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Li M, Li T, Jin T, Chen Y, Cheng L, Liang Q, Yan S, Li T, Ran Q, Chen W. Abnormal activation of the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway promotes the expression of T-box transcription factor 3(TBX3) and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway to mediate the occurrence of adenomyosis. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:9935-9950. [PMID: 37878207 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08870-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T-box transcription factor 3(TBX3) is a transcription factor that can regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration in different tumor cells; however, its role in adenomyosis (ADM) has not been previously studied. Some of ADM's pathophysiological characteristics are similar to those of malignant tumors (e.g., abnormal proliferation, migration, and invasion). METHODS AND RESULTS We hypothesized that TBX3 might have a role in ADM. We used tamoxifen-induced Institute of Cancer research (ICR) mice to establish ADM disease model. The study procedure included western blotting and immunohistochemistry to analyze protein levels; additionally, we used intraperitoneal injection of Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor XAV-939 to study the relationship between TBX3 and Wnt/β-catenin pathway as well as Anti-proliferation cell nuclear antigen( PCNA) and TUNEL to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. TBX3 overexpression and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ADM mice was found to be associated with activation of the Wnt3a/β-catenin pathway. Treatment with XAV-939 in ADM mice led to the inhibition of both TBX3 and EMT; moreover, abnormal cell proliferation was suppressed, the depth of invasion of endometrium cells was limited. Thus, the use of XAV-939 effectively inhibited further invasion of endometrial cells. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that TBX3 may play an important role in the development of ADM. The expression of TBX3 in ADM was regulated by the Wnt3a/β-catenin pathway. The activation of the Wnt3a/β-catenin pathway in ADM promoted TBX3 expression and induced the occurrence of EMT, thus promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis, ultimately accelerating the development of ADM. The study provides a reference for the diagnosis of ADM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiheng Liang
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Simiao Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Li
- Division of Histology and Embryology, International Joint Laboratory for Embryonic Development & Prenatal Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingzhen Ran
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wanqun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China.
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Wang S, Duan H. The role of the junctional zone in the management of adenomyosis with infertility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1246819. [PMID: 37886646 PMCID: PMC10598341 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1246819] [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: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The junctional zone (JZ) is an important structure in the myometrium that maintains uterine fertility. Changes in the junctional zone are closely related to infertility and adenomyosis (ADS). As an increasing number of young women are affected by ADS, the disease is no longer considered typical of women over 40. With these changes, an increasing number of patients refuse hysterectomy and desire fertility preservation treatment. At the same time, ADS is a crucial factor causing female infertility. Therefore, the treatment of ADS-related infertility and preservation of reproductive function is one of the other major challenges facing clinicians. For these young patients, preserving fertility and even promoting reproduction has become a new challenge. Therefore, we searched and summarized these studies on PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords such as "adenomyosis", "junctional zone", and "infertility" to explore infertility causes, diagnosis, and treatment of ADS patients who wish to preserve their uterus or fertility and become pregnant, focusing on the junctional zone, to obtain a full appreciation of the new perspective on this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hua Duan
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
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Cheng WX, Wei SB, Zhou Y, Shao Y, Li MY. Exosomes: potential diagnostic markers and drug carriers for adenomyosis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1216149. [PMID: 37680720 PMCID: PMC10482052 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1216149] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis is a common benign gynecological disorder and an important factor leading to infertility in fertile women. Adenomyosis can cause deep lesions and is persistent and refractory in nature due to its tumor-like biological characteristics, such as the ability to implant, adhere, and invade. The pathogenesis of adenomyosis is currently unclear. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are urgently required. Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles secreted by cells that carry proteins, genetic materials and other biologically active components. Exosomes play an important role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and regulating immune responses and metabolism. A growing body of work has shown that exosomes and their contents are key to the development and progression of adenomyosis. This review discusses the current research progress, future prospects and challenges in this emerging therapeutic tool by providing an overview of the changes in the adenomyosis uterine microenvironment and the biogenesis and functions of exosomes, with particular emphasis on the role of exosomes and their contents in the regulation of cell migration, proliferation, fibrosis formation, neovascularization, and inflammatory responses in adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Xiu Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shao-Bin Wei
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Trauma Center, Rizhao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Yu Shao
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mao-Ya Li
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Molecular Targets for Nonhormonal Treatment Based on a Multistep Process of Adenomyosis Development. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:743-760. [PMID: 35838920 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01036-4] [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: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Adenomyosis is an estrogen-dependent gynecologic disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue within the myometrium. Adenomyosis presents with abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pains, and infertility. This review aimed to investigate the major estrogen downstream effectors involved in the process of adenomyosis development and their potential use for nonhormonal treatment. A literature search was performed for preclinical and clinical studies published between January 2010 and November 2021 in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases using a combination of specific terms. Adenomyosis presents with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations from asymptomatic to severe through a complex process involving a series of molecular changes associated with inflammation, invasion, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. Adenomyosis may develop through a multistep process, including the acquisition of (epi)genetic mutations, tissue injury caused at the endometrial-myometrial interface, inside-to-outside invasion (from the endometrial side into the uterine wall), or outside-to-inside invasion (from the serosal side into the uterine wall), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tissue repair or remodeling in the myometrium. These processes can be regulated by increased estrogen biosynthesis and progesterone resistance. The expression of estrogen downstream effectors associated with persistent inflammation, fragile and more permeable vessel formation, and tissue injury and remodeling may be correlated with dysmenorrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility, respectively. Key estrogen downstream targets (e.g., WNT/β-catenin, transforming growth factor-β, and nuclear factor-κB) may serve as hub genes. We reviewed the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of adenomyosis and summarized potential nonhormonal therapies.
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Kobayashi H. Endometrial Inflammation and Impaired Spontaneous Decidualization: Insights into the Pathogenesis of Adenomyosis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3762. [PMID: 36834456 PMCID: PMC9964052 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Adenomyosis is an estrogen-dependent gynecologic disease characterized by the myometrial invasion of the endometrial tissue. This review summarized the current understanding and recent findings on the pathophysiology of adenomyosis, focusing on repeated menstruation, persistent inflammation, and impaired spontaneous decidualization. A literature search was performed in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases from inception to 30 April 2022. Thirty-one full-text articles met the eligibility criteria. Repeated episodes of physiological events (i.e., endometrial shedding, damage, proliferation, differentiation, repair, and regeneration) during the menstrual cycle are associated with inflammation, angiogenesis, and immune processes. The decidualization process in humans is driven by the rise in progesterone levels, independently of pregnancy (i.e., spontaneous decidualization). Adenomyotic cells produce angiogenic and fibrogenic factors with the downregulation of decidualization-associated molecules. This decidualization dysfunction and persistent inflammation are closely related to the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. Recently, it has been found that the reproductive tract microbiota composition and function in women with adenomyosis differ from those without. An increase in opportunistic pathogens and a decrease in beneficial commensals may promote impaired defense mechanisms against inflammation and predispose women to uncontrolled endometrial inflammation. However, currently, there is no direct evidence that adenomyosis is linked to pre-existing inflammation and impaired spontaneous decidualization. Overall, persistent inflammation, impaired spontaneous decidualization, and microbiota dysbiosis (i.e., an imbalance in the composition and function of endometrial microbiota) may be involved in the pathophysiology of adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kobayashi
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Ms.Clinic MayOne, 871-1 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-0813, Japan; ; Tel.: +81-744-20-0028
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
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Elsherbini M, Koga K, Hiraoka T, Kumasawa K, Maki E, Satake E, Taguchi A, Makabe T, Takeuchi A, Izumi G, Takamura M, Harada M, Hirata T, Hirota Y, Wada-Hiraike O, Osuga Y. Establishment of a novel mouse model of adenomyosis suitable for longitudinal and quantitative analysis and perinatal outcome studies. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17515. [PMID: 36266437 PMCID: PMC9585053 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22413-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to establish a novel mouse model of adenomyosis suitable for longitudinal and quantitative analyses and perinatal outcome studies. Using a 30 G needle, the entire uterine wall of one horn was mechanically punctured at a frequency of 100 times/1 cm (adenomyosis horn). The other horn was left unpunctured (control horn). Balb/c mice were sacrificed on day 14 (D14) or day 65 (D65) (n = 3 each). The uterus was fixed, paraffin-embedded, sliced, and stained. Lesions were detected and counted, and their volumes were measured. Cell proliferation and fibrosis were assessed by Ki67 and Masson's Trichrome staining, respectively. Blood vessels were detected using CD31 immunostaining. Some of the mice (n = 4), were mated and the date of delivery, litter size, number of implantations, and number and volume of postpartum lesions were measured. The number of lesions per horn did not differ between D14 and D65. The volume of the entire lesion was significantly greater on D65 than on D14 (p < 0.0001). The volume of the epithelial part of the lesion was significantly greater in D65 (p < 0.0001). The volume of the stromal part of the lesion was also greater on D65 (p < 0.0001). The percentage of Ki67 positive cells in the epithelial part of the lesion was significantly higher on D14 (p < 0.05). In contrast, the percentage of Ki67-positive cells in the stromal part was significantly higher on D65 (p < 0.01). Vascular density in the lesions was higher in on D65 (p < 0.05). The percentage of fibrotic area was significantly higher on D65 (p < 0.01). The date of delivery was slightly earlier than that reported for healthy mice of the same strain. The litter size was smaller than that reported in previous research. The number of implantation sites did not differ between the control and the adenomyosis horn. The number and volume of lesions did not differ between the non-pregnant and postpartum groups. This model can be applied to evaluate the pathogenesis of adenomyosis, validate the efficacy of therapeutic agents, and evaluate the effect of adenomyosis on pregnancy and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Elsherbini
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Kaori Koga
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Takehiro Hiraoka
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Keiichi Kumasawa
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Eiko Maki
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Erina Satake
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Ayumi Taguchi
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Tomoko Makabe
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Arisa Takeuchi
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Gentaro Izumi
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Masashi Takamura
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan ,grid.410802.f0000 0001 2216 2631Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama, Iruma, Saitama, 350-0495 Japan
| | - Miyuki Harada
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Tetsuya Hirata
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan ,grid.430395.8Department of Integrated Women’s Health, St Luke’s International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi, Chuo, Tokyo, 104-8560 Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Osamu Wada-Hiraike
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
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The Role of mTOR and eIF Signaling in Benign Endometrial Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073416. [PMID: 35408777 PMCID: PMC8998789 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis, endometriosis, endometritis, and typical endometrial hyperplasia are common non-cancerous diseases of the endometrium that afflict many women with life-impacting consequences. The mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway interacts with estrogen signaling and is known to be dysregulated in endometrial cancer. Based on this knowledge, we attempt to investigate the role of mTOR signaling in benign endometrial diseases while focusing on how the interplay between mTOR and eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) affects their development. In fact, mTOR overactivity is apparent in adenomyosis, endometriosis, and typical endometrial hyperplasia, where it promotes endometrial cell proliferation and invasiveness. Recent data show aberrant expression of various components of the mTOR pathway in both eutopic and ectopic endometrium of patients with adenomyosis or endometriosis and in hyperplastic endometrium as well. Moreover, studies on endometritis show that derangement of mTOR signaling is linked to the establishment of endometrial dysfunction caused by chronic inflammation. This review shows that inhibition of the mTOR pathway has a promising therapeutic effect in benign endometrial conditions, concluding that mTOR signaling dysregulation plays a critical part in their pathogenesis.
