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Lyu F, Burzynski C, Fang YY, Tal A, Chen AY, Kisa J, Agrawal K, Kluger Y, Taylor HS, Tal R. Maternal CXCR4 deletion results in placental defects and pregnancy loss mediated by immune dysregulation. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e172216. [PMID: 37815869 PMCID: PMC10721256 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.172216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
CXCR4 is a key regulator of the development of NK cells and DCs, both of which play an important role in early placental development and immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. However, the role of CXCR4 in pregnancy is not well understood. Our study demonstrates that adult-induced global genetic CXCR4 deletion, but not uterine-specific CXCR4 deletion, was associated with increased pregnancy resorptions and decreased litter size. CXCR4-deficient mice had decreased NK cells and increased granulocytes in the decidua, along with increased leukocyte numbers in peripheral blood. We found that CXCR4-deficient mice had abnormal decidual NK cell aggregates and NK cell infiltration into trophoblast areas beyond the giant cell layer. This was associated with low NK cell expression of granzyme B, a NK cell granule effector, indicative of NK cell dysfunction. Pregnancy failure in these mice was associated with abnormalities in placental vascular development and increased placental expression of inflammatory genes. Importantly, adoptive BM transfer of WT CXCR4+ BM cells into CXCR4-deficient mice rescued the reproductive deficits by normalizing NK cell function and mediating normal placental vascular development. Collectively, our study found an important role for maternal CXCR4 expression in immune cell function, placental development, and pregnancy maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Lyu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Chase Burzynski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Yuan yuan Fang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Aya Tal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Alice Y. Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Jacqueline Kisa
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Kriti Agrawal
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Program of Applied Mathematics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yuval Kluger
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Program of Applied Mathematics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hugh S. Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Reshef Tal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
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Wang S, Chen X, Guo S, Zhou F, Zhang X, Lu C, Yang X, Wang Q, He B, Wang J, Wang H, Xu X. CXCR4, regulated by HIF1A, promotes endometrial breakdown via CD45 + leukocyte recruitment in a mouse model of menstruation. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100785. [PMID: 37392490 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100785] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Menstruation is a specific physiological phenomenon in female humans that is regulated by complex molecular mechanisms. However, the molecular network involved in menstruation remains incompletely understood. Previous studies have suggested that C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is involved; however, how CXCR4 participates in endometrial breakdown remains unclear, as do its regulatory mechanisms. This study aimed to clarify the role of CXCR4 in endometrial breakdown and its regulation by hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1A). We first confirmed that CXCR4 and HIF1A protein levels were significantly increased during the menstrual phase compared with the late secretory phase using immunohistochemistry. In our mouse model of menstruation, real-time PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry showed that CXCR4 mRNA and protein expression levels gradually increased from 0 to 24 h after progesterone withdrawal during endometrial breakdown. HIF1A mRNA and HIF1A nuclear protein levels significantly increased and peaked at 12 h after progesterone withdrawal. Endometrial breakdown was significantly suppressed by the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 and the HIF1A inhibitor 2-methoxyestradiol in our mouse model, and HIF1A inhibition also suppressed CXCR4 mRNA and protein expression. In vitro studies using human decidual stromal cells showed that CXCR4 and HIF1A mRNA expression levels were increased by progesterone withdrawal and that HIF1A knockdown significantly suppressed the elevation in CXCR4 mRNA expression. CD45+ leukocyte recruitment during endometrial breakdown was suppressed by both AMD3100 and 2-methoxyestradiol in our mouse model. Taken together, our preliminary findings suggest that endometrial CXCR4 expression is regulated by HIF1A during menstruation and may promote endometrial breakdown, potentially via leukocyte recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufang Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xihua Chen
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Shige Guo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, People's Republic of China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Zhou
- Male Clinical Laboratory, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, People's Republic of China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Lu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, People's Republic of China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuqing Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563099, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianxing Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563099, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin He
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiedong Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanbi Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiangbo Xu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, People's Republic of China.
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Conforti A, Longobardi S, Carbone L, Iorio GG, Cariati F, Campitiello MR, Strina I, Palese M, D’Hooghe T, Alviggi C. Does Intrauterine Injection of hCG Improve IVF Outcome? A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012193. [PMID: 36293052 PMCID: PMC9603006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Various interventions have been proposed to improve embryo implantation in IVF. Among these, intrauterine injections of human chorionic gonadotropin seem to have promising results. Consequently, we conducted a review and meta-analysis to assess IVF outcomes by comparing couples who underwent intrauterine hCG injection transfer versus those who underwent embryo transfer with intrauterine injection of placebo, or without any additional intervention. The primary outcome was the clinical pregnancy rate. Secondary outcomes were the implantation rate, miscarriage rate, and live birth rate. A meta-analysis was conducted using the random effects model, while bias within studies was detected using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Ectopic pregnancies and stillbirths were also assessed. The clinical pregnancy (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.17−1.62, p < 0.0001) and implantation rate (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.12−1.75, p = 0.003) were significantly higher in women who underwent hCG injection than in the control group. These significant effects persisted only in women who underwent cleavage-stage embryo transfer. No significant differences between groups were observed in the other secondary outcomes. In conclusion, our systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that intrauterine injection of hCG could be a valuable approach in women who undergo cleavage-stage embryo transfer. Given the lack of data about the live birth rate, caution should be exercised in interpreting these data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0817463748
| | | | - Luigi Carbone
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gabriele Iorio
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Cariati
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Campitiello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, ASL Salerno, 84124 Salerno, Italy
| | - Ida Strina
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Palese
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Thomas D’Hooghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences Group, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Research on the Mechanism of Asperosaponin VI for Treating Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion by Bioinformatics Analysis and Experimental Validation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:8099853. [PMID: 35783512 PMCID: PMC9246589 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8099853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Asperosaponin VI (AS6), as the quality marker of Dipsaci Radix, is verified to exert therapeutic effect on alleviating recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). However, due to the lack of relevant research, its molecular mechanism is still unclear. We retrieved targets for AS6 and RSA, and then used their overlapped targets for PPI analysis. In addition, we used GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, and molecular docking to investigate the anti-RSA mechanisms of AS6. Furthermore, we conducted in vitro experiments to validate the predictions of network pharmacology. Results showed that a total of 103 AS6-associated targets and 2084 RSA-associated targets, with 49 targets overlapped. GO enrichment analysis showed 845 significant biological processes like decidualization, while KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed 76 significant entries including 18 signaling pathways, which were closely linked to PI3K-Akt, HIF-1, TNF, IL-17, and VEGF signaling pathways, etc. Molecular docking findings verified that AS6 had tight link with the key targets including JUN, CASP3, STAT3, SRC, and PTGS2. Notably, in vitro experiments revealed that AS6 treatment could exert lower expressions of JUN, pro-CASP3, CASP3, STAT3, SRC, and PTGS2 in decidual cells compared with progesterone despite the expressions of STAT3, SRC, and PTGS2 with no significant difference, and mifepristone could interfere with the effects. In general, numerous targets and multiple pathways involve during the process of AS6 treatment against RSA. Moreover, our in vitro research first reported that AS6 may regulate the expressions of key targets (JUN, CASP3, STAT3, SRC, and PTGS2) in decidual cells to promote decidualization, thus treating RSA.
