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Marečková M, Garcia-Alonso L, Moullet M, Lorenzi V, Petryszak R, Sancho-Serra C, Oszlanczi A, Icoresi Mazzeo C, Wong FCK, Kelava I, Hoffman S, Krassowski M, Garbutt K, Gaitskell K, Yancheva S, Woon EV, Male V, Granne I, Hellner K, Mahbubani KT, Saeb-Parsy K, Lotfollahi M, Prigmore E, Southcombe J, Dragovic RA, Becker CM, Zondervan KT, Vento-Tormo R. An integrated single-cell reference atlas of the human endometrium. Nat Genet 2024:10.1038/s41588-024-01873-w. [PMID: 39198675 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01873-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
The complex and dynamic cellular composition of the human endometrium remains poorly understood. Previous endometrial single-cell atlases profiled few donors and lacked consensus in defining cell types. We introduce the Human Endometrial Cell Atlas (HECA), a high-resolution single-cell reference atlas (313,527 cells) combining published and new endometrial single-cell transcriptomics datasets of 63 women with and without endometriosis. HECA assigns consensus and identifies previously unreported cell types, mapped in situ using spatial transcriptomics and validated using a new independent single-nuclei dataset (312,246 nuclei, 63 donors). In the functionalis, we identify intricate stromal-epithelial cell coordination via transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling. In the basalis, we define signaling between fibroblasts and an epithelial population expressing progenitor markers. Integration of HECA with large-scale endometriosis genome-wide association study data pinpoints decidualized stromal cells and macrophages as most likely dysregulated in endometriosis. The HECA is a valuable resource for studying endometrial physiology and disorders, and for guiding microphysiological in vitro systems development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Marečková
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Oxford Endometriosis Care Centre, Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Valentina Lorenzi
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- European Bioinformatics Institute-European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Iva Kelava
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Michał Krassowski
- Oxford Endometriosis Care Centre, Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kurtis Garbutt
- Oxford Endometriosis Care Centre, Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kezia Gaitskell
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Cellular Pathology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Slaveya Yancheva
- Department of Cellular Pathology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Ee Von Woon
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
- The Fertility Centre, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Victoria Male
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ingrid Granne
- Oxford Endometriosis Care Centre, Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Karin Hellner
- Oxford Endometriosis Care Centre, Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Krishnaa T Mahbubani
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Biorepository for Translational Medicine (CBTM), NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kourosh Saeb-Parsy
- Cambridge Biorepository for Translational Medicine (CBTM), NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mohammad Lotfollahi
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Jennifer Southcombe
- Oxford Endometriosis Care Centre, Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rebecca A Dragovic
- Oxford Endometriosis Care Centre, Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christian M Becker
- Oxford Endometriosis Care Centre, Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Krina T Zondervan
- Oxford Endometriosis Care Centre, Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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2
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Wang J, Li J, Wang S, Pan Y, Yang J, Yin L, Dou H, Hou Y. Amphiregulin secreted by umbilical cord multipotent stromal cells protects against ferroptosis of macrophages via the activating transcription factor 3-CD36 axis to alleviate endometrial fibrosis. Stem Cells 2024; 42:763-776. [PMID: 38733123 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxae035] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Endometrium fibrosis is the leading cause of uterine infertility. Macrophages participated in the occurrence and development of endometrial fibrosis. We previously reported that human umbilical cord multipotent stromal cells (hUC-MSCs) exerted their therapeutic effect in a macrophage-dependent manner in endometrial fibrosis. However precise mechanisms by which hUC-MSCs may influence macrophages in endometrial