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Unveiling the Pathogenesis of Adenomyosis through Animal Models. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11061744. [PMID: 35330066 PMCID: PMC8953406 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Adenomyosis is a common gynecological disorder traditionally viewed as “elusive”. Several excellent review papers have been published fairly recently on its pathogenesis, and several theories have been proposed. However, the falsifiability, explanatory power, and predictivity of these theories are often overlooked. Since adenomyosis can occur spontaneously in rodents and many other species, the animal models may help us unveil the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. This review critically tallies experimentally induced models published so far, with a particular focus on their relevance to epidemiological findings, their possible mechanisms of action, and their explanatory and predictive power. Methods: PubMed was exhaustively searched using the phrase “adenomyosis and animal model”, “adenomyosis and experimental model”, “adenomyosis and mouse”, and “adenomyosis and rat”, and the resultant papers were retrieved, carefully read, and the resultant information distilled. All the retrieved papers were then reviewed in a narrative manner. Results: Among all published animal models of adenomyosis, the mouse model of adenomyosis induced by endometrial–myometrial interface disruption (EMID) seems to satisfy the requirements of falsifiability and has the predictive capability and also Hill’s causality criteria. Other theories only partially satisfy Hill’s criteria of causality. In particular, animal models of adenomyosis induced by hyperestrogenism, hyperprolactinemia, or long-term exposure to progestogens without much epidemiological documentation and adenomyosis is usually not the exclusive uterine pathology consequent to those induction procedures. Regardless, uterine disruption appears to be a necessary but not sufficient condition for causing adenomyosis. Conclusions: EMID is, however, unlikely the sole cause for adenomyosis. Future studies, including animal studies, are warranted to understand how and why in utero and/or prenatal exposure to elevated levels of estrogen or estrogenic compounds increases the risk of developing adenomyosis in adulthood, to elucidate whether prolactin plays any role in its pathogenesis, and to identify sufficient condition(s) that cause adenomyosis.
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Cozzolino M, Tartaglia S, Pellegrini L, Troiano G, Rizzo G, Petraglia F. The Effect of Uterine Adenomyosis on IVF Outcomes: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3177-3193. [PMID: 34981458 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00818-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the impact of uterine adenomyosis on in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) clinical outcomes and also to evaluate the impact of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) and surgical treatments. Infertile women with adenomyosis undergoing conventional IVF or ICSI were compared with women without adenomyosis. Fertility outcomes were evaluated in two patients with adenomyosis untreated and treated surgically or medically therapy. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020214586). We consider the live birth rate (LBR) as the primary outcome. The analysis showed that women with adenomyosis had lower LBR (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.37-0.92, p = 0.02), clinical pregnancy rate (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.48-0.90), and ongoing pregnancy rate (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.88) compared to those without adenomyosis, and miscarriage rate was higher in women with adenomyosis (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.33-3.33). Surgical treatment increases natural conception in women with adenomyosis although the paucity of data (only two studies), and conversely, treatment with GnRHa does not increase the IVF outcomes. Women with adenomyosis have decreased IVF clinical outcomes. Pretreatment with the use of long-term GnRHa could not be beneficial, even though only three studies were included in the meta-analysis. The major part of the studies has not divided focal and diffuse adenomyosis, and this represents a relevant source of bias: studies conducted with standardized diagnostic criteria for adenomyosis are still needed to determine if the different clinical presentations of such condition could compromise IVF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Cozzolino
- IVIRMA Rome, Largo Ildebrando Pizzetti 1, 00197, Rome, Italy.
- Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Calle Tulipán, 28933, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 310 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Silvio Tartaglia
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
- U.O.C. Di Ostetricia E Patologia Ostetrica, Dipartimento Di Scienza Della Salute Della Donna E del Bambino E Di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Rizzo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First IM Sechenov, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "M. Serio", The University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Pongpunprut S, Panburana P, Wibulpolprasert P, Waiyaput W, Sroyraya M, Chansoon T, Sophonsritsuk A. A Comparison of Shear Wave Elastography between Normal Myometrium, Uterine Fibroids, and Adenomyosis: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2022; 16:49-54. [PMID: 35103432 PMCID: PMC8808257 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2021.523075.1074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background The differential diagnosis between uterine fibroid and adenomyosis is sometimes difficult; a precise diagnosis is required in women with infertility
because of the different choice of treatments. Ultrasound elastography (UE) is a novel technique to evaluate the elasticity or the stiffness of the tissue
of interest. The present study aims to compare UE shear wave velocity (SWV) among normal uterine myometrium, uterine fibroid, and adenomyosis, and assess
the accuracy of shear wave elastography in the diagnosis of adenomyosis. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study recruited 25 subjects for each group (control, adenomyosis, and fibroid) from April 2019 to April 2020.
Transvaginal UE using an Aplio 500 (Toshiba Medical Systems, Japan) with ultrasound mapping for point of tissue biopsy was performed for all subjects.
The diagnosis was confirmed by histology. Masson’s trichrome staining for collagen was performed and quantified Results The mean ± standard deviation (SD) for SWV was 3.44 ± 0.95 m/seconds (control group), 4.63 ± 1.45 m/seconds (adenomyosis group), and 4.53 ± 1.07 m/seconds
(fibroid group). The mean SWV differed when comparing normal myometrium and adenomyosis after adjustments for age and endometrial pathology (P=0.019).
The cut-off point of SWV at 3.465 m/seconds could differentiate adenomyosis from the normal uterus with an 80% sensitivity, 80% specificity,
and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68-0.93) (P<0.001).
No significant difference in SWV between the adenomyosis and fibroid groups was detected. Conclusion Shear wave elastography could be an alternative tool to distinguish between normal myometrium and adenomyosis; however, it could not differentiate
adenomyosis from uterine fibroid or uterine fibroid from normal myometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sutee Pongpunprut
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Panyananthaphikkhu Chonprathan Medical Centre, Srinakharinwirot University, Nontaburi, Thailand
| | - Panyu Panburana
- Foetal and Maternal Medicine Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pornphan Wibulpolprasert
- Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic, Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wanwisa Waiyaput
- Office of Research Academic and Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Morakot Sroyraya
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tharintorn Chansoon
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Areepan Sophonsritsuk
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathidodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Qiu's Neiyi Recipe Regulates the Inflammatory Action of Adenomyosis in Mice via the MAPK Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:9791498. [PMID: 34931128 PMCID: PMC8684508 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9791498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background The management of adenomyosis is challenging and limiting. Qiu's Neiyi recipe (Qiu) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription clinically used for endometriosis treatment in China, but the effect and mechanism of Qiu on adenomyosis are undefined. Methods An experimental adenomyosis model was induced in female neonatal ICR mice administrated with tamoxifen. The adenomyosis mice were divided into five groups: high-, middle-, and low-Qiu's group, danazol group, and model group. The mice just administrated with the solvent only (no tamoxifen or drugs) were served as the control group. After 28 days of administration, the body, uterine, spleen, and thymus weights of all mice were examined. Then, the myometrial infiltration and the expression of inflammatory factors were detected by histology examination, ELISA, and qRT-PCR in the uterus. In addition, the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway-related protein expression in adenomyosis mice was detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, qRT-PCR, and western blotting. Results In experimental adenomyosis mice, Qiu treatment improved the symptoms of adenomyosis by reducing the myometrial infiltration and increasing the index of spleen and thymus. The elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in serum and uterus tissues of adenomyosis model mice were also decreased after Qiu treatment. The improvement of Qiu on the adenomyosis was achieved by inhibiting the activated MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, including reducing the mRNA and protein expressions of p-ERK/ERK, p-JNK/JNK, and p-p38/p38 in the uterus tissues. Conclusion Qiu alleviated the inflammatory reaction and uterus histological changes in mice with adenomyosis, and the potential mechanism is through the inhibition of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Qiu may be a promising treatment for adenomyosis.
