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Ma F, Ding N, Xie L, Zhao X, Ma S, Li G, Hao Y, Xiong J, Wu K, Jiang Y, Zhang H. Inhibition of autophagy via 3-methyladenine alleviates the progression of preeclampsia. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2024. [PMID: 38978504 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a cellular mechanism for self-renewal that involves the breakdown of cytoplasmic proteins or organelles within lysosomes. Although preeclampsia (PE) exhibits several characteristics that could imply disrupted autophagy, there is limited evidence supporting the notion that impaired placental autophagy directly causes PE, as indicated by differential expression profiling of whole placental tissue. In this study, we aim to explore the significance of autophagy in maintaining pregnancy and its association with PE. First, the RNA-seq results show that 218 genes are differentially expressed in placentas from preeclamptic pregnancies. Notably, KEGG pathway analysis reveals significant enrichment of genes related to autophagy-related signaling pathways, including the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the AMPK signaling pathway, and the mTOR signaling pathway. Additionally, our findings indicate an increase in autophagy in placentas from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia as well as in trophoblasts subjected to hypoxic conditions. Next, we examine the impact of 3-methyladenine (3-MA), a targeted inhibitor of autophagy, on the progression of PE. The administration of 3-MA profoundly alleviates the severity of PE-like symptoms in rats subjected to reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP). The findings from our study suggest that inhibiting autophagy may serve as a promising approach for adjuvant chemotherapy for PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Ma
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Ning Ding
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Lin Xie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Shengchao Ma
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Guizhong Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yinju Hao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jiantuan Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Kai Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yideng Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Vascular Injury and Repair Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Huiping Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Maternal and Child Health of Hunan Province, Changsha 410008, China
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
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Li Z, Dai F, Zhu R, Zhang Y, Chen J, Chen L, Liu H, Cheng Y. Dysregulation of CREB5 Impairs Decidualization and Maternal-Fetal Interactions by Inhibiting Autophagy in Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1983-2000. [PMID: 38424407 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01474-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinically, recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a pregnancy illness that is difficult to treat. Impaired decidualization is a documented cause of RSA, but the etiology and mechanism are still unknown. cAMP-responsive element binding protein 5 (CREB5) is a member of the ATF/CREB family. CREB5 has been reported to be related to pathological pregnancy, but there are few related studies on this topic in patients with RSA, and the underlying mechanism is unclear. METHODS We collected decidual tissues from RSA patients and healthy pregnant women to measure the expression level of CREB5, PRL, IGFBP1, ATG5, LC3B, and SQSTM/p62. Then, the changes in CREB5 expression and autophagy levels were measured in human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) during decidualization. The expression levels of PRL and IGFBP1 were tested in sh-CREB5/ov-CREB5 hESCs after decidualization induction, and the autophagy level in sh-CREB5/ov-CREB5 hESCs was measured without decidualization induction. The decidualization ability of sh-CREB5 and ov-CREB5 hESCs treated with an autophagy inducer or inhibitor was measured. To investigate the effect of CREB5 in hESCs on the invasion and migration of HTR8/SVneo cells, we performed a coculture experiment. Finally, we examined the expression of CREB5 and autophagy key proteins in mouse decidual tissues by constructing an abortion mouse model. RESULTS In our study, we found that the expression of CREB5 was unusually elevated in the uterine decidua of RSA patients, but the expression of PRL, IGFBP1, and autophagy were decreased. During the decidualization of hESCs, the expression of CREB5 gradually decreases in a time-dependent manner with increasing autophagy. Moreover, by knocking down or overexpressing CREB5 in hESCs, it was found that CREB5 can impair decidualization and reduce autophagy in hESCs. Furthermore, the damage caused by CREB5 in terms of decidualization can be reversed by the addition of an autophagy inducer (rapamycin). In addition, CREB5 can increase the secretion of proteins (IL-1β and TGF-β1) in hESCs to inhibit trophoblast invasion and migration. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the supposition that CREB5 disturbs the decidualization of endometrial stromal cells and interactions at the maternal-fetal interface by inhibiting autophagy and that its abnormal upregulation and dysfunction may lead to RSA. It may function as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for RSA. Similarly, we found that in the spontaneous abortion mouse model, the expression of CREB5 in the decidual tissue of the abortion group was significantly increased, and autophagy was decreased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhidian Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangfang Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Ronghui Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuwei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Chen
- Caidian District People's Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei, 430100, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanxiang Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China.
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Hablase R, Kyrou I, Randeva H, Karteris E, Chatterjee J. The "Road" to Malignant Transformation from Endometriosis to Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancers (EAOCs): An mTOR-Centred Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2160. [PMID: 38893278 PMCID: PMC11172073 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16112160] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is an umbrella term covering a number of distinct subtypes. Endometrioid and clear-cell ovarian carcinoma are endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers (EAOCs) frequently arising from ectopic endometrium in the ovary. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a crucial regulator of cellular homeostasis and is dysregulated in both endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer, potentially favouring carcinogenesis across a spectrum from benign disease with cancer-like characteristics, through an atypical phase, to frank malignancy. In this review, we focus on mTOR dysregulation in endometriosis and EAOCs, investigating cancer driver gene mutations and their potential interaction with the mTOR pathway. Additionally, we explore the complex pathogenesis of transformation, considering environmental, hormonal, and epigenetic factors. We then discuss postmenopausal endometriosis pathogenesis and propensity for malignant transformation. Finally, we summarize the current advancements in mTOR-targeted therapeutics for endometriosis and EAOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Hablase
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB83PH, UK; (R.H.); (E.K.)
- Academic Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK
| | - Ioannis Kyrou
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK (H.R.)
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Institute for Cardiometabolic Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
- Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Harpal Randeva
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK (H.R.)
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Institute for Cardiometabolic Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
| | - Emmanouil Karteris
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB83PH, UK; (R.H.); (E.K.)
| | - Jayanta Chatterjee
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB83PH, UK; (R.H.); (E.K.)
- Academic Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK
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Wang B, Gao M, Yao Y, Shen H, Li H, Sun J, Wang L, Zhang X. Enhancing endometrial receptivity: the roles of human chorionic gonadotropin in autophagy and apoptosis regulation in endometrial stromal cells. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:37. [PMID: 38576003 PMCID: PMC10993617 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01205-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Inadequate endometrial receptivity often results in embryo implantation failure and miscarriage. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a key signaling molecule secreted during early embryonic development, which regulates embryonic maternal interface signaling and promotes embryo implantation. This study aimed to examine the impact of hCG on endometrial receptivity and its underlying mechanisms. An exploratory study was designed, and endometrial samples were obtained from women diagnosed with simple tubal infertility or male factor infertile (n = 12) and recurrent implantation failure (RIF, n = 10). Using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting, luteinizing hormone (LH)/hCG receptor (LHCGR) levels and autophagy were detected in the endometrial tissues. Subsequently, primary endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) were isolated from these control groups and treated with hCG to examine the presence of LHCGR and markers of endometrial receptivity (HOXA10, ITGB3, FOXO1, LIF, and L-selectin ligand) and autophagy-related factors (Beclin1, LC3, and P62). The findings revealed that the expressions of receptivity factors, LHCGR, and LC3 were reduced in the endometrial tissues of women with RIF compared with the control group, whereas the expression of P62 was elevated. The administration of hCG to ESCs specifically activated LHCGR, stimulating an increase in the endometrial production of HOXA10, ITGB3, FOXO1, LIF and L-selectin ligands. Furthermore, when ESCs were exposed to 0.1 IU/mL hCG for 72 h, the autophagy factors Beclin1 and LC3 increased within the cells and P62 decreased. Moreover, the apoptotic factor Bax increased and Bcl-2 declined. However, when small interfering RNA was used to knock down LHCGR, hCG was less capable of controlling endometrial receptivity and autophagy molecules in ESCs. In addition, hCG stimulation enhanced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and mTOR proteins. These results suggest that women with RIF exhibit lower levels of LHCGR and compromised autophagy function in their endometrial tissues. Thus, hCG/LHCGR could potentially improve endometrial receptivity by modulating autophagy and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingxia Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Ying Yao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haofei Shen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Sun
- Medical Laboratory Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Liyan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
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Ajdary M, Kashi AM, Derakhshan R, Chaichian S, Tahermanesh K, Mehdizadeh M, Minaeian S, Govahi A. NLRP3 concentration, oxidants, and antioxidants in plasma of endometriosis patients undergoing treatment with dienogest. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2024; 53:102744. [PMID: 38346495 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2024.102744] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) is a cytosolic multi-protein complex that induces inflammation and is negatively regulated by progesterone. Previous researches have reported abnormal induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and progesterone resistance in endometriosis (EM). Since progesterone regulates ROS level and, consequently, inflammation, our objective is to investigate whether dienogest (DNG) regulates NLRP3 and whether the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome by DNG in the blood plasma of patients with EM can affect oxidant and antioxidant markers. METHODS Plasma samples were obtained from control and EM patients experiencing pain symptoms to measure the level of NLRP3, oxidants, and antioxidants. Subsequently, these patients were given oral DNG 2 mg/day for six months for drug treatment. After six months, plasma samples were collected from the patients for re-examination. RESULTS The findings indicate that DNG reduced NLRP3 concentration and oxidant production while increasing antioxidant production in blood plasma. By reducing NLRP3, DNG was able to alleviate inflammation and pain caused by inflammation in EM patients. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the use of DNG in EM patients resulted in a decrease in NLRP3 concentration in the patient's plasma. Furthermore, this effect was enhanced by balancing oxidant/antioxidant levels, which may contribute to reducing inflammation associated with EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marziyeh Ajdary
- Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Roya Derakhshan
- Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahla Chaichian
- Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kobra Tahermanesh
- Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mehdizadeh
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Anatomy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Minaeian
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Govahi
- Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Choi J, Jo M, Lee E, Kim SE, Lee DY, Choi D. Dienogest attenuates STAT3 activation in ovarian endometriotic cysts. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 294:217-221. [PMID: 38301500 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.01.013] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent studies have suggested that endometriosis could be the result of excessive activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which is associated with the regulation of essential cellular mechanisms such as proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis. That finding implies that regulating STAT3 activation could play a key role in treating endometriosis. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate whether the anti-endometriotic effects of dienogest is mediated by the regulation of STAT3 activation. STUDY DESIGN STAT3 activation was evaluated in normal endometrial and ovarian endometriotic tissues obtained from patients with/without preoperative dienogest treatment. A subsequent in vitro analysis with endometriotic cyst stromal cells (ECSCs) was used to confirm the direct influence of dienogest in STAT3 activation. RESULT STAT3 activation is significantly higher in endometriotic tissues from non-treated patients than in normal endometrial tissues, and that difference is reversed by preoperative administration of dienogest. Similarly, the inhibitory effects of dienogest on STAT3 activation are demonstrated by in vitro results showing that dienogest treatment significantly inhibits IL-6-stimulated STAT3 activation in cultured ECSCs. That inhibition was accompanied by decreased expression of proliferative (PCNA), invasive (MMP-2), and anti-apoptotic (BCL-2) proteins. Furthermore, downregulating STAT3 activity with siRNA decreased PCNA, MMP-2, and BCL-2 expression in IL-6-treated ECSCs. CONCLUSION Dienogest inhibits STAT3 activation in ECSCs, which affects their proliferation, invasiveness, and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- JongYeob Choi
- Infertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - MinWha Jo
- Center for Clinical Research, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - EunYoung Lee
- Infertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Eun Kim
- Infertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Yun Lee
- Infertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - DooSeok Choi
- Infertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea.
