial stromal cells and impair decidualization, compromise implantation of blastocyst mimics and inhibit trophoblast invasion. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Obese women experience a higher incidence of infertility, recurrent miscarriage and pregnancy complications compared with lean women. Oocyte donation cycles suggest a detrimental uterine environment plays a role in these outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Uterine lavage and tissues from lean (BMI 19.5-24.9, n = 17) and obese (BMI > 30, n = 16) women examined. Cell culture experiments utilizing human endometrial epithelial, trophectoderm and trophoblast cell lines and primary human stromal cells used to examine the functional impact of obese levels of AGEs. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Levels of AGEs examined within uterine lavage assessed by ELISA to determine differences between lean and obese women. Expression and localization of AGEs, receptor for AGEs (RAGE) and NFκB within endometrial tissues obtained from lean and obese women determined by immunohistochemistry. Endometrial epithelial cells (ECC-1), primary human stromal cells and trophoblast cells (HTR8-SVneo) treated with lean (2000 nmol/mol lysine) or obese (8000 nmol/mol lysine) uterine levels of AGEs and p65 NFκB (western immunoblot), real-time adhesion, proliferation migration and invasion (xCelligence real-time cell function analysis), decidualization (cell morphology and prolactin release), ER stress (western immunoblot for p-PERK) determined. Co-cultures of endometrial epithelial cells and blastocyst mimics (trophectoderm spheroids) similarly treated with lean or obese uterine levels of AGEs to determine their impact on embryo implantation. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE AGEs were significantly elevated (P = 0.004) within the obese (6503.59 μmol/mol lysine) versus lean (2165.88 μmol/mol lysine) uterine cavity (uterine lavage) with increased immunostaining for AGEs, RAGE and NFkB within obese endometrial tissues during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. Obese uterine levels of AGEs inhibited adhesion and proliferation of endometrial epithelial (ECC-1) cells compared to treatment with lean uterine levels of AGEs. Obese uterine AGE levels impacted primary human endometrial stromal cell decidualization and activated ER stress within these cells. Obese uterine levels of AGEs also inhibited trophectodermal spheroid adhesion to hormonally primed endometrial epithelial cells and trophoblast cell line HTR8/SV-neo invasion. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Mechanistic studies are performed in vitro and may not completely recapitulate cell function in vivo. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These data corroborate clinical data suggesting the presence of an altered uterine environment in obese women and demonstrate that elevated uterine levels of AGEs within these women may detrimentally impact endometrial function, embryo implantation and placental development. Uterine AGE assessment in infertility work up may prove useful in determining underlying causes of infertility. AGEs can be targeted pharmacologically and such treatments may prove effective in improving reproductive complications experience by obese women. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Supported by NHMRC Fellowship (#1002028 to L.A.S.), and the Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Program. MTC is supported by a JDRF Australia Clinical Research Network Career Development Award. The authors have declared that no conflict of interest exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella S Antoniotti
- The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Scenic Boulevard, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Melinda Coughlan
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Jemma Evans
- The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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Siristatidis C, Rigos I, Pergialiotis V, Karageorgiou V, Christoforidis N, Daskalakis G, Bettocchi S, Makrigiannakis A. Endometrial injury for patients with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing medically assisted reproduction: current data and a protocol. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2018; 35:/j/hmbci.ahead-of-print/hmbci-2018-0040/hmbci-2018-0040.xml. [PMID: 30144383 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2018-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
We propose a study protocol capable of improving clinical outcomes following medically assisted reproduction (MAR) in infertile women with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The proposed research derives from the published evidence on the positive impact from endometrial injury (EI) and the beneficial nature of the intervention towards improved implantation rates. We primarily refer to the cluster of events and hypotheses, such as the mechanical cascade, the inflammatory response per se, the events accompanying wound healing, the immune cell recruitment and protein involvement, alterations in gene expression and the neo-angiogenesis theories, which have been previously investigated for this purpose. We are also exploring the possible problems in MAR cycles with negative outcomes in PCOS and endometriosis patients and we are proposing potential mechanisms on how this intervention might work. Our hypothesis states that the EI before the initiation of the MAR cycle can affect clinical pregnancy rates in patients with the aforementioned pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Siristatidis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Attikon Hospital", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, Chaidari, Athens 12642, Greece, Phone: 0030-6932294994