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12
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Expression of Transforming Growth Factor Beta Isoforms in Canine Endometrium with Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia-Pyometra Complex. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061844. [PMID: 34205820 PMCID: PMC8234116 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pathomorphological changes and functional disorders of the uterus have long been a significant problem in the reproduction of dogs. The most commonly identified uterine disorders leading to permanent loss of fertility in dogs include cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pyometra. These diseases may occur jointly as a CEH–pyometra complex. Despite numerous studies, the etiology of this disease remains unclear. TGF-β is considered to be one of the key factors in pathophysiological uterine disorders. The results indicate the significant expression of TGF-β1 in endometrial tissues in bitches affected by CEH–pyometra complex. Consequently, among all TGF-β isoforms, TGF-β1 is a potential biomarker involved in the regulation of a dog’s endometrium with proliferative and degenerative changes. Abstract Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pyometra are the most frequently diagnosed uterine diseases affecting bitches of different ages. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) has been classified in females as a potential regulator of many endometrial changes during the estrous cycle or may be involved in pathological disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of TGF-β1, -β2 and -β3 in the endometrium of bitches suffering from CEH or a CEH–pyometra complex compared to clinically healthy females (control group; CG). A significantly increased level of TGF-β1 mRNA expression was observed in the endometrium with CEH–pyometra compared to CEH and CG. Protein production of TGF-β1 was identified only in the endometrium of bitches with CEH–pyometra. An increase in TGF-β3 mRNA expression was observed in all the studied groups compared to CG. The expression of TGF-β2 mRNA was significantly higher in CEH and lower in CEH–pyometra uteri. The results indicate the presence of TGF-β cytokines in canine endometrial tissues affected by proliferative and degenerative changes. However, among all TGF-β isoforms, TGF-β1 could potentially be a key factor involved in the regulation of the endometrium in bitches with CEH–pyometra complex.
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Zhang X, Luo M, Zhang J, Yao Z, Zhu J, Yang S, Zhu Q, Shen T. Carbon nanotubes promote alveolar macrophages toward M2 polarization mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Nanotoxicology 2021; 15:588-604. [PMID: 33840345 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2021.1905098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
With substantial progress of nanotechnology, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. There is rising concern about potential adverse health effects, such as pulmonary fibrosis, related to inhalation of CNTs. The detailed cellular and molecular mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis induced by CNTs are still not clear. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT) are considered as critical events in pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) polarization plays a key role of regulating EMT and FMT in pulmonary fibrosis. In this study, we applied CNTs to stimulate primary mouse AMs under M1 or M2 polarization conditions, then analyzed the proportion of F4/80+CD11c+ or F4/80+CD206+ AMs, mRNA expression and activities of iNOS or Arg-1, as well as mRNA expression and content of TNF-α and IL-6 or TGF-β and IL-10 to evaluate dynamic phenotypic and functional changes of AMs. Single-walled CNT (SWCNT), short-type multi-walled CNT (MWCNT), and long-type MWCNT exposure at dose of 50 µg/ml promote AMs polarization toward M1 phenotype at early stage, while promote AMs polarization toward M2 phenotype at late stage. The roles of AMs polarization during development of EMT and FMT were further investigated by conditioned medium (CM) experiments. CNTs-activated M2 AMs promote progression of EMT and FMT via secreting TGF-β. Furthermore, up-regulating IRF4 may be involved in CNTs-induced M2 AMs polarization. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a new insight that CNTs exposure promotes AMs polarization toward M2 phenotype which facilitate EMT and FMT through secreting TGF-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environment Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Occupational Health and Environment Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Jiaxiang Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environment Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Zhuomeng Yao
- Department of Occupational Health and Environment Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Jiaojiao Zhu
- Department of Occupational Health and Environment Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Shuxin Yang
- Department of Medical Aspects of Specific Environments, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Qixing Zhu
- Department of Occupational Health and Environment Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Tong Shen
- Department of Occupational Health and Environment Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, PR China
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14
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Kay N, Huang CY, Shiu LY, Yu YC, Chang Y, Schatz F, Suen JL, Tsai EM, Huang SJ. TGF-β1 Neutralization Improves Pregnancy Outcomes by Restoring Endometrial Receptivity in Mice with Adenomyosis. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:877-887. [PMID: 32909191 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00308-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this research is to study the effects of TGF-β1 inhibition on endometrial receptivity and pregnancy outcomes in mice with adenomyosis. Experiments were done using a mouse model of adenomyosis which took place in a hospital-affiliated laboratory. The mouse model used for this research is ICR mouse. Adenomyosis was induced by oral gavage of tamoxifen (TAM) from postnatal days (PNDs) 1 to 4 in ICR mice. Bilateral intrauterine injection of anti-TGF-β1-neutralizing antibody or isotype IgG or PBS was performed at PND42. The mice were then either sacrificed or mated at PND64 followed by sacrificing at gestational day (GD) 4 or proceeding to delivery. Implantation numbers, rate of dams with live birth, live birth numbers, survival at 1 week old, and pup mortality rate after weaning were recorded. Collagen was demonstrated by Masson's trichrome and Van Gieson's stains. Uterine expression of a receptivity marker, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), was examined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Anti-TGF-β1 treatment increased the mean implantation numbers, fecundity rate, the rate of dams with live birth, pup survival rate at 1 week old, and pup mortality rate after weaning. Collagen expression in uteri with adenomyosis was attenuated by anti-TGF-β1 treatment. Increased LIF expression by anti-TGF-β1 treatment was detected by qRT-PCR, Western blot, and IHC. The results suggest that inhibition of TGF-β1 improves pregnancy outcomes by restoring endometrial receptivity in mice with adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nari Kay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, E-Da Hospital, 6 Yida Rd., Jiaosu Village, Yanchao District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, #100, Tzyou 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yen Huang
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yen Shiu
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chun Yu
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, E-Da Hospital, 6 Yida Rd., Jiaosu Village, Yanchao District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Frederick Schatz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd., MDC48, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Jau-Ling Suen
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, #100, Tzyou 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Eing-Mei Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, #100, Tzyou 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - S Joseph Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, E-Da Hospital, 6 Yida Rd., Jiaosu Village, Yanchao District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd., MDC48, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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15
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Xu X, Cai X, Liu X, Guo SW. Possible involvement of neuropeptide and neurotransmitter receptors in Adenomyosis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:25. [PMID: 33602248 PMCID: PMC7893711 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00711-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating data indicate that sensory nerve derived neuropeptides such as substance P and calcitonin gene related-protein (CGRP) can accelerate the progression of endometriosis via their respective receptors, so can agonists to their respective receptors receptor 1 (NK1R), receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP-1) and calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR). Adrenergic β2 receptor (ADRB2) agonists also can facilitate lesional progression. In contrast, women with endometriosis appear to have depressed vagal activity, concordant with reduced expression of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR). The roles of these receptors in adenomyosis are completely unknown. METHODS Adenomyotic tissue samples from 30 women with adenomyosis and control endometrial tissue samples from 24 women without adenomyosis were collected and subjected to immunohistochemistry analysis of RAMP1, CRLR, NK1R, ADRB2 and α7nAChR, along with their demographic and clinical information. The extent of tissue fibrosis was evaluated by Masson trichrome staining. RESULTS We found that the staining levels of NK1R, CRLR, RAMP1 and ADRB2 were all significantly elevated in adenomyotic lesions as compared with control endometrium. In contrast, α7nAChR staining levels were significantly reduced. The severity of dysmenorrhea correlated positively with lesional ADRB2 staining levels. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that SP, CGRP and noradrenaline may promote, while acetylcholine may stall, the progression of adenomyosis through their respective receptors on adenomyotic lesions. Additionally, through the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-sympatho-adrenal-medullary (SAM) axes and the lesional overexpression of ADRB2, adenomyosis-associated dysmenorrhea and adenomyotic lesions may be mutually promotional, forming a viscous feed-forward cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ningbo No. 7 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315200, China
| | - Xianjun Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ningbo No. 7 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315200, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Wang YY, Duan H, Wang S, Quan YJ, Huang JH, Guo ZC. Talin1 Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition to Facilitate Endometrial Cell Migration and Invasion in Adenomyosis Under the Regulation of microRNA-145-5p. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:1523-1539. [PMID: 33537874 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00444-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Adenomyosis (ADS) is a commonly encountered benign gynecological disorder. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may serve a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of ADS. Talin1 has been identified to be implicated in multiple human carcinomas, probably through inducing EMT process. However, available data on the precise molecular mechanism of Talin1 in the pathogenesis of ADS remain extremely scanty. In the present study, we aim to investigate the clinical roles of Talin1 and its effects on uterine endometrial cell migration, invasion, and EMT in ADS. Relative mRNA expression of Talin1, microRNA-145-5p (miR-145-5p), and EMT-related markers was determined by qRT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were performed to examine the distribution of Talin1 in ADS endometrium. Protein levels of Talin1, EMT-related markers, and wnt/β-catenin pathway were measured by western blot. Wound healing assay and transwell assay were utilized for evaluating cell migration and invasion respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the relationship between Talin1 and miR-145-5p. We found Talin1 was markedly overexpressed in ADS endometrial tissue and cells, whereas miR-145-5p was downregulated. Elevated Talin1 mRNA level might be closely related to some clinicopathological features of ADS. Through functional experiments, we demonstrated that overexpression of Talin1 induced EMT and enhanced migration and invasion ability of ADS eutopic and ectopic endometrial epithelial cells (ADS_Eu_EEC and ADS_Ec_EEC) in vitro through activating the canonical wnt/β-catenin pathway. From a mechanistic perspective, Talin1 was inversely regulated by miR-145-5p as a direct target. Our findings unveiled that under the regulation of miR-145-5p, Talin1 might promote endometrial cell migration and invasion through inducing EMT, presenting a novel insight for elucidating the pathogenesis of ADS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yi Wang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 17 Qi Helou Road, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China
| | - Hua Duan
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 17 Qi Helou Road, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China.