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Kobayashi H, Imanaka S, Yoshimoto C, Matsubara S, Shigetomi H. Molecular mechanism of autophagy and apoptosis in endometriosis: Current understanding and future research directions. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12577. [PMID: 38645639 PMCID: PMC11031673 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition, with symptoms including pain and infertility. Regurgitated endometrial cells into the peritoneal cavity encounter hypoxia and nutrient starvation. Endometriotic cells have evolved various adaptive mechanisms to survive in this inevitable condition. These adaptations include escape from apoptosis. Autophagy, a self-degradation system, controls apoptosis during stress conditions. However, to date, the mechanisms regulating the interplay between autophagy and apoptosis are still poorly understood. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the molecular characteristics of autophagy in endometriosis and discuss future therapeutic challenges. Methods A search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases were used to identify relevant studies for this narrative literature review. Results Autophagy may be dynamically regulated through various intrinsic (e.g., PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal transduction network) and extrinsic (e.g., hypoxia and iron-mediated oxidative stress) pathways, contributing to the development and progression of endometriosis. Upregulation of mTOR expression suppresses apoptosis via inhibiting the autophagy pathway, whereas hypoxia or excess iron often inhibits apoptosis via promoting autophagy. Conclusion Endometriotic cells may have acquired antiapoptotic mechanisms through unique intrinsic and extrinsic autophagy pathways to survive in changing environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kobayashi
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive MedicineMs.Clinic MayOneKashiharaJapan
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNara Medical UniversityKashiharaJapan
| | - Shogo Imanaka
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive MedicineMs.Clinic MayOneKashiharaJapan
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNara Medical UniversityKashiharaJapan
| | - Chiharu Yoshimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNara Medical UniversityKashiharaJapan
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNara Prefecture General Medical CenterNaraJapan
| | - Sho Matsubara
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNara Medical UniversityKashiharaJapan
- Department of MedicineKei Oushin ClinicNishinomiyaJapan
| | - Hiroshi Shigetomi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNara Medical UniversityKashiharaJapan
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive MedicineAska Ladies ClinicNaraJapan
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Driva TS, Schatz C, Haybaeck J. Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Carcinomas: How PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway Affects Their Pathogenesis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1253. [PMID: 37627318 PMCID: PMC10452661 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian clear cell (OCCC) and endometrioid (EnOC) carcinomas are often subsumed under the umbrella term "endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer" (EAOC), since they frequently arise from ectopic endometrium settled in the ovaries. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is known to be aberrantly activated both in endometriosis and EAOC; however, its role in the progression of endometriosis to ovarian cancer remains unclear. In fact, cancer-associated alterations in the mTOR pathway may be found in normal uterine epithelium, likely acting as a first step towards ovarian cancer, through the intermediary stage of endometriosis. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding mTOR signaling dysregulation in the uterine endometrium, endometriosis, and EAOC while focusing on the interconnections between the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and other signaling molecules that give rise to synergistic molecular mechanisms triggering ovarian cancer development in the presence of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana S. Driva
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christoph Schatz
- Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes Haybaeck
- Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Diagnostic & Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
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Zhang M, Xu T, Tong D, Li S, Yu X, Liu B, Jiang L, Liu K. Research advances in endometriosis-related signaling pathways: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114909. [PMID: 37210898 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is characterized by the existence of endometrial mucosa outside the uterine cavity, which causesinfertility, persistent aches, and a decline in women's quality of life. Both hormone therapies and nonhormone therapies, such as NSAIDs, are ineffective, generic categories of EM drugs. Endometriosis is a benign gynecological condition, yet it shares a number of features with cancer cells, including immune evasion, survival, adhesion, invasion, and angiogenesis. Several endometriosis-related signaling pathways are comprehensively reviewed in this article, including E2, NF-κB, MAPK, ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, YAP, Wnt/β-catenin, Rho/ROCK, TGF-β, VEGF, NO, iron, cytokines and chemokines. To find and develop novel medications for the treatment of EM, it is essential to implicitly determine the molecular pathways that are disordered during EM development. Additionally, research on the shared pathways between EM and tumors can provide hypotheses or suggestions for endometriosis therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manlin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tongtong Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Deming Tong
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Siman Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaodan Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Boya Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lili Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Kuiran Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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D’Amico R, Impellizzeri D, Cordaro M, Siracusa R, Interdonato L, Marino Y, Crupi R, Gugliandolo E, Macrì F, Di Paola D, Peritore AF, Fusco R, Cuzzocrea S, Di Paola R. Complex Interplay between Autophagy and Oxidative Stress in the Development of Endometriosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11122484. [PMID: 36552692 PMCID: PMC9774576 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11122484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (Endo) is a chronic gynecological disease. This paper aimed to evaluate the modulation of autophagy, oxidative stress and apoptosis with Açai Berries in a rat model of endometriosis. Endometriosis was induced with an intraperitoneal injection of minced uterus tissue from a donor rat into a recipient one. The abdominal high-frequency ultrasound (hfUS) analysis was performed at 7 and 14 days from the endometriosis induction to evaluate the growth of the lesion during the experiment. Seven days from the induction, once the lesions were implanted, an Açai Berry was administered daily by gavage for the next seven days. At the end of the experiment, the hfUS analysis showed a reduced lesion diameter in animals given the Açai Berry. A macroscopical and histological analysis confirmed this result. From the molecular point of view, Western blot analyses were conducted to evaluate the autophagy induction. Samples collected from the Endo group showed impaired autophagy, while the Açai Berry administration inhibited PI3K and AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation and promoted autophagy by inactivating mTOR. Additionally, Açai Berry administration dephosphorylated ATG1, promoting the activity of the ATG1/ULK1 complex that recruited Ambra1/Beclin1 and Atg9 to promote autophagosome nucleation and LC3II expression. Açai Berry administration also restored mitophagy, which increased Parkin cytosolic expression. The Açai Berry increased the expression of NRF2 in the nucleus and the expression of its downstream antioxidant proteins as NQO-1 and HO-1, thereby restoring the oxidative imbalance. It also restored the impaired apoptotic pathway by reducing BCL-2 and increasing BAX expression. This result was also confirmed by the TUNEL assay. Overall, our results displayed that Açai Berry administration was able to modulate autophagy, oxidative stress and apoptosis during endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona D’Amico
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Daniela Impellizzeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Marika Cordaro
- Department of Biomedical, Dental and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosalba Siracusa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Livia Interdonato
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Ylenia Marino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosalia Crupi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Annunzita, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Enrico Gugliandolo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Annunzita, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Macrì
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Annunzita, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Davide Di Paola
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessio Filippo Peritore
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta Fusco
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosanna Di Paola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Annunzita, 98168 Messina, Italy
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Zhou Z, Wang H, Zhang X, Song M, Yao S, Jiang P, Liu D, Wang Z, Lv H, Li R, Hong Y, Dai J, Hu Y, Zhao G. Defective autophagy contributes to endometrial epithelial-mesenchymal transition in intrauterine adhesions. Autophagy 2022; 18:2427-2442. [PMID: 35196191 PMCID: PMC9542425 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2022.2038994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesions (IUA), characterized by endometrial fibrosis, is a common cause of uterine infertility. We previously demonstrated that partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the loss of epithelial homeostasis play a vital role in the development of endometrial fibrosis. As a pro-survival strategy in maintaining cell and tissue homeostasis, macroautophagy/autophagy, conversely, may participate in this process. However, the role of autophagy in endometrial fibrosis remains unknown. Here, we demonstrated that autophagy is defective in endometria of IUA patients, which aggravates EMT and endometrial fibrosis, and defective autophagy is related to DIO2 (iodothyronine deiodinase 2) downregulation. In endometrial epithelial cells (EECs), pharmacological inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine (CQ) promoted EEC-EMT, whereas enhanced autophagy by rapamycin extenuated this process. Mechanistically, silencing DIO2 in EECs blocked autophagic flux and promoted EMT via the MAPK/ERK-MTOR pathway. Inversely, overexpression of DIO2 or triiodothyronine (T3) treatment could restore autophagy and partly reverse EEC-EMT. Furthermore, in an IUA-like mouse model, the autophagy in endometrium was defective accompanied by EEC-EMT, and CQ could inhibit autophagy and aggravate endometrial fibrosis, whereas rapamycin or T3 treatment could improve the autophagic levels and blunt endometrial fibrosis. Together, we demonstrated that defective autophagy played an important role in EEC-EMT in IUA via the DIO2-MAPK/ERK-MTOR pathway, which provided a potential target for therapeutic implications.Abbreviations: ACTA2/α-SMA: actin alpha 2, smooth muscle; AMPK: adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase; AKT/protein kinase B: AKT serine/threonine kinase; ATG: autophagy related; CDH1/E-cadherin: cadherin 1; CDH2/N-cadherin: cadherin 2; CQ: chloroquine; CTSD: cathepsin D; DIO2: iodothyronine deiodinase 2; DEGs: differentially expressed genes; EECs: endometrial epithelial cells; EMT: epithelial-mesenchymal transition; FN1: fibronectin 1; IUA: intrauterine adhesions; LAMP1: lysosomal associated membrane protein 1; LPS: lipopolysaccharide; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; Rapa: rapamycin; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; T3: triiodothyronine; T4: tetraiodothyronine; TFEB: transcription factor EB; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; TEM: transmission electron microscopy; TGFB/TGFβ: transforming growth factor beta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drum Tower Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiyan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drum Tower Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiwen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Minmin Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Simin Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Peipei Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Haining Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruotian Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drum Tower Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China,Jianwu Dai Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 3 Nanyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yali Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drum Tower Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Yali Hu
| | - Guangfeng Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drum Tower Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,CONTACT Guangfeng Zhao Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
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12
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The Role of Endometrial Stem/Progenitor Cells in Recurrent Reproductive Failure. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12050775. [PMID: 35629197 PMCID: PMC9143189 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), collectively referred to as recurrent reproductive failure (RRF), are both challenging conditions with many unanswered questions relating to causes and management options. Both conditions are proposed to be related to an aberrant endometrial microenvironment, with different proposed aetiologies related to a restrictive or permissive endometrium for an invading embryo. The impressive regenerative capacity of the human endometrium has been well-established and has led to the isolation and characterisation of several subtypes of endometrial stem/progenitor cells (eSPCs). eSPCs are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of endometrium-related disorders (such as endometriosis) and have been proposed to be implicated in the pathogenesis of RRF. This review appraises the current knowledge of eSPCs, and their involvement in RRF, highlighting the considerable unknown aspects in this field, and providing avenues for future research to facilitate much-needed advances in the diagnosis and management of millions of women suffering with RRF.
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Choi J, Jo M, Lee E, Kim SE, Lee DY, Choi D. Inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome by progesterone is attenuated by abnormal autophagy induction in endometriotic cyst stromal cells: implications for endometriosis. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6554203. [PMID: 35333355 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a cytosolic multi-protein complex that induces inflammation and is known to be regulated negatively by autophagy. Previous studies reported an abnormal induction of autophagy linked to progesterone resistance in human endometriotic cells. Therefore, an aberrant autophagy induction response to progesterone might contribute to the altered inflammatory response observed in endometriotic tissues. To evaluate this hypothesis, we elucidate whether regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by ovarian steroids is mediated by autophagy in human endometrial stromal cells (NESCs) from patients with uterine leiomyoma (presumed normal) and whether abnormal autophagy induction in endometriotic cyst stromal cells (ECSCs) affects NLRP3 inflammasome-induced interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production. Our results show that estrogen enhanced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in NESCs, resulting in increased IL-1β production. Progesterone decreased NLRP3 inflammasome activity with an increase in autophagy induction in estrogen-treated NESCs. Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activity by progesterone was blocked by autophagy inhibition. However, progesterone failed to change NLRP3 inflammasome activity and autophagy induction in estrogen-treated ECSCs. By contrast, dienogest, a specific progesterone receptor agonist, reduced NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1β production through autophagy induction in ECSCs. Furthermore, autophagy induction was decreased and NLRP3 inflammasome activity was increased in endometriotic tissues, which was reversed by pre-operative administration of dienogest. In conclusion, our results suggest that progesterone inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation through autophagy in endometrial stromal cells. However, this inhibitory effect is attenuated in endometriotic stromal cells due to an aberrant autophagic response to progesterone, which could lead to an altered inflammatory response in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- JongYeob Choi
- Infertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, Korea
| | - MinWha Jo
- Center for Clinical Research, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, 06351, Korea
| | - EunYoung Lee
- Infertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, Korea
| | - Sung Eun Kim
- Infertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, Korea
| | - Dong-Yun Lee
- Infertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, Korea
| | - DooSeok Choi
- Infertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, Korea
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Effects of Low Luteinizing Hormone During Ovarian Stimulation on Endometrial Gene Expression and Function - Transcriptome Analysis During the Implantation Window. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:1908-1920. [PMID: 35170000 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00875-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study explored the impact of low luteinizing hormone (LH) levels during ovarian stimulation on endometrial function. Based on previous studies by us and others, we divided the patients into low (< 4 IU/L), medium (4-10 IU/L), and high (> 10 IU/L) LH groups. The study utilized a comparison control group design with three groups of 10 patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was applied for functional annotation. By analyzing the exon differentially expressed genes in the endometrium of these three patient groups during the embryo implantation window, we found that when compared to the medium LH group, low LH downregulated endometrial cell metabolism, including mitochondrial-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (Normalized Enrichment Scores, NES = - 1.53) and glycolytic metabolism (NES = - 1.22), immune regulation, and autophagy (NES = - 1.58). Transcription factors were the main regulators of cell function. We found that MCM2 was probably involved in regulating the endometrial function induced by low LH. MCM2 target genes were enriched in low LH group, NES = - 1.54. Low LH, but not high LH, altered the endometrial receptivity assay gene expression in comparison to the medium LH. Our results indicated that low LH impacted the endometrial cell function, with a greater effect than high LH. This research provides timely and necessary data on the involvement of LH in important endometrial cellular processes and these data support further clinical development of endometrial receptivity.