| | - Ioannis Rigos
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Attikon Hospital", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasilios Pergialiotis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Attikon Hospital", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - George Daskalakis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stefano Bettocchi
- Second Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Antonis Makrigiannakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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35
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Okada H, Tsuzuki T, Murata H. Decidualization of the human endometrium. Reprod Med Biol 2018; 17:220-227. [PMID: 30013421 PMCID: PMC6046526 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decidualization of the human endometrium, which involves a dramatic morphological and functional differentiation of human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), is essential for the establishment of a successful pregnancy. Decidualization results from a complex interplay of transcription factors, morphogens, cytokines, cell cycle regulators, and signaling pathways. METHODS Based on a literature review, the regulation of, and the molecular mechanisms involved in, the decidualization of the endometrium are described. MAIN FINDINGS Progesterone, together with proteins that are regulated by progesterone and/or cyclic adenosine monophosphate, including homeobox A10, forkhead box O1, signal transducers and activators of transcription, and heart and neural crest derivatives expressed transcript 2, forms a critical network for ESC decidualization and is a prerequisite to successful implantation. Decidualized ESCs contribute to the microenvironment at the feto-maternal interface and its direct or indirect influence on extracellular matrix remodeling, regulation of the local immune response, anti-oxidative stress, and angiogenesis (vascular maturation). Impairment of this process is associated with a variety of pregnancy disorders, including infertility, recurrent miscarriages, and uteroplacental disorders. CONCLUSION A deeper understanding of the process of decidualization is expected to provide new insights into the fields of reproductive biology and reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetaka Okada
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKansai Medical UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Tomoko Tsuzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKansai Medical UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Hiromi Murata
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKansai Medical UniversityOsakaJapan
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36
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Parks JC, McCallie BR, Patton AL, Al-Safi ZA, Polotsky AJ, Griffin DK, Schoolcraft WB, Katz-Jaffe MG. The impact of infertility diagnosis on embryo-endometrial dialogue. Reproduction 2018; 155:543-552. [PMID: 29636406 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Initial stages of implantation involve bi-directional molecular crosstalk between the blastocyst and endometrium. This study investigated an association between infertility etiologies, specifically advanced maternal age (AMA) and endometriosis, on the embryo-endometrial molecular dialogue prior to implantation. Co-culture experiments were performed with endometrial epithelial cells (EEC) and cryopreserved day 5 blastocysts (n = 41 ≥ Grade 3BB) donated from patients presenting with AMA or endometriosis, compared to fertile donor oocyte controls. Extracellular vesicles isolated from co-culture supernatant were analyzed for miRNA expression and revealed significant alterations correlating to AMA or endometriosis. Specifically, AMA resulted in 16 miRNAs with increased expression (P ≤ 0.05) and strong evidence for negative regulation toward 206 target genes. VEGFA, a known activator of cell adhesion, displayed decreased expression (P ≤ 0.05), validating negative regulation by 4 of these increased miRNAs: miR-126; 150; 29a; 29b (P ≤ 0.05). In endometriosis patients, a total of 10 significantly altered miRNAs displayed increased expression compared to controls (miR-7b; 9; 24; 34b; 106a; 191; 200b; 200c; 342-3p; 484) (P ≤ 0.05), targeting 1014 strong evidence-based genes. Three target genes of miR-106a (CDKN1A, E2F1 and RUNX1) were independently validated. Functional annotation analysis of miRNA-target genes revealed enriched pathways for both infertility etiologies, including disrupted cell cycle regulation and proliferation (P ≤ 0.05). These extracellular vesicle-bound secreted miRNAs are key transcriptional regulators in embryo-endometrial dialogue and may be prospective biomarkers of implantation success. One of the limitations of this study is that it was a stimulated, in vitro model and therefore may not accurately reflect the in-vivo environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason C Parks
- Colorado Center for Reproductive MedicineLone Tree, Colorado, USA .,University of KentCanterbury, UK
| | - Blair R McCallie
- Colorado Center for Reproductive MedicineLone Tree, Colorado, USA.,University of KentCanterbury, UK
| | - Alyssa L Patton
- Colorado Center for Reproductive MedicineLone Tree, Colorado, USA
| | - Zain A Al-Safi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Alex J Polotsky