| | - Sha Wang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 17 Qi Helou Road, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China
| | - Yong-Jun Quan
- Department of Urology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jun-Hua Huang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 17 Qi Helou Road, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China
| | - Zheng-Chen Guo
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 17 Qi Helou Road, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China
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17
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Chen S, Wang J, Sun W, Zhu L, He J, Zhang X. Efficacy of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device is associated with different subtypes of adenomyosis: a retrospective study. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1356. [PMID: 33313101 PMCID: PMC7723608 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-3420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Although the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) has been widely applied in the treatment of adenomyosis, not all the patients are satisfied with its efficacy. The present retrospective study aimed to investigate the efficacy of LNG-IUD on different subtypes of adenomyosis. Methods The study comprised a cohort of 207 patients who received the LNG-IUD at the Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China, from June 2013 to June 2016. Different subtypes of adenomyosis were classified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and patients were subcategorized into three groups (subtype I: intrinsic, n=70; subtype II: extrinsic, n=73; subtype IV: indeterminate, n=64). Multiple variables were compared among the different groups. Results Patient demographics, clinical features and the treatment effects of the LNG-IUD were compared between the three subtype groups. The numeric rating scale (NRS) and pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC) score markedly decreased after insertion of the LNG-IUD compared with baseline in all patients in the three subtype groups (P<0.001 for all groups). Compared to the other two subtypes, the efficacy rate was lower and the spontaneous expulsion rate was higher in subtype IV adenomyosis patients than that in other two groups (P<0.05). The independent factor associated with the spontaneous expulsion of the system was suggested to be uterine size before IUD placement and bleeding amount after LNG-IUD treatment in the subtype I [P=0.029, hazards ratio (HR): 3.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09–6.88] and IV (P=0.045, HR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.21) adenomyosis patients respectively. Conclusions The LNG-IUD is proved to be an effective approach to treat subtype I and II adenomyosis. However, further study is warranted to explore a more suitable protocol to treat this subtype IV adenomyosis due to the high incidence of treatment failure and expulsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Chen
- The Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianzhang Wang
- The Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenting Sun
- The Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Libo Zhu
- The Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiayi He
- The Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinmei Zhang
- The Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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18
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Abstract
Adenomyosis is a nonmalignant uterine disorder in which endometrial tissue exists within and grows into the myometrium. Animal models have generated limited insight into the still-unclear pathogenesis of adenomyosis, provided a platform for preclinical screening of many drugs and compounds with potential as therapeutics, and elucidated mechanisms underlying the pain and fertility issues that occur in many women with the disease. Spontaneous adenomyosis has been studied in nonhuman primates, primarily in the form of case reports. Adenomyosis is routinely experimentally induced in mice through methods such as neonatal tamoxifen exposure, pituitary engraftment, and human tissue xenotransplantation. Several studies have also reported hormonal or environmental toxicant exposures that give rise to murine adenomyosis, and genetically engineered models have been created that recapitulate the human-like condition, most notably involving alteration of β-catenin expression. This review describes the animal models for adenomyosis and their contributions to our understanding of the factors underpinning the development of symptoms. Animal models represent a unique opportunity for understanding the molecular basis of adenomyosis and developing efficacious treatment options for affected women. Herein, we assess their different potentials and limitations with regard to identification of new therapeutic interventions and reflect on future directions for research and drug validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Marquardt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan.,Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Asgerally T Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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19
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Stratopoulou CA, Donnez J, Dolmans MM. Origin and Pathogenic Mechanisms of Uterine Adenomyosis: What Is Known So Far. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:2087-2097. [PMID: 33090375 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00361-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Uterine adenomyosis is a benign disease, commonly encountered in reproductive-age women and responsible for chronic pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, and infertility. Although the exact origin and pathogenic mechanisms involved in adenomyosis still need to be elucidated, significant progress has been made over recent years. Ever since the theory of endometrium invaginating the myometrium via a traumatized interface was first proposed, numerous molecular mechanisms have been reported to participate in this process. At the same time, an alternative theory has suggested de novo development of adenomyotic lesions from metaplasia of Müllerian remnants or adult stem cells. Hence, our understanding of the pathogenesis of adenomyosis has been greatly enhanced and is anticipated to pave the way for development of an effective and safe treatment. The goal of this review is to analyze current knowledge on the origin and pathogenic mechanisms of adenomyosis, ranging from the most widely accepted theories to newly reported data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Anna Stratopoulou
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jacques Donnez
- Société de Recherche pour l'Infertilité, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium. .,Gynecology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Brussels, Belgium.
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20
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β-catenin activates TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in adenomyosis. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:1754-1765. [PMID: 33060769 PMCID: PMC8080580 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-00514-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis is defined as the presence of ectopic nests of endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium. Adenomyosis is a common cause of dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, and chronic pelvic pain but is often underdiagnosed. Despite its prevalence and severity of symptoms, its pathogenesis and etiology are poorly understood. Our previous study showed that aberrant activation of β-catenin results in adenomyosis through epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Using transcriptomic and ChIP-seq analysis, we identified activation of TGF-β signaling in the uteri of mutant mice that expressed dominant stabilized β-catenin in the uterus. There was a strong positive correlation between β-catenin and TGF-β2 proteins in women with adenomyosis. Furthermore, treatment with pirfenidone, a TGF-β inhibitor, increased E-cadherin expression and reduced cell invasiveness in Ishikawa cells with nuclear β-catenin. Our results suggest that β-catenin activates TGF-β-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in adenomyosis. This finding describes the molecular pathogenesis of adenomyosis and the use of TGF-β as a potential therapeutic target for adenomyosis. A regulatory link between two proteins involved in the progression of a debilitating uterine condition highlights a potential therapeutic target. Adenomyosis involves the invasion of cells from the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) into the uterine muscle wall (the myometrium), resulting in heavy, prolonged periods and chronic pain. The aberrent activation of a protein called β-catenin triggers adenomyosis, but the precise mechanisms are unclear. A team led by Jung-Ho Shin at the Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea, and Jae-Wook Jeong, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, USA, used sequencing techniques in mice and human tissue samples to identify the pathways governed by β-catenin in adenomyosis. They found that the Tgf-β2 gene is directly regulated by β-catenin in the uterus. TGF-β2 levels were elevated in human adenomyosis lesions, suggesting the protein could be a therapeutic target.
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21
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Zhai J, Vannuccini S, Petraglia F, Giudice LC. Adenomyosis: Mechanisms and Pathogenesis. Semin Reprod Med 2020; 38:129-143. [PMID: 33032339 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1716687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adenomyosis is a common disorder of the uterus, and is associated with an enlarged uterus, heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), pelvic pain, and infertility. It is characterized by endometrial epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts abnormally found in the myometrium where they elicit hyperplasia and hypertrophy of surrounding smooth muscle cells. While both the mechanistic processes and the pathogenesis of adenomyosis are uncertain, several theories have been put forward addressing how this disease develops. These include intrinsic or induced (1) microtrauma of the endometrial-myometrial interface; (2) enhanced invasion of endometrium into myometrium; (3) metaplasia of stem cells in myometrium; (4) infiltration of endometrial cells in retrograde menstrual effluent into the uterine wall from the serosal side; (5) induction of adenomyotic lesions by aberrant local steroid and pituitary hormones; and (6) abnormal uterine development in response to genetic and epigenetic modifications. Dysmenorrhea, HMB, and infertility are likely results of inflammation, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and contractile abnormalities in the endometrial and myometrial components. Elucidating mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of adenomyosis raise possibilities to develop targeted therapies to ameliorate symptoms beyond the current agents that are largely ineffective. Herein, we address these possible etiologies and data that support underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Zhai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Silvia Vannuccini
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.,Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda C Giudice
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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22
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Wang D, Luo Y, Wang G, Yang Q. CircATRNL1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in endometriosis by upregulating Yes-associated protein 1 in vitro. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:594. [PMID: 32728069 PMCID: PMC7392763 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02784-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common and benign gynecological disorder but exhibits malignant features. However, the underlying pathogenesis and pathophysiology of endometriosis remain unclear. Circular RNAs have been demonstrated to participate in the occurrence and progression of multiple diseases. This study was aimed to explore the roles of circATRNL1 in endometriosis in vitro. Based on the results of reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, we found significant upregulation of circATRNL1 and Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), while downregulation of miR-141-3p and miR-200a-3p in ectopic tissues compared to eutopic tissues. The immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis showed differentially expressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers between EuEM and EcEM tissues. The in vitro assays indicated that overexpression of circATRNL1 could promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of Ishikawa cells, and induce EMT process, while circATRNL1 silencing showed the opposite effect. The mechanical investigation indicated that circATRNL1 upregulated YAP1 by sponging miR-141-3p and miR-200a-3p. Gain-of-function assays validated the inhibitory function of miR-141-3p and miR-200a-3p in endometriosis. The results of rescue assays confirmed the function of circATRNL1-miR-141-3p/miR-200a-3p-YAP1 axis on Ishikawa cells. Our findings demonstrate that abnormal upregulation of circATRNL1 regulates cell proliferation and motility and promotes EMT process via the miR-141-3p/miR-200a-3p-YAP1 axis in vitro, which could contribute to the progression of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, PR China
| | - Yajuan Luo
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, PR China
| | - Guangwei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, PR China
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, PR China.