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Lin YK, Li YY, Li Y, Li DJ, Wang XL, Wang L, Yu M, Zhu YZ, Cheng JJ, Du MR. SCM-198 Prevents Endometriosis by Reversing Low Autophagy of Endometrial Stromal Cell via Balancing ERα and PR Signals. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:858176. [PMID: 35784569 PMCID: PMC9245568 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.858176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis (EMS), an endocrine-related inflammatory disease, is characterized by estrogen and progesterone imbalance in ectopic lesions. However, its pathogenic mechanism has not been fully elucidated. While SCM-198 is the synthetic form of leonurine and has multiple pharmacological activities such as antioxidation and anti-inflammation, it remains unknown whether it could inhibit the progress of EMS by regulating estrogen signaling and inflammation. METHODS The therapeutic effects of SCM-198 on EMS and its potential mechanism were analyzed by establishing EMS mouse models and performing an RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) assay. ELISA was performed to detect estrogen and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α concentrations in normal endometrial stromal cells (nESCs) and ectopic endometrial stromal cells (eESCs) with or without SCM-198 treatment. Western blotting, RNA silencing, and plasmid overexpression were used to analyze the relationship between inflammation, endocrine factors, and autophagy and the regulatory activity of SCM-198 on the inflammation-endocrine-autophagy axis. RESULTS Increased estrogen-estrogen receptor (ER) α signaling and decreased progesterone receptor isoform B (PRB) expression synergistically led to a hypo-autophagy state in eESCs, which further inhibited the apoptosis of eESCs. The high expression of TNF-α in eESCs enhanced the antiapoptotic effect mediated by low autophagy through the activation of the aromatase-estrogen-ERα signaling pathway. SCM-198 inhibited the growth of ectopic lesions in EMS mice and promoted the apoptosis of eESCs both in vivo and in vitro. The apoptotic effect of SCM-198 on eESCs was attained by upregulating the autophagy level via the inhibition of the TNF-α-activated aromatase-estrogen-ERα signal and the increase in PRB expression. CONCLUSION Inflammation facilitated the progress of EMS by disrupting the estrogen regulatory axis. SCM-198 inhibited EMS progression by regulating the inflammation-endocrine-autophagy axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Kong Lin
- NHC (National Health Commission) Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun-Yun Li
- NHC (National Health Commission) Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Li
- NHC (National Health Commission) Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Da-Jin Li
- NHC (National Health Commission) Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Li Wang
- NHC (National Health Commission) Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Yu
- NHC (National Health Commission) Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Zhun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Mei-Rong Du, ; Jia-Jing Cheng, ; Yi-Zhun Zhu,
| | - Jia-Jing Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Mei-Rong Du, ; Jia-Jing Cheng, ; Yi-Zhun Zhu,
| | - Mei-Rong Du
- NHC (National Health Commission) Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Mei-Rong Du, ; Jia-Jing Cheng, ; Yi-Zhun Zhu,
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Huang J, Huang B, Kong Y, Yang Y, Tian C, Chen L, Liao Y, Ma L. Polycystic ovary syndrome: Identification of novel and hub biomarkers in the autophagy-associated mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA network. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1032064. [PMID: 36523600 PMCID: PMC9745174 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1032064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic and endocrine disorder prevalent among women of reproductive age. Recent studies show that autophagy participated in the pathogenesis of PCOS, including anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic disturbances. This study was designed to screen autophagy-related genes (ATGs) that may play a pivotal role in PCOS, providing potential biomarkers and identifying new molecular subgroups for therapeutic intervention. METHODS Gene expression profiles of the PCOS and control samples were obtained from the publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus database. The gene lists of ATGs from databases were integrated. Then, the weighted gene co-expression network analysis was conducted to obtain functional modules and construct a multifactorial co-expression network. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed for further exploration of ATG's function in the key modules. Differentially expressed ATGs were identified and validated in external datasets with the Limma R package. To provide guidance on PCOS phenotyping, the dysfunction module consists of a co-expression network mapped to PCOS patients. A PCOS-Autophagy-related co-expression network was established using Cytoscape, followed by identifying molecular subgroups using the Limma R package. ps. RNA-sequencing analysis was used to confirm the differential expression of hub ATGs, and the diagnostic value of hub ATGs was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS Three modules (Brown, Turquoise, and Green) in GSE8157, three modules (Blue, Red, and Green) in GSE43264, and four modules (Blue, Green, Black, and Yellow) in GSE106724 were identified to be PCOS-related by WGCNA analysis. 29 ATGs were found to be the hub genes that strongly correlated with PCOS. These hub ATGs were mainly enriched in autophagy-related functions and pathways such as autophagy, endocytosis, apoptosis, and mTOR signaling pathways. The mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA multifactorial network was successfully constructed. And three new molecular subgroups were identified via the K-means algorithm. DISCUSSION We provide a novel insight into the mechanisms behind autophagy in PCOS. BRCA1, LDLR, MAP1B, hsa-miR-92b-3p, hsa-miR-20b-5p, and NEAT1 might play a considerably important role in PCOS dysfunction. As a result, new potential biomarkers can be evaluated for use in PCOS diagnosis and treatment in the future.
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Pei T, Luo B, Huang W, Liu D, Li Y, Xiao L, Huang X, Ouyang Y, Zhu H. Increased Expression of YAP Inhibited the Autophagy Level by Upregulating mTOR Signal in the Eutopic ESCs of Endometriosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:813165. [PMID: 35173685 PMCID: PMC8842667 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.813165] [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: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We first reported that the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis (EMS). Autophagy is also related to the invasion ability of endometrial cells and is involved in the pathogenesis of EMS through multi-levels. However, the precise regulatory mechanism of YAP on autophagy in the eutopic endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) is still unclear. Primary eutopic ESCs of EMS patients (n = 12) and control patients without EMS (n = 9) were isolated and cultured to investigate the expressions of YAP and mTOR, the role of YAP in autophagy, and the effect of the YAP-autophagy signal on the decidualization of the eutopic ESCs. Endometriosis-related sequencing data (GSE51981) in the GEO database were used to find the genes significantly correlated with YAP. We found 155 genes with significant differences in the interaction with YAP in EMS from the dataset, and the autophagy pathway was significantly enriched. Following on from our previous studies of YAP knockdown, overexpression of YAP resulted in an increased expression of mTOR and decreased ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I and autophagy markers, in the eutopic ESCs; transmission electron microscope observation also showed fewer autophagosomes compared with the control cells. Furthermore, ESCs of the Rapamycin-treated group showed significant decidual-like changes with significantly increased decidual prolactin level at 72 h after in vitro decidualization. These results demonstrate that the increased YAP inhibited the level of autophagy by upregulating the mTOR signal in the eutopic ESCs of endometriosis. The YAP-autophagy signal plays an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis-associated infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Pei
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Luo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujing Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunwei Ouyang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huili Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Huili Zhu,
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18
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Autophagy as a Therapeutic Target of Natural Products Enhancing Embryo Implantation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 15:ph15010053. [PMID: 35056110 PMCID: PMC8779555 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is an emerging health issue worldwide, and female infertility is intimately associated with embryo implantation failure. Embryo implantation is an essential process during the initiation of prenatal development. Recent studies have strongly suggested that autophagy in the endometrium is the most important factor for successful embryo implantation. In addition, several studies have reported the effects of various natural products on infertility improvement via the regulation of embryo implantation, embryo quality, and endometrial receptivity. However, it is unclear whether natural products can improve embryo implantation ability by regulating endometrial autophagy. Therefore, we performed a literature review of studies on endometrial autophagy, embryo implantation, natural products, and female infertility. Based on the information from these studies, this review suggests a new treatment strategy for female infertility by proposing natural products that have been proven to be safe and effective as endometrial autophagy regulators; additionally, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the regulation of endometrial autophagy by natural products and female infertility, with an emphasis on embryo implantation.
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19
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Making More Womb: Clinical Perspectives Supporting the Development and Utilization of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Endometrial Regeneration and Infertility. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11121364. [PMID: 34945836 PMCID: PMC8707522 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11121364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The uterus is a homeostatic organ, unwavering in the setting of monthly endometrial turnover, placental invasion, and parturition. In response to ovarian steroid hormones, the endometrium autologously prepares for embryo implantation and in its absence will shed and regenerate. Dysfunctional endometrial repair and regeneration may present clinically with infertility and abnormal menses. Asherman's syndrome is characterized by intrauterine adhesions and atrophic endometrium, which often impacts fertility. Clinical management of infertility associated with abnormal endometrium represents a significant challenge. Endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) occupy a perivascular niche and contain regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. Given these characteristics, mesenchymal stem cells of endometrial and non-endometrial origin (bone marrow, adipose, placental) have been investigated for therapeutic purposes. Local administration of human MSC in animal models of endometrial injury reduces collagen deposition, improves angiogenesis, decreases inflammation, and improves fertility. Small clinical studies of autologous MSC administration in infertile women with Asherman's Syndrome suggested their potential to restore endometrial function as evidenced by increased endometrial thickness, decreased adhesions, and fertility. The objective of this review is to highlight translational and clinical studies investigating the use of MSC for endometrial dysfunction and infertility and to summarize the current state of the art in this promising area.