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Zhang L, Li Y, Guan CY, Tian S, Lv XD, Li JH, Ma X, Xia HF. Therapeutic effect of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells on injured rat endometrium during its chronic phase. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:36. [PMID: 29433563 PMCID: PMC5810045 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-0777-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repair deficiency after endometrial injury is an important reason for intra-uterine adhesions, amenorrhea, and infertility in females. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation is effective in repairing the damaged endometrium. However, the possibility of using umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) to treat endometrial injury is rarely reported. METHODS Ethanol (95%) was injected into rat uterus to establish a model of endometrial injury. UC-MSCs were injected through the tail vein, either as a single, twice, or thrice administration. Functional restoration of the uterus was assessed by testing embryo implantation rates. Endometrial morphological alteration was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Endometrial fibrosis, markers of epithelial and stromal cells of endometrium, cell proliferation and angiogenesis, and inflammatory factors were detected using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Endometrial morphology and embryo implantation rates were significantly improved on day 8 of transplantation among single-, twice-, or thrice-administered rats. Moreover, UC-MSCs could alleviate fibrosis in general, and reduced the expression of fibrosis markers, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. The cell proliferation marker Ki-67 had a positive expression in the injured endometrium after UC-MSC transplantation. The endometrial stromal marker vimentin and epithelial marker cytokeratin-19 (CK-19) expressions were visibly increased. The expression of vascular markers CD31, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)A, and matrix metalloprotein (MMP)9 was generally upregulated. Proinflammatory factors interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-2 were significantly downregulated in the rats administered UC-MSCs twice and thrice. CONCLUSIONS UC-MSC transplantation contributed to the repair of endometrial injury and restoration of fertility, likely through the suppression of excessive fibrosis and inflammation, and enhancement of endometrial cell proliferation and vascular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Reproductive and Genetic Center of National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Li
- Reproductive and Genetic Center of National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Yi Guan
- Reproductive and Genetic Center of National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shi Tian
- Haidian Maternal & Child Health Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Dan Lv
- Reproductive and Genetic Center of National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Hui Li
- Reproductive and Genetic Center of National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Ma
- Reproductive and Genetic Center of National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China. .,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Hong-Fei Xia
- Reproductive and Genetic Center of National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China. .,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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Wang XB, Qi QR, Wu KL, Xie QZ. Role of osteopontin in decidualization and pregnancy success. Reproduction 2018; 155:423-432. [PMID: 29420252 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OPN is essential for blastocyst implantation and placentation. Previous study found that miR181a was increased while miR181b was downregulated in endometrium during decidualization. However, the information regarding their effects on decidualization in human endometrium is still limited. Here, we report a novel role of OPN and miR181b in uterine decidualization and pregnancy success in humans. The expression of OPN was high in endometrium in secretory phase and in vitro decidualized hESC, whereas miR181b expression was low in identical conditions. Further analysis confirmed that OPN expression was upregulated by cAMP and C/EBPβ signal pathway, while downregulated by miR181b. Increased OPN expression could promote the expression of decidualization-related and angiogenesis-related genes. Conversely, the processes of decidualization and angiogenesis in hESC were compromised by inhibiting OPN expression in vitro OPN expression was repressed in implantation failure group when compared with successful pregnancy group in IVF/ICSI-ET cycles. These findings add a new line of evidence supporting the fact that OPN is involved in decidualization and pregnancy success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Bo Wang
- Medical College of Wuhan UniversityWuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian-Rong Qi
- Center for Reproductive MedicineRenmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai-Lin Wu
- Medical College of Wuhan UniversityWuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Zhen Xie
- Center for Reproductive MedicineRenmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