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23
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Hao M, Sun J, Zhang Y, Zhang D, Han J, Zhang J, Qiao H. Exploring the Role of SRC in Extraocular Muscle Fibrosis of the Graves' Ophthalmopathy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:392. [PMID: 32457885 PMCID: PMC7225279 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease highly associated with thyroid cancer. The Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) is a special Graves’ disease with inflammatory ophthalmopathy being a typical extrathymic complication. GO is caused by the formation of orbital fat and extraocular muscle fibrosis due to the inflammation of orbital connective tissues. Thus, controlling extraocular muscle fibrosis is critical for the prognosis of GO. The objective of this study is to identify and experimentally validate key genes associated with GO and explore their potential function mechanisms especially on extraocular muscle fibrosis. Specifically, we first created a GO mouse model, and performed RNA sequencing on the extraocular muscles of fibrotic GO mice and controls. SRC was identified as the most significant unstudied differentially expressed gene between GO mice and controls. Thus, we conducted a few in vitro analyses to explore the roles and functions of SRC in GO, for which we selected primary cultured orbital fibroblast (OF) as the in vitro cell line model. It is known that myofibroblast (MFB), which expresses α-SMA, is an important target cell in the process of fibrosis. Our experiment suggests that TGF-β can induce the transformation from OF to MFB, however, the transformation was inhibited by silencing the SRC gene in OF. In addition, we also inhibited TGF-β/Smad, NF-κB, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways to analyze the interaction between these pathways and SRC. In conclusion, the silence of SRC in OF can inhibit the transformation from OF to MFB, which might be associated with the interaction between SRC and a few pathways such as TGF-β/Smad, NF-κB, and PI3K/Akt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Hao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jingxue Sun
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yaguang Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dexin Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jun Han
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jirong Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hong Qiao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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24
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Harmsen MJ, Wong CFC, Mijatovic V, Griffioen AW, Groenman F, Hehenkamp WJK, Huirne JAF. Role of angiogenesis in adenomyosis-associated abnormal uterine bleeding and subfertility: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 25:647-671. [PMID: 31504506 PMCID: PMC6737562 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adenomyosis commonly occurs with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and is associated with subfertility and a higher miscarriage rate. Recent evidence showed abnormal vascularization in the endometrium in patients with adenomyosis, suggesting a role of angiogenesis in the pathophysiology of AUB and subfertility in adenomyosis and providing a possible treatment target. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We hypothesized that the level of abnormal vascularization and expression of angiogenic markers is increased in the ectopic and eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis patients in comparison with the endometrium of control patients. This was investigated through a search of the literature. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search was performed in PubMed and Embase until February 2019. Combinations of terms for angiogenesis and adenomyosis were applied as well as AUB, subfertility or anti-angiogenic therapy. The main search was limited to clinical studies carried out on premenopausal women. Original research articles focusing on markers of angiogenesis in the endometrium of patients with adenomyosis were included. Studies in which no comparison was made to control patients or which were not published in a peer-reviewed journal were excluded. A second search was performed to explore the therapeutic potential of targeting angiogenesis in adenomyosis. This search also included preclinical studies. OUTCOMES A total of 20 articles out of 1669 hits met our selection criteria. The mean vascular density (MVD) was studied by quantification of CD31, CD34, von Willebrand Factor (vWF) or factor-VIII-antibody-stained microvessels in seven studies. All these studies reported a significantly increased MVD in ectopic endometrium, and out of the six articles that took it into account, four studies reported a significantly increased MVD in eutopic endometrium compared with control endometrium. Five articles showed a significantly higher vascular endothelial growth factor expression in ectopic endometrium and three articles in eutopic endometrium compared with control endometrium. The vascular and pro-angiogenic markers α-smooth muscle actin, endoglin, S100A13, vimentin, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), nuclear factor (NF)-kB, tissue factor (TF), DJ-1, phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin, activin A, folli- and myostatin, CD41, SLIT, roundabout 1 (ROBO1), cyclooxygenase-2, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) 1,4-5, phospho signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-22 and transforming growth factor-β1 were increased in ectopic endometrium, and the markers S100A13, MMP-2 and -9, TF, follistatin, myostatin, ROBO1, LPA1 and 4-5, pSTAT3, IL-6 and IL-22 were increased in eutopic endometrium, compared with control endometrium. The anti-angiogenic markers E-cadherin, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit and gene associated with retinoic-interferon-induced mortality 19 were decreased in ectopic endometrium and IL-10 in eutopic endometrium, compared with control endometrium. The staining level of vWF and two pro-angiogenic markers (NF-κB nuclear p65 and TF) correlated with AUB in patients with adenomyosis. We found no studies that investigated the possible relationship between markers of angiogenesis and subfertility in adenomyosis patients. Nine articles reported on direct or indirect targeting of angiogenesis in adenomyosis-either by testing hormonal therapy or herbal compounds in clinical studies or by testing angiogenesis inhibitors in preclinical studies. However, there are no clinical studies on the effectiveness of such therapy for adenomyosis-related AUB or subfertility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The results are in agreement with our hypothesis that increased angiogenesis is present in the endometrium of patients with adenomyosis compared with the endometrium of control patients. It is likely that increased angiogenesis leads to fragile and more permeable vessels resulting in adenomyosis-related AUB and possibly subfertility. While this association has not sufficiently been studied yet, our results encourage future studies to investigate the exact role of angiogenesis in the etiology of adenomyosis and related AUB or subfertility in women with adenomyosis in order to design curative or preventive therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa J Harmsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, location VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Angiogenesis Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline F C Wong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, location VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Angiogenesis Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Velja Mijatovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, location VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan W Griffioen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Freek Groenman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, location VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter J K Hehenkamp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, location VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith A F Huirne
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, location VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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25
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Celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, markedly reduced the severity of tamoxifen-induced adenomyosis in a murine model. Exp Ther Med 2020; 19:3289-3299. [PMID: 32266025 PMCID: PMC7132242 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor celecoxib on the development of uterine adenomyosis in mice. ICR neonatal mice were first exposed to tamoxifen to establish a mouse model of adenomyosis. Following 60 days of celecoxib treatment, pathological formation of adenomyosis lesions and the depth of myometrial infiltration were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining. To examine thermal pain modulation in mice, a hotplate test was conducted every 15 days from postnatal day 30 onwards. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the expression of aromatase P450, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, COX-2 and cluster of differentiation 31, whereas the levels of estrogen were analyzed in uterine tissue homogenates using ELISA. Masson trichrome staining was performed to assess the extent of fibrosis in the uterus. Celecoxib treatment significantly inhibited the depth of infiltration into the myometrium, resulting in significantly reduced disease severity. Treatment with high doses of celecoxib significantly prolonged thermal response latency. Following celecoxib treatment, the expression of E-cadherin was significantly increased whereas the expression of N-cadherin was significantly decreased. Concomitantly, the extent of fibrosis was also reduced following celecoxib treatment. Uterine tissue homogenates isolated from mice treated with both high and low doses of celecoxib exhibited lower concentrations of estrogen and decreased expression of aromatase P450. These observations suggest that celecoxib reduces adenomyosis severity by suppressing estrogen production in the uterus, reversing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and relieving fibrosis. Taken together, the results of the present study support the potential use of celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, for the treatment of adenomyosis.
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26
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Diagnosing Deep Endometriosis Using Transvaginal Elastosonography. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:1411-1422. [PMID: 32333226 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-019-00108-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and MRI are currently two mainstream imaging techniques used to diagnose deep endometriosis (DE) with comparable accuracy, but there is still ample room for improvement. As endometriotic lesions progress to fibrosis concomitant with the increase in tissue stiffness, transvaginal elastosonography (TVESG) is well-suited for diagnosing DE. To test the hypothesis that lesional stiffness as measured by TVESG correlates with the extent of lesional fibrosis, the markers of progression, hormonal receptor expression, and vascularity, we recruited 30 patients suspected to have DE who went through pelvic examination, TVUS and/or MRI, and TVESG and were ultimately diagnosed by histology. Their lesional tissue samples were subjected to immunohistochemistry analysis of markers for epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT), estrogen and progesterone receptors (ERβ and PR), microvessel density (MVD), and vascularity, as well as quantification of lesional fibrosis. We found that pelvic examination, TVUS, and MRI detected 83.3%, 66.7%, and 83.3% of all DE cases, respectively, while TVESG detected them all. The lesions missed by pelvic exam, TVUS and MRI were significantly smaller than those detected but nonetheless had higher lesional stiffness. Lesional stiffness correlated closely and positively with the extent of lesional fibrosis, negatively with the markers of EMT, MVD, vascularity, and PR expression, but positively with the marker for FMT and ERβ. Thus, through the additional use of information on differential stiffness between DE lesions and their surrounding tissues, TVESG improves diagnostic accuracy, provides a ballpark estimate on the developmental stage of the lesions, and may help clinicians choose the best treatment modality.