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20
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Kumariya S, Ubba V, Jha RK, Gayen JR. Autophagy in ovary and polycystic ovary syndrome: role, dispute and future perspective. Autophagy 2021; 17:2706-2733. [PMID: 34161185 PMCID: PMC8526011 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.1938914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a unification of endocrine and metabolic disorders and has become immensely prevalent among women of fertile age. The prime organ affected in PCOS is the ovary and its distressed functioning elicits disturbed reproductive outcomes. In the ovary, macroautophagy/autophagy performs a pivotal role in directing the chain of events starting from oocytes origin until its fertilization. Recent discoveries demonstrate a significant role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Defective autophagy in the follicular cells during different stages of follicles is observed in the PCOS ovary. Exploring different autophagy pathways provides a platform for predicting the possible cause of altered ovarian physiology in PCOS. In this review, we have emphasized autophagy's role in governing follicular development under normal circumstances and in PCOS, including significant abnormalities associated with PCOS such as anovulation, hyperandrogenemia, metabolic disturbances, and related abnormality. So far, few studies have linked autophagy and PCOS and propose its essential role in PCOS progression. However, detailed knowledge in this area is lacking. Here we have summarized the latest knowledge related to autophagy associated with PCOS. This review's main objective is to provide a background of autophagy in the ovary, its possible connection with PCOS and suggested a novel proposal for future studies to aid a better understanding of PCOS pathogenesis.Abbreviations: AE: androgen excess; AF: antral follicle; AKT/PKB: AKT serine/threonine kinase; AMH: anti-Mullerian hormone; AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; ATG: autophagy-related; BCL2: BCL2 apoptosis regulator; BECN1: beclin 1; BMP: bone morphogenetic protein; CASP3: caspase 3; CL: corpus luteum; CYP17A1/P450C17: cytochrome P450 family 17 subfamily A member 1; CYP19A1: cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1; DHEA: dehydroepiandrosterone; EH: endometrial hyperplasia; FF: follicular fluid; FOXO: forkhead box O; FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; GC: granulosa cell; GDF: growth differentiation factor; HA: hyperandrogenemia; HMGB1: high mobility group box 1; IGF1: insulin like growth factor 1; INS: insulin; IR: insulin resistance; LHCGR/LHR: luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; MAPK/ERK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; MAPK8/JNK: mitogen-activated protein kinase 8; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; MTORC: mechanistic target of rapamycin complex; NAFLD: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; NFKB: nuclear factor kappa B; OLR1/LOX-1: oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor 1; oxLDL: oxidized low-density lipoproteins; PA: palmitic acid; PCOS: polycystic ovary syndrome; PF: primary follicle; PGC: primordial germ cell; PI3K: phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PMF: primordial follicle; ROS: reactive oxygen species; RP: resting pool; SIRT1: sirtuin 1; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; T2DM: type 2 diabetes mellitus; TC: theca cell; TUG1: taurine up-regulated 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Kumariya
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Vaibhave Ubba
- Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Rajesh K. Jha
- Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Jiaur R. Gayen
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
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21
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Klionsky DJ, Petroni G, Amaravadi RK, Baehrecke EH, Ballabio A, Boya P, Bravo‐San Pedro JM, Cadwell K, Cecconi F, Choi AMK, Choi ME, Chu CT, Codogno P, Colombo M, Cuervo AM, Deretic V, Dikic I, Elazar Z, Eskelinen E, Fimia GM, Gewirtz DA, Green DR, Hansen M, Jäättelä M, Johansen T, Juhász G, Karantza V, Kraft C, Kroemer G, Ktistakis NT, Kumar S, Lopez‐Otin C, Macleod KF, Madeo F, Martinez J, Meléndez A, Mizushima N, Münz C, Penninger JM, Perera R, Piacentini M, Reggiori F, Rubinsztein DC, Ryan K, Sadoshima J, Santambrogio L, Scorrano L, Simon H, Simon AK, Simonsen A, Stolz A, Tavernarakis N, Tooze SA, Yoshimori T, Yuan J, Yue Z, Zhong Q, Galluzzi L, Pietrocola F. Autophagy in major human diseases. EMBO J 2021; 40:e108863. [PMID: 34459017 PMCID: PMC8488577 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 662] [Impact Index Per Article: 220.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a core molecular pathway for the preservation of cellular and organismal homeostasis. Pharmacological and genetic interventions impairing autophagy responses promote or aggravate disease in a plethora of experimental models. Consistently, mutations in autophagy-related processes cause severe human pathologies. Here, we review and discuss preclinical data linking autophagy dysfunction to the pathogenesis of major human disorders including cancer as well as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, pulmonary, renal, infectious, musculoskeletal, and ocular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulia Petroni
- Department of Radiation OncologyWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Ravi K Amaravadi
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
- Abramson Cancer CenterUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Eric H Baehrecke
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer BiologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Andrea Ballabio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and MedicinePozzuoliItaly
- Department of Translational Medical SciencesSection of PediatricsFederico II UniversityNaplesItaly
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of Medicine, and Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research InstituteTexas Children HospitalHoustonTXUSA
| | - Patricia Boya
- Margarita Salas Center for Biological ResearchSpanish National Research CouncilMadridSpain
| | - José Manuel Bravo‐San Pedro
- Faculty of MedicineDepartment Section of PhysiologyComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED)MadridSpain
| | - Ken Cadwell
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball InstituteNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of MicrobiologyNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineNew York University Langone HealthNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Francesco Cecconi
- Cell Stress and Survival UnitCenter for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease (CARD)Danish Cancer Society Research CenterCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Pediatric Onco‐Hematology and Cell and Gene TherapyIRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's HospitalRomeItaly
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’RomeItaly
| | - Augustine M K Choi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineJoan and Sanford I. Weill Department of MedicineWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- New York‐Presbyterian HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Mary E Choi
- New York‐Presbyterian HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Division of Nephrology and HypertensionJoan and Sanford I. Weill Department of MedicineWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Charleen T Chu
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Patrice Codogno
- Institut Necker‐Enfants MaladesINSERM U1151‐CNRS UMR 8253ParisFrance
- Université de ParisParisFrance
| | - Maria Isabel Colombo
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares Implicados en el Tráfico Vesicular y la Autofagia‐Instituto de Histología y Embriología (IHEM)‐Universidad Nacional de CuyoCONICET‐ Facultad de Ciencias MédicasMendozaArgentina
| | - Ana Maria Cuervo
- Department of Developmental and Molecular BiologyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNYUSA
- Institute for Aging StudiesAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNYUSA
| | - Vojo Deretic
- Autophagy Inflammation and Metabolism (AIMCenter of Biomedical Research ExcellenceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences CenterAlbuquerqueNMUSA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and MicrobiologyUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences CenterAlbuquerqueNMUSA
| | - Ivan Dikic
- Institute of Biochemistry IISchool of MedicineGoethe UniversityFrankfurt, Frankfurt am MainGermany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life SciencesGoethe UniversityFrankfurt, Frankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Zvulun Elazar
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesThe Weizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | | | - Gian Maria Fimia
- Department of Molecular MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
- Department of EpidemiologyPreclinical Research, and Advanced DiagnosticsNational Institute for Infectious Diseases ‘L. Spallanzani’ IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - David A Gewirtz
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologySchool of MedicineVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVAUSA
| | - Douglas R Green
- Department of ImmunologySt. Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTNUSA
| | - Malene Hansen
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery InstituteProgram of DevelopmentAging, and RegenerationLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Marja Jäättelä
- Cell Death and MetabolismCenter for Autophagy, Recycling & DiseaseDanish Cancer Society Research CenterCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Terje Johansen
- Department of Medical BiologyMolecular Cancer Research GroupUniversity of Tromsø—The Arctic University of NorwayTromsøNorway
| | - Gábor Juhász
- Institute of GeneticsBiological Research CenterSzegedHungary
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental BiologyEötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
| | | | - Claudine Kraft
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyZBMZFaculty of MedicineUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- CIBSS ‐ Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling StudiesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des CordeliersEquipe Labellisée par la Ligue Contre le CancerUniversité de ParisSorbonne UniversitéInserm U1138Institut Universitaire de FranceParisFrance
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology PlatformsInstitut Gustave RoussyVillejuifFrance
- Pôle de BiologieHôpital Européen Georges PompidouAP‐HPParisFrance
- Suzhou Institute for Systems MedicineChinese Academy of Medical SciencesSuzhouChina
- Karolinska InstituteDepartment of Women's and Children's HealthKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | | | - Sharad Kumar
- Centre for Cancer BiologyUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSAAustralia
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Carlos Lopez‐Otin
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología MolecularFacultad de MedicinaInstituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA)Universidad de OviedoOviedoSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC)MadridSpain
| | - Kay F Macleod
- The Ben May Department for Cancer ResearchThe Gordon Center for Integrative SciencesW‐338The University of ChicagoChicagoILUSA
- The University of ChicagoChicagoILUSA
| | - Frank Madeo
- Institute of Molecular BiosciencesNAWI GrazUniversity of GrazGrazAustria
- BioTechMed‐GrazGrazAustria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth – University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Jennifer Martinez
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease LaboratoryNational Institute of Environmental Health SciencesNIHResearch Triangle ParkNCUSA
| | - Alicia Meléndez
- Biology Department, Queens CollegeCity University of New YorkFlushingNYUSA
- The Graduate Center Biology and Biochemistry PhD Programs of the City University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Noboru Mizushima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyGraduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Christian Münz
- Viral ImmunobiologyInstitute of Experimental ImmunologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Josef M Penninger
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA)Vienna BioCenter (VBC)ViennaAustria
- Department of Medical GeneticsLife Sciences InstituteUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Rushika M Perera
- Department of AnatomyUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Department of PathologyUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Rome “Tor Vergata”RomeItaly
- Laboratory of Molecular MedicineInstitute of Cytology Russian Academy of ScienceSaint PetersburgRussia
| | - Fulvio Reggiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & SystemsMolecular Cell Biology SectionUniversity of GroningenUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - David C Rubinsztein
- Department of Medical GeneticsCambridge Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- UK Dementia Research InstituteUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Kevin M Ryan
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Junichi Sadoshima
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular MedicineCardiovascular Research InstituteRutgers New Jersey Medical SchoolNewarkNJUSA
| | - Laura Santambrogio
- Department of Radiation OncologyWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNYUSA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Luca Scorrano
- Istituto Veneto di Medicina MolecolarePadovaItaly
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Hans‐Uwe Simon
- Institute of PharmacologyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Department of Clinical Immunology and AllergologySechenov UniversityMoscowRussia
- Laboratory of Molecular ImmunologyInstitute of Fundamental Medicine and BiologyKazan Federal UniversityKazanRussia
| | | | - Anne Simonsen
- Department of Molecular MedicineInstitute of Basic Medical SciencesUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Centre for Cancer Cell ReprogrammingInstitute of Clinical MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Department of Molecular Cell BiologyInstitute for Cancer ResearchOslo University Hospital MontebelloOsloNorway
| | - Alexandra Stolz
- Institute of Biochemistry IISchool of MedicineGoethe UniversityFrankfurt, Frankfurt am MainGermany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life SciencesGoethe UniversityFrankfurt, Frankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Nektarios Tavernarakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and BiotechnologyFoundation for Research and Technology‐HellasHeraklion, CreteGreece
- Department of Basic SciencesSchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteHeraklion, CreteGreece
| | - Sharon A Tooze
- Molecular Cell Biology of AutophagyThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
| | - Tamotsu Yoshimori
- Department of GeneticsGraduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- Department of Intracellular Membrane DynamicsGraduate School of Frontier BiosciencesOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science DivisionInstitute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI)Osaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Junying Yuan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and ChemistryShanghai Institute of Organic ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- Department of Cell BiologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Zhenyu Yue
- Department of NeurologyFriedman Brain InstituteIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Qing Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of EducationDepartment of PathophysiologyShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTU‐SM)ShanghaiChina
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation OncologyWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNYUSA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of DermatologyYale School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
- Université de ParisParisFrance
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22
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Shan D, Dong R, Hu Y. Current understanding of autophagy in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Placenta 2021; 115:53-59. [PMID: 34560328 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most common liver disease during pregnancy. Manifested with pruritus and elevation in bile acids, the etiology of ICP is still poorly understood. Although ICP is considered relatively benign for the mother, increased rates of adverse fetal outcomes including sudden fetal demise are possible devastating outcomes associated with ICP. Limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms restricted treatment options and managements of ICP. In recent decades, evolving evidence indicated the significance of autophagy in pregnancy and pregnancy complications. Autophagy is an ancient self-defense mechanism which is essential for cell survival, differentiation and development. Autophagy has pivotal roles in embryogenesis, implantation, and maintenance of pregnancy, and is involved in the orchestration of diverse physiological and pathological cellular responses in patients with pregnancy complications. Recent advances in these research fields provide tantalizing targets on autophagy to improve the care of pregnant women. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding autophagy in ICP and its possible roles in the causation and prevention of ICP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Shan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ruihong Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yayi Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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23