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Zhao D, Qu Q, Dai H, Liu Y, Jiang L, Huang X, Hao C. Effects of hypoxia‑inducible factor‑1α on endometrial receptivity of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Mol Med Rep 2017; 17:414-421. [PMID: 29115598 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is associated with an hypoxic endometrial microenvironment. Hypoxia‑inducible factor‑1α (HIF‑1α) is activated under hypoxic conditions. In the present study, the expression pattern of HIF‑1α in endometrial tissue was investigated and its effects on endometrial receptivity in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were examined. A total of 81 patients were enrolled for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. They were divided into PCOS (n=40) and Control groups (n=41); both groups were further divided based on body weight (overweight and normal weight subgroups). The expressions of HIF‑1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and glucose transporter protein (GLUT)‑1 and GLUT4 were determined by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrated that mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF‑1α and VEGF in the PCOS group were significantly lower compared with expression levels in the Control group. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the expression levels of GLUT1 and GLUT4 between groups. In patients with PCOS, GLUT1 and GLUT4 were mainly localized in the nuclei and cytoplasm, but not in the cell membrane. Overweight patients had the lowest expression levels of HIF‑1α, VEGF and GLUT1 expression compared with normal weight patients. In conclusion, HIF‑1α may be involved in the molecular mechanisms of endometrial dysfunction in women with PCOS, particularly in those who are overweight. HIF‑1α might therefore be a novel target for improving the endometrial receptivity and successful embryo implantation in PCOS women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Zhao
- Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, P.R. China
| | - Qinglan Qu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Huangguan Dai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Yueyang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Technical University of Munich, D‑80333 Munich, Germany
| | - Lei Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Xin Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Cuifang Hao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
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Abstract
Embryonic diapause – a period of embryonic suspension at the blastocyst stage – is a fascinating phenomenon that occurs in over 130 species of mammals, ranging from bears and badgers to mice and marsupials. It might even occur in humans. During diapause, there is minimal cell division and greatly reduced metabolism, and development is put on hold. Yet there are no ill effects for the pregnancy when it eventually continues. Multiple factors can induce diapause, including seasonal supplies of food, temperature, photoperiod and lactation. The successful reactivation and continuation of pregnancy then requires a viable embryo, a receptive uterus and effective molecular communication between the two. But how do the blastocysts survive and remain viable during this period of time, which can be up to a year in some cases? And what are the signals that bring it out of suspended animation? Here, we provide an overview of the process of diapause and address these questions, focussing on recent molecular data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn B. Renfree
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3010
| | - Jane C. Fenelon
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H8L6
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Saikia PJ, Das D, Mize D, Das M, Sarma HN. Spatiotemporal expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C in mice fetal-maternal tissues during periimplantation (D4–D7). MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Martin FC, Ang CS, Gardner DK, Renfree MB, Shaw G. Uterine flushing proteome of the tammar wallaby after reactivation from diapause. Reproduction 2016; 152:491-505. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The marsupial tammar wallaby has the longest period of embryonic diapause of any mammal, up to 11 months, during which there is no cell division or blastocyst growth. Since the blastocyst in diapause is surrounded by acellular coats, the signals that maintain or terminate diapause involve factors that reside in uterine secretions. The nature of such factors remains to be resolved. In this study, uterine flushings (UFs) were used to assess changes in uterine secretions of tammars using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) during diapause (day 0 and 3) and reactivation days (d) 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 24 after removal of pouch young (RPY), which initiates embryonic development. This study supports earlier suggestions that the presence of specific factors stimulate reactivation, early embryonic growth and cell proliferation. A mitogen, hepatoma-derived growth factor and soluble epidermal growth factor receptors were observed from d3 until at least d11 RPY when these secreted proteins constituted 21% of the UF proteome. Binding of these factors to specific cellular receptors or growth factors may directly stimulate DNA synthesis and division in endometrial gland cells. Proteins involved in the p53/CDKN1A (p21) cell cycle inhibition pathway were also observed in the diapause samples. Progesterone and most of the oestrogen-regulated proteins were present in the UF after d3, which is concomitant with the start of blastocyst mitoses at d4. We propose that once the p21 inhibition of the cell cycle is lost, growth factors including HDGF and EGFR are responsible for reactivation of the diapausing blastocyst via the uterine secretions.