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Preimplantation Endometrial Transcriptomics in Natural Conception Cycle of the Rhesus Monkey. REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/reprodmed3010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is no report on preimplantation phase endometrial transcriptomics in natural conception cycles of primates. In the present study, the whole-genome expression array of endometrium on Days 2, 4, and 6 post-ovulation (pov) in proven natural conception (Group 1; n = 12) and non-mated, ovulatory (Group 2; n = 12) cycles of rhesus monkeys was examined, compared, and validated. Of fifteen (15) genes showing differential expression (>2-fold; pFDR < 0.05), six genes (CHRND, FOXD3, GJD4, MAPK8IP3, MKS1, and NUP50) were upregulated, while eight genes (ADCY5, ADIPOR1, NNMT, PATL1, PIGV, TGFBR2, TOX2, and VWA5B1) were down regulated on Day 6 pov as compared to Day 2 pov in conception cycles. On Day 6 pov, four genes (ADCY5, NNMT, TOX2, and VWA5B1) were down regulated, and AVEN was upregulated in conception cycles compared with the non-conception cycle. These observations were orthogonally validated at protein expression level. Group-specifically expressed unique genes in conception cycles influence the process of induction of immune-tolerance, while the genes expressed in both groups influence processes of protein targeting and metabolism. A triad of timed-actions of progesterone, seminal plasma, and preimplantation embryo putatively regulate several input molecules to CREB, NF-kB, and STAT regulatory networks during secretory phase towards evolution of endometrial receptivity in the rhesus monkey.
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Xiang R, Chen P, Zeng Z, Liu H, Zhou J, Zhou C, Peng J, Zeng H. Transcriptomic analysis shows that surgical treatment is likely to influence the endometrial receptivity of patients with stage III/IV endometriosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:932339. [PMID: 36171908 PMCID: PMC9511704 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.932339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis negatively affects fertility, and it is a common disease in assisted reproductive practice. Surgical removal of endometriotic lesions is widely carried out to relieve symptoms and promote fertility. But it is not intensively investigated what changes in the secretory eutopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis after surgery. METHODS Eighteen patients with stage III/IV endometriosis were included in the study, and they were divided into the untreated group and the treated group (6 vs. 12). Basic clinical data were compared, and transcriptomic data of the secretory eutopic endometrium were analyzed with DESeq2, Cytoscape, ClueGO, CluePedia, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). CIBERSORT was used to calculate the relative abundance of 22 immune cells in the samples. RESULTS We determined 346 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using DESeq2. These DEGs were used to enrich seven Gene Ontology terms including three associated with immune processes and one correlated to prostaglandin using ClueGO and CluePedia. GSEA enriched 28 Gene Ontology terms in the treated group mainly associated with immune and blood pressure regulation process. Compared to the untreated group, the relative abundance of resting CD4+ memory T cells [0.218 (0.069, 0.334) vs. 0.332 (0.181, 0.429), P = 0.022] and the even less abundant memory B cells [0.001 (0.000, 0.083) vs. 0.033 (0.007, 0.057), P = 0.049] are significantly decreased in the treated group. CONCLUSION Surgical treatment of stage III/IV endometriosis influences some genes and biological processes related to endometrial receptivity, but more evidence is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peigen Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Zeng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huijun Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanchuan Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jintao Peng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jintao Peng, ; Haitao Zeng,
| | - Haitao Zeng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jintao Peng, ; Haitao Zeng,
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McIntosh SZ, Quinn KE, Ashley RL. CXCL12 May Drive Inflammatory Potential in the Ovine Corpus Luteum During Implantation. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:122-132. [PMID: 34755321 PMCID: PMC8677687 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00791-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Adequate corpus luteum (CL) function is paramount to successful pregnancy. Structural and functional CL integrity is controlled by diverse cell types that contribute and respond to the local cytokine milieu. The chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and receptor, CXCR4, are modulators of inflammation and cell survival, but little is understood about CXCL12-CXCR4 axis and CL functional regulation. Corpora lutea from control nonpregnant ewes (n = 5; day 10 estrous cycle (D10C)) and pregnant ewes (n = 5/day) on days 20 (D20P) and 30 (D30P) post-breeding were analyzed for gene and protein expression of CXCL12, CXCR4, and select inflammatory cytokines. In separate cell culture studies, cytokine production was evaluated following CXCL12 treatment. Abundance of CXCL12 and CXCR4 increased (P < 0.05) in pregnant ewes compared to nonpregnant ewes, as determined by a combination of quantitative PCR, immunoblot, and immunofluorescence microscopy. CXCR4 was detected in steroidogenic and nonsteroidogenic cells in ovine CL, and select pro-inflammatory mediators were greater in CL from pregnant ewes. In vitro studies revealed greater abundance of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) following CXCL12 administration (P = 0.05), while P4 levels in cell media were unchanged. Fully functional CL of pregnant ewes is characterized by increased abundance of inflammatory cytokines which may function in a luteotropic manner. We report concurrent increases in CXCL12, CXCR4, and select inflammatory mediators in ovine CL as early pregnancy progresses. We propose CXCL12 stimulates production of select cytokines, rather than P4 in the CL to assist in CL establishment and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacia Z McIntosh
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, MSC 3-I, PO Box 30003, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA
| | - Kelsey E Quinn
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, MSC 3-I, PO Box 30003, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ryan L Ashley
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, MSC 3-I, PO Box 30003, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA.
