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Zhang JC, Zhang HL, Xin XY, Zhu YT, Mao X, Hu HQ, Jin YX, Fan RW, Zhang XH, Ye Y, Li D. Mechanisms of Bushen Tiaoxue Granules against controlled ovarian hyperstimulation-induced abnormal morphology of endometrium based on network pharmacology. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:25. [PMID: 38279186 PMCID: PMC10811918 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01339-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bushen Tiaoxue Granules (BTG) is an empirical Chinese herbal formula that has been used for the treatment of subfertility. The protective effect of BTG on controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH)-induced impaired endometrial receptivity has been reported in our previous study. This study aims to explore the mechanisms of BTG on ameliorating abnormal morphology of endometrium based on network pharmacology. Active compounds of BTG were identified via the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology and UPLC-MS technology. The SwissTargetPrediction platform and HERB database were used to screen out the putative targets of BTG. Potential targets of endometrial dysfunction caused by COH were obtained from three GEO databases. Through the STRING database, the protein-protein interaction was carried out according to the cross-common targets of diseases and drugs. GO terms and KEGG pathways enrichment analyses were conducted via the Metascape database. AutoDock Vina was used for docking validation of the affinity between active compounds and potential targets. Finally, in vivo experiments were used to verify the potential mechanisms derived from network pharmacology study. A total of 141 effective ingredients were obtained from TCMSP and nine of which were verified in UPLC-MS. Six genes were selected through the intersection of 534 disease related genes and 165 drug potential targets. Enrichment analyses showed that BTG might reverse endometrial dysfunction by regulating adherens junction and arachidonic acid metabolism. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed that BTG ameliorated the loose and edematous status of endometrial epithelium caused by COH. The protein expression of FOXO1A, β-Catenin and COX-2 was decreased in the COH group, and was up-regulated by BTG. BTG significantly alleviates the edema of endometrial epithelium caused by COH. The mechanisms may be related to adheren junctions and activation of arachidonic acid metabolism. The potential active compounds quercetin, taxifolin, kaempferol, eriodictyol, and isorhamnetin identified from the BTG exhibit marginal cytotoxicity. Both high and low concentrations of kaempferol, eriodictyol, and taxifolin are capable of effectively ameliorating impaired hESC cellular activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Cheng Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hao-Lin Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xi-Yan Xin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Tian Zhu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Mao
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hang-Qi Hu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Xin Jin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rui-Wen Fan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Ye
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Lyu C, Ni T, Guo Y, Zhou T, Chen Z, Yan J, Li Y. Insufficient GDF15 expression predisposes women to unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss by impairing extravillous trophoblast invasion. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13514. [PMID: 37272232 PMCID: PMC10693185 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Insufficient extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion during early placentation has been shown to contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). However, the regulatory factors involved and their involvement in RPL pathogenesis remain unknown. Here, we found aberrantly decreased growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) levels in both first-trimester villous and serum samples of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL) patients as compared with normal pregnancies. Moreover, GDF15 knockdown significantly reduced the invasiveness of both HTR-8/SVneo cells and primary human EVT cells and suppressed the Jagged-1 (JAG1)/NOTCH3/HES1 pathway activity, and JAG1 overexpression rescued the invasion phenotype of the GDF15 knockdown cells. Induction of a lipopolysaccharide-induced abortion model in mice resulted in significantly reduced GDF15 level in the placenta and serum, as well as increased rates of embryonic resorption, and these effects were reversed by administration of recombinant GDF15. Our study thus demonstrates that insufficient GDF15 level at the first-trimester maternal-foetal interface contribute to the pathogenesis of URPL by impairing EVT invasion and suppressing JAG1/NOTCH3/HES1 pathway activity, and suggests that supplementation with GDF15 could benefit early pregnancy maintenance and reduce the risk of early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunzi Lyu
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Tianxiang Ni
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Yaqiu Guo
- Department of AnesthesiologyJinan Maternal and Child Health HospitalJinanShandongChina
| | - Tingting Zhou
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Zi‐Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Junhao Yan
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Yan Li
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Medical Integration and Practice CenterShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Lead Contact