fibrosis remain largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrated that abnormal iron and lipid metabolism occurred in patients with intrauterine adhesions (IUA) and murine models. Ferroptosis has been proven to contribute to the progression of fibrotic diseases. Our results revealed that pharmacological activation of ferroptosis by Erastin aggravated endometrial fibrosis, while inhibition of ferroptosis by Ferrostatin-1 ameliorated endometrial fibrosis in vivo. Moreover, ferroptosis of macrophages was significantly upregulated in endometria of IUA murine models. Of note, transcriptome profiles revealed that CD36 gene expression was significantly increased in patients with IUA and immunofluorescence analysis showed CD36 protein was mainly located in macrophages. Silencing CD36 in macrophages could reverse cell ferroptosis. Dual luciferase reporter assay revealed that CD36 was the direct target of activation transcription factor 3 (ATF3). Furthermore, through establishing coculture system and IUA murine models, we found that hUC-MSCs had a protective role against macrophage ferroptosis and alleviated endometrial fibrosis related to decreased CD36 and ATF3. The effect of hUC-MSCs on macrophage ferroptosis was attributed to the upregulation of amphiregulin (AREG). Our data highlighted that macrophage ferroptosis occurred in endometrial fibrosis via the ATF3-CD36 pathway and hUC-MSCs protected against macrophage ferroptosis to alleviate endometrial fibrosis via secreting AREG. These findings provided a potential target for therapeutic implications of endometrial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of People's Republic of China
| | - Jingman Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of People's Republic of China
| | - Shuangan Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of People's Republic of China
| | - Yuchen Pan
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, The Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of People's Republic of China
| | - Lijie Yin
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Dou
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Yayi Hou
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of People's Republic of China
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3
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Riaz MA, Kary FL, Jensen A, Zeppernick F, Meinhold-Heerlein I, Konrad L. Long-Term Maintenance of Viable Human Endometrial Epithelial Cells to Analyze Estrogen and Progestin Effects. Cells 2024; 13:811. [PMID: 38786035 PMCID: PMC11120542 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100811] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
There are fewer investigations conducted on human primary endometrial epithelial cells (HPEECs) compared to human primary endometrial stromal cells (HPESCs). One of the main reasons is the scarcity of protocols enabling prolonged epithelial cell culture. Even though it is possible to culture HPEECs in 3D over a longer period of time, it is technically demanding. In this study, we successfully established a highly pure, stable, and long-term viable human conditionally reprogrammed endometrial epithelial cell line, designated as eCRC560. These cells stained positive for epithelial markers, estrogen and progesterone receptors, and epithelial cell-cell contacts but negative for stromal and endothelial cell markers. Estradiol (ES) reduced the abundance of ZO-1 in a time- and dose-dependent manner, in contrast to the dose-dependent increase with the progestin dienogest (DNG) when co-cultured with HPESCs. Moreover, ES significantly increased cell viability, cell migration, and invasion of the eCRC560 cells; all these effects were inhibited by pretreatment with DNG. DNG withdrawal led to a significantly disrupted monolayer of eCRC560 cells in co-culture with HPESCs, yet it markedly increased the adhesion of eCRC560 to the human mesothelial MeT-5A cells. The long-term viable eCRC560 cells are suitable for in vitro analysis of HPEECs to study the epithelial compartment of the human endometrium and endometrial pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Assad Riaz
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.L.K.); (F.Z.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Franziska Louisa Kary
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.L.K.); (F.Z.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Alexandra Jensen
- Institute of Radiooncology and Radiotherapy, Clinic Fulda, 36043 Fulda, Germany;
| | - Felix Zeppernick
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.L.K.); (F.Z.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Ivo Meinhold-Heerlein
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.L.K.); (F.Z.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Lutz Konrad
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.L.K.); (F.Z.); (I.M.-H.)