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27
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Kay N, Huang CY, Shiu LY, Yu YC, Chang Y, Suen JL, Tsai EM, Huang SJ. The Effects of Anti-TGF-β1 on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in the Pathogenesis of Adenomyosis. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:1698-1706. [PMID: 32253735 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00139-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Adenomyosis is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma in the myometrium. The mechanisms associated with the pathogenesis of adenomyosis remain unclear. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is characterized by losing cell polarity and cell-cell adhesion together with gaining migratory and invasive properties of stromal cells to become mesenchymal stem cells. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), an anti-inflammatory cytokine secreted by multiple cell types, plays a crucial role in embryogenesis and tissue homeostasis. The induction of EMT and ultimate fibrosis by TGF-β1 is suggested to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. Thus, this study aims to demonstrate the occurrence of EMT in and the effects of anti-TGF-β1 on the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. ICR mice were fed with 1 μg/g body weight of tamoxifen (TAM) by in the first 4 postnatal days (PNDs). Subsequently, the right and left uterine horns were correspondingly injected with or without 10 μg of anti-TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody on PND42 followed by sacrifice on PND64. E-cadherin, vimentin, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in the uteri was evaluated by qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Clusters of endometrial glands and increased numbers of vimentin-positive stromal cells in the disrupted α-SMA-positive myometrium were observed in the uteri from TAM-treated mice. Numbers of stromal cells in the myometrium and the disrupted myometrial continuity were reduced by anti-TGF-β1. Moreover, uterine expression of E-cadherin and vimentin/α-SMA was increased and decreased by anti-TGF-β1 treatment, respectively. Anti-TGF-β1 successfully inhibits EMT and the development of adenomyosis in mouse uteri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nari Kay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100, Tzyou 1st Rd., Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yen Huang
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yen Shiu
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chun Yu
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jau-Ling Suen
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100, Tzyou 1st Rd., Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Eing-Mei Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100, Tzyou 1st Rd., Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - S Joseph Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd., MDC48, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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28
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Du L, Du DH, Chen B, Ding Y, Zhang T, Xiao W. Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Sanjie Zhentong Capsule Assessed By Network Pharmacology Analysis of Adenomyosis Treatment. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2020; 14:697-713. [PMID: 32109994 PMCID: PMC7039068 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s228721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Sanjie Zhentong capsule (SZC) offers excellent effect in treating adenomyosis (AM), which is a common and difficult gynecological disease in the clinic. However, the systematic analysis of its mechanism has not been carried out yet and further studies are needed to reveal the role of SZC. Methods A systematic network pharmacology analysis was conducted by integrating construction of SZC compound database and AM target database, prediction of potential active compounds and targets by molecular docking combined with compound-target prediction graph (CTPG), protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Then, the anti-inflammation experiments in vitro were performed by investigating SZC and the representative compounds regulating nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Results Our findings show that SZC mainly treated AM by stimulating 28 core targets through 30 key potential active compounds, and affecting 4 crucial pathways. The treatment was associated with inflammation reaction, hormone regulation, cell adhesion, proliferation, and angiogenesis. Additionally, SZC achieved the anti-inflammatory activity by the cooperation of the compounds through inhibiting NO and IL-6, both promoting and inhibiting IL-10. Conclusion This study investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of SZC based on a systematic analysis of SZC remedying AM, which was revealed to be one of the essential mechanisms. These findings will provide valuable guidance for further research of the SZC treatment of AM, and help improve the comprehension of SZC pharmacological basis as well as AM pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Du
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - De-Hui Du
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Trustworthy Computing and Software Engineering Institute, East China Normal University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Biao Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Trustworthy Computing and Software Engineering Institute, East China Normal University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Ding
- Experiment Center for Teaching and Learning, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Experiment Center for Teaching and Learning, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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29
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The Pathogenesis of Adenomyosis vis-à-vis Endometriosis. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020485. [PMID: 32050720 PMCID: PMC7073526 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis is used to be called endometriosis interna, and deep endometriosis is now called adenomyosis externa. Thus, there is a question as to whether adenomyosis is simply endometriosis of the uterus, either from the perspective of pathogenesis or pathophysiology. In this manuscript, a comprehensive review was performed with a literature search using PubMed for all publications in English, related to adenomyosis and endometriosis, from inception to June 20, 2019. In addition, two prevailing theories, i.e., invagination—based on tissue injury and repair (TIAR) hypothesis—and metaplasia, on adenomyosis pathogenesis, are briefly overviewed and then critically scrutinized. Both theories have apparent limitations, i.e., difficulty in falsification, explaining existing data, and making useful predictions. Based on the current understanding of wound healing, a new hypothesis, called endometrial-myometrial interface disruption (EMID), is proposed to account for adenomyosis resulting from iatrogenic trauma to EMI. The EMID hypothesis not only highlights the more salient feature, i.e., hypoxia, at the wounding site, but also incorporates epithelial mesenchymal transition, recruitment of bone-marrow-derived stem cells, and enhanced survival and dissemination of endometrial cells dispersed and displaced due to iatrogenic procedures. More importantly, the EMID hypothesis predicts that the risk of adenomyosis can be reduced if certain perioperative interventions are performed. Consequently, from a pathogenic standpoint, adenomyosis is not simply endometriosis of the uterus, and, as such, may call for interventional procedures that are somewhat different from those for endometriosis to achieve the best results.
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30
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Platelets induce increased estrogen production through NF-κB and TGF-β1 signaling pathways in endometriotic stromal cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1281. [PMID: 31992765 PMCID: PMC6987096 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57997-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is estrogen-dependent disorder. Two theories provide the explanations for the increased estrogen production. One is the feed-forward loop model linking inflammation and estrogen production. The more recent model evokes the tissue hypoxia resulting from endometrial debris detached and then regurgitated to the peritoneal cavity. Both models tacitly assume that everything occurs within the endometriotic stromal cells, seemingly without the need for exogenous factors. This study was undertaken to investigate as whether platelets may be responsible for local estrogen overproduction. We employed in vitro experimentation that evaluated the 17β-estradiol (E2) levels in endometriotic stromal cells treated with activated platelets, and the genes and protein expression levels of StAR, HSD3B2, aromatase, and HSD17B1, as well as their upstream genes/proteins such as NF-κB, TGF-β1, HIF-1α, SF-1 and phosphorylated CREB. In addition, we conducted 2 animal experimentations using platelet depletion/infusion and also neutralization of NF-κB and TGF-β1, followed by immunohistochemistry analysis of involved in StAR, HSD3B2, aromatase, and HSD17B1, as well as SF-1 and p-CREB. We found that treatment of endometriotic stromal cells by activated platelets increase the E2 production by 4.5 fold, and concomitant with increased gene and protein expression of StAR, HSD3B2, aromatase, and HSD17B1, the four genes/enzymes important to estrogen synthesis, along with their upstream genes HIF-1α, SF-1 and phosphorylated CREB. Moreover, platelets activate these genes through the activation of NF-κB and/or TGF-β1, and antagonism of either signaling pathway can abolish the induction of the 4 genes and thus increased estrogen production. The two animal experimentations confirmed these changes. Thus, platelets increase the E2 production in endometriotic stromal cells through upregulation of StAR, HSD3B2, aromatase, and HSD17B1 via the activation of NF-κB and/or TGF-β1. These findings provide a yet another compelling piece of evidence that endometriotic lesions are indeed wounds undergoing repeated tissue injury and repair. They strongly indicate that non-hormonal therapeutics for endometriosis is theoretically viable, with anti-platelet therapy being one promising avenue.