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Jia GX, Ma WJ, Wu ZB, Li S, Zhang XQ, He Z, Wu SX, Tao HP, Fang Y, Song YW, Xu SR, Wang XQ, Yang QE. Single-cell transcriptomic characterization of sheep conceptus elongation and implantation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112860. [PMID: 37494181 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bidirectional communication between the developing conceptus and endometrium is essential for pregnancy recognition and establishment in ruminants. We dissect the transcriptomic dynamics of sheep conceptus and corresponding endometrium at pre- and peri-implantation stages using single-cell RNA sequencing. Spherical blastocysts contain five cell types, with 68.62% trophectoderm cells. Strikingly, elongated conceptuses differentiate into 17 cell types, indicating dramatic cell fate specifications. Cell-type-specific gene expression delineates the features of distinctive trophectoderm lineages and indicates that the transition from polar trophectoderm to trophoblast increases interferon-tau expression and likely drives elongation initiation. We identify 13 endometrium-derived cell types and elucidate their molecular responses to conceptus development. Integrated analyses uncover multiple paired transcripts mediating the dialogues between extraembryonic membrane and endometrium, including IGF2-IGF1R, FGF19-FGFR1, NPY-NPY1R, PROS1-AXL, and ADGRE5-CD55. These data provide insight into the molecular regulation of conceptus elongation and represent a valuable resource for functional investigations of pre- and peri-implantation ruminant development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gong-Xue Jia
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China
| | - Wen-Ji Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhao-Bo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China
| | - Xiao-Qian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China
| | - Zhen He
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shi-Xin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hai-Ping Tao
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi Fang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China
| | - Yong-Wu Song
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station of Gangcha, Haibei 812300, China
| | - Shang-Rong Xu
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Xiao-Qun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China.
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Guo J, Zhou W, Sacco M, Downing P, Dimitriadis E, Zhao F. Using organoids to investigate human endometrial receptivity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1158515. [PMID: 37693361 PMCID: PMC10484744 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1158515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The human endometrium is only receptive to an implanting blastocyst in the mid-secretory phase of each menstrual cycle. Such time-dependent alterations in function require intricate interplay of various factors, largely coordinated by estrogen and progesterone. Abnormal endometrial receptivity is thought to contribute to two-thirds of the implantation failure in humans and therefore significantly hindering IVF success. Despite the incontrovertible importance of endometrial receptivity in implantation, the precise mechanisms involved in the regulation of endometrial receptivity remain poorly defined. This is mainly due to a lack of proper in vitro models that recapitulate the in vivo environment of the receptive human endometrium. Organoids were recently established from human endometrium with promising features to better mimic the receptive phase. Endometrial organoids show long-term expandability and the capability to preserve the structural and functional characteristics of the endometrial tissue of origin. This three-dimensional model maintains a good responsiveness to steroid hormones in vitro and replicates key morphological features of the receptive endometrium in vivo, including pinopodes and pseudostratified epithelium. Here, we review the current findings of endometrial organoid studies that have been focused on investigating endometrial receptivity and place an emphasis on methods to further refine and improve this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhan Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Michaela Sacco
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Poppy Downing
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Evdokia Dimitriadis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Feifei Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Acar N, Soylu H, Avci S, Ustunel I. Expressions of Notch signalling pathway members during early pregnancy in mice. J Mol Histol 2023; 54:297-312. [PMID: 37344690 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-023-10132-x] [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: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Although pregnancy is initiated and maintained through highly complex mechanisms, it is essential to understand the events that occur before and during early pregnancy to understand a healthy implantation process. The Notch signal, thought to be involved in this process, is frequently the subject of research with its different aspects. To better understand the role of Notch signaling in the peri-implantation period of the mouse uterus, we investigated the state of expression and localization of Notch 3, Notch 4, Rbp-J, Hes1, Hes7, Hey2, HeyL, and Fbw7 in the uterus and implantation sites in early pregnancy. Balb/C mice were divided into groups D1, D4, D5, D6, and D8. For D5 and D6 groups, implantation sites were identified by intravenous injection of Chicago blue. IHC, WB, and QRT-PCR methods were used. Notch 3 was very strong positive on the 4th day of pregnancy. Notch 4 was highly expressed on days 4, 5, 6, and 8 of pregnancy when P4 levels were high. Hes 1 level was at the lowest on the 4th day of pregnancy. Hes 7 protein expression gradually increased from D1 to D8 in the uteri and implantation sites. Hey 2 expression was at the highest level on the 1st and 4th days. Hey L expression was on the apical of the glands. Fbxw7 that expression was high on the 1st and 4th days of pregnancy. Notch signaling may play an essential role in regulating endometrial receptivity. In addition, our Hes7 results are new to the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuray Acar