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Zhang J, Xue L, Nie A, Yang Q, Peng X, Chen Z, Yang L, Xie Y, Yuan A, Xu J. Spatiotemporal heterogeneity of PPARγ expression in porcine uteroplacenta for regulating of placental angiogenesis through VEGF-mediated signalling. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1479-1489. [PMID: 32762098 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13797] [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: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Non-infectious prenatal mortality severely affects the porcine industry, with pathological placentation as a likely key reason. Previous studies have demonstrated that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) deficiency causes defects in the uteroplacental vasculature and induces embryonic losses in mice. However, its role in porcine placental angiogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, PPARγ expression was investigated in porcine uteroplacental tissues at gestational day (GD) 25, GD40 and GD70 via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Moreover, the roles of PPARγ in porcine placental angiogenesis were investigated using a cell model of porcine umbilical vein endothelial cells (PUVECs) to conduct proliferation, migration and tube formation assays in vitro and a mouse xenograft model to assess capillary formation in vivo. The results showed that PPARγ was mainly located in the glandular epithelium, trophoblast, amniotic chorion epithelium and vascular endothelium, as indicated by the higher expression levels at GD25 and GD40 than at GD70 in endometrium and by higher expression levels at GD40 and GD70 than at GD25 in placenta. Moreover, PPARγ expression was significantly downregulated in placenta with dead foetus. In PUVECs, knocking out PPARγ significantly inhibited proliferation, migration and tube formation in vitro and inhibited capillary formation in mouse xenografts in vivo by blocking S-phase, promoting apoptosis and downregulating the angiogenic factors of VEGF and its receptors. Overall, the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of PPARγ expression in porcine uteroplacental tissue suggests its vital role in endometrial remodelling and placental angiogenesis, and PPARγ regulates placental angiogenesis through VEGF-mediated signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juzuo Zhang
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, 'Double First-Class' Applied Characteristic Discipline of Bioengineering in Hunan High Educational Institution, Huaihua University, Huaihua, China.,Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Liqun Xue
- Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Ang Nie
- Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Huaihua Municipal Center of Animal Husbandry and Aquatic Products Bureau, Huaihua, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuan Peng
- Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhilong Chen
- Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Lisha Yang
- Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Yang Xie
- Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Anwen Yuan
- Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Junfei Xu
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, 'Double First-Class' Applied Characteristic Discipline of Bioengineering in Hunan High Educational Institution, Huaihua University, Huaihua, China
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Xiong F, Yao Z, Chen P, Sun Q, Zhong H, Wan C, Zeng Y. Comparative secretome profile analysis of cultured immortalized human endometrial stromal cells supplemented with implanted versus nonimplanted blastocyst-conditioned medium: A preliminary analysis. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2020; 46:1809-1818. [PMID: 32643241 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) were previously shown to be capable of discriminating embryos with different qualities. Here we aimed to compare the specific response of the HESC secretome to implanted blastocyst-conditioned medium (BCM) versus nonimplanted medium and identify cytokine candidates useful for the assessment of blastocyst implantation. METHODS Cleavage embryos were individually cultured in one microdrop of medium for blastocyst formation. The BCM was collected after fresh blastocyst transfer on day 5 and used to supplement HESC culture medium. A high-throughput antibody array covering 440 cytokines was used to detect the secretory proteins of HESCs supplemented with implanted or nonimplanted BCM. RESULTS A total of 22 differentially expressed proteins were found out of 440 cytokines in the supernatant of HESCs supplemented with BCM from the implanted group compared to the nonimplanted group, including seven upregulated and 15 downregulated proteins. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved in cell chemotaxis and motility, and ERK1/2 cascade regulation. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis suggested that the mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/Akt pathways were mainly involved. CONCLUSION HESCs specifically responded to BCM from different quality blastocysts, a finding that can be used to develop a novel approach for blastocyst quality assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xiong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - ZhiHong Yao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - PeiLin Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qing Sun
