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Szukiewicz D. Epigenetic regulation and T-cell responses in endometriosis – something other than autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:943839. [PMID: 35935991 PMCID: PMC9355085 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.943839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-like glands and stroma located outside the uterine cavity. This common, estrogen dependent, inflammatory condition affects up to 15% of reproductive-aged women and is a well-recognized cause of chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Despite the still unknown etiology of endometriosis, much evidence suggests the participation of epigenetic mechanisms in the disease etiopathogenesis. The main rationale is based on the fact that heritable phenotype changes that do not involve alterations in the DNA sequence are common triggers for hormonal, immunological, and inflammatory disorders, which play a key role in the formation of endometriotic foci. Epigenetic mechanisms regulating T-cell responses, including DNA methylation and posttranslational histone modifications, deserve attention because tissue-resident T lymphocytes work in concert with organ structural cells to generate appropriate immune responses and are functionally shaped by organ-specific environmental conditions. Thus, a failure to precisely regulate immune cell transcription may result in compromised immunological integrity of the organ with an increased risk of inflammatory disorders. The coexistence of endometriosis and autoimmunity is a well-known occurrence. Recent research results indicate regulatory T-cell (Treg) alterations in endometriosis, and an increased number of highly active Tregs and macrophages have been found in peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis. Elimination of the regulatory function of T cells and an imbalance between T helper cells of the Th1 and Th2 types have been reported in the endometria of women with endometriosis-associated infertility. This review aims to present the state of the art in recognition epigenetic reprogramming of T cells as the key factor in the pathophysiology of endometriosis in the context of T-cell-related autoimmunity. The new potential therapeutic approaches based on epigenetic modulation and/or adoptive transfer of T cells will also be outlined.
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Xie C, Tang B, Wu K, Meng Q, Wang F. Increased serum LOXL2 concentration in pelvic inflammatory disease with pelvic adhesion. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:59. [PMID: 35246120 PMCID: PMC8896148 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01640-1] [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: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) belongs to a family of the LOX secretory enzyme, which involves the cross-linkage of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Here, we aimed to analyze the correlation between serum LOXL2 and pelvic adhesion in chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Methods A total of 143 patients with PID and 130 healthy controls were included in this study. The serum levels of LOXL2 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The patients were divided into non-adhesion group (102 cases) and adhesion group (41 cases). Results It was found that the serum level of LOXL2 expression was elevated in PID patients compared with healthy controls, and was elevated in PID patients with pelvic adhesion compared to patients without adhesion. In all PID patients, serum LOXL2 level was positively correlated with matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1), whole blood viscosity (WBV) at low shear rate (LSR), WBV at high shear rate (HSR), and hematocrit (HcT). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum LOXL2 level was an independent risk factor for pelvic adhesion in PID patients (OR = 1.058; 95% CI = 1.030–1.086, P < 0.001). Conclusions Serum LOXL2 level not only predicts the presence of PID, but serum LOXL2 concentration is also associated with the presence of pelvic adhesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Xie
- Department of TCM Gynecology, Shanghai Pudong New District Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University, No.219 Miaopu Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China
| | - Bixin Tang
- Department of TCM Gynecology, Shanghai Pudong New District Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University, No.219 Miaopu Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kunlun Wu
- Department of TCM Gynecology, Shanghai Pudong New District Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University, No.219 Miaopu Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyi Meng
- Department of TCM Gynecology, Shanghai Pudong New District Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University, No.219 Miaopu Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of TCM Gynecology, Shanghai Pudong New District Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University, No.219 Miaopu Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China