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4
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Li T, Li RHW, Ng EHY, Yeung WSB, Chiu PCN, Chan RWS. Interleukin 6 at menstruation promotes the proliferation and self-renewal of endometrial mesenchymal stromal/stem cells through the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1378863. [PMID: 38765018 PMCID: PMC11099287 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1378863] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background At menstruation, the functional layer of the human endometrium sheds off due to the trigger of the release of inflammatory factors, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), as a result of a sharp decline in progesterone levels, leading to tissue breakdown and bleeding. The endometrial mesenchymal stem-like cells (CD140b+CD146+ eMSC) located in the basalis are responsible for the cyclical regeneration of the endometrium after menstruation. Endometrial cells from the menstruation phase have been proven to secrete a higher amount of IL-6 and further enhance the self-renewal and clonogenic activity of eMSC. However, the IL-6-responsive mechanism remains unknown. Thus, we hypothesized that IL-6 secreted from niche cells during menstruation regulates the proliferation and self-renewal of eMSC through the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. Methods In this study, the content of IL-6 across the menstrual phases was first evaluated. Coexpression of stem cell markers (CD140b and CD146) with interleukin 6 receptor (IL-6R) was confirmed by immunofluorescent staining. In vitro functional assays were conducted to investigate the effect of IL-6 on the cell activities of eMSC, and the therapeutic role of these IL-6- and WNT5A-pretreated eMSC on the repair of injured endometrium was observed using an established mouse model. Results The endometrial cells secrete a high amount of IL-6 under hypoxic conditions, which mimic the physiological microenvironment in the menstruation phase. Also, the expression of IL-6 receptors was confirmed in our eMSC, indicating their capacity to respond to IL-6 in the microenvironment. Exogenous IL-6 can significantly enhance the self-renewal, proliferation, and migrating capacity of eMSC. Activation of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway was observed upon IL-6 treatment, while suppression of the WNT/β-catenin signaling impaired the stimulatory role of IL-6 on eMSC activities. IL-6- and WNT5A-pretreated eMSC showed better performance during the regeneration of the injured mouse endometrium. Conclusion We demonstrate that the high level of IL-6 produced by endometrial cells at menstruation can induce the stem cells in the human endometrium to proliferate and migrate through the activation of the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Treatment of eMSC with IL-6 and WNT5A might enhance their therapeutic potential in the regeneration of injured endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Raymond H. W. Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ernest H. Y. Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S. B. Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Philip C. N. Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rachel W. S. Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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5
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Winkler I, Tolkachov A, Lammers F, Lacour P, Daugelaite K, Schneider N, Koch ML, Panten J, Grünschläger F, Poth T, Ávila BMD, Schneider A, Haas S, Odom DT, Gonçalves Â. The cycling and aging mouse female reproductive tract at single-cell resolution. Cell 2024; 187:981-998.e25. [PMID: 38325365 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.021] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The female reproductive tract (FRT) undergoes extensive remodeling during reproductive cycling. This recurrent remodeling and how it shapes organ-specific aging remains poorly explored. Using single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, we systematically characterized morphological and gene expression changes occurring in ovary, oviduct, uterus, cervix, and vagina at each phase of the mouse estrous cycle, during decidualization, and into aging. These analyses reveal that fibroblasts play central-and highly organ-specific-roles in FRT remodeling by orchestrating extracellular matrix (ECM) reorganization and inflammation. Our results suggest a model wherein recurrent FRT remodeling over reproductive lifespan drives the gradual, age-related development of fibrosis and chronic inflammation. This hypothesis was directly tested using chemical ablation of cycling, which reduced fibrotic accumulation during aging. Our atlas provides extensive detail into how estrus, pregnancy, and aging shape the organs of the female reproductive tract and reveals the unexpected cost of the recurrent remodeling required for reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Winkler
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Somatic Evolution and Early Detection, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Tolkachov
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fritjof Lammers
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Perrine Lacour
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Somatic Evolution and Early Detection, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaudija Daugelaite
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nina Schneider
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Somatic Evolution and Early Detection, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marie-Luise Koch
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jasper Panten
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Computational Genomics and Systems Genetics, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Grünschläger
- Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tanja Poth
- CMCP - Center for Model System and Comparative Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Augusto Schneider
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Faculdade de Nutrição, 96010-610 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Simon Haas
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 10115 Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Duncan T Odom
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Cancer Research UK - Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Ângela Gonçalves
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Somatic Evolution and Early Detection, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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6