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - HuiXian Zhong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - CaiYun Wan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Niringiyumukiza JD, Cai H, Xiang W. Prostaglandin E2 involvement in mammalian female fertility: ovulation, fertilization, embryo development and early implantation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:43. [PMID: 29716588 PMCID: PMC5928575 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0359-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility in mammalian females has been a challenge in reproductive medicine. The causes of female infertility include anovulation, ovulated oocyte defects, abnormal fertilization, and insufficient luteal support for embryo development, as well as early implantation. Ovulation induction, in vitro fertilization and luteal support regimens have been performed for decades to increase fertility rates. The identification of proteins and biochemical factors involved in female reproduction is essential to further increase female fertility rates. Evidence has shown that prostaglandins (PGs) might be involved in the female reproductive process, mainly ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. However, only a few studies on individual PGs in female reproduction have been done so far. This review aimed to identify the pivotal role of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a predominant PG, in female reproduction to improve fertility, specifically ovulation, fertilization, embryo development and early implantation. RESULTS Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was shown to play a relevant role in the ovulatory cascade, including meiotic maturation, cumulus expansion and follicle rupture, through inducing ovulatory genes, such as Areg, Ereg, Has2 and Tnfaip6, as well as increasing intracellular cAMP levels. PGE2 reduces extracellular matrix viscosity and thereby optimizes the conditions for sperm penetration. PGE2 reduces the phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) against sperm. In the presence of PGE2, sperm function and binding capacity to oocytes are enhanced. PGE2 maintains luteal function for embryo development and early implantation. In addition, it induces chemokine expression for trophoblast apposition and adhesion to the decidua for implantation. CONCLUSION It has been shown that PGE2 positively affects different stages of female fertility. Therefore, PGE2 should be taken into consideration when optimizing reproduction in infertile females. We suggest that in clinical practice, the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are PGE2 synthesis inhibitors, should be reasonable and limited in infertile women. Additionally, assessments of PGE2 protein and receptor expression levels should be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Damascene Niringiyumukiza
- 0000 0004 0368 7223grid.33199.31Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei China
| | - Hongcai Cai
- 0000 0004 0368 7223grid.33199.31Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei China
| | - Wenpei Xiang
- 0000 0004 0368 7223grid.33199.31Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei China
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11
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Sanchez NS, Quinn KE, Ashley AK, Ashley RL. In the ovine pituitary, CXCR4 is localized in gonadotropes and somatotropes and increases with elevated serum progesterone. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2018; 62:88-97. [PMID: 29157995 PMCID: PMC5728413 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The pituitary is the central endocrine regulator of reproduction and in addition to various hormones regulating its actions, other molecules, such as chemokines, influence pituitary physiology as well. Despite reports over 2 decades ago that chemokines regulate the pituitary, much of the basic biology discerning chemokine action in the pituitary is unclear. A small number of chemokines and their receptors have been localized to the pituitary, yet chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and its receptor, CXCR4, have received the most attention as both are increased in human pituitary adenomas. This chemokine duo was also reported in normal human and rat pituitary, suggestive of a functional role and that this chemokine axis might function in pituitaries from other mammalian species. To date, reports of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in pituitary from livestock are lacking, and research on pituitary during pregnancy in any mammalian species is limited. Moreover, progesterone regulates CXCR4 expression in a tissue-dependent manner, but whether differing concentrations of progesterone reaching the pituitary modulate CXCL12 or CXCR4 is not known. To address these gaps, our first objective was to determine if CXCL12 and CXCR4 expression and protein abundance differ in sheep pituitary during early gestation (days 20, 25, and 30 of gestation) compared to nonpregnant ewes. The second objective was to determine if CXCL12 or CXCR4 production was altered in the ovine pituitary when circulating progesterone concentrations are elevated. The expression of CXCL12 messenger RNA decreased on day 20 of gestation compared to nonpregnant ewes; CXCL12 protein was similar across all days tested. In nonpregnant and pregnant ewes, CXCR4 was localized to somatotropes and gonadotropes on all days tested. Abundance of CXCR4 increased in the pituitary tissue of pregnant ewes with elevated circulating progesterone compared with pregnant ewes with normal circulating progesterone concentrations (control). The present study details CXCL12 and CXCR4 in normal ovine pituitary and reveals that gonadotropes and somatotropes may be regulated by CXCL12/CXCR4, underscoring this signaling axis as a potential new class of modulator in endocrine functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- N S Sanchez
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, PO Box 30003, MSC 3I, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - K E Quinn
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, PO Box 30003, MSC 3I, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - A K Ashley
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, New Mexico State University, PO Box 30003, MSC 3I, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - R L Ashley
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, PO Box 30003, MSC 3I, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA.