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Tantanavipas S, Aojanepong T, Waiyaput W, Sophonsritsuk A. The expression of BECN1, LC3B, and BCL2 genes in eutopic endometrium of patients with adenomyosis: A cross-sectional study. JOURNAL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PELVIC PAIN DISORDERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/22840265211046750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Both autophagy and apoptosis play a role in the cyclic remodeling of the endometrium. The abnormal regulation of genes and signaling pathways in the eutopic endometrium plays a role in the abnormal migration and implantation in adenomyosis. Objective: The present study investigates the mRNA expression of autophagy and apoptosis-related genes BECN1, LC3B, and BCL2 in the eutopic endometrium of patients with adenomyosis compared with healthy premenopausal women. Materials and methods: The present work was a cross-sectional study conducted between July 2018 and April 2019. The participants were 32 premenopausal women who attended the surgery for adenomyosis and other benign gynecological conditions. The participants were divided into two groups, with 16 women in the adenomyosis group and 16 healthy women in the control group. Endometrial tissues were collected during the proliferative menstrual phase for a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The mRNA expression of BECN1, LC3B, and BCL2 were normalized by geometric mean mRNA expression of actin and GAPDH. There was no significant difference in mRNA expression for all three genes when comparing the control and adenomyosis groups. Conclusions: The mRNA expressions of autophagy-related genes BECN1 and LC3B and anti-apoptosis-related gene BCL2 were not significantly different in the eutopic endometrium of patients with adenomyosis compared with healthy premenopausal women during the proliferative menstrual phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siriluk Tantanavipas
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tepchongchit Aojanepong
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 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
| | - Areepan Sophonsritsuk
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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24
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Oestreich AK, Chadchan SB, Medvedeva A, Lydon JP, Jungheim ES, Moley KH, Kommagani R. The autophagy protein, FIP200 (RB1CC1) mediates progesterone responses governing uterine receptivity and decidualization†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:843-851. [PMID: 31901086 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful establishment of pregnancy depends on steroid hormone-driven cellular changes in the uterus during the peri-implantation period. To become receptive to embryo implantation, uterine endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) must transdifferentiate into decidual cells that secrete factors necessary for embryo survival and trophoblast invasion. Autophagy is a key homeostatic process vital for cellular homeostasis. Although the uterus undergoes major cellular changes during early pregnancy, the precise role of autophagy in uterine function is unknown. Here, we report that conditional knockout of the autophagy protein FIP200 in the reproductive tract of female mice results in reduced fecundity due to an implantation defect. In the absence of FIP200, aberrant progesterone signaling results in sustained uterine epithelial proliferation and failure of stromal cells to decidualize. Additionally, loss of FIP200 impairs decidualization of human ESCs. We conclude that the autophagy protein FIP200 plays a crucial role in uterine receptivity, decidualization, and fertility. These data establish autophagy as a major cellular pathway required for uterine receptivity and decidualization in both mice and human ESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arin K Oestreich
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA and
| | - Sangappa B Chadchan
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA and
| | - Alexandra Medvedeva
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA and
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Emily S Jungheim
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA and
| | - Kelle H Moley
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA and
| | - Ramakrishna Kommagani
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA and
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25
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Gu NH, Li GJ, Yang BX, You M, Lin Y, Sun F, Xu H. Hypo-Expression of Tuberin Promotes Adenomyosis via the mTOR1-Autophagy Axis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:710407. [PMID: 34395438 PMCID: PMC8358309 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.710407] [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: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis (AM) is a disease in which endometrial tissue invades the myometrium and has a 10–60% prevalence in reproductive-aged women. TSC2 regulates autophagy via mTOR1 signalling in colorectal cancer and endometrial carcinoma. Dysregulation of autophagy is implicated in adenomyosis pathogenesis. However, whether TSC2 participates in adenomyosis via autophagy remains obscure. Here, we found that the expression of TSC2 in adenomyosis was significantly decreased than that in normal endometrium during the secretory phase. Moreover, TSC2 and autophagy marker expression was significantly lower in ectopic lesions than in eutopic samples. TSC2 downregulation inhibited autophagy through mTOR1 signalling pathway activation in endometrial cells, leading to excessive proliferation, migration, and EMT; TSC2 overexpression induced the opposite effects. Rapamycin treatment suppressed cell proliferation, migration and EMT in the absence of TSC2. In parallel, an autophagy-specific inhibitor (SAR-405) restored migration and EMT under rapamycin treatment in TSC2-knockdown Ishikawa cells. Finally, SAR-405 treatment promoted EMT and migration of overexpressing cells. Collectively, our results suggest that TSC2 controls endometrial epithelial cell migration and EMT by regulating mTOR1-autophagy axis activation and that hypo-expression of TSC2 in the endometrium might promote adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni-Hao Gu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Jing Li
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing-Xin Yang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Min You
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Lin
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Sun
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Xu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
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Karaoğlan Ö, Kuyucu Y, Ürünsak İF, Gümürdülü D, Tap Ö. Morphological features of the secretory phase endometrium in women with unexplained infertility. Ultrastruct Pathol 2021; 45:243-256. [PMID: 34313535 DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2021.1954117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the structural features of the endometrial tissues, the immunohistochemical expression of MUC-1, which plays an important role in implantation, and the biochemical markers during the implantation window. Randomly chosen 18 fertile and 18 unexplained infertile women that have 27-32 days long menstrual cycle, normal hormonal values, normal USG findings of ovary and endometrium were included. Five, six, and seven days after ovulation, endometrial biopsies were taken and prepared in accordance with light and electron microscopy tissue preparation methods. Immunohistochemical methods were used to determine MUC-1 expression in the tissues. Serum hormone levels were determined. The MUC-1 immunoreactivity, as well as the serum levels of FSH, LH, TSH, estrogen, progesterone, and total testosterone did not differ significantly between the two groups; however, prolactin levels were higher in the infertile group. In the unexplained infertile samples, intraepithelial lymphocytes were frequently observed, the microvilli of the surface columnar epithelium were widespread, cells with pinopodes as well as vesiculated cells were minimal, pinopode development was insufficient, and the development of the endometrial glands was deficient. It was concluded that these structural differences observed in the surface and glandular epithelium of the endometrium in unexplained infertile patients may be due to the insufficiency of these cells in responding to steroid hormones; therefore, these changes may affect the implantation of the blastocyst in the endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özdem Karaoğlan
- Histology and Embryology Department, Çukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
| | - Yurdun Kuyucu
- Histology and Embryology Department, Çukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Ferhat Ürünsak
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Çukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
| | - Derya Gümürdülü
- Pathology Department, Çukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
| | - Özgül Tap
- Histology and Embryology Department, Çukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
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Hung SW, Zhang R, Tan Z, Chung JPW, Zhang T, Wang CC. Pharmaceuticals targeting signaling pathways of endometriosis as potential new medical treatment: A review. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:2489-2564. [PMID: 33948974 PMCID: PMC8252000 DOI: 10.1002/med.21802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is defined as endometrial tissues found outside the uterus. Growth and development of endometriotic cells in ectopic sites can be promoted via multiple pathways, including MAPK/MEK/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, Rho/ROCK, reactive oxidative stress, tumor necrosis factor, transforming growth factor-β, Wnt/β-catenin, vascular endothelial growth factor, estrogen, and cytokines. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms include proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, migration, invasion, fibrosis, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune escape. Current medical treatments for EM are mainly hormonal and symptomatic, and thus the development of new, effective, and safe pharmaceuticals targeting specific molecular and signaling pathways is needed. Here, we systematically reviewed the literature focused on pharmaceuticals that specifically target the molecular and signaling pathways involved in the pathophysiology of EM. Potential drug targets, their upstream and downstream molecules with key aberrant signaling, and the regulatory mechanisms promoting the growth and development of endometriotic cells and tissues were discussed. Hormonal pharmaceuticals, including melatonin, exerts proapoptotic via regulating matrix metallopeptidase activity while nonhormonal pharmaceutical sorafenib exerts antiproliferative effect via MAPK/ERK pathway and antiangiogenesis activity via VEGF/VEGFR pathway. N-acetyl cysteine, curcumin, and ginsenoside exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects via radical scavenging activity. Natural products have high efficacy with minimal side effects; for example, resveratrol and epigallocatechin gallate have multiple targets and provide synergistic efficacy to resolve the complexity of the pathophysiology of EM, showing promising efficacy in treating EM. Although new medical treatments are currently being developed, more detailed pharmacological studies and large sample size clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of these treatments in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Wan Hung
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Ruizhe Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and GeneticsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou
| | - Zhouyurong Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | | | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Chi Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
- Reproduction and Development, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
- Chinese University of Hong Kong‐Sichuan University Joint Laboratory in Reproductive MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
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28
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The Effect of Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills on Beclin-1 and LC3B Transcript Levels in Ovarian Endometrioma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5519538. [PMID: 34258264 PMCID: PMC8260293 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5519538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background Autophagy is likely altered in patients with endometriosis. Ovarian steroid hormones seem to affect this changing of the autophagic process. Objective To study the effect of combined oral contraceptive (COC) pills on the expression of autophagic-related gene BECN1 and LC3B in the ectopic and eutopic endometria of patients with endometriosis. Material and Methods. The present quasiexperimental study recruited 36 women (18–45 years old) with endometrioma and nonendometrioma who were scheduled for surgery. Patients with endometrioma were randomly assigned to either a no-treatment group (n = 12) or a COC group (n = 12). The COC group was prescribed a daily oral pill composed of 3 mg drospirenone and 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol for 6 weeks before surgery. The control group (n = 12) was composed of women without endometrioma. Ectopic endometriotic and endometrium tissues were collected from the no-treatment and COC groups, whereas the only endometrium was collected from the control group. These tissues were used for real-time PCR to measure the expression of the BECN1 and LC3B genes. Results The baseline demographic data were not different among the three groups. The BECN1 gene expression in endometrium tissue in the COC group was significantly less than that in the no-treatment and control groups (P = 0.011 and 0.029, respectively). No significant difference of endometriotic cyst BECN1 and LC3B gene expression was found between COC and no treatment. Conclusions Oral COC pills for 6 weeks continuously before surgery decreased the eutopic endometrial expression (mRNA) of the BECN1 gene compared to those from healthy normal women and nontreated patients with an endometriotic cyst. The change in the expression of autophagy-related genes was more distinct in eutopic than ectopic endometria. This trial is registered with TCTR20170720002. Registered and enrolled the first patient on 20 July 2017.
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Essential Role of CRIM1 on Endometrial Receptivity in Goat. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105323. [PMID: 34070207 PMCID: PMC8158520 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In domestic ruminants, endometrial receptivity is related to successful pregnancy and economic efficiency. Despite several molecules having been reported in the past regarding endometrial receptivity regulation, much regarding the mechanism of endometrial receptivity regulation remains unknown due to the complex nature of the trait. In this work, we demonstrated that the cysteine-rich transmembrane bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) regulator 1 (CRIM1) served as a novel regulator in the regulation of goat endometrial receptivity in vitro. Our results showed that hormones and IFN-τ increased the expression of CRIM1 in goat endometrial epithelial cells (EECs). Knockdown of CRIM1 via specific shRNA hindered cell proliferation, cell adhesion and prostaglandins (PGs) secretion and thus derailed normal endometrial receptivity. We further confirmed that receptivity defect phenotypes due to CRIM1 interference were restored by ATG7 overexpression in EECs while a loss of ATG7 further impaired receptivity phenotypes. Moreover, our results showed that changing the expression of ATG7 affected the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Moreover, mR-143-5p was shown to be a potential upstream factor of CRIM1-regulated endometrial receptivity in EECs. Overall, these results suggest that CRIM1, as the downstream target of miR-143-5p, has effects on ATG7-dependent autophagy, regulating cell proliferation, cell adhesion and PG secretion, and provides a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of early pregnancy failure and for improving the success rates of artificial reproduction.
