1
|
Prell A, Wigger D, Huwiler A, Schumacher F, Kleuser B. The sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitors ABC294640 and K145 elevate (dihydro)sphingosine 1-phosphate levels in various cells. J Lipid Res 2024:100631. [PMID: 39182604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2024.100631] [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: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine kinases (SphKs), enzymes that produce the bioactive lipids dihydrosphingosine 1-phosphate (dhS1P) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), are associated with various diseases, including cancer and infections. For this reason, a number of SphK inhibitors have been developed. Although off-target effects have been described for selected agents, SphK inhibitors are mostly used in research without monitoring the effects on the sphingolipidome. We have now investigated the effects of seven commonly used SphK inhibitors (5c, ABC294640 (opaganib), DMS, K145, PF-543, SLM6031434 and SKI-II) on profiles of selected sphingolipids in Chang, HepG2 and HUVEC cells. While we observed the expected (dh)S1P reduction for DMS, PF-543, SKI-II and SLM6031434, 5c showed hardly any effect. Remarkably, for K145 and ABC294640, both reported to be specific for SphK2, we observed dose-dependent strong increases in dhS1P and S1P across cell lines. Compensatory effects of SphK1 could be excluded, as this observation was also made in SphK1-deficient HK-2 cells. Furthermore, we observed effects on dihydroceramide desaturase (DEGS) activity for all inhibitors tested, as has been previously noted for ABC294640 and SKI-II. In additional mechanistic studies, we investigated the massive increase of dhS1P and S1P after short-term cell treatment with ABC294640 and K145 in more detail. We found that both compounds affect sphingolipid de novo synthesis, with 3-ketodihydrosphingosine reductase and DEGS as their targets. Our study emphasizes the urgency of monitoring cellular sphingolipid profiles when SphK inhibitors are used in mechanistic investigations, as none of the seven SphK inhibitors tested was free of unexpected on-target and/or off-target effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agata Prell
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik Wigger
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Huwiler
- Institute of Pharmacology, Inselspital, INO-F, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Schumacher
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Burkhard Kleuser
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chauhan JK, Dubey PK, Rai S, Tripathi A. Induction and characterization of a rat model of endometriosis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18827. [PMID: 39138257 PMCID: PMC11322168 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69440-1] [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: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common condition that affects 5% to 10% of women during their reproductive years, although the aetiology and pathophysiology are still unknown. This study aimed to create an endometriosis model in rats to investigate the efficacy of natural and synthetic medications in treating endometriosis. An in vivo endometriotic model was established using a surgical induction method and the endocrine-disrupting drug diethylstilbestrol (DES). In brief, the experiment is categorised into three different groups. Each group contains five rats. The first group had no surgery, while in the in the second group of rats (n = 5), two small tissue grafts were fixed at the right and left walls of the abdomen. But in the in the third group of rats (n = 5), two small pieces of tissue have been grafted on the right and left abdomen walls by surgically along with DES treatments. Noninvasive photoacoustic imaging (PAI) was employed in the study to measure factors such as haemoglobin levels, oxygen saturation, and the size of endometriotic lesions. Histopathological analysis was carried out utilising staining techniques such as Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson's Trichrome, and Periodic Acid Schiff, as well as immunohistochemistry with marker antibodies. Molecular markers in uterine tissue were examined using Western blots and real-time PCR. The developed endometriosis rat model showed a significant increase in the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, angiogenic marker VEGF and pro-inflammatory (COX-2 and IL-6) protein markers. In contrast to the control group, the treatment group had considerably lower Caspase-3 expression levels. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) data demonstrated a constant increase in lesion size, as well as a decrease in oxygen saturation levels. The findings suggest that the in vivo endometriosis rat model may accurately assess the efficacy of natural or synthetic endometriosis treatments. This model may help in the improvement of disease understanding and the development of targeted therapeutic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pawan K Dubey
- Centre for Genetic Disorders, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, UP, India
| | - Sangeeta Rai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Medical Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, UP, India
| | - Anima Tripathi
- Department of Zoology, MMV, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, UP, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Prisinzano M, Bernacchioni C, Seidita I, Rossi M, Raeispour M, Cencetti F, Vannuccini S, Fambrini M, Petraglia F, Bruni P, Donati C. Sphingosine 1-phosphate signaling axis mediates neuropeptide S-induced invasive phenotype of endometriotic cells. FEBS J 2024; 291:1744-1758. [PMID: 38287231 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17071] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological syndrome characterized by endometrial cell invasion of the extra-uterine milieu, pelvic pain and infertility. Treatment relies on either symptomatic drugs or hormonal therapies, even though the mechanism involved in the onset of endometriosis is yet to be elucidated. The signaling of sphingolipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is profoundly dysregulated in endometriosis. Indeed, sphingosine kinase (SK)1, one of the two isoenzymes responsible for S1P biosynthesis, and S1P1, S1P3 and S1P5, three of its five specific receptors, are more highly