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12
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Li RH, Huang WH, Wu JD, Du CW, Zhang GJ. EGFR expression is associated with cytoplasmic staining of CXCR4 and predicts poor prognosis in triple-negative breast carcinomas. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:695-703. [PMID: 28356948 PMCID: PMC5351258 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.5489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the significance of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) and epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). CXCR4 and EGFR expression levels were immunohistochemically determined in 207 primary breast cancer specimens. The associations between receptor expression and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed, and receptor expression was also assessed as a prognostic factor. In the human MDA-MB-231 TNBC cell line, CXCR4 or EGFR was stably knocked down by short hairpin RNA, and the biological behavior of the cells, including migration, invasion and tumorigenesis, was investigated. The results revealed that TNBC was associated with younger age, higher histological grade and an aggressive phenotype. CXCR4 and EGFR were highly expressed in patients with TNBC, and those with high CXCR4 or EGFR expression exhibited an unfavorable prognosis in terms of disease-free survival and overall survival. In MDA-MB-231 cells, the expression of CXCR4 protein was decreased following EGFR silencing, while CXCR4 knockdown also caused a decrease in EGFR protein levels. The migratory and invasive capabilities of MDA-MB-231 cells were decreased following the knockdown of CXCR4 or EGFR expression. A strong correlation between CXCR4 and EGFR expression was identified in patients with TNBC. The results suggest that elevated expression levels of these two receptors may serve as predictive factors for poor prognosis in patients with TNBC. In addition, tumor proliferation, migration, invasion and tumorigenesis are weakened in MDA-MB-231 cells following suppression of CXCR4 or EGFR expression. Therefore, EGFR and CXCR4 may be potential therapeutic targets for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Hui Li
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
- Chang Jiang Scholar's Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
| | - Wen-He Huang
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Dong Wu
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
| | - Cai-Wen Du
- Chang Jiang Scholar's Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Jun Zhang
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
- Chang Jiang Scholar's Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Professor Guo-Jun Zhang, The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, 7 Raoping Road, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China, E-mail:
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Abstract
Male twin gestations exhibit higher incidence of fetal morbidity and mortality than singleton gestations. From an evolutionary perspective, the relatively high rates of infant and child mortality among male twins born into threatening environments reduce the fitness of these gestations, making them more vulnerable to fetal loss. Women do not perceive choosing to spontaneously abort gestations although the outcome may result from estimates, made without awareness, of the risks of continuing a pregnancy. Here, we examine whether the non-conscious decisional biology of gestation can be linked to conscious risk aversion. We test this speculation by measuring the association between household surveys in Sweden that gauge financial risk aversion in the population and the frequency of twins among live male births. We used time-series regression methods to estimate our suspected associations and Box-Jenkins modeling to ensure that autocorrelation did not confound the estimation or reduce its efficiency. We found, consistent with theory, that financial risk aversion in the population correlates inversely with the odds of a twin among Swedish males born two months later. The odds of a twin among males fell by approximately 3.5% two months after unexpectedly great risk aversion in the population. This work implies that shocks that affect population risk aversion carry implications for fetal loss in vulnerable twin pregnancies.
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14
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Coleson MPT, Sanchez NS, Ashley AK, Ross TT, Ashley RL. Human chorionic gonadotropin increases serum progesterone, number of corpora lutea and angiogenic factors in pregnant sheep. Reproduction 2015; 150:43-52. [PMID: 25861798 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Early gestation is a critical period when implantation and placental vascularization are established, processes influenced by progesterone (P4). Although human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is not endogenously synthesized by livestock, it binds the LH receptor, stimulating P4 synthesis. We hypothesized treating pregnant ewes with hCG would increase serum P4, number of corpora lutea (CLs) and concepti, augment steroidogenic enzymes, and increase membrane P4 receptors (PAQRs) and angiogenic factors in reproductive tissues. The objective was to determine molecular alterations induced by hCG in pregnant sheep that may promote pregnancy. Ewes received either 600 IU of hCG or saline i.m. on day 4 post mating. Blood samples were collected daily from day 0 until tissue collection for serum P4 analysis. Reproductive tissues were collected on either day 13 or 25 of gestation and analyzed for PAQRs, CXCR4, proangiogenic factors and steroidogenic enzymes. Ewes receiving hCG had more CL and greater serum P4, which remained elevated. On day 25, StAR protein production decreased in CL from hCG-treated ewes while HSD3B1 was unchanged; further, expression of CXCR4 significantly increased and KDR tended to increase. PAQR7 and CXCR4 protein was increased in caruncle tissue from hCG-treated ewes. Maternal hCG exposure influenced fetal extraembryonic tissues, as VEGFA, VEGFB, FLT1, and ANGPT1 expression increased. Our results indicate hCG increases serum P4 due to augmented CL number per ewe. hCG treatment resulted in greater PAQR7 and CXCR4 in maternal endometrium and promoted expression of proangiogenic factors in fetal extraembryonic membranes. Supplementing livestock with hCG may boost P4 levels and improve reproductive efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan P T Coleson
- Department of Animal and Range SciencesNew Mexico State University, PO Box 30003, MSC 3I, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, USA
| | - Nicole S Sanchez
- Department of Animal and Range SciencesNew Mexico State University, PO Box 30003, MSC 3I, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, USA
| | - Amanda K Ashley
- Department of Animal and Range SciencesNew Mexico State University, PO Box 30003, MSC 3I, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, USA
| | - Timothy T Ross
- Department of Animal and Range SciencesNew Mexico State University, PO Box 30003, MSC 3I, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, USA
| | - Ryan L Ashley
- Department of Animal and Range SciencesNew Mexico State University, PO Box 30003, MSC 3I, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, USA
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15
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The regulation of inflammatory pathways and infectious disease of the cervix by seminal fluid. PATHOLOGY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:748740. [PMID: 25180120 PMCID: PMC4144323 DOI: 10.1155/2014/748740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The connection between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the consequent sequelae which establishes cervical neoplastic transformation and invasive cervical cancer has redefined many aspects of cervical cancer research. However there is still much that we do not know. In particular, the impact of external factors, like seminal fluid in sexually active women, on pathways that regulate cervical inflammation and tumorigenesis, have yet to be fully understood. HPV infection is regarded as the initiating noninflammatory cause of the disease; however emerging evidence points to resident HPV infections as drivers of inflammatory pathways that play important roles in tumorigenesis as well as in the susceptibility to other infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Moreover there is emerging evidence to support a role for seminal fluid, in particular, the inflammatory bioactive lipids, and prostaglandins which are present in vast quantities in seminal fluid in regulating pathways that can exacerbate inflammation of the cervix, speed up tumorigenesis, and enhance susceptibility to HIV infection. This review will highlight some of our current knowledge of the role of seminal fluid as a potent driver of inflammatory and tumorigenic pathways in the cervix and will provide some evidence to propose a role for seminal plasma prostaglandins in HIV infection and AIDS-related cancer.