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Parks SE, Geng T, Monsivais D. Endometrial TGFβ signaling fosters early pregnancy development by remodeling the fetomaternal interface. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13789. [PMID: 38009061 PMCID: PMC10683870 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The endometrium is a unique and highly regenerative tissue with crucial roles during the reproductive lifespan of a woman. As the first site of contact between mother and embryo, the endometrium, and its critical processes of decidualization and immune cell recruitment, play a leading role in the establishment of pregnancy, embryonic development, and reproductive capacity. These integral processes are achieved by the concerted actions of steroid hormones and a myriad of growth factor signaling pathways. This review focuses on the roles of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) pathway in the endometrium during the earliest stages of pregnancy through the lens of immune cell regulation and function. We discuss how key ligands in the TGFβ family signal through downstream SMAD transcription factors and ultimately remodel the endometrium into a state suitable for embryo implantation and development. We also focus on the key roles of the TGFβ signaling pathway in recruiting uterine natural killer cells and their collective remodeling of the decidua and spiral arteries. By providing key details about immune cell populations and TGFβ signaling within the endometrium, it is our goal to shed light on the intricate remodeling that is required to achieve a successful pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney E. Parks
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Cancer and Cell Biology Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ting Geng
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Cancer and Cell Biology Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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7
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Abstract
The uterine lining (endometrium) regenerates repeatedly over the life span as part of its normal physiology. Substantial portions of the endometrium are shed during childbirth (parturition) and, in some species, menstruation, but the tissue is rapidly rebuilt without scarring, rendering it a powerful model of regeneration in mammals. Nonetheless, following some assaults, including medical procedures and infections, the endometrium fails to regenerate and instead forms scars that may interfere with normal endometrial function and contribute to infertility. Thus, the endometrium provides an exceptional platform to answer a central question of regenerative medicine: Why do some systems regenerate while others scar? Here, we review our current understanding of diverse endometrial disruption events in humans, nonhuman primates, and rodents, and the associated mechanisms of regenerative success and failure. Elucidating the determinants of these disparate repair processes promises insights into fundamental mechanisms of mammalian regeneration with substantial implications for reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire J Ang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Taylor D Skokan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Kara L McKinley
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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8
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Lv H, Sun H, Wang L, Yao S, Liu D, Zhang X, Pei Z, Zhou J, Wang H, Dai J, Yan G, Ding L, Wang Z, Cao C, Zhao G, Hu Y. Targeting CD301 + macrophages inhibits endometrial fibrosis and improves pregnancy outcome. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e17601. [PMID: 37519221 PMCID: PMC10493587 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202317601] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are a key and heterogeneous cell population involved in endometrial repair and regeneration during the menstrual cycle, but their role in the development of intrauterine adhesion (IUA) and sequential endometrial fibrosis remains unclear. Here, we reported that CD301+ macrophages were significantly increased and showed their most active interaction with profibrotic cells in the endometria of IUA patients compared with the normal endometria by single-cell RNA sequencing, bulk RNA sequencing, and experimental verification. Increasing CD301+ macrophages promoted the differentiation of endometrial stromal cells into myofibroblasts and resulted in extracellular matrix accumulation, which destroyed the physiological architecture of endometrial tissue, drove endometrial fibrosis, and ultimately led to female infertility or adverse pregnancy outcomes. Mechanistically, CD301+ macrophages secreted GAS6 to activate the AXL/NF-κB pathway, upregulating the profibrotic protein synthesis. Targeted deletion of CD301+ macrophages or inhibition of AXL by Bemcentinib blunted the pathology and improved the outcomes of pregnancy in mice, supporting the therapeutic potential of targeting CD301+ macrophages for treating endometrial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haining Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Limin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Simin Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xiwen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhongrui Pei
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Jianjun Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Huiyan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jianwu Dai
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Guijun Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Lijun Ding
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhiyin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Chenrui Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Guangfeng Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yali Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
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9
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Mao L, Wang X, Sun Y, Yang M, Chen X, Cui L, Bai W. Platelet-rich fibrin improves repair and regeneration of damaged endometrium in rats. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1154958. [PMID: 37614713 PMCID: PMC10443704 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1154958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is the most common cause of uterine infertility. This study aims to evaluate whether platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) treatment can stimulate damaged endometrium regeneration in rats. Methods First, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and ELISAs were used to evaluate the microstructure of PRF. Then, mechanical damage was used to establish an IUA rat model. A total of 40 SD female rats were randomized to three groups: PRF transplantation group, IUA group, and sham group. Rats were sacrificed at 3, 7, and 14 days and uteruses were obtained for further analysis. Finally, functional and histological recovery of the damaged endometrium was analyzed by pregnancy test, HE staining, Masson's staining, and immunohistochemistry. Results PRF has two distinct zones, platelets and fibrin zone. Long and narrow fibrin fibers interconnected with each other and formed a three-dimensional, flexible, and elastic structure; platelet aggregates