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Schmitz T, Hoffmann V, Olliges E, Bobinger A, Popovici R, Nößner E, Meissner K. Reduced frequency of perforin-positive CD8+ T cells in menstrual effluent of endometriosis patients. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 148:103424. [PMID: 34563756 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a widespread disease and commonly reduces the life quality of those affected. Scientific literature indicates different underlying immunological changes. Frequently examined tissues are peripheral blood, endometrial tissue and peritoneal fluid. Yet, knowledge on immunological differences in menstrual effluent (ME) is scarce. In this study, between January 2018 and August 2019, 12 women with endometriosis (rASRM classification: stages I-IV) and 11 healthy controls were included. ME was collected using menstrual cups and venous blood samples (PB) were taken. Mononuclear cells were obtained from ME (MMC) and PB (PBMC) and analyzed using flow cytometry. Concentrations of cell adhesion molecules (ICAM-I and VCAM-I) and cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) were measured using ELISA. CD8 + T cells obtained from ME were significantly less often perforin-positive in women with endometriosis compared to healthy controls. A comparison between MMC and PBMC revealed that MMC contained significantly less T cells and more B cells. The CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly higher in MMC, and Tregs were significantly less frequently in MMC. In ME, T cells and NK cells expressed significantly more CD69. NK cells obtained from ME were predominantly CD56bright/CD16dim and had a lower frequency of perforin + cells compared to PBMC NK cells. Moreover, ICAM-1 plasma levels were significantly reduced in women with endometriosis compared to healthy controls. In conclusion, CD8 + T cells obtained from the ME were significantly less perforin-positive in endometriosis patients indicating a reduced cytotoxic potential. MMC are distinctively different from PBMC and, thus, seem to be of endometrial origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Schmitz
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Germany; Chair of Epidemiology, University of Augsburg, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
| | - Verena Hoffmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Olliges
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Germany; Division of Health Promotion, Coburg University of Applied Sciences, Coburg, Germany
| | - Alina Bobinger
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Germany; Division of Health Promotion, Coburg University of Applied Sciences, Coburg, Germany
| | - Roxana Popovici
- kïz, Munich, Germany; Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg University Women's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elfriede Nößner
- Immunoanalytics Research Group Tissue Control of Immunocytes, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Meissner
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Germany; Division of Health Promotion, Coburg University of Applied Sciences, Coburg, Germany.
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Tu J, Yang H, Chen Y, Chen Y, Chen H, Li Z, Li L, Zhang Y, Chen X, Yu Z. Current and Future Roles of Circular RNAs in Normal and Pathological Endometrium. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:668073. [PMID: 34122342 PMCID: PMC8187767 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.668073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The uterine endometrium, which lines the mammalian uterus, is essential for embryo implantation. This lining undergoes significant changes during sexual and menstrual cycles. The endometrium is also associated with hormone-related diseases such as endometriosis and endometrial cancer. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a role in various biological processes. Recent studies have determined that circRNAs function in both normal and pathological endometrial environments. Here, we review high-throughput studies pertaining to circRNAs as well as individual circRNAs active in the endometrium, in order to explore the myriad functions of circRNAs in the endometrium and mechanisms underlying these functions, from panoramic and individual perspectives. Owing to their abundant expression, stability, and small size, circRNAs have displayed potential usefulness as diagnostic markers and treatment targets for endometrial-related diseases. Therefore, the specific role of circRNAs in the endometrium warrants systematic investigation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajie Tu
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Jiajie Tu, ; Zhiying Yu,
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - He Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhe Li
- The First Clinical Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaochun Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiying Yu
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Jiajie Tu, ; Zhiying Yu,
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Kott KA, Vernon ST, Hansen T, de Dreu M, Das SK, Powell J, Fazekas de St Groth B, Di Bartolo BA, McGuire HM, Figtree GA. Single-Cell Immune Profiling in Coronary Artery Disease: The Role of State-of-the-Art Immunophenotyping With Mass Cytometry in the Diagnosis of Atherosclerosis. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e017759. [PMID: 33251927 PMCID: PMC7955359 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.017759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Coronary artery disease remains the leading cause of death globally and is a major burden to every health system in the world. There have been significant improvements in risk modification, treatments, and mortality; however, our ability to detect asymptomatic disease for early intervention remains limited. Recent discoveries regarding the inflammatory nature of atherosclerosis have prompted investigation into new methods of diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease. This article reviews some of the highlights of the important developments in cardioimmunology and summarizes the clinical evidence linking the immune system and atherosclerosis. It provides an overview of the major serological biomarkers that have been associated with atherosclerosis, noting the limitations of these markers attributable to low specificity, and then contrasts these serological markers with the circulating immune cell subtypes that have been found to be altered in coronary artery disease. This review then outlines the technique of mass cytometry and its ability to provide high-dimensional single-cell data and explores how this high-resolution quantification of specific immune cell subpopulations may assist in the diagnosis of early atherosclerosis in combination with other complimentary techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing. We propose that this improved specificity has the potential to transform the detection of coronary artery disease in its early phases, facilitating targeted preventative approaches in the precision medicine era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine A Kott