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16
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Sales KJ, Adefuye A, Nicholson L, Katz AA. CCR5 expression is elevated in cervical cancer cells and is up-regulated by seminal plasma. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:1144-57. [PMID: 25103627 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The interplay between inflammation, cervical cancer and HIV acquisition in women is poorly understood. We have previously shown that seminal plasma (SP) can promote cervical tumour cell growth in vitro and in vivo via the activation of potent inflammatory pathways. In this study, we investigated whether SP could regulate expression of chemokine receptors with known roles in HIV infection, in the cervix and in cervical cancer. The expression of CD4 and CCR5 was investigated by RT-PCR analysis and immunohistochemistry. CD4 and CCR5 expression was elevated in cervical cancer tissue compared with normal cervix. Ex vivo studies conducted on cervical tissues and HeLa cells showed that SP significantly increases the expression of CD4 and CCR5 transcripts. Furthermore, it was found that SP also up-regulates CCR5 protein in HeLa cells. The regulation of CCR5 expression was investigated following treatment of HeLa cells with SP in the presence/absence of chemical inhibitors of intracellular signalling, EP2 and EP4 antagonists, prostaglandin (PG) E2 and a cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 doxycycline-inducible expression system. These experiments demonstrated that the regulation of CCR5 expression by SP occurs via the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-COX-1-PGE2 pathway. This study provides a link between activation of inflammatory pathways and regulation of HIV receptor expression in cervical cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt J Sales
- MRC/UCT Receptor Biology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Division of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
| | - Anthonio Adefuye
- MRC/UCT Receptor Biology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Division of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
| | - Lauren Nicholson
- MRC/UCT Receptor Biology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Division of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
| | - Arieh A Katz
- MRC/UCT Receptor Biology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Division of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
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17
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Liu L, Wang Y, Yu Q. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway exerts effects on the implantation of mouse embryos by regulating the expression of RhoA. Int J Mol Med 2014; 33:1089-96. [PMID: 24638941 PMCID: PMC4020477 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2014.1701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate whether the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway affects the implantation of mouse embryos by regulating the expression of RhoA. The expression of PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated (p-)Akt, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and RhoA in the uterus of mice on day 5 of pregnancy (D5) and in pseudopregnant mice was examined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. A functional analysis of these genes was also performed by the intrauterine injection with the PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, on day 2 of pregnancy (D2). The expression levels of PI3K, p-Akt, RhoA at the implantation site were higher than those at the inter-implantation site in the endometrium; however, opposite effects were observed for PTEN expression. The expression levels of the above genes in the pseudopregnant group and in the group injected with the PI3K/Akt inhibitor, LY294002, were markedly lower than those in the pregnant group. Functional experiments revealed that the number of implantation sites had been significantly decreased (P<0.05) following the intrauterine injection of the PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, on day 2 of gestation compared with the contralateral injection of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). These results suggest that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway affects embryo implantation by regulating the expression of RhoA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Liu
- College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Yingxiong Wang
- College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Qiubo Yu
- Molecular Medical Laboratory, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
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18
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Sengupta J, Ghosh D. Multi-level and multi-scale integrative approach to the understanding of human blastocyst implantation. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 114:49-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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19
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Transcriptome analysis reveals new insights into the modulation of endometrial stromal cell receptive phenotype by embryo-derived signals interleukin-1 and human chorionic gonadotropin: possible involvement in early embryo implantation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64829. [PMID: 23717664 PMCID: PMC3661534 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of the conceptus in uterine cavity necessitates an elaborate network of interactions between the implanting embryo and a receptive endometrial tissue. We believe that embryo-derived signals play an important role in the remodeling and the extension of endometrial receptivity period. Our previous studies provided original evidence that human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) modulates and potentiates endometrial epithelial as well as stromal cell responsiveness to interleukin 1 (IL1), one of the earliest embryonic signals, which may represent a novel pathway by which the embryo favors its own implantation and growth within the maternal endometrial host. The present study was designed to gain a broader understanding of hCG impact on the modulation of endometrial cell receptivity, and in particular, cell responsiveness to IL1 and the acquisition of growth-promoting phenotype capable of receiving, sustaining, and promoting early and crucial steps of embryonic development. Our results showed significant changes in the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, immune modulation, tissue remodeling, apoptotic and angiogenic processes. This points to a relevant impact of these embryonic signals on the receptivity of the maternal endometrium, its adaptation to the implanting embryo and the creation of an environment that is favorable for the implantation and the growth of this latter within a new and likely hostile host tissue. Interestingly our data further identified a complex interaction between IL1 and hCG, which, despite a synergistic action on several significant endometrial target genes, may encompass a tight control of endogenous IL1 and extends to other IL1 family members.