were trapped in fibrin fibers, and each platelet is associated with several fibrin fibers. PRF exudates promoted endometrial stromal cell proliferation and migration in vitro. PRF transplantation was beneficial for maintaining uterine structure, promoting endometrial luminal epithelium and endometrial gland regeneration, and decreasing fibrotic areas in vivo. Conclusion Intrauterine administration of PRF was demonstrated to be effective in preventing IUA and stimulating damaged endometrium regeneration in rats. This study not only provided a promising method for its potential in endometrial regeneration in women who suffer from uterine infertility but also may prevent IUA after intrauterine surgery in clinical cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Mao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ninth Clinical Medical College, Peking University, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - XiaoXue Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ninth Clinical Medical College, Peking University, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mukun Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ninth Clinical Medical College, Peking University, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ninth Clinical Medical College, Peking University, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenpei Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ninth Clinical Medical College, Peking University, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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10
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Tabeeva G, Silachev D, Vishnyakova P, Asaturova A, Fatkhudinov T, Smetnik A, Dumanovskaya M. The Therapeutic Potential of Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Endometrial Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119431. [PMID: 37298382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of endometrial regeneration, fibrosis formation, and intrauterine adhesions underlie the development of "thin" endometrium and/or Asherman's syndrome (AS) and are a common cause of infertility and a high risk for adverse obstetric outcomes. The methods used (surgical adhesiolysis, anti-adhesive agents, and hormonal therapy) do not allow restoration of the regenerative properties of the endometrium. The experience gained today with cell therapy using multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MMSCs) proves their high regenerative and proliferative properties in tissue damage. Their contribution to regenerative processes is still poorly understood. One of these mechanisms is based on the paracrine effects of MMSCs associated with the stimulation of cells of the microenvironment by secreting extracellular vesicles (EVs) into the extracellular space. EVs, whose source is MMSCs, are able to stimulate progenitor cells and stem cells in damaged tissues and exert cytoprotective, antiapoptotic, and angiogenic effects. This review described the regulatory mechanisms of endometrial regeneration, pathological conditions associated with a decrease in endometrial regeneration, and it presented the available data from studies on the effect of MMSCs and their EVs on endometrial repair processes, and the involvement of EVs in human reproductive processes at the level of implantation and embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyuzyal Tabeeva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis Silachev
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Polina Vishnyakova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandra Asaturova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Timur Fatkhudinov
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Antonina Smetnik
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Madina Dumanovskaya
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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11
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Ganeva R, Parvanov D, Vidolova N, Ruseva M, Handzhiyska M, Arsov K, Decheva I, Metodiev D, Moskova-Doumanova V, Stamenov G. Endometrial immune cell ratios and implantation success in patients with recurrent implantation failure. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 156:103816. [PMID: 36739733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103816] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare the endometrial immune cells quantities and ratios during the mid-luteal phase between women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) with successful and unsuccessful embryo implantation. For this purpose, endometrial biopsies from 116 women aged between 29 and 46 with history of RIF undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) without endometrial pathologies were immunohistochemically stained for CD3 + T-cells, CD4 + T-helpers, CD8 + T-killers, CD14 + monocytes, CD68 + macrophages, CD56 + NK cells and CD79α+ B-cells. Endometrial immune cells quantities and ratios were compared based on the embryo implantation outcome in the subsequent embryo transfer cycle. Spearman correlation analysis and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyse the obtained data. Patients who experienced successful implantation at the subsequent cycle had significantly lower percentage of CD3 + T cells, and higher ratios of CD4 + /CD8 + , CD4 + /CD3 + and CD68 + /CD3 + than the patients who experienced another failure in implantation. In addition, the ratios of CD3 + /CD14 + , CD79α+ /CD14 + and CD56 + /CD14 + were significantly lower in the successful implantation group than that in the unsuccessful one. A cut off value of CD68 + /CD3 + ratio higher than 0.85 (AUC 0.67, 95% CI 0.56-0.79), CD4 + /CD3 + ratio higher than 0.19 (AUC 0.67, 95% CI 0.56-0.79) and CD4 + /CD8 + ratio higher than 0.43 (AUC 0.62, 95% CI 0.50-0.73) could be predictive factors for successful implantation in RIF patients. Knowledge on the immune cell composition could assist in the evaluation of the endometrial receptivity in RIF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumiana Ganeva
- Research & Development Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Cell and developmental biology, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Dimitar Parvanov
- Research & Development Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Nina Vidolova
- Research & Development Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Margarita Ruseva
- Research & Development Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Maria Handzhiyska
- Research & Development Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Katarina Arsov
- Research & Development Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Ivon Decheva
- Research & Development Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Dimitar Metodiev
- Pathology Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Veselina Moskova-Doumanova
- Department of Cell and developmental biology, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Georgi Stamenov
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria.