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Placental Growth Factor Is Secreted by the Human Endometrium and Has Potential Important Functions during Embryo Development and Implantation. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163096. [PMID: 27711226 PMCID: PMC5053405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation requires synchronized dialogue between the receptive endometrium and activated blastocyst via locally produced soluble mediators. During the mid-secretory (MS) phase of the menstrual cycle, increased glandular secretion into the uterine lumen provides important mediators that modulate the endometrium and support the conceptus during implantation. Previously we demonstrated the importance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the human uterus, particularly with respect to embryo implantation. In the current study, proteomic analysis of human uterine lavage fluid identified the presence of placental growth factor (PlGF) a homolog of VEGF, that binds the VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1). Analysis of immunostaining for PlGF in human endometrial tissue across the menstrual cycle (from both fertile and infertile women) revealed PlGF was predominantly localised to glandular and luminal epithelial cells, with staining in the decidualising stromal cells surrounding the maternal spiral arteries in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. Immunoreactive PlGF was also detected in subpopulations of endometrial leukocytes. Functional studies demonstrated that culturing mouse embryos with recombinant human (rh)PlGF enhanced blastocyst cell number and outgrowth. Furthermore, treatment of human endometrial epithelial cells (EEC) with rhPlGF enhanced EEC adhesion. Taken together, these data demonstrate that PlGF is abundant in the human endometrium, and secreted into the uterine lumen where it mediates functional changes in cellular adhesion with important roles in implantation.
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Soleilhavoup C, Riou C, Tsikis G, Labas V, Harichaux G, Kohnke P, Reynaud K, de Graaf SP, Gerard N, Druart X. Proteomes of the Female Genital Tract During the Oestrous Cycle. Mol Cell Proteomics 2016; 15:93-108. [PMID: 26518761 PMCID: PMC4762522 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m115.052332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The female genital tract includes several anatomical regions whose luminal fluids successively interact with gametes and embryos and are involved in the fertilisation and development processes. The luminal fluids from the inner cervix, the uterus and the oviduct were collected along the oestrous cycle at oestrus (Day 0 of the cycle) and during the luteal phase (Day 10) from adult cyclic ewes. The proteomes were assessed by GeLC-MS/MS and quantified by spectral counting. A set of 940 proteins were identified including 291 proteins differentially present along the cycle in one or several regions. The global analysis of the fluid proteomes revealed a general pattern of endocrine regulation of the tract, with the cervix and the oviduct showing an increased differential proteins abundance mainly at oestrus while the uterus showed an increased abundance mainly during the luteal phase. The proteins more abundant at oestrus included several families such as the heat shock proteins (HSP), the mucins, the complement cascade proteins and several redox enzymes. Other proteins known for their interaction with gametes such as oviductin (OVGP), osteopontin, HSPA8, and the spermadhesin AWN were also overexpressed at oestrus. The proteins more abundant during the luteal phase were associated with the immune system such as ceruloplasmin, lactoferrin, DMBT1, or PIGR, and also with tissue remodeling such as galectin 3 binding protein, alkaline phosphatase, CD9, or fibulin. Several proteins differentially abundant between estrus and the luteal phase, such as myosin 9 and fibronectin, were also validated by immunohistochemistry. The potential roles in sperm transit and uterine receptivity of the proteins differentially regulated along the cycle in the female genital tract are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clement Soleilhavoup
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Cindy Riou
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Guillaume Tsikis
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Valerie Labas
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; **INRA, Plate-forme d'Analyse Intégrative des Biomolécules (PAIB), Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Gregoire Harichaux
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; **INRA, Plate-forme d'Analyse Intégrative des Biomolécules (PAIB), Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Philippa Kohnke
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Karine Reynaud
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ‡‡Alfort Veterinary School, 94700 Maisons Alfort, France
| | - Simon P de Graaf
- §§Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Nadine Gerard
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Xavier Druart
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France;