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31
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Cao Y, Liu X, Guo SW. Plasma High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1), Osteopontin (OPN), and Hyaluronic Acid (HA) as Admissible Biomarkers for Endometriosis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9272. [PMID: 31239500 PMCID: PMC6592882 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45785-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of biomarkers for endometriosis is an unmet medical need that demands to be fulfilled. In this study, we first used a mouse model of endometriosis and evaluated the potential utility of select biomarkers based on serial observations. Since fibrosis is the end result of lesional development, we chose high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), osteopontin (OPN), and hyaluronic acid (HA), all three of them have been well documented to be involved in endometriosis and fibrosis, as potential biomarkers. In addition, we performed immunohistochemistry analysis of HMGB1, OPN, and the receptors for HMGB1, such as toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), interleukin-33 (IL-33), and receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE)–a pattern recognition receptor, with HMGB1 being its important ligand. We then evaluated the same set of putative markers in 30 women with ovarian endometriomas and 20 without endometriosis, and reevaluated the 3 plasma markers 3 months after the surgical removal of all visible endometriotic lesions. In mouse, the lesional staining levels of OPN, RAGE, and IL-33 were all significantly higher than that of normal endometrium, and increased progressively as lesions progressed. In contrast to HMGB1, TLR4, p-p65 and PCNA staining levels were decreased progressively. In humans, lesional staining levels of OPN correlated positively, while that of HMGB1 correlated negatively with the extent of fibrosis. All three plasma markers correlated positively with the extent of lesional fibrosis. Through this integrated approach, we identified plasma HMGB1, OPN and HA as promising admissible biomarkers for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlei Cao
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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32
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Yan D, Liu X, Guo SW. Neuropeptides Substance P and Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide Accelerate the Development and Fibrogenesis of Endometriosis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2698. [PMID: 30804432 PMCID: PMC6389969 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39170-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriotic lesions are known to be hyperinnervated, especially in lesions of deep endometriosis (DE), which are frequently in close proximity to various nerve plexuses. DE lesions typically have higher fibromuscular content than that of ovarian endometriomas (OE) lesions, but the underlying reason remains elusive. Aside from their traditional role of pain transduction, however, whether or not sensory nerves play any role in the development of endometriosis is unclear. Here, we show that, thorough their respective receptors neurokinin receptor 1 (NK1R), calcitonin receptor like receptor (CRLR), and receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP-1), neuropeptides substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT) and further turn stromal cells into smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in endometriotic lesions, resulting ultimately in fibrosis. We show that SP and CGRP, or the rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) supernatant, through the induction of NK1R and CGRP/CRLR/RAMP-1 signaling pathways, promoted EMT, FMT and SMM in endometriosis, resulting in increased migratory and invasive propensity, cell contractility, production of collagen, and eventually to fibrosis. Neutralization of NK1R and/or CGRP/CRLR/RAMP-1 abrogated these processes. Extended exposure of endometriotic stromal cells to SP and/or CGRP or the DRG supernatant induced increased expression of α-SMA, desmin, oxytocin receptor, and smooth muscle myosin heavy-chain. Finally, we show that DE lesions had significantly higher nerve fiber density, increased staining levels of α-SMA, NK1R, CRLR, and RAMP-1, concomitant with higher lesional fibrotic content than that of OE lesions. The extent of lesional fibrosis correlated positively with the staining levels of NK1R, CRLR, and RAMP-1, as well as the nerve fiber density in lesions. Thus, this study provides another piece of evidence that sensory nerves play an important role in promoting the development and fibrogenesis of endometriosis. It explains as why DE frequently have higher fibromuscular content than that of OE, highlights the importance of lesional microenvironment in shaping the lesional fate, gives more credence to the idea that ectopic endometrium is fundamentally wounds that go through repeated tissue injury and repair, and should shed much needed light into the pathophysiology of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingmin Yan
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Cheong ML, Lai TH, Wu WB. Connective tissue growth factor mediates transforming growth factor β-induced collagen expression in human endometrial stromal cells. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210765. [PMID: 30695033 PMCID: PMC6350958 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adenomyosis is a medical condition defined by the abnormal presence of endometrial tissue within the myometrium, in which fibrosis occurs with new collagen deposition and myofibroblast differentiation. In this study, the effect of several mediators and growth factors on collagen expression was investigated on human endometrial stromal cells (fibroblasts) derived from adenomyotic endometrium. Experimental approach RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, pharmacological interventions and siRNA interference were applied to primary cultured human endometrial stromal cells (fibroblasts). Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze protein expression in adenomyotic endometrium tissue specimens. Results Of the tested mediators, transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and its isoforms were effective to induce collagen and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression. Collagen and CTGF induction by TGFβ1 could be reduced by the inhibitors targeting DNA transcription, protein translation, and Smad2/3 signaling. Interestingly, TGFβ1 induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation and CTGF mRNA expression, but not collagen mRNA expression, suggesting that TGFβ1 mediates collagen expression through CTGF induction and Smad2/3 activation. In parallel, TGFβ1 and CTGF also induced expression of heat shock protein (HSP) 47, a protein required for the synthesis of several types of collagens. However, only CTGF siRNA knockdown, could compromise TGFβ1-induced collagen expression. Finally, the immunohistochemistry revealed vimentin- and α-SMA-positive staining for (myo)fibroblasts, TGFβ1, collagen, and CTGF in the subepithelial stroma region of human adenomyotic endometria. Conclusion and implications We reveal here that TGFβ1, collagen, and CTGF are expressed in the stroma of adenomyotic endometria and demonstrate that TGFβ1 can induce collagen production in endometrium-derived fibroblasts through cellular Smad2/3-dependent signaling pathway and CTGF expression, suggesting that endometrial TGFβ may take part in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis and ectopic endometrium may participate in uterine adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Leng Cheong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsuan Lai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Bin Wu
- School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Zhang X, Xu Y, Fu L, Li D, Dai X, Liu L, Zhang J, Zheng L, Cui M. Identification of mRNAs related to endometrium function regulated by lncRNA CD36-005 in rat endometrial stromal cells. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:96. [PMID: 30322386 PMCID: PMC6190555 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0412-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and is commonly complicated by adverse endometrial outcomes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of non-protein-coding transcripts that are more than 200 nucleotides in length. Accumulating evidence indicates that lncRNAs are involved in the development of various human diseases. Among these lncRNAs, lncRNA CD36-005 (CD36-005) is indicated to be associated with the pathogenesis of PCOS. However, the mechanisms of action of CD36-005 have not yet been elucidated. METHODS This study determined the CD36-005 expression level in the uteri of PCOS rat model and its effect on the proliferation activity of rat primary endometrial stromal cells. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatics analysis were performed to detect the mRNA expression profiles and the biological pathways in which these differentially expressed mRNAs involved, after CD36-005 overexpression in the primary endometrial stromal cells. The differential expression of Hmgn5, Nr5a2, Dll4, Entpd1, Fam50a, and Brms1 were further validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS CD36-005 is highly expressed in the uteri of PCOS rat model and promotes the proliferation of rat primary endometrial stromal cells. A total of fifty-five mRNAs differentially expressed were identified in CD36-005 overexpressed stromal cells. Further analyses identified that these differentially expressed mRNAs participate in many biological processes and are associated with various human diseases. The results of qRT-PCR validation were consistent with the RNA-seq data. CONCLUSIONS These data provide a list of potential target mRNA genes of CD36-005 in endometrial stromal cells and laid a foundation for further studies on the molecular function and mechanism of CD36-005 in the endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Zhang
- grid.452829.0Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041 Jilin China
| | - Ying Xu
- grid.452829.0Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041 Jilin China
| | - Lulu Fu
- grid.452829.0Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041 Jilin China
| | - Dandan Li
- grid.452829.0Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041 Jilin China
| | - Xiaowei Dai
- grid.452829.0Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041 Jilin China
| | - Lianlian Liu
- grid.452829.0Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041 Jilin China
| | - Jingshun Zhang
- grid.452829.0Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041 Jilin China
| | - Lianwen Zheng
- grid.452829.0Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041 Jilin China
| | - Manhua Cui
- grid.452829.0Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041 Jilin China
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Guo S. Cancer driver mutations in endometriosis: Variations on the major theme of fibrogenesis. Reprod Med Biol 2018; 17:369-397. [PMID: 30377392 PMCID: PMC6194252 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One recent study reports cancer driver mutations in deep endometriosis, but its biological/clinical significance remains unclear. Since the natural history of endometriosis is essentially gradual progression toward fibrosis, it is thus hypothesized that the six driver genes reported to be mutated in endometriosis (the RP set) may play important roles in fibrogenesis but not necessarily malignant transformation. METHODS Extensive PubMed search to see whether RP and another set of driver genes not yet reported (NR) to be mutated in endometriosis have any roles in fibrogenesis. All studies reporting on the role of fibrogenesis of the genes in both RP and NR sets were retrieved and evaluated in this review. RESULTS All six RP genes were involved in various aspects of fibrogenesis as compared with only three NR genes. These nine genes can be anchored in networks linking with their upstream and downstream genes that are known to be aberrantly expressed in endometriosis, piecing together seemingly unrelated findings. CONCLUSIONS Given that somatic driver mutations can and do occur frequently in physiologically normal tissues, it is argued that these mutations in endometriosis are not necessarily synonymous with malignancy or premalignancy, but the result of enormous pressure for fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun‐Wei Guo
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine‐Related DiseasesShanghaiChina
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Ebrahim N, Mostafa O, El Dosoky RE, Ahmed IA, Saad AS, Mostafa A, Sabry D, Ibrahim KA, Farid AS. Human mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles/estrogen combined therapy safely ameliorates experimentally induced intrauterine adhesions in a female rat model. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:175. [PMID: 29954457 PMCID: PMC6027762 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-0924-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have diverse functions in regulating injury and inflammation through the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs). METHODS In this study, we investigated the systemic administration of extracellular vesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs-EVs) as a therapeutic agent for intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) caused by endometrial injury. Additionally, we investigated the therapeutic impact of both UCMSCs-EVs and estrogen either separately or in combination in a rat model. The inflammation, vascularization, proliferation, and extent of fibrosis were assessed by a histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment using transforming growth factor (TGF)-β as a fibrotic marker and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a vascular marker. Additionally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 (inflammatory cytokines), CD140b (a marker of endometrial stem cells), and RUNX2 (an antifibrotic factor). Finally, Western blotting was used to evaluate collagen I and β-actin expression. RESULTS The therapeutic groups treated with either UCMSCs-EVs alone or combined with estrogen exhibited a significant decrease in inflammation and fibrosis (TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-1, IL-6, RUNX2, and collagen-I) as well as a significant decrease in vascularization (VEGF) compared with the untreated rats with IUAs. The most significant results were obtained in animals with IUAs that received a combined therapy of UCMSCs-EVs and estrogen. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the synergistic action of human UCMSCs-EVs combined with estrogen provides a highly effective alternative regenerative agent in IUA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrine Ebrahim
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Banha, 13518, Qalyubia, Egypt.,Stem Cell Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Banha, 13518, Qalyubia, Egypt
| | - Ola Mostafa
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Banha, 13518, Qalyubia, Egypt
| | - Rania Ebrahim El Dosoky
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Banha, 13518, Qalyubia, Egypt
| | - Inas A Ahmed
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Banha, 13518, Qalyubia, Egypt.,Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Banha, 13518, Qalyubia, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Saad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Banha, 13518, Qalyubia, Egypt
| | - Abeer Mostafa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt.,Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Dina Sabry
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt.,Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Khalid Abdelaziz Ibrahim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Banha, 13518, Qalyubia, Egypt
| | - Ayman Samir Farid
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh, 13736, Qalyubia, Egypt.