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12
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Xu Q, Liu H, Qile M, Wuren T. Dynamic changes in myeloid-derived suppressor cells during the menstrual cycle: A pilot study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:940554. [PMID: 36457573 PMCID: PMC9705596 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.940554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Various studies have described the roles of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in pathological conditions, but relatively few have described them under normal physiological conditions. Accumulation of MDSCs is important creating an anti-inflammation environment, which is essential for fertilized egg implantation. This study was designed to record the dynamic changes in MDSC-like cells composition during the menstrual period (MP) and ovulation period (OP) in healthy volunteers over the course of a single menstrual cycle to explore the association between MDSCs and the menstrual cycle under normal physiological conditions. The ratio of MDSC-like cells was higher in MP samples, whereas the activity of Arg-1 was higher during the OP window. There was a negative correlation between the ratio of MDSC-like cells and the percentage of lymphocytes and a positive correlation between MDSC-like cells and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Furthermore, regular changes in the ratio and function of MDSC-like cells in the peripheral blood were observed during menstruation, all of which corresponded to the cycle stage. During menstruation, MDSCs may promote endometrial repair, whereas they promote pregnancy during the OP. These findings may help to better understand the pathophysiology of pregnancy-related complications and lay a foundation for improving perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiying Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Key Laboratory for Application of High-Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Huifang Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Key Laboratory for Application of High-Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Muge Qile
- Key Laboratory for Application of High-Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Tana Wuren
- Key Laboratory for Application of High-Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
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13
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Ren X, Liang J, Zhang Y, Jiang N, Xu Y, Qiu M, Wang Y, Zhao B, Chen X. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis highlights origin and pathological process of human endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6300. [PMID: 36273006 PMCID: PMC9588071 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33982-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancers are complex ecosystems composed of cells with distinct phenotypes, genotypes, and epigenetic states. Current models do not adequately reflect oncogenic origin and pathological progression in patients. Here we use single-cell RNA sequencing to profile cells from normal endometrium, atypical endometrial hyperplasia, and endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC), which altogether represent the step-by-step development of endometrial cancer. We find that EEC originates from endometrial epithelial cells but not stromal cells, and unciliated glandular epithelium is the source of EEC. We also identify LCN2 + /SAA1/2 + cells as a featured subpopulation of endometrial tumorigenesis. Finally, the stromal niche and immune environment changes during EEC progression are described. This study elucidates the evolution of cell populations in EEC development at single-cell resolution, which would provide a direction to facilitate EEC research and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Ren
- grid.412312.70000 0004 1755 1415Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.412312.70000 0004 1755 1415Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianqing Liang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Zhang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Jiang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhui Xu
- grid.412312.70000 0004 1755 1415Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.412312.70000 0004 1755 1415Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengdi Qiu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiqin Wang
- grid.412312.70000 0004 1755 1415Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.412312.70000 0004 1755 1415Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- grid.412312.70000 0004 1755 1415Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.412312.70000 0004 1755 1415Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
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14
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Pei Z, Lu W, Feng Y, Xu C, Hsueh AJW. Out of step societal and Darwinian adaptation during evolution is the cause of multiple women's health issues. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1959-1969. [PMID: 35881063 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During human evolution, major changes in our societal conditions and environment took place without sufficient time for concomitant genetic alterations, leading to out of step adaptation and diseases in women. We first discuss recent societal adaptation mismatch (menstrual bleeding; increases in cancers of reproductive organs, endometriosis; mother's nursing; polycystic ovarian syndrome; transgenerational epigenetic modifications), followed by Darwinian out of step adaptation (labor difficulties; sex chromosomes, human diseases and sex disparity in genomic DNA). We discuss the evolutionary basis of menstrual bleeding, followed by recent increases in cancers of reproductive organs and endometriosis. The importance of breastfeeding by mothers is also emphasized. Earlier onset of menarche, decreased rates of childbirths and breastfeeding resulted in increased number of menstrual cycles in a lifetime, coupled with excess estrogen exposure and incessant ovulation, conditions that increased the susceptibility to mammary and uterine cancers as well as ovarian epithelial cancer and endometriosis. Shorter lactation duration in mothers also contributed to more menstrual cycles. We further discuss the evolutionary basis of the prevalent polycystic ovary syndrome. During the long-term Darwinian evolution, difficulties in childbirth evolved due to a narrowed pelvis, our upright walking and enlarged fetal brain sizes. Because there are 1.5% genomic DNA differences between woman and man, it is of significance to investigate sex-specific human physiology and diseases. In conclusion, understanding out of step adaptation during evolution could allow the prevention and better management of female reproductive dysfunction and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenle Pei