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30
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Zhang Y, Gao R, Zhang L, Geng Y, Chen Q, Chen X, Liu X, Mu X, Ding Y, Wang Y, He J. AMPK/mTOR downregulated autophagy enhances aberrant endometrial decidualization in folate-deficient pregnant mice. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:7376-7389. [PMID: 33959973 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Existing evidence suggests that adverse pregnancy outcomes are closely related to dietary factors. Folate plays an important role in neural tube formation and fetal growth, folate deficiency is a major risk factor of birth defects. Our early studies showed that folate deficiency could impair enddecidualization, however, the mechanism is still unclear. Dysfunctional autophagy is associated with many diseases. Here, we aimed to evaluate the adverse effect of folate deficiency on endometrial decidualization, with a particular focus on endometrial cell autophagy. Mice were fed with no folate diet in vivo and the mouse endometrial stromal cell was cultured in a folate-free medium in vitro. The decrease of the number of endometrial autophagosomes and the protein expressions of autophagy in the folate-deficient group indicated that autophagosome formation, autophagosome-lysosome fusion, and lysosomal degradation were inhibited. Autophagic flux examination using mCherry-GFP-LC3 transfection showed that the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes was inhibited by folate deficiency. Autophagy inducer rapamycin could reverse the impairment of folate deficiency on endometrial decidualization. Moreover, folate deficiency could reduce autophagy by disrupting AMPK/mTOR signaling, resulting in aberrant endometrial decidualization and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Further co-immunoprecipitation examination showed that decidual marker protein Hoxa10 could interact with autophagic marker protein Cathepsin L, and the interaction was notably reduced by folate deficiency. In conclusion, AMPK/mTOR downregulated autophagy was essential for aberrant endometrial decidualization in early pregnant mice, which could result in adverse pregnancy outcomes. This provided some new clues for understanding the causal mechanisms of birth defects induced by folate deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, College of Public Health and Administration, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Rufei Gao
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, College of Public Health and Administration, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, College of Public Health and Administration, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Yanqing Geng
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Qiutong Chen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, College of Public Health and Administration, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, College of Public Health and Administration, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xueqing Liu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, College of Public Health and Administration, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xinyi Mu
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Yubin Ding
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, College of Public Health and Administration, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Yingxiong Wang
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Junlin He
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, College of Public Health and Administration, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- Joint International Research, Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
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Devis-Jauregui L, Eritja N, Davis ML, Matias-Guiu X, Llobet-Navàs D. Autophagy in the physiological endometrium and cancer. Autophagy 2021; 17:1077-1095. [PMID: 32401642 PMCID: PMC8143243 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2020.1752548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved catabolic process and a major cellular pathway for the degradation of long-lived proteins and cytoplasmic organelles. An increasing body of evidence has unveiled autophagy as an indispensable biological function that helps to maintain normal tissue homeostasis and metabolic fitness that can also lead to severe consequences for the normal cellular functioning when altered. Recent accumulating data point to autophagy as a key player in a wide variety of physiological and pathophysiological conditions in the human endometrium, one of the most proficient self-regenerating tissues in the human body and an instrumental player in placental species reproductive function. The current review highlights the most recent findings regarding the process of autophagy in the normal and cancerous endometrial tissue. Current research efforts aiming to therapeutically exploit autophagy and the methodological approaches used are discussed.Abbreviations: 3-MA: 3-methyladenine; ACACA (acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha); AICAR: 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboximide riboside; AKT: AKT serine/threonine kinase; AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; ATG: autophagy related; ATG12: autophagy related 12; ATG16L1: autophagy related 16 like 1; ATG3: autophagy related 3; ATG4C: autophagy related 4C cysteine peptidase; ATG5: autophagy related 5; ATG7: autophagy related 7; ATG9: autophagy related 9; Baf A1: bafilomycin A1; BAX: BCL2 associated X, apoptosis regulator; BCL2: BCL2 apoptosis regulator; BECN1: beclin 1; CACNA1D: calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 D; CASP3: caspase 3; CASP7: caspase 7; CASP8: caspase 8; CASP9: caspase 9; CD44: CD44 molecule (Indian blood group); CDH1: cadherin 1; CDKN1A: cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A; CDKN2A: cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A; CMA: chaperone-mediated autophagy; CQ: chloroquine; CTNNB1: catenin beta 1; DDIT3: DNA damage inducible transcript 3; EC: endometrial cancer; EGFR: epidermal growth factor receptor; EH: endometrial hyperplasia; EIF4E: eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E; EPHB2/ERK: EPH receptor B2; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; ERBB2: er-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2; ERVW-1: endogenous retrovirus group W member 1, envelope; ESR1: estrogen receptor 1; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; GCG/GLP1: glucagon; GFP: green fluorescent protein; GIP: gastric inhibitory polypeptide; GLP1R: glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor; GLS: glutaminase; H2AX: H2A.X variant histone; HIF1A: hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha; HMGB1: high mobility group box 1; HOTAIR: HOX transcript antisense RNA; HSPA5: heat shock protein family A (HSP70) member 5; HSPA8: heat shock protein family A (HSP70) member 8; IGF1: insulin like growth factor 1; IL27: interleukin 27; INS: insulin; ISL: isoliquiritigenin; KRAS: KRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase; LAMP2: lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2; lncRNA: long-non-coding RNA; MAP1LC3A/LC3A: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 alpha; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; MAPK8: mitogen-activated protein kinase 8; MAPK9: mitogen-activated protein kinase 9; MPA: medroxyprogesterone acetate; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; MTORC1: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase complex 1; MTORC2: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase complex 2; MYCBP: MYC-binding protein; NFE2L2: nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2; NFKB: nuclear factor kappa B; NFKBIA: NFKB inhibitor alpha; NK: natural killer; NR5A1: nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1; PARP1: poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1; PAX2: paired box 2; PDK1: pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1; PDX: patient-derived xenograft; PIK3C3/Vps34: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3; PIK3CA: phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha; PIK3R1: phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1; PIKFYVE: phosphoinositide kinase, FYVE-type zinc finger containing; PPD: protopanaxadiol; PRKCD: protein kinase C delta; PROM1/CD133: prominin 1; PtdIns3K: class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; PtdIns3P: phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate; PTEN: phosphatase and tensin homolog; RB1CC1/FIP200: RB1 inducible coiled-coil 1; RFP: red fluorescent protein; RPS6KB1/S6K1: ribosomal protein S6 kinase B1; RSV: resveratrol; SGK1: serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1; SGK3: serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase family member 3; SIRT: sirtuin; SLS: stone-like structures; SMAD2: SMAD family member 2; SMAD3: SMAD family member 3; SQSTM1: sequestosome 1; TALEN: transcription activator-like effector nuclease; TGFBR2: transforming growth factor beta receptor 2; TP53: tumor protein p53; TRIB3: tribbles pseudokinase 3; ULK1: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1; ULK4: unc-51 like kinase 4; VEGFA: vascular endothelial growth factor A; WIPI2: WD repeat domain, phosphoinositide interacting 2; XBP1: X-box binding protein 1; ZFYVE1: zinc finger FYVE domain containing 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Devis-Jauregui
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Oncobell Program. Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran via De l’Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Eritja
- Department of Pathology-Hospital Universitari Arnau De Vilanova, Universitat De Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, CIBERONC, Lleida, Spain
| | - Meredith Leigh Davis
- Institute of Genetic Medicine-International Centre for Life, Newcastle University. Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Xavier Matias-Guiu
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Oncobell Program. Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran via De l’Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pathology-Hospital Universitari Arnau De Vilanova, Universitat De Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, CIBERONC, Lleida, Spain
- Department of Pathology-Hospital, Universitari De Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Llobet-Navàs
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Oncobell Program. Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran via De l’Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
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The Multifaceted Role of Autophagy in Endometrium Homeostasis and Disease. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:1054-1067. [PMID: 33877643 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00587-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a conserved fundamental cellular process with a primary function of catabolizing harmful or surplus cellular contents such as protein aggregates, dysfunctional/long-lived organelles, intracellular pathogens, and storage nutrients. An increasing body of evidence reveals that basal autophagy is essential for maintaining endometrial homeostasis and mediating endometrial-specific functions, including menstrual cycle, embryo implantation, and decidualization. However, perturbed levels of autophagy can lead to severe endometrial pathologies, including endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, adenomyosis, and leiomyoma. This review highlights the most recent findings on the activity, regulation, and function of autophagy in endometrium physiology and pathology. Understanding the mechanistic roles of autophagy in endometrium homeostasis and disease is key to developing novel therapeutic strategies for endometrium-related infertility and malignancies.
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Shen HH, Zhang T, Yang HL, Lai ZZ, Zhou WJ, Mei J, Shi JW, Zhu R, Xu FY, Li DJ, Ye JF, Li MQ. Ovarian hormones-autophagy-immunity axis in menstruation and endometriosis. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:3512-3526. [PMID: 33537101 PMCID: PMC7847674 DOI: 10.7150/thno.55241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Menstruation occurs in few species and involves a cyclic process of proliferation, breakdown and regeneration under the control of ovarian hormones. Knowledge of normal endometrial physiology, as it pertains to the regulation of menstruation, is essential to understand disorders of menstruation. Accumulating evidence indicates that autophagy in the endometrium, under the regulation of ovarian hormones, can result in the infiltration of immune cells, which plays an indispensable role in the endometrium shedding, tissue repair and prevention of infections during menstruation. In addition, abnormal autophagy levels, together with resulting dysregulated immune system function, are associated with the pathogenesis and progression of endometriosis. Considering its potential value of autophagy as a target for the treatment of menstrual-related and endometrium-related disorders, we review the activity and function of autophagy during menstrual cycles. The role of the estrogen/progesterone-autophagy-immunity axis in endometriosis are also discussed.
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34
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Lu H, Yang HL, Zhou WJ, Lai ZZ, Qiu XM, Fu Q, Zhao JY, Wang J, Li DJ, Li MQ. Rapamycin prevents spontaneous abortion by triggering decidual stromal cell autophagy-mediated NK cell residence. Autophagy 2020; 17:2511-2527. [PMID: 33030400 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2020.1833515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Deficiency in decidualization has been widely regarded as an important cause of spontaneous abortion. Generalized decidualization also includes massive infiltration and enrichment of NK cells. However, the underlying mechanism of decidual NK (dNK) cell residence remains largely unknown. Here, we observe that the increased macroautophagy/autophagy of decidual stromal cells (DSCs) during decidualization, facilitates the adhesion and retention of dNK cells during normal pregnancy. Mechanistically, this process is mediated through activation of the MITF-TNFRSF14/HVEM signaling, and further upregulation of multiple adhesion adhesions (e.g. Selectins and ICAMs) in a MMP9-dependent manner. Patients with unexplained spontaneous abortion display insufficient DSC autophagy and dNK cell residence. In addition, poor vascular remodeling of placenta, low implantation number and high ratio of embryo loss are observed in NK cell depletion mice. In therapeutic studies, low doses of rapamycin, a known autophagy inducer that significantly promotes endometrium autophagy and NK cell residence, and improves embryo absorption in spontaneous abortion mice models, which should be dependent on the activation of MITF-TNFRSF14/HVEM-MMP9-adhension molecules axis. This observation reveals novel molecular mechanisms underlying DSCs autophagy-driven dNK cell residence, and provides a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent spontaneous abortion.Abbreviations: ACTA2/αSMA: actin alpha 2, smooth muscle; ATG: autophagy-related; ATG5over ESC: ATG5-overexpressed ESCs; BTLA: B and T lymphocyte associated; CDH1: cadherin 1; CDH5: cadherin 5; CXCL12: C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12; dNK: decidual NK; DIC: decidual immune cell; DSC: decidual stromal cell; EOMES: eomesodermin; ESC: endometrial stromal cell; FCGR3A/CD16: Fc fragment of IgG receptor IIIa; HUVEC: human umbilical vein endothelial cell; ICAM: intercellular cell adhesion molecule; ILC: innate lymphoid cell; ITGB1: integrin subunit beta 1; ITGA2: integrin subunit alpha 2; IPA: Ingenuity Pathway Analysis; KIR2DL1: killer cell immunoglobulin like receptor, two Ig domains and long cytoplasmic tail 1; KLRD1/CD94: killer cell lectin like receptor D1; KLRK1/NKG2D: killer cell lectin like receptor K1; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; 3-MA: 3-methyladenine; MITF: melanocyte inducing transcription factor; MiT-TFE: microphthalmia family of bHLH-LZ transcription factors; MMP9: matrix metalloproteinase 9; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; NCAM1/CD56: neural cell adhesion molecule 1; NCR2/NKp44: natural cytotoxicity triggering receptor 2; NK: natural killer; KLRB1/NK1.1: killer cell lectin like receptor B1; NP: normal pregnancy; PBMC: peripheral blood mononuclear cell; PECAM1/CD31: platelet and endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1; pNK: peripheral blood NK; PRF1/Perforin: Perforin 1; PTPRC/CD45: protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C; Rapa: rapamycin; rh-TNFSF14/LIGHT: recombinant human TNFSF14/LIGHT; SA: spontaneous abortion; SELE: selectin E; SELP: selectin P; SELL: selectin L; siATG5 DSCs: ATG5-silenced DSCs; siTNFRSF14/HVEM DSCs: TNFRSF14/HVEM-silenced DSCs; TBX21/T-bet: T-box transcription factor 21; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TNFRSF14/HVEM: TNF receptor superfamily member 14; TNFSF14/LIGHT: TNF superfamily member 14; uNK: uterine NK; UIC: uterine immune cell; USC: uterine stromal cell; VCAM1: vascular cell adhesion molecule 1; VIM: vimentin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Lu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Li Yang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Jie Zhou
- Center of Reproductive Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Lai
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Min Qiu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical College, Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Yuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology (IMIB), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Da-Jin Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Li M, Wang X, Lu S, He C, Wang C, Wang L, Wang X, Ge P, Song D. Erastin triggers autophagic death of breast cancer cells by increasing intracellular iron levels. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:57. [PMID: 32793311 PMCID: PMC7418505 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Erastin is a small molecular compound that induces ferroptosis by binding to voltage-dependent anion-selective channel protein (VDAC)2, VDAC3 and solute carrier family 7 member 5 inhibiting the cystine/glutamate antiporter. However, to the best of our knowledge, the mechanism of erastin-induced breast cancer cell death remains unclear. In present study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of the antitumor effects of erastin on breast cancer cells. Cellular viability was assessed using an MTT assay, a lactate dehydrogenase cytotoxicity assay kit was used to determine the cell death rate, the intracellular Fe2+ levels were determined using an iron colorimetric assay kit and western blotting was used to estimate the changes of autophagy-associated proteins levels. The present study demonstrated that erastin inhibited the viability of breast cancer cells and induced breast cancer cell death in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, autophagy was activated by erastin, as demonstrated by upregulated expression levels of autophagy-associated proteins in breast cancer cells. Bafilomycin A1, 3-methyladenine and knockdown of autophagy related (ATG)5 with small interfering RNA prevented erastin-induced breast cancer cell death and inhibited the erastin-induced changes in the expression levels of the autophagy-associated proteins beclin1, ATG5, ATG12, microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3B) and P62. Furthermore, erastin-induced breast cancer cell death was inhibited by an iron chelator, deferoxamine, which inhibited the increases of erastin-induced iron levels and inhibited the erastin-induced changes in the expression levels of the autophagy-related proteins beclin1, ATG5, ATG12, LC3B and P62. In summary, erastin triggered autophagic death in breast cancer cells by increasing intracellular iron levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxin Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
- Research Center of Neuroscience, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xuanzhong Wang
- Research Center of Neuroscience, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Shan Lu
- Research Center of Neuroscience, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Chuan He
- Research Center of Neuroscience, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Chongcheng Wang
- Research Center of Neuroscience, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- Research Center of Neuroscience, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P.R. China
| | - Pengfei Ge
- Research Center of Neuroscience, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Dong Song
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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Zhao X, Jiang Y, Jiang T, Han X, Wang Y, Chen L, Feng X. Physiological and pathological regulation of autophagy in pregnancy. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2020; 302:293-303. [PMID: 32556514 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05607-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy exists widely in eukaryotic cells and is regulated by a variety of molecular mechanisms. Its physiological functions include providing energy, maintaining cell homeostasis, and promoting apoptosis of abnormal cells. At present, the regulation of autophagy in tumor, degenerative disease, and cardiovascular disease has attracted much attention. Gradually, the role of autophagy in pregnancy tends to be valued. The previous literature has shown that autophagy can influence the occurrence and maintenance of pregnancy from three aspects: embryo (affecting the process of fertilization and embryonic development and the function of trophoblast cells), maternal (decidualization), and maternal-to-fetal immune crosstalk. Undoubtedly, abnormalities in autophagy levels are associated with a variety of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and preterm delivery which have been proven by human, animal, and in vitro experiments. The regulation of autophagy is expected to be a target for the treatment of these pregnancy complications. This article reviews the research on autophagy, especially about its physiological and pathological regulation during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Zhao
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Yuepeng Jiang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Tianyue Jiang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Xinyu Han
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Xiaoling Feng
- Department of First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China.