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20
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Sela H, Goldman-Wohl D, Haimov-Kochman R, Greenfield C, Natanson-Yaron S, Hamani Y, Revel A, Lavy Y, Singer O, Yachimovich-Cohen N, Turetsky T, Mandelboim O, Reubinoff B, Yagel S. Human trophectoderm apposition is regulated by interferon γ-induced protein 10 (IP-10) during early implantation. Placenta 2013; 34:222-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2012] [Revised: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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21
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Bernardini L, Moretti-Rojas I, Brush M, Rojas FJ, Balmaceda JP. Failure of hCG/LH receptors to stimulate the transmembrane effector adenylyl cyclase in human endometrium. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/abb.2013.410126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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22
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Catalano R, Margerison-Zilko C, Goldman-Mellor S, Pearl M, Anderson E, Saxton K, Bruckner T, Subbaraman M, Goodman J, Epstein M, Currier R, Kharrazi M. Natural selection in utero induced by mass layoffs: the hCG evidence. Evol Appl 2012; 5:796-805. [PMID: 23346225 PMCID: PMC3552398 DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-4571.2012.00258.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolutionary theory, when coupled with research from epidemiology, demography, and population endocrinology, suggests that contracting economies affect the fitness and health of human populations via natural selection in utero. We know, for example, that fetal death increases more among males than females when the economy unexpectedly contracts; that unexpected economic contraction predicts low secondary sex ratios; and that males from low sex ratio birth cohorts live, on average, longer than those from high sex ratio cohorts. We also know that low levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (i.e., hCG) measured in the serum of pregnant women predict fetal death. We do not, however, know whether male survivors of conception cohorts subjected to contracting economies exhibit, as theory predicts, higher hCG than those from other cohorts. We show, in 71 monthly conception cohorts including nearly two million California births, that they do. We thereby add to the literature suggesting that the economy, a phenomenon over which we collectively exercise at least some control, affects population health. Our findings imply that the effect arises via natural selection - a mechanism we largely ignore when attempting to explain, or alter, how collective choice affects our biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Catalano
- School of Public Health, University of CaliforniaBerkeley, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Michelle Pearl
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public HealthRichmond, CA, USA
| | | | - Katherine Saxton
- School of Public Health, University of CaliforniaBerkeley, CA, USA
| | - Tim Bruckner
- Departments of Public Health and Planning, Policy and Design, University of CaliforniaIrvine, CA, USA
| | | | - Julia Goodman
- School of Public Health, University of CaliforniaBerkeley, CA, USA
| | - Mollie Epstein
- School of Public Health, University of CaliforniaBerkeley, CA, USA
| | - Robert Currier
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public HealthRichmond, CA, USA
| | - Martin Kharrazi
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public HealthRichmond, CA, USA
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23
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Catalano RA, Saxton KB, Bruckner TA, Pearl M, Anderson E, Goldman-Mellor S, Margerison-Zilko C, Subbaraman M, Currier RJ, Kharrazi M. Hormonal evidence supports the theory of selection in utero. Am J Hum Biol 2012; 24:526-32. [PMID: 22411168 PMCID: PMC3372670 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.22265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Antagonists in the debate over whether the maternal stress response during pregnancy damages or culls fetuses have invoked the theory of selection in utero to support opposing positions. We describe how these opposing arguments arise from the same theory and offer a novel test to discriminate between them. Our test, rooted in reports from population endocrinology that human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) signals fetal fitness, contributes not only to the debate over the fetal origins of illness, but also to the more basic literature concerned with whether and how natural selection in utero affects contemporary human populations. METHODS We linked maternal serum hCG measurements from prenatal screening tests with data from the California Department of Public Health birth registry for the years 2001-2007. We used time series analysis to test the association between the number of live-born male singletons and median hCG concentration among males in monthly gestational cohorts. RESULTS Among the 1.56 million gestations in our analysis, we find that median hCG levels among male survivors of monthly conception cohorts rise as the number of male survivors falls. RESULTS Elevated median hCG among relatively small male birth cohorts supports the theory of selection in utero and suggests that the maternal stress response culls cohorts in gestation by raising the fitness criterion for survival to birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- RA Catalano
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA
| | - KB Saxton
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA
| | - TA Bruckner
- Public Health and Planning, Policy and Design, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-7075, USA
| | - M Pearl
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - E Anderson
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA
| | - S Goldman-Mellor
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA
| | - C Margerison-Zilko
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA
| | - M Subbaraman
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA
| | - RJ Currier
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - M Kharrazi
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
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24
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Huang Y, Cai LW, Yang R. Expression of maspin in the early pregnant mouse endometrium and its role during embryonic implantation. Comp Med 2012; 62:179-184. [PMID: 22776050 PMCID: PMC3364701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Revised: 08/26/2011] [Accepted: 12/17/2011] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Maspin (serpin B5), a tumor-suppressing member of the serine protease inhibitor family, participates in cell migration, adhesion, invasion, and apoptosis. These processes are also critical for embryo implantation, but the role of maspin in embryo implantation remains poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the spatiotemporal expression of maspin in early pregnant mouse endometrium and its role in embryo implantation. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were used to detect mRNA and protein expression of maspin in the endometria of nonpregnant and early pregnant (days 0 to 7) mice. On day 3 of pregnancy, mice in the treated group (n = 20) were injected in the left uterine horn with antimaspin polyclonal antibody and in the right horn with purified rabbit IgG; control mice (n = 20) were injected only with purified rabbit IgG in the right uterine horn. Implanted embryos were counted on pregnant day 8. The mRNA and protein expressions of maspin were higher in the endometria of pregnant mice than nonpregnant mice; these levels gradually increased from day 1 of pregnancy, peaked on day 5, and then decreased on days 6 and 7. The mice treated with antimaspin polyclonal antibody group had far fewer implanted embryos than did the control group. Taken together, these results suggest that maspin, a tumor suppressor, may play an important role in embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Huang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and
| | | | - Rong Yang
- Department of the Reproductive Physiology, College of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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25