- Department of Genetics, Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institute of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Institute of Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhan Lu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institute of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Institute of Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Feng
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institute of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Institute of Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Congjian Xu
- Department of Genetics, Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aaron J W Hsueh
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institute of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Institute of Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Division of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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15
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Lampiasi N. Interactions between Macrophages and Mast Cells in the Female Reproductive System. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105414. [PMID: 35628223 PMCID: PMC9142086 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) and macrophages (Mϕs) are innate immune cells that differentiate from early common myeloid precursors and reside in all body tissues. MCs have a unique capacity to neutralize/degrade toxic proteins, and they are hypothesized as being able to adopt two alternative polarization profiles, similar to Mϕs, with distinct or even opposite roles. Mϕs are very plastic phagocytic cells that are devoted to the elimination of senescent/anomalous endogenous entities (to maintain tissue homeostasis), and to the recognition and elimination of exogenous threats. They can adopt several functional phenotypes in response to microenvironmental cues, whose extreme profiles are the inflammatory/killing phenotype (M1) and the anti-inflammatory/healing phenotype (M2). The concomitant and abundant presence of these two cell types and the partial overlap of their defensive and homeostatic functions leads to the hypothesis that their crosstalk is necessary for the optimal coordination of their functions, both under physiological and pathological conditions. This review will examine the relationship between MCs and Mϕs in some situations of homeostatic regulation (menstrual cycle, embryo implantation), and in some inflammatory conditions in the same organs (endometriosis, preeclampsia), in order to appreciate the importance of their cross-regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Lampiasi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
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16
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Endometrial macrophages in health and disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 367:183-208. [PMID: 35461658 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages are present in the endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle and are most abundant during menstruation. Endometrial macrophages contribute to tissue remodeling during establishment of pregnancy and are thought to play key roles in mediating tissue breakdown and repair during menstruation. Despite these important roles, the phenotype and function of endometrial macrophages remains poorly understood. In this review, we summarize approaches used to characterize endometrial macrophage phenotype, current understanding of the functional role of macrophages in normal endometrial physiology as well as the putative contribution of macrophage dysfunction to women's reproductive health disorders.
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17
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Deciphering the endometrial niche of human thin endometrium at single-cell resolution. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2115912119. [PMID: 35169075 PMCID: PMC8872762 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2115912119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thin endometrium is the most common reason for uterine infertility and refractory gynecological diseases due to its complexity in pathogenesis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Here, we profile cells from normal and thin endometrium at single-cell resolution to investigate the sophisticated alterations in the local microenvironment that occur in thin endometrium. Increased cellular senescence, collagen overdeposition, and significant down-regulation of gene expression related to cell proliferation are observed and confirmed. Moreover, we demonstrate aberrant activation of the SEMA3 pathway accompanied by dampened EGF, PTN, and TWEAK signaling pathways in thin endometrium. These findings aid in understanding the mechanisms of thin endometrium and provide new tools to rejuvenate the atrophic endometrium for female fertility preservation and successful pregnancy. Thin endometrium has been widely recognized as a critical cause of infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and placental abnormalities; however, access to effective treatment is a formidable challenge due to the rudimentary understanding of the pathogenesis of thin endometrium. Here, we profiled the transcriptomes of human endometrial cells at single-cell resolution to characterize cell types, their communications, and the underlying mechanism of endometrial growth in normal and thin endometrium during the proliferative phase. Stromal cells were the most abundant cell type in the endometrium, with a subpopulation of proliferating stromal cells whose cell cycle signaling pathways were compromised in thin endometrium. Both single-cell RNA sequencing and experimental verification revealed cellular senescence in the stroma and epithelium accompanied by collagen overdeposition around blood vessels. Moreover, decreased numbers of macrophages and natural killer cells further exacerbated endometrial thinness. In addition, our results uncovered aberrant SEMA3, EGF, PTN, and TWEAK signaling pathways as causes for the insufficient proliferation of the endometrium. Together, these data provide insight into therapeutic strategies for endometrial regeneration and growth to treat thin endometrium.