- School of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Hakan Soylu
- School of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Duzce University, Duzce, Turkey
| | - Sema Avci
- School of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ismail Ustunel
- School of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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Holdsworth-Carson SJ, Menkhorst E, Maybin JA, King A, Girling JE. Cyclic processes in the uterine tubes, endometrium, myometrium, and cervix: pathways and perturbations. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad012. [PMID: 37225518 PMCID: PMC10208902 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This review leads the 2023 Call for Papers in MHR: 'Cyclical function of the female reproductive tract' and will outline the complex and fascinating changes that take place in the reproductive tract during the menstrual cycle. We will also explore associated reproductive tract abnormalities that impact or are impacted by the menstrual cycle. Between menarche and menopause, women and people who menstruate living in high-income countries can expect to experience ∼450 menstrual cycles. The primary function of the menstrual cycle is to prepare the reproductive system for pregnancy in the event of fertilization. In the absence of pregnancy, ovarian hormone levels fall, triggering the end of the menstrual cycle and onset of menstruation. We have chosen to exclude the ovaries and focus on the other structures that make up the reproductive tract: uterine tubes, endometrium, myometrium, and cervix, which also functionally change in response to fluctuations in ovarian hormone production across the menstrual cycle. This inaugural paper for the 2023 MHR special collection will discuss our current understanding of the normal physiological processes involved in uterine cyclicity (limited specifically to the uterine tubes, endometrium, myometrium, and cervix) in humans, and other mammals where relevant. We will emphasize where knowledge gaps exist and highlight the impact that reproductive tract and uterine cycle perturbations have on health and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Holdsworth-Carson
- Julia Argyrou Endometriosis Centre, Epworth HealthCare, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ellen Menkhorst
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jacqueline A Maybin
- Institute for Regeneration and Repair, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anna King
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jane E Girling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Aplin JD, Stevens A. Use of 'omics for endometrial timing: the cycle moves on. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:644-650. [PMID: 35147196 PMCID: PMC8971645 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
For some years, the prospect of precise and personalized timing of the endometrial cycle for optimal embryo replacement has been held out as a potential solution to low implantation rates. It is envisaged that a receptive state can be defined and reached at a predictable time, and embryo replacement performed in synchrony. In the last century, morphological changes characteristic of the mid secretory phase were defined in precisely timed cycles in women of proven fertility, but when deviations from this standardized schedule occur, their significance for implantation has remained uncertain. ‘Omics technologies have been widely advocated for staging the endometrial cycle and defining a set of biochemical requirements for implantation, but after two decades of research, improvements to pregnancy rates have not followed, and there is a striking lack of agreement regarding the molecular characterization of the receptive state. Some of the rationale underlying these problems is now emerging with the application of higher-level computational and biological methodology. Here, we consider the challenges of defining an endometrial phenotype that can support implantation and continuing pregnancy. Receptivity may be an emergent trait depending on contributions from multiple proteins that have low pathway connectivity. We recommend that authors choose language which rigorously avoids the implication that protocols for molecular staging of the mid secretory phase inherently identify a state of receptivity to the implanting blastocyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Centre, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Adam Stevens
- Maternal and Fetal Health Centre, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Zhou W, Menkhorst E, Dimitriadis E. Characterization of chloride intracellular channel 4 in the regulation of human trophoblast function. Placenta 2022; 119:24-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Wang X, Hawkins SM. Using advanced spatial and single-cell transcriptomics to characterize the human endometrium. Nat Genet 2021; 53:1628-1630. [PMID: 34857955 PMCID: PMC8708200 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-021-00982-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiyin Wang
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Shannon M Hawkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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