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Adefuye A, Sales K. Regulation of inflammatory pathways in cancer and infectious disease of the cervix. SCIENTIFICA 2012; 2012:548150. [PMID: 24278714 PMCID: PMC3820442 DOI: 10.6064/2012/548150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the leading gynaecological malignancies worldwide. It is an infectious disease of the cervix, associated with human papillomavirus infection (HPV), infection with bacterial agents such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoea as well as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Furthermore, it is an AIDS-defining disease with an accelerated mortality in HIV-infected women with cervical cancer. With the introduction of robust vaccination strategies against HPV in the developed world, it is anticipated that the incidence of cervical cancer will decrease in the coming years. However, vaccination has limited benefit for women already infected with high-risk HPV, and alternative therapeutic intervention strategies are needed for these women. Many pathological disorders, including cervical cancer, are characterised by the exacerbated activation and maintenance of inflammatory pathways which are considered to be regulated by infectious agents. In cervical cancer, hyperactivation of these inflammatory pathways and regulation of immune infiltrate into tissues can potentially play a role not only in tumorigenesis but also in HIV infection. In this paper we will discuss the contribution of inflammatory pathways to cervical cancer progression and HIV infection and the role of HIV in cervical cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthonio Adefuye
- MRC/UCT Research Group for Receptor Biology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Division of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Kurt Sales
- MRC/UCT Research Group for Receptor Biology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Division of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
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Lee J, Banu SK, Nithy TK, Stanley JA, Arosh JA. Early pregnancy induced expression of prostaglandin E2 receptors EP2 and EP4 in the ovine endometrium and regulated by interferon tau through multiple cell signaling pathways. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 348:211-23. [PMID: 21907262 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2010] [Revised: 08/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)) plays pleiotropic roles at fetal-maternal interface during establishment of pregnancy. The objectives of the study were to: (i) determine regulation of PGE2 receptors EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 in the endometrium during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy; and (ii) understand endometrial epithelial and stromal cell-specific hormonal regulation of EP2 and EP4 in sheep. Results indicate that: (i) early pregnancy induces expression of EP2 and EP4 but not EP1 and EP3 proteins in the endometrium on days 12-16 compared to that of estrous cycle; (ii) intrauterine infusion of interferon tau (IFNT) increases expression of EP2 and EP4 proteins in endometrium; and (iii) IFNT activates distinct epithelial and stromal cell-specific JAK, EGFR, ERK1/2, AKT, or JNK signaling module to regulate expression of EP2 and EP4 proteins in the ovine endometrium. Our results indicate a role for EP2 and EP4-mediated PGE(2) signaling in endometrial functions and establishment of pregnancy in ruminants.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cells, Cultured
- Endometrium/cytology
- Endometrium/metabolism
- Epithelial Cells/metabolism
- Estrous Cycle/genetics
- Estrous Cycle/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Interferon Type I/pharmacology
- Interferon Type I/physiology
- Male
- Phosphorylation
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Proteins/pharmacology
- Pregnancy Proteins/physiology
- Protein Kinases/metabolism
- Receptors, Prostaglandin E/genetics
- Receptors, Prostaglandin E/metabolism
- Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP2 Subtype/genetics
- Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP2 Subtype/metabolism
- Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP4 Subtype/genetics
- Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP4 Subtype/metabolism
- Sheep
- Signal Transduction
- Stromal Cells/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- JeHoon Lee
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Abstract
The primary embryonic signal in primates is chorionic gonadotropin (CG, designated hCG in humans), that is classically associated with corpus luteum rescue and progesterone production. However, research over the past decade has revealed the presence of the hCG receptor in a variety of extragonadal tissues. Additionally, discoveries of the multiple variants of hCG, namely, native hCG, hyperglycosylated hCG (hyp-hCG) and the β- subunit of the hyperglycosylated hCG (hCG-free β) has established a role for extragonadal actions of hCG. For the initiation and maintenance of pregnancy, hCG mediates multiple placental, uterine and fetal functions. Some of these include development of syncytiotrophoblast cells, mitotic growth and differentiation of the endometrium, localized suppression of the maternal immune system, modulation of uterine morphology and gene expression and coordination of intricate signal transduction between the endometrium. Recurrent pregnancy loss, pre-eclampsia and endometriosis are associated with altered responses of hCG, all of which have a detrimental effect on pregnancy. A role for hyp-hCG in mediating the development of both trophoblastic and non-trophoblastic tumors has also been suggested. Other significant non-gonadal applications of hCG include predicting preeclampsia, determining the risk of Down's syndrome and gestational trophoblastic disease, along with relaxing myometrial contractility and preventing recurrent miscarriages. Presence of hCG free-β in serum of cancer patients enables its usage as a diagnostic tumor marker. Thus, the extragonadal functions of hCG encompasses a wide spectrum of applications and is an open area for continued investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajna Banerjee
- Department of Medicine/Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Asgerally T. Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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Lemons AR, Naz RK. Contraceptive vaccines targeting factors involved in establishment of pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66:13-25. [PMID: 21481058 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2011.01001.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Current methods of contraception lack specificity and are accompanied with serious side effects. A more specific method of contraception is needed. Contraceptive vaccines can provide most, if not all, the desired characteristics of an ideal contraceptive. This article reviews several factors involved in the establishment of pregnancy, focusing on those that are essential for successful implantation. Factors that are both essential and pregnancy-specific can provide potential targets for contraception. Using database search, 76 factors (cytokines/chemokines/growth factors/others) were identified that are involved in various steps of the establishment of pregnancy. Among these factors, three, namely chorionic gonadotropin (CG), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and pre-implantation factor (PIF), are found to be unique and exciting molecules. Human CG is a well-known pregnancy-specific protein that has undergone phase I and phase II clinical trials, in women, as a contraceptive vaccine with encouraging results. LIF and PIF are pregnancy-specific and essential for successful implantation. These molecules are intriguing and may provide viable targets for immunocontraception. A multiepitope vaccine combining factors/antigens involved in various steps of the fertilization cascade and pregnancy establishment may provide a highly immunogenic and efficacious modality for contraception in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R Lemons
- Reproductive Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, 1 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506-9186, USA
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