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Zhao H, Gong L, Wu S, Jing T, Xiao X, Cui Y, Xu H, Lu H, Tang Y, Zhang J, Zhou Q, Ma D, Li X. The Inhibition of Protein Kinase C β Contributes to the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia by Activating Autophagy. EBioMedicine 2020; 56:102813. [PMID: 32544612 PMCID: PMC7298655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preeclampsia is a devastating hypertensive disorder of pregnancy with unknown mechanism. Recent studies have considered abnormal autophagy as a new cellular mechanism for this disorder, while little is known about how autophagy is specifically involved and what factors are implicated. Here, we report a previously unrecognized preeclampsia-associated autophagic regulator, PKCβ, that is involved in placental angiogenesis. Methods PKCβ levels were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence and by the analysis of public data. The autophagy-regulating role of PKCβ inhibition in preeclampsia pathogenesis was studied in a mouse model, and in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human choriocarcinoma cells (JEG-3). Findings PKCβ was significantly downregulated in human preeclamptic placentas. In a mouse model, the selective inhibition of PKCβ by Ruboxistaurin was sufficient to induce preeclampsia-like symptoms, accompanied by excessive autophagic flux and a disruption in the balance of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors in mouse placentas. In contrast, autophagic inhibition by 3-methyladenine partially normalized hypertension, proteinuria and placental angiogenic imbalance in PKCβ-inhibited mice. Our in vitro experiments demonstrated that PKCβ inhibition activated autophagy, thus blocking VEGFA-induced HUVEC tube formation and resulting in the significant upregulation of sFLT1 and downregulation of VEGFA in JEG-3 cells. Interpretation These data support a novel model in which autophagic activation due to PKCβ inhibition leads to the impairment of angiogenesis and eventually results in preeclampsia. Funding Shanghai Key Program of Clinical Science and Technology Innovation, National Natural Science Foundation of China and Shanghai Medical Center of Key Programs for Female Reproductive Diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanqiang Zhao
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Gong
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Suwen Wu
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianrui Jing
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xirong Xiao
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yutong Cui
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Huangfang Xu
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiqing Lu
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Tang
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Biochemical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiongjie Zhou
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China.
| | - Duan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Biochemical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaotian Li
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China; The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Biochemical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Sacchi S, Sena P, Addabbo C, Cuttone E, La Marca A. Gonadotrophins modulate cell death-related genes expression in human endometrium. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2020; 41:hmbci-2019-0074. [PMID: 32304301 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2019-0074] [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: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Gonadotrophins exert their functions by binding follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) or luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) present on endometrium. Within ovaries, FSH induces autophagy and apoptosis of granulosa cells leading to atresia of non-growing follicles, whereas hCG and LH have anti-apoptotic functions. Endometrial cells express functioning gonadotrophin receptors. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of gonadotrophins on physiology and endometrial cells survival. Materials and methods Collected endometria were incubated for 48 or 72 h with 100 ng/mL of recombinant human FSH (rhFSH), recombinant human LH (rhLH) or highly purified hCG (HPhCG) alone or combined. Controls omitted gonadotrophins. The effect of gonadotrophins on cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A polypeptide 1 (CYP11A1), hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF1A), and cell-death-related genes expression was evaluated by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Immunohistochemistry for microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (MAP1LC3B) and apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (APAF-1) was performed. Results Gonadotrophins are able to modulate the endometrial cells survival. FSH induced autophagy and apoptosis by increasing the relative expression of MAP1LC3B and FAS receptor. In FSH-treated samples, expression of apoptosis marker APAF-1 was detected and co-localized on autophagic cells. hCG and LH does not modulate the expression of cell-death-related genes while the up-regulation of pro-proliferative epiregulin gene was observed. When combined with FSH, hCG and LH prevent autophagy and apoptosis FSH-induced. Conclusions Different gonadotrophins specifically affect endometrial cells viability differently: FSH promotes autophagy and apoptosis while LH and hCG alone or combined with rhFSH does not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Sacchi
- Mother-Infant Department, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41100 Modena, Italy
| | - Paola Sena
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Human Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Addabbo
- Mother-Infant Department, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41100 Modena, Italy
| | - Erika Cuttone
- Mother-Infant Department, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41100 Modena, Italy
| | - Antonio La Marca
- Mother-Infant Department, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and Clinica Eugin Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41100 Modena, Italy, Phone: +390594224671
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Oestreich AK, Chadchan SB, Popli P, Medvedeva A, Rowen MN, Stephens CS, Xu R, Lydon JP, Demayo FJ, Jungheim ES, Moley KH, Kommagani R. The Autophagy Gene Atg16L1 is Necessary for Endometrial Decidualization. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5686885. [PMID: 31875883 PMCID: PMC6986551 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqz039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Uterine receptivity is critical for establishing and maintaining pregnancy. For the endometrium to become receptive, stromal cells must differentiate into decidual cells capable of secreting factors necessary for embryo survival and placental development. Although there are multiple reports of autophagy induction correlated with endometrial stromal cell (ESC) decidualization, the role of autophagy in decidualization has remained elusive. To determine the role of autophagy in decidualization, we utilized 2 genetic models carrying mutations to the autophagy gene Atg16L1. Although the hypomorphic Atg16L1 mouse was fertile and displayed proper decidualization, conditional knockout in the reproductive tract of female mice reduced fertility by decreasing the implantation rate. In the absence of Atg16L1, ESCs failed to properly decidualize and fewer blastocysts were able to implant. Additionally, small interfering RNA knock down of Atg16L1 was detrimental to the decidualization response of human ESCs. We conclude that Atg16L1 is necessary for decidualization, implantation, and overall fertility in mice. Furthermore, considering its requirement for human endometrial decidualization, these data suggest Atg16L1 may be a potential mediator of implantation success in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arin K Oestreich
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Sangappa B Chadchan
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Pooja Popli
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Alexandra Medvedeva
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Marina N Rowen
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Claire S Stephens
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ran Xu
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Francesco J Demayo
- Reproductive & Developmental Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Emily S Jungheim
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kelle H Moley
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ramakrishna Kommagani
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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Liu X, Wang S, Sun Y, Zhang T, Wang Z. The suppressed autophagy induced by carbon disulfide could be rescued by N-carbamoyl glutamate during the window of embryo implantation in mice. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 312:108751. [PMID: 31369747 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.108751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the effects of carbon disulfide (CS2) and N-carbamoyl glutamate (NCG) on autophagy during the window of embryo implantation in mice and whether dietary NCG supplementation can promote embryo implantation in case of CS2 exposure. METHODS Pregnant mice that received single intraperitoneal injection of CS2 on Gestational day (GD)4 were fed basal diet with or without NCG supplementation from GD1 to endpoints. The control mice were injected solvents. There were four endpoints (GD5, GD6, GD7 and GD9 endpoints) in each group. The uterus was collected on endpoints to detect autophagy-related markers by using the methods of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunohistochemistry (IHC), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and ELISA. RESULTS The P62 brown punctate staining increased in CS2 exposure group and reduced after dietary NCG supplementation, which was opposite with LC3B, Beclin1 and ATG5 on GD5 endpoint. Simultaneously, P62 protein expression raised 43.33% on GD5 endpoint (p < 0.01) when exposed to CS2 and descended to the control level after NCG supplementation. The rate of decline of LC3B and Beclin1 proteins were 27.04% (p < 0.01) and 23.27% (p < 0.05) on GD5 endpoint, 20.20% (p < 0.05) and 11.30% on GD7 endpoint in CS2 exposure group, respectively, then NCG supplementation caused the LC3B and Beclin1 protein expression to rise in different degrees. Comparatively, the mRNA expression of all autophagy-related gene changed more apparently on three endpoints than the protein expression. The images of TEM showed that nearly no autophagosome could be seen in CS2 exposure group, while dietary NCG supplementation increased the number of autophagosome obviously on GD5 endpoint. The number of implanted embryos which declined due to CS2 exposure returned to normal in NCG supplementation group. CONCLUSIONS Dietary NCG supplementation could rescue the suppressed autophagy induced by CS2 in the window of implantation and increase the number of implanted embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Liu
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Shuting Wang
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Yuan Sun
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Tongchao Zhang
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Zhiping Wang
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China.
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Li B, Zhang Q, Sun J, Lai D. Human amniotic epithelial cells improve fertility in an intrauterine adhesion mouse model. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:257. [PMID: 31412924 PMCID: PMC6694540 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1368-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is an adhesion of the uterine cavity or cervical canal resulting from damage to the basal layer of the endometrium; this condition is usually accompanied by fibrosis of the endometrium. Previous studies have demonstrated that human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) have stem cell characteristics; however, it is unclear whether hAECs have the therapeutic potential to restore fertility after IUA. METHODS A murine IUA model was established by mechanical injury to the uterus. Then, 106 hAECs were transplanted by intraperitoneal injection. The endometrium thickness, number of glands, and fibrosis area were measured by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and Masson staining. Molecules (including vWF, VEGF, PCNA, ER, PR, LC3, and p62) related to endometrial angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and autophagy were assayed by IHC staining. Pregnancy outcomes were also evaluated. Finally, hAECs were cocultured with human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (hEnSCs) damaged by H2O2 to verify the paracrine effect on endometrial stromal cells in vitro. RESULTS The IUA uterine cavity presented with adhesion and even atresia, accompanied by a thinner endometrium, fewer glands, increased fibrosis area, and fewer microvessels. However, hAECs significantly improved the uterine structure after IUA. After hAEC treatment, the endometrium was thicker, the number of endometrial glands was increased, fibrosis was reduced, and more microvessels were generated. The expression levels of VEGF, PCNA, and ER were increased in the hAEC-treated endometrium, indicating improvements in angiogenesis and stromal cell proliferation. hAECs also increased pregnancy outcomes in IUA mice, and the pregnancy rate and fetus number increased. Furthermore, we observed altered autophagy in the IUA uterine model, and hAEC transplantation upregulated autophagy. An in vitro study showed that hAECs activated autophagy in (hEnSCs) treated with H2O2 in a paracrine manner. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that hAECs have the potential to repair the uterus after injury, providing a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of Asherman syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boning Li
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Qiuwan Zhang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Junyan Sun
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Dongmei Lai
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China.