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Kim J, Lee J, Kim SH, Jun JH. Coculture of Preimplantation Embryos With Outgrowth Embryos Improves Embryonic Developmental Competence in Mice. Reprod Sci 2015; 23:913-23. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719115623641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jihyun Kim
- Department of Senior Healthcare, BK21 Plus Program, Graduated School, Eulji University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jaewang Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seok Hyun Kim
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Hyun Jun
- Department of Senior Healthcare, BK21 Plus Program, Graduated School, Eulji University, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Graduate School of Health Science, Eulji University, Daejeon, Korea
- Eulji Medi-Bio Research Institute (EMBRI), Eulji University, Daejeon, Korea
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46
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Hunter RK, Nevitt CD, Gaskins JT, Keller BB, Bohler HCL, LeBlanc AJ. Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Cell Effects on a Rodent Model of Thin Endometrium. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144823. [PMID: 26657744 PMCID: PMC4684382 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial dysfunction affects approximately 1% of infertile women, and there is currently no standard therapy for improving fertility treatment outcomes in these patients. In our study, we utilized a rodent model of thin endometrium to test whether intrauterine application of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction cells (SVF) could improve morphological and physiological markers of endometrial receptivity. Using anhydrous ethanol, endometrial area and gland density were significantly reduced in our model of thin endometrium. Application of SVF was associated with a 29% reduction in endometrial vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and significant increases in uterine artery systolic/diastolic velocity ratios and resistance index values, suggesting reduced diastolic microvascular tone. However, no significant improvements in endometrial area or gland density were observed following SVF treatment. 3D confocal imaging demonstrated poor engraftment of SVF cells into recipient tissue, which likely contributed to the negative results of this study. We suspect modified treatment protocols utilizing adjuvant estrogen and/or tail vein cell delivery may improve SVF retention and therapeutic response in subsequent studies. SVF is an easily-obtainable cell product with regenerative capability that may have a future role in the treatment of infertile women with endometrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert K. Hunter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Chris D. Nevitt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Jeremy T. Gaskins
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Bradley B. Keller
- Cardiovascular Innovation Institute, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Henry C. L. Bohler
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Amanda J. LeBlanc
- Cardiovascular Innovation Institute, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Salamonsen LA, Evans J, Nguyen HPT, Edgell TA. The Microenvironment of Human Implantation: Determinant of Reproductive Success. Am J Reprod Immunol 2015; 75:218-25. [PMID: 26661899 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful implantation requires synchronous development of embryo and endometrium. Endometrial receptivity results from progesterone-induced differentiation of endometrial cells, generally achieved during the mid-secretory phase of the cycle. Failure to properly develop receptivity results in failed or inadequate implantation and hence no ongoing pregnancy. The blastocyst undergoes final development, apposition, attachment and initiates invasion of the endometrial epithelium within the uterine cavity. Thus, the microenvironment provided by uterine fluid, particularly glandular secretions, is essential for implantation. Analysis of endometrial fluid has identified cytokines, chemokines, proteases, antiproteases and other factors that modulate blastocyst functions relevant to implantation. Exosomes/microvesicular bodies released from the endometrium (and likely also the embryo) are present in uterine fluid. These can transfer miRNA, proteins and lipids between cells, thus providing endometrial-embryo communication in the peri-implantation period. Understanding the uterine microenvironment, and its effects on endometrial-embryo interactions, will provide opportunities to modify current infertility treatments to improve success rates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jemma Evans
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Hong P T Nguyen
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Tracey A Edgell
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia
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48