expressed in endometriotic lesions compared to healthy endometrium. Recently, missense coding variants of the gene encoding the receptor 1 for neuropeptide S (NPS) have been robustly associated with endometriosis in humans. This study aimed to characterize the biological effect of NPS in endometriotic epithelial cells and the possible involvement of the S1P signaling axis in its action. NPS was found to potently induce cell invasion and actin cytoskeletal remodeling. Of note, the NPS-induced invasive phenotype was dependent on SK1 and SK2 as well as on S1P1 and S1P3, given that the biological action of the neuropeptide was fully prevented when one of the two biosynthetic enzymes or one of the two selective receptors was inhibited or silenced. Furthermore, the RhoA/Rho kinase pathway, downstream to S1P receptor signaling, was found to be critically implicated in invasion and cytoskeletal remodeling elicited by NPS. These findings provide new information to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms implicated in endometriosis pathogenesis, establishing the rationale for non-hormonal therapeutic targets for its treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Prisinzano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Italy
| | - Caterina Bernacchioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Italy
| | - Isabelle Seidita
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Italy
| | - Margherita Rossi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Italy
| | - Maryam Raeispour
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Cencetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Vannuccini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Fambrini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Bruni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Donati
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bernacchioni C, Rossi M, Vannuzzi V, Prisinzano M, Seidita I, Raeispour M, Muccilli A, Castiglione F, Bruni P, Petraglia F, Donati C. Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 is a non-hormonal target to counteract endometriosis-associated fibrosis. Fertil Steril 2023:S0015-0282(23)02074-5. [PMID: 38072366 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the molecular mechanisms responsible for fibrosis in endometriosis by investigating whether the protein expression levels of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3), one of the five specific receptors of the bioactive sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), correlate with fibrosis extent in endometriotic lesions and which are the cellular mechanisms involved in this process. DESIGN Case-control laboratory study and cultured endometriotic cells. SETTING University research institute and university hospital. PATIENT(S) A total of 33 women, with and without endometriosis, were included in the study. INTERVENTIONS(S) Endometriotic lesions were obtained from women with endometriosis (ovarian endometrioma, n = 8; deep infiltrating endometriosis, n = 15; [urological n = 5, gastrointestinal n = 6, and posterior n = 4]) and control endometrium from healthy women, n = 10, by means of laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery. The expression of S1PR3 was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and the extent of fibrosis was assessed using Masson's trichrome staining. Human-cultured epithelial endometriotic 12Z cells were used to evaluate the mechanisms involved in the profibrotic effect of S1PR3 activation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The expression of S1PR3 in endometriotic lesions is positively correlated with endometriosis-associated fibrosis. In addition, S1P induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis in epithelial endometriotic cells. Using RNA interference and pharmacological approaches, the profibrotic effect of S1P was shown to rely on S1PR3, thus unveiling the molecular mechanism implicated in the profibrotic action of the bioactive sphingolipid. RESULT(S) The protein expression levels of S1PR3 were significantly augmented in the glandular sections of endometrioma and deep infiltrating endometriosis of different localizations with respect to the control endometrium and positively correlated with the extent of fibrosis. Sphingosine-1-phosphate was shown to have a crucial role in the onset of fibrosis in epithelial endometriotic cells, stimulating the expression of EMT and fibrotic markers. Genetic approaches have highlighted that S1PR3 mediates the fibrotic effect of S1P. Downstream of S1PR3, ezrin and extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 signaling were found to be critically implicated in the EMT and fibrosis elicited by S1P. CONCLUSION(S) Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 may represent a possible innovative pharmacological target for endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Bernacchioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Margherita Rossi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Prisinzano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Isabelle Seidita
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maryam Raeispour
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Angela Muccilli
- Histopathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Castiglione
- Histopathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Bruni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Obstetrics and Gynecology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Donati