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai, 20030, China.
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Pei T, Huang X, Long Y, Duan C, Liu T, Li Y, Huang W. Increased expression of YAP is associated with decreased cell autophagy in the eutopic endometrial stromal cells of endometriosis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 491:110432. [PMID: 31014943 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Basic research has shown that signal pathways play significant roles in the development and progression of endometriosis (EMS). We first reported that the Hippo-YAP (Yes-associated protein) pathway promotes cell proliferation and anti-apoptosis in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) of EMS. Cell autophagy has been found to be involved in the endometrial regulation and the pathophysiology of EMS. We speculated that there may be an elaborate dialogue between Hippo-YAP and autophagy pathway in EMS. To explore this, we performed molecular biology experiments to investigate the expressions of YAP pathway and cell autophagy markers (mTOR, LC-3) in ESCs of women with or without EMS and detected the protein levels of autophagy markers after verteporfin and rapamycin treatments and the transfection with YAP-knockdown vector in the eutopic ESCs, respectively. We found that the mRNAs of YAP and mTOR were increased in the eutopic ESCs compared with controls, but no statistically difference, while the protein levels were significantly increased in the eutopic ESCs. Conversely, the ratio of the autophagy marker protein LC3-II/LC3-I was significantly decreased in the eutopic ESCs compared with controls. Moreover, verteporfin treatment interfered with the YAP function, but it had no effect on mTOR expression and cell autophagy level. Rapamycin treatment and YAP knockdown in the eutopic ESCs both inhibited the expression of YAP and increased the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I significantly. These results demonstrate that the decreased cell autophagy level is associated with the increased expression of YAP and YAP may participate in the mTOR-autophagy pathway in the eutopic ESCs of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Pei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Long
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Changling Duan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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Trichostatin A inhibits uterine histomorphology alterations induced by cigarette smoke exposure in mice. Life Sci 2019; 228:112-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.04.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Mestre Citrinovitz AC, Strowitzki T, Germeyer A. Decreased Autophagy Impairs Decidualization of Human Endometrial Stromal Cells: A Role for ATG Proteins in Endometrial Physiology. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20123066. [PMID: 31234569 PMCID: PMC6628477 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20123066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During the menstrual cycle, the endometrium undergoes cyclic changes of cellular proliferation, differentiation, and death, an essential preparation of the endometrium for its interaction with the implanting embryo. In particular, the differentiation of endometrial stromal cells, named decidualization, ensures the formation of a proper feto-maternal interface for a regulated trophoblast invasion and correct placental orientation and growth. Interestingly, autophagy, an intracellular degradation process of great importance for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, plays an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and growth. In the endometrium, increased detection of autophagy markers correlates with the progression of the menstrual cycle. However, until now, it was unknown whether autophagy contributes to the proper function of the endometrium. In this study, we show that autophagy is increased during in vitro decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the knockdowns of two important autophagy-related (ATG) proteins, ATG7 and ATG5, impaired decidualization, confirming a positive role of these proteins and of autophagy for the correct decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells. In conclusion, in this work, we describe a previously unknown functional connection between autophagy and endometrial physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cecilia Mestre Citrinovitz
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Women's Hospital, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, INF 440, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Thomas Strowitzki
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Women's Hospital, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, INF 440, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Ariane Germeyer
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Women's Hospital, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, INF 440, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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45
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Yang S, Wang H, Li D, Li M. Role of Endometrial Autophagy in Physiological and Pathophysiological Processes. J Cancer 2019; 10:3459-3471. [PMID: 31293650 PMCID: PMC6603423 DOI: 10.7150/jca.31742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrium is the mucosal lining of the uterus which expressed a cyclic process of proliferation, secretion and scaling under the control of hormones secreted by the ovary, and it also plays an indispensable role in the embryo implantation, the constitution of fetal-maternal interface, and the maintaining of pregnancy. In pathophysiological conditions, the abnormality or disorder of endometrium may lead to endometrium-related diseases, such as endometriosis, endometrium hyperplasia and even endometrial carcinoma. In recent years, more and more evidence revealed that autophagy exists in both the endometrium stroma cells and epithelial cells, and the activity of autophagy is changed in the different phases of menstruation, as well as in the endometrium-related diseases. Here, we aim to review the activity level, the regulatory factors and the function of autophagy in physiological and pathophysiological endometria, and to discuss the potential value of autophagy as a target for therapies of endometrium-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoliang Yang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Gynecology of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Dajin Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingqing Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, 200080, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
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Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase of the phosphatidylinositol kinase-related kinase family that regulates cell growth, metabolism, and autophagy. Extensive research has linked mTOR to several human diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging. In this review, recent publications regarding the mechanisms underlying the role of mTOR in female reproduction under physiological and pathological conditions are summarized. Moreover, we assess whether strategies to improve or suppress mTOR expression could have therapeutic potential for reproductive diseases like premature ovarian failure, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and endometriosis.
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47
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Chen Q, Gao R, Geng Y, Chen X, Liu X, Zhang L, Mu X, Ding Y, Wang Y, He J. Decreased autophagy was implicated in the decreased apoptosis during decidualization in early pregnant mice. J Mol Histol 2018; 49:589-597. [PMID: 30298448 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-018-9797-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Folate deficiency is a major risk factor of birth defects. Mechanistic studies on folate deficiency resulting in birth defects have mainly focused on fetal development. There have been few studies on folate deficiency from the point of view of the mother's uterus. In our previous study, we demonstrated that folate deficiency inhibits apoptosis of decidual cells, thereby restraining decidualization of the endometrium and impairing pregnancy. In this study, we further investigated the potential mechanism by which folate deficiency decreases endometrial apoptosis during decidualization. To investigate whether endometrium autophagy was inhibited under folate deficiency during decidualization, we performed real-time PCR for endometrial LC3 and P62 on day 6 (D6) to D8 of pregnancy in mice, and both were significantly changed compared to non-folate-deficient mice. Western blots showed that LC3-II and P62 were also changed in folate-deficient mice. Compared with control mice, a few punctuate LC3-II structures were detected in the folate deficiency group by immunofluorescence. Transmission electron micrographs of decidual cells on D8 showed that there were no evident autophagosomes in the folate deficiency group. In addition, apoptosis-related protein analysis by western blotting, TUNEL staining and flow cytometry showed that decreased endometrial apoptosis on D8 of pregnancy under folate deficiency was reversed after treatment with rapamycin, an autophagy inducer. ROS measurement showed that the endometrium ROS level was reduced by folate deficiency and that rapamycin reversed this effect on day 8 of pregnancy. All the results suggest that inhibiting endometrial autophagy may be implicated in the decreased endometrial apoptosis under folate deficiency during decidualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiutong Chen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Box 197, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Rufei Gao
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Box 197, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanqing Geng
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Box 197, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Box 197, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueqing Liu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Box 197, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Box 197, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Mu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Box 197, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yubin Ding
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Box 197, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingxiong Wang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Box 197, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Junlin He
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Box 197, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
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48
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Zhang T, De Carolis C, Man GCW, Wang CC. The link between immunity, autoimmunity and endometriosis: a literature update. Autoimmun Rev 2018; 17:945-955. [PMID: 30107265 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMS), an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disorder affects approximately 5-10% of the general female population of reproductive age and 20-90% of women with pelvic pain and infertility. Many immunological factors are known to contribute significantly to the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of EMS, and both chronic local inflammation and autoantibodies in EMS shares many similarities with autoimmune diseases (AD). However, the autoimmune etiology in EMS remains controversial, and its evidence on autoimmune basis may be limited. Here we aim to review the current understanding between autoimmunity and EMS to provide important knowledge to develop future potential immunomodulatory therapy for the treatment of EMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong; Shenzhen Youshare Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Caterina De Carolis
- Polymedical Center for Prevention of Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gene Chi Wai Man
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong; Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Chi Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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49
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Zhang B, Zhou WJ, Gu CJ, Wu K, Yang HL, Mei J, Yu JJ, Hou XF, Sun JS, Xu FY, Li DJ, Jin LP, Li MQ. The ginsenoside PPD exerts anti-endometriosis effects by suppressing estrogen receptor-mediated inhibition of endometrial stromal cell autophagy and NK cell cytotoxicity. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:574. [PMID: 29760378 PMCID: PMC5951853 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0581-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMS) is an estrogen-dependent gynecological disease with a low autophagy level of ectopic endometrial stromal cells (eESCs). Impaired NK cell cytotoxic activity is involved in the clearance obstruction of the ectopic endometrial tissue in the abdominopelvic cavity. Protopanaxadiol (PPD) and protopanaxatriol (PPT) are two metabolites of ginsenosides, which have profound biological functions, such as anti-cancer activities. However, the role and mechanism of ginsenosides and metabolites in endometriosis are completely unknown. Here, we found that the compounds PPD, PPT, ginsenoside-Rg3 (G-Rg3), ginsenoside-Rh2 (G-Rh2), and esculentoside A (EsA) led to significant decreases in the viability of eESCs, particularly PPD (IC50 = 30.64 µM). In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that PPD promoted the expression of progesterone receptor (PR) and downregulated the expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) in eESCs. Treatment with PPD obviously induced the autophagy of eESCs and reversed the inhibitory effect of estrogen on eESC autophagy. In addition, eESCs pretreated with PPD enhanced the cytotoxic activity of NK cells in response to eESCs. PPD decreased the numbers and suppressed the growth of ectopic lesions in a mouse EMS model. These results suggest that PPD plays a role in anti-EMS activation, possibly by restricting estrogen-mediated autophagy regulation and enhancing the cytotoxicity of NK cells. This result provides a scientific basis for potential therapeutic strategies to treat EMS by PPD or further structural modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Jie Zhou
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun-Jie Gu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Wu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Li Yang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Mei
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Jun Yu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Fan Hou
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Song Sun
- National Research Centre for Carbohydrate Synthesis, Jiangxi Normal University, 330022, Jiangxi, Nanchang, China
| | - Feng-Yuan Xu
- Wallace H.Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech College of Engineering and Emory School of Medicine, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, 30332, GA, USA
| | - Da-Jin Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Ping Jin
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200040, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, 200011, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, 200011, Shanghai, China.
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50
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Sumarac-Dumanovic M, Apostolovic M, Janjetovic K, Jeremic D, Popadic D, Ljubic A, Micic J, Dukanac-Stamenkovic J, Tubic A, Stevanovic D, Micic D, Trajkovic V. Downregulation of autophagy gene expression in endometria from women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 440:116-124. [PMID: 27845161 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy, a process of controlled cellular self-digestion, could be involved in cyclic remodeling of the human endometrium. We investigated endometrial mRNA expression of 23 autophagy-related (ATG) genes and transcription factors in healthy controls (n = 12) and anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients (n = 24), as well as in their subgroup (n = 12) before and after metformin treatment. The mRNA levels of transcription factor forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) and several molecules involved in autophagosome formation (ATG13, RB1-inducible coiled-coil 1), autophagosome nucleation (ATG14, beclin 1, SH3-domain GRB2-like endophilin B1), autophagosome elongation (ATG3, ATG5, γ-aminobutyric acid receptor-associated protein - GABARAP), and delivery of ubiquitinated proteins to autophagosomes (sequestosome 1), were significantly reduced in anovulatory PCOS compared to healthy endometrium. Free androgen index, but not free estrogen index, insulin levels, or body mass index, negatively correlated with the endometrial expression of ATG3, ATG14, and GABARAP in PCOS patients. Treatment of PCOS patients with metformin (2 g/day for 3 months) significantly increased the endometrial mRNA levels of FOXO1, ATG3, and UV radiation resistance-associated gene. These data suggest that increased androgen availability in PCOS is associated with metformin-sensitive transcriptional downregulation of endometrial autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Sumarac-Dumanovic
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Diseases of Metabolism, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia; School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Kristina Janjetovic
- Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danka Jeremic
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Diseases of Metabolism, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dusan Popadic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Jelena Micic
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Dukanac-Stamenkovic
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Tubic
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center of Nis, Nis, Serbia
| | - Darko Stevanovic
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dragan Micic
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Vladimir Trajkovic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
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