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Zhou W, Chu D, Sha W, Fu L, Li Y. Effects of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor supplementation in culture medium on embryo quality and pregnancy outcome of women aged over 35 years. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 33:39-47. [PMID: 26660059 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0627-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to explore whether a low concentration of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) supplementation in culture medium is beneficial to infertile women aged over 35 years. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze the embryo quality and pregnancy outcome of 212 controlled ovarian stimulation (COH) cycles with or without GM-CSF addition (n = 117 [GM-CSF, 0.2 ng/mL] vs n = 95 [control]). RESULTS No significant difference was observed in cleavage rate (96.2 vs 96.5 %), blastocyst formation rate (53.2 vs 54.0 %), good blastocyst rate (26.8 vs 26.8 %), or available embryo rate (54.2 vs 49.7 %) between the GM-CSF group and the control group. However, the average age of the GM-CSF group (38.41 ± 3.13 years) was significantly 1 year older than that of the corresponding control group (37.45 ± 2.74 years) (P < 0.05). GM-CSF addition greatly decreased the occurrence of biochemical pregnancy (55.6 % [control] vs 20.8 % [GM-CSF], P < 0.05). No case of neonatal malformation was observed in the present study. CONCLUSION Although no benefit of GM-CSF on embryo quality was observed, the addition of this factor significantly decreased the occurrence of chemical pregnancy of women aged over 35 years, indicating the role of GM-CSF in improving implantation competence of embryos derived from elderly infertile women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Zhou
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, People's Republic of China
| | - Dapeng Chu
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Sha
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Fu
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Li
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, People's Republic of China.
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Effect of Endometrial Injury on Secretion of Endometrial Cytokines and IVF Outcomes in Women with Unexplained Subfertility. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:757184. [PMID: 26586929 PMCID: PMC4637501 DOI: 10.1155/2015/757184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to determine the effect of endometrial injury (EI) on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in women with unexplained subfertility and explore the relationship between EI and endometrial inflammatory cytokines, 66 women with unexplained subfertility undergoing IVF treatment were recruited. 38 patients in the EI group underwent EI in the mid-luteal phase of the cycle and 28 patients in the non-EI (NEI) group. According to the pregnancy outcome, the NEI and EI groups were divided into NEI-nonpregnant (NEI-NP), NEI-pregnant (NEI-P), EI-NP, and EI-P. All patients underwent aspiration of endometrial secretions immediately before embryo transfer. The concentrations of ten mediators were measured using Milliplex Magnetic Bead assay. The clinical pregnancy was significantly higher in the EI than in the NEI group. The concentrations of interleukin- (IL-) 6, IL-8, IL-12 (p70), IL-13, interferon- (IFN-) γ, monocyte chemotactic protein- (MCP-) 1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly higher in the EI than the NEI group. The expression of IFN-γ and VEGF in the EI-P was significantly increased compared to the EI-NP group. These findings suggest that, in women with unexplained subfertility, endometrial injury might be a potential method to improve clinical pregnancy rates by promoting the expression of IFN-γ and VEGF.
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50
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Scioscia M, Karumanchi SA, Goldman-Wohl D, Robillard PY. Endothelial dysfunction and metabolic syndrome in preeclampsia: an alternative viewpoint. J Reprod Immunol 2015; 108:42-7. [PMID: 25766966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2015.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 12/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Several clinical and basic science reports have elucidated partial aspects of the pathophysiology of preeclampsia and have led many authors to conclude that different "subtypes" of the disease exist. All these subtypes share the main clinical features of the disease and present additional characteristics that define different clinical phenotypes. Nevertheless, immunological alterations, endothelial dysfunction, and insulin resistance constantly characterize this syndrome. These aspects are intimately related at a molecular level; thus, we propose an alternative approach to explaining biologically the main intracellular processes that occur in preeclampsia and this may yield an insight into the pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Scioscia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, Verona, Italy.
| | - S Ananth Karumanchi
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Debra Goldman-Wohl
- The Magda and Richard Hoffman Center for Human Placenta Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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