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Health Kolling Institute of Medical Research Sydney Australia.,Department of Cardiology Royal North Shore Hospital Northern Sydney Local Health District Sydney Australia.,School of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine and Health University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Stephen T Vernon
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Health Kolling Institute of Medical Research Sydney Australia.,Department of Cardiology Royal North Shore Hospital Northern Sydney Local Health District Sydney Australia.,School of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine and Health University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Thomas Hansen
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Health Kolling Institute of Medical Research Sydney Australia.,School of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine and Health University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Macha de Dreu
- School of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine and Health University of Sydney Sydney Australia.,Ramaciotti Facility for Human Systems Biology Charles Perkins Centre University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Souvik K Das
- Department of Cardiology Royal North Shore Hospital Northern Sydney Local Health District Sydney Australia
| | - Joseph Powell
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics Garvan Institute Sydney Australia.,UNSW Cellular Genomics Futures Institute University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
| | - Barbara Fazekas de St Groth
- School of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine and Health University of Sydney Sydney Australia.,Ramaciotti Facility for Human Systems Biology Charles Perkins Centre University of Sydney Sydney Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Belinda A Di Bartolo
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Health Kolling Institute of Medical Research Sydney Australia
| | - Helen M McGuire
- School of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine and Health University of Sydney Sydney Australia.,Ramaciotti Facility for Human Systems Biology Charles Perkins Centre University of Sydney Sydney Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Gemma A Figtree
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Health Kolling Institute of Medical Research Sydney Australia.,Department of Cardiology Royal North Shore Hospital Northern Sydney Local Health District Sydney Australia.,School of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine and Health University of Sydney Sydney Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre University of Sydney Sydney Australia
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Tang B, Wu K, Meng Q, Wang F. Comparison of the Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Xiaoyuningkun Decoction with Cynanchum Paniculatum and Fukeqianjin in a Mouse Model of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:9094-9102. [PMID: 31784502 PMCID: PMC6900919 DOI: 10.12659/msm.916070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that the extract of Cynanchum paniculatum (bunge) kitag and the fukeqianjin formulation have beneficial effects in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This study aimed to compare the effects of Cynanchum paniculatum and fukeqianjin with a new decoction, xiaoyuningkun, consisting of Melia toosendan, Angelica biserrata, and Cynanchum paniculatum, in a mouse model of PID. MATERIAL AND METHODS The mouse model of PID included injection of the upper genital tract with hydrochloric acid (HCl) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The control group underwent sham treatment with 0.9% physiological saline. Cynanchum paniculatum, fukeqianjin, and xiaoyuningkun decoction were administered orally for 15 days. Acetic acid-induced writhing and thermal nociception hot plate tests evaluated the analgesic effects of treatment. Mouse uterus and Fallopian tubes were examined histologically to evaluate the degree of inflammation. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure the protein expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured serum levels of inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS Treatment with xiaoyuningkun decoction significantly reduced the pain threshold in the mouse model of PID and the degree of inflammation in the uterus and Fallopian tubes compared with Cynanchum paniculatum and fukeqianjin. Cynanchum paniculatum decoction significantly reduced the serum levels of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), ICAM-1, and VEGF, and the expression of ICAM-1 and VEGF in the mouse uterus and Fallopian tubes. CONCLUSIONS The new xiaoyuningkun decoction had analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in the mouse model of PID, possibly by inhibiting ICAM-1, VEGF, and inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bixin Tang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Gynecology, Shanghai Pudong New District Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Kunlun Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Gynecology, Shanghai Pudong New District Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Qingyi Meng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Gynecology, Shanghai Pudong New District Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Gynecology, Shanghai Pudong New District Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China (mainland)
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