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18
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Yamaguchi M, Nakaoka H, Suda K, Yoshihara K, Ishiguro T, Yachida N, Saito K, Ueda H, Sugino K, Mori Y, Yamawaki K, Tamura R, Revathidevi S, Motoyama T, Tainaka K, Verhaak RGW, Inoue I, Enomoto T. Spatiotemporal dynamics of clonal selection and diversification in normal endometrial epithelium. Nat Commun 2022; 13:943. [PMID: 35177608 PMCID: PMC8854701 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28568-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
It has become evident that somatic mutations in cancer-associated genes accumulate in the normal endometrium, but spatiotemporal understanding of the evolution and expansion of mutant clones is limited. To elucidate the timing and mechanism of the clonal expansion of somatic mutations in cancer-associated genes in the normal endometrium, we sequence 1311 endometrial glands from 37 women. By collecting endometrial glands from different parts of the endometrium, we show that multiple glands with the same somatic mutations occupy substantial areas of the endometrium. We demonstrate that “rhizome structures”, in which the basal glands run horizontally along the muscular layer and multiple vertical glands rise from the basal gland, originate from the same ancestral clone. Moreover, mutant clones detected in the vertical glands diversify by acquiring additional mutations. These results suggest that clonal expansions through the rhizome structures are involved in the mechanism by which mutant clones extend their territories. Furthermore, we show clonal expansions and copy neutral loss-of-heterozygosity events occur early in life, suggesting such events can be tolerated many years in the normal endometrium. Our results of the evolutionary dynamics of mutant clones in the human endometrium will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms of endometrial regeneration during the menstrual cycle and the development of therapies for the prevention and treatment of endometrium-related diseases. Through regeneration, the endometrium accumulates somatic mutations that can lead to diseases like endometriosis and cancer. Here, the authors use genomics to analyse normal endometrial glands from different patient cohorts, detect rhizome structures with common clonal ancestors and infer clonal expansion dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manako Yamaguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Nakaoka
- Human Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, 411-8540, Japan. .,Department of Cancer Genome Research, Sasaki Institute, Sasaki Foundation, Chiyoda-ku, 101-0062, Japan.
| | - Kazuaki Suda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kosuke Yoshihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan.
| | - Tatsuya Ishiguro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Nozomi Yachida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kyota Saito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Haruka Ueda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kentaro Sugino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Yutaro Mori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kaoru Yamawaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Ryo Tamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | | | - Teiichi Motoyama
- Department of Molecular and Diagnostic Pathology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kazuki Tainaka
- Department of System Pathology for Neurological Disorders, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8585, Japan.,Laboratory for Synthetic Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Suita, 565-5241, Japan
| | - Roel G W Verhaak
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ituro Inoue
- Human Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, 411-8540, Japan.
| | - Takayuki Enomoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan.
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19
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Cousins FL, Filby CE, Gargett CE. Endometrial Stem/Progenitor Cells–Their Role in Endometrial Repair and Regeneration. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 3:811537. [PMID: 36304009 PMCID: PMC9580754 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.811537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human endometrium is a remarkable tissue, undergoing ~450 cycles of proliferation, differentiation, shedding (menstruation), repair, and regeneration over a woman's reproductive lifespan. Post-menstrual repair is an extremely rapid and scar-free process, with re-epithelialization of the luminal epithelium completed within 48 h of initiation of shedding. Following menstruation, the functionalis grows from the residual basalis layer during the proliferative phase under the influence of rising circulating estrogen levels. The regenerative capacity of the endometrium is attributed to stem/progenitor cells which reside in both the epithelial and stromal cell compartments of the basalis layer. Finding a definitive marker for endometrial epithelial progenitors (eEPCs) has proven difficult. A number of different markers have been suggested as putative progenitor markers including, N-cadherin, SSEA-1, AXIN2, SOX-9 and ALDH1A1, some of which show functional stem cell activity in in vitro assays. Each marker has a unique location(s) in the glandular epithelium, which has led to the suggestion that a differentiation hierarchy exists, from the base of epithelial glands in the basalis to the luminal epithelium lining the functionalis, where epithelial cells express different combinations of markers as they differentiate and move up the gland into the functionalis away from the basalis niche. Perivascular endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs) can be identified by co-expression of PDGFRβ and CD146 or by a single marker, SUSD2. This review will detail the known endometrial stem/progenitor markers; their identity, location and known interactions and hierarchy across the menstrual