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Neupogen and mesenchymal stem cells are the novel therapeutic agents in regeneration of induced endometrial fibrosis in experimental rats. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20170794. [PMID: 28883083 PMCID: PMC5635209 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20170794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial fibrosis is the presence of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) after any uterine surgery or curettage and it results in infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss. We evaluated the role of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) as a therapeutic agent of endometrial fibrosis. We also compared the effect of MSCs with the effect of estrogen and neupogen either each alone or as a combined therapy with MSCs. This experimental study was performed on 84 albino rats which were divided into seven groups (n=12 rats/group) as follows, group1: normal control rats, group 2: induced fibrosis, group 3: induced fibrosis that received oral estrogen, group 4: induced fibrosis that received hMSCs, group 5: induced fibrosis that received hMSCs and estrogen, group 6: induced fibrosis that received neupogen, and group 7: induced fibrosis that received hMSCs and neupogen. The extent of fibrosis, vascularization, and inflammation were evaluated by; qRT-PCR for interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), TNF, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and RUNX; ELISA for connective tissue growth factor (CTGF); Western blotting for collagen-I; immunohistochemistry examination for VEGF and RUNX-2; and histopathological assessment. In therapeutic groups either by hMSCs alone or combined with estrogen or neupogen; fibrosis and inflammation (IL-1, IL-6, TNF, TGF-β, RUNX, CTGF, and collagen-I) were significantly decreased but vascularization (VEGF) was significantly increased (P<0.05) compared with induced fibrosis group. The most significant result was obtained in fibrosis that received combined therapy of hMSCs and neupogen (P=0.000). Stem cells and neupogen are a highly effective alternative regenerative agents in endometrial fibrosis.
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Yu YX, Xiu YL, Chen X, Li YL. Transforming Growth Factor-beta 1 Involved in the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis through Regulating Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor under Hypoxia. Chin Med J (Engl) 2017; 130:950-956. [PMID: 28397725 PMCID: PMC5407042 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.204112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Endometriosis (EMs) is a common gynecological disorder characterized by endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Hypoxia induces the expression of many important downstream genes to regulate the implantation, survival, and maintenance of ectopic endometriotic lesions. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) plays a major role in the etiology of EMs. We aimed to determine whether TGF-β1 affects EMs development and progression and its related mechanisms in hypoxic conditions. Methods: Endometrial tissue was obtained from women with or without EMs undergoing surgery from October, 2015 to October, 2016. Endometrial cells were cultured and then exposed to hypoxia and TGF-β1 or TGF-β1 inhibitors. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression levels of TGF-β1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were measured. A Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay was used to examine the effect of TGF-β1 and hypoxia on a VEGF promoter construct. Student's t-test was performed for comparison among groups (one-sided or two-sided) and a value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: TGF-β1, VEGF, HIF-1α mRNA, and protein expression were significantly higher in EMs tissue than that in normal endometrial tissue (t = 2.16, P = 0.042). EMs primary cultured cells exposed to hypoxia expressed 43.8% higher VEGF mRNA and protein (t = 6.84, P = 0.023). VEGF mRNA levels increased 12.5% in response to TGF-β, whereas the combined treatment of hypoxia/TGF-β1 resulted in a much higher production (87.5% increases) of VEGF. The luciferase activity of the VEGF promoter construct was increased in the presence of either TGF-β1 (2.6-fold, t = 6.08, P = 0.032) or hypoxia (11.2-fold, t = 32.70, P < 0.001), whereas the simultaneous presence of both stimuli resulted in a significant cooperative effect (18.5-fold, t = 33.50, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The data support the hypothesis that TGF-β1 is involved in the pathogenesis of EMs through regulating VEGF expression. An additive effect of TGF-β1 and hypoxia is taking place at the transcriptional level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Xin Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital and Chinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, Beijing 100853; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese People's Liberation Army 202 Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110821, China
| | - Yin-Ling Xiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese People's Liberation Army 202 Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110821, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese People's Liberation Army 202 Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110821, China
| | - Ya-Li Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital and Chinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, Beijing 100853, China
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Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in endometriosis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6804. [PMID: 28754964 PMCID: PMC5533797 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06920-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
EZH2, a subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) catalyzing trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27), induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancers. However, whether EZH2 regulates EMT in endometriosis is unclear. Here, we show that EZH2 expression, along with its associated PRC2 proteins, is significantly elevated in ectopic and eutopic endometrium from women with endometriosis as compared with control endometrium. EZH2 knockdown or inhibition restored the epithelial phenotypes of endometriotic epithelial cells, concomitant with the upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of vimentin and transcription factors (Snail and Slug) as well as reduced cellular migratory and invasive propensity. Conversely, overexpression of EZH2 induced the expression of Snail, Slug and vimentin and suppresses E-cadherin expression. In vivo administration of 3-Deazaneplanocin A (DZNep), an EZH2 inhibitor, significantly inhibited the growth of endometriotic lesions and improved generalized hyperalgesia, along with attenuated EMT and reduced fibrosis in endometriosis. Notably, platelets induced EZH2 upregulation and increased H3K27 and H3K9 trimethylation levels in endometriotic epithelial cells. These data identify EZH2 as a novel driver of EMT in endometriosis, implicates the link between wound healing and epigenetic changes in the context of endometriosis, and underscore the role of platelets in the development of endometriosis.
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Zhu B, Chen Y, Shen X, Liu X, Guo SW. Anti-platelet therapy holds promises in treating adenomyosis: experimental evidence. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2016; 14:66. [PMID: 27724926 PMCID: PMC5057470 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-016-0198-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently emerging evidence indicates that endometriotic lesions are wounds undergoing repeated tissue injury and repair (ReTIAR), and platelets induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT), leading ultimately to fibrosis. Due to the commonality of cyclic bleeding as in endometriosis, adenomyotic lesions are also wounds that undergo ReTIAR, and we have recently provided evidence corroborating platelet-induced EMT, FMT and fibrogenesis in adenomyosis. This study sought to evaluate the effect of antiplatelet therapy in a mouse model of adenomyosis. METHODS Adenomyosis was induced in 57 female ICR mice with neonatal dosing of tamoxifen, while another 12 (group C) were dosed with solvent only, serving as a blank control. Starting from 4 weeks after birth, hotplate test was administrated to all mice every 4 weeks. At the 16th week, all mice with induced adenomyosis were randomly divided into 6 groups: untreated, low- and high-dose Ozagrel, low- and high-dose anti-mouse GPIbα polyclonal IgG antibody to deplete platelets, and isotype-matched inert IgG non-immune antibody. Group C received no treatment. After 3 weeks of treatment, they were hotplate tested again, their uterine horns and brains were harvested, and a blood sample was taken to measure the plasma corticosterone level by ELISA. The left uterine horn was used for immunohistochemistry analysis. The brainstem nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) sections were subjected to immunofluorescence staining for GAD65. The depth of myometrial infiltration and uterine contractility were evaluated. RESULTS We found that both Ozagrel treatment and platelet depletion dose-dependently suppressed myometrial infiltration, improved generalized hyperalgesia, reduced uterine contractility, and lowered plasma corticosterone levels, improved the expression of some proteins known to be involved in adenomyosis and slowed down the process of fibrogenesis. It also elevated the number of GAD65-expressing neurons in the brainstem NRM, possibly boosting the GABAergic inhibition of pain due to adenomyosis. CONCLUSION This study further provides evidence that platelets play important roles in the development of adenomyosis. Anti-platelet treatment is efficacious in suppression of myometrial infiltration, improving generalized hyperalgesia, reducing uterine hyperactivity and systemic corticosterone levels. Collectively, these results demonstrate that anti-platelet therapy seems to be promising for treating adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The People’s Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325800 China
| | - Yumei Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The People’s Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325800 China
| | - Xiaolu Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The People’s Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325800 China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011 China
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011 China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011 China
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011 China
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Zhang Q, Duan J, Olson M, Fazleabas A, Guo SW. Cellular Changes Consistent With Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Transdifferentiation in the Progression of Experimental Endometriosis in Baboons. Reprod Sci 2016; 23:1409-21. [PMID: 27076446 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116641763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We have recently shown that platelets play important roles in development of endometriosis and proposed that endometriotic lesions are essentially wounds that undergo repeated tissue injury and repair (ReTIAR). Further investigation indicated that endometriotic lesions, stimulated by platelet-derived transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), activate the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway and undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT), resulting in increased cellular contractility and collagen production and increased smooth muscle metaplasia (SMM), leading to fibrosis. Using serially dissected endometriotic tissue samples from baboons with induced endometriosis, we tested the hypothesis of progressive EMT, FMT, SMM, and fibrosis through TGF-β1/Smad activation using immunohistochemistry and immunoflurescence staining analyses. We found that platelets are aggregated in endometriotic lesions, and vimentin expression was increased in the epithelial compartment of the lesions as they progressively developed. We also found that the number of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) appeared to increase with time as lesions progressed and was concomitant with the increased vimentin-positive glandular epithelial cells in the lesions. As lesion development progressed, TGF-β1 and phosphorylated-Smad3 staining was elevated and the number of α-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts and highly differentiated SMCs increased in the stromal compartment, which correlated with the increasing extent of fibrosis. These results, taken together, provide support for the notion that ReTIAR occurs in the endometriotic lesions, resulting in EMT and FMT, leading to SMM and ultimately fibrosis as lesions progress. Consequently, our data also provide corroborative evidence that platelets drive the EMT and FMT in endometriotic lesions over time, promoting SMM and resulting ultimately in fibrosis in the endometriotic lesions. These findings cast a new light on the natural history of endometriosis which so far has been elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Duan
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mark Olson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Asgerally Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
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Liu X, Shen M, Qi Q, Zhang H, Guo SW. Corroborating evidence for platelet-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation in the development of adenomyosis. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:734-49. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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