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang F, Peng M, Zheng X, Wang X, Liu X, Chen C, Lu Y. Blocking sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 with modulators reduces immune cells infiltration and alleviates endometriosis in mice. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103304. [PMID: 37757611 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103304] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Do sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) modulators have therapeutic effects on endometriosis in mice and, if they do, which receptor is responsible for these effects? DESIGN A surgically induced endometriosis mouse model was established. In the pilot experiment, lesions were harvested to assess fibrosis and inflammation and determine the optimal concentration of a broad-spectrum S1P modulator, FTY720. Subsequently, FTY720 was compared with a selective S1P receptor 1 modulator, SEW2871 to evaluate their effects on endometriotic lesion growth, fibrosis, inflammation and immune cell infiltration. RESULTS The results demonstrated that both FTY720 and SEW2871, two S1P receptor modulators, effectively inhibited the growth and fibrosis of endometriotic lesions. SEW2871 inhibited inflammation-related cytokine expression, including PTGS-2, IL-1β, TNF-α and TGF-β1, more effectively compared with FTY720. Lymphopaenia was mainly caused by FTY720, whereas SEW2871 had a lesser effect. Both FTY720 and SEW2871 significantly reduced CD45+ cells (P = 0.002 and P = 0.032, respectively) and F4/80+ cells (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively) infiltration into the lesions, with FTY720 exerting a strong regulatory effect on CD4+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that S1P receptor 1 could be investigated as a potential novel therapeutic target for endometriosis in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengrui Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Rd, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyi Peng
- Department of Gynecology, The Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Rd, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xufen Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, SINH - Changzheng Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Institutes for Translational Medicine (CAS-SMMU), Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiaofang Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, SINH - Changzheng Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Institutes for Translational Medicine (CAS-SMMU), Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, SINH - Changzheng Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Institutes for Translational Medicine (CAS-SMMU), Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Chun Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Rd, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuan Lu
- Department of Gynecology, The Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Rd, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mihai IT, Rudzitis-Auth J, Menger MD, Laschke MW. The Presence of Pre-Existing Endometriotic Lesions Promotes the Growth of New Lesions in the Peritoneal Cavity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13858. [PMID: 37762161 PMCID: PMC10531296 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease which is characterized by endometriotic lesions outside the uterine cavity. In this study, we investigated whether the presence of pre-existing endometriotic lesions promotes the development of new lesions due to the exchange of cells and an altered peritoneal environment. For this purpose, uterine tissue samples from FVB/N wild-type donor mice were transplanted simultaneously or time-delayed with samples from transgenic FVB-Tg(CAG-luc-GFP)L2G85Chco/J donor mice into the abdominal cavity of FVB/N wild-type recipient mice. The formation of endometriotic lesions was analyzed by means of high-resolution ultrasound, bioluminescence imaging, histology and immunohistochemistry. Moreover, immune cells and inflammatory factors in the peritoneal fluid were assessed by flow cytometry and a cytokine array. These analyses revealed that the growth of newly developing endometriotic lesions is promoted by the presence of pre-existing ones. This is not due to an exchange of cells between both lesion types but rather caused by peritoneal inflammation induced by already established lesions. These findings indicate that, among other pathogenic mechanisms, the chronic nature of endometriosis may be driven by a lesion-induced inflammatory milieu in the peritoneal cavity, which creates favorable conditions for the development of new lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Matthias W. Laschke
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (I.T.M.); (J.R.-A.); (M.D.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Seidita I, Tusa I, Prisinzano M, Menconi A, Cencetti F, Vannuccini S, Castiglione F, Bruni P, Petraglia F, Bernacchioni C, Rovida E, Donati C. Sphingosine 1-phosphate elicits a ROS-mediated proinflammatory response in human endometrial stromal cells via ERK5 activation. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23061. [PMID: 37389926 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300323r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease affecting ~10% women in the reproductive age characterized by the growth of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. The inflammatory process has a key role in the initiation and progression of the disorder. Currently, there are no available early diagnostic tests and therapy relies exclusively on symptomatic drugs, so that elucidation of the complex molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis is an unmet need. The signaling of the bioactive sphingolipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is deeply dysregulated in endometriosis. S1P modulates a variety of fundamental cellular processes, including inflammation, neo-angiogenesis, and immune responses acting mainly as ligand of a family of G-protein-coupled receptors named S1P receptors (S1PR), S1P1-5 . Here, we demonstrated that the mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK5, that is expressed in endometriotic lesions as determined by quantitative PCR, is activated by S1P in human endometrial stromal cells. S1P-induced ERK5 activation was shown to be triggered by S1P1/3 receptors via a SFK/MEK5-dependent axis. S1P-induced ERK5 activation was, in turn, responsible for the increase of reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokine expression in human endometrial stromal cells. The present findings indicate that the S1P signaling, via ERK5 activation, supports a proinflammatory response in the endometrium and establish the rationale for the exploitation of innovative therapeutic targets for endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Seidita
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ignazia Tusa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Prisinzano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Menconi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Cencetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Vannuccini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Castiglione
- Histopathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Bruni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Caterina Bernacchioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Donati
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang F, Lu Y. The Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Axis: an Emerging Therapeutic Opportunity for Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2040-2059. [PMID: 36662421 PMCID: PMC9857924 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01167-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common condition in women of reproductive age, but its current interventions are unsatisfactory. Recent research discovered a dysregulation of the sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) signaling pathway in endometriosis and showed a positive outcome by targeting it. The S1P axis participates in a series of fundamental pathophysiological processes. This narrative review is trying to expound the reported and putative (due to limited reports in this area for now) interactions between the S1P axis and endometriosis in those pathophysiological processes, to provide some perspectives for future research. In short, S1P signaling pathway is highly activated in the endometriotic lesion. The S1P concentration has a surge in the endometriotic cyst fluid and the peritoneal fluid, with the downstream dysregulation of its receptors. The S1P axis plays an essential role in the migration and activation of the immune cells, fibrosis, angiogenesis, pain-related hyperalgesia, and innervation. S1P receptor (S1PR) modulators showed an impressive therapeutic effect by targeting the different S1P receptors in the endometriosis model, and many other conditions resemble endometriosis. And several of them already got approval for clinical application in many diseases, which means a drug repurposing direction and a rapid clinical translation for endometriosis treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengrui Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Rd, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Department of Gynecology, The Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Rd, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rudzitis-Auth J, Becker M, Scheuer C, Menger MD, Laschke MW. Indole-3-Carbinol Inhibits the Growth of Endometriotic Lesions by Suppression of Microvascular Network Formation. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14224940. [PMID: 36432626 PMCID: PMC9696246 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis represents an estrogen-dependent disorder with a complex pathophysiology. Phytochemicals are promising candidates for endometriosis therapy, because they simultaneously target different cellular processes involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Herein, we analyzed whether indole-3-carbinol (I3C) suppresses the development of endometriotic lesions, which were surgically induced by fixation of uterine tissue samples (diameter: 2 mm) from female BALB/c donor mice to the peritoneum of recipient animals. The mice received either I3C or vehicle (control) by peroral administration once per day. Growth, cyst formation, cell proliferation, microvascularization and protein expression of the lesions were assessed by high-resolution ultrasound imaging, caliper measurements, histology, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. I3C inhibited the vascularization and growth of endometriotic lesions without inducing anti-angiogenic and anti-proliferative side effects on reproductive organs. This was associated with a significantly reduced number of proliferating stromal and endothelial cells and a lower expression of the pro-angiogenic signaling molecules vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) within I3C-treated lesions when compared to controls. These findings indicate that I3C effectively inhibits endometriotic lesion formation in mice. Thus, further studies should clarify whether I3C may be also beneficial for the prevention and therapy of the human disease.
Collapse
|
11
|
Di Paolo A, Vignini A, Alia S, Membrino V, Delli Carpini G, Giannella L, Ciavattini A. Pathogenic Role of the Sphingosine 1-Phosphate (S1P) Pathway in Common Gynecologic Disorders (GDs): A Possible Novel Therapeutic Target. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113538. [PMID: 36362323 PMCID: PMC9658294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid, noteworthy for its involvement both in the modulation of various biological processes and in the development of many diseases. S1P signaling can be either pro or anti-inflammatory, and the sphingosine kinase (SphK)–S1P–S1P receptor (S1PR) axis is a factor in accelerating the growth of several cells, including endometriotic cells and fibrosis. Gynecologic disorders, including endometriosis, adenomyosis, and uterine fibroids are characterized by inflammation and fibrosis. S1P signaling and metabolism have been shown to be dysregulated in those disorders and they are likely implicated in their pathogenesis and pathophysiology. Enzymes responsible for inactivating S1P are the most affected by the dysregulation of S1P balanced levels, thus causing accumulation of sphingolipids within these cells and tissues. The present review highlights the past and latest evidence on the role played by the S1P pathways in common gynecologic disorders (GDs). Furthermore, it discusses potential future approaches in the regulation of this signaling pathway that could represent an innovative and promising therapeutical target, also for ovarian cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Di Paolo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, Biology and Physics, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Arianna Vignini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, Biology and Physics, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
- Research Center of Health Education and Health Promotion, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0712204675
| | - Sonila Alia
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, Biology and Physics, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Membrino
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, Biology and Physics, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Delli Carpini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Luca Giannella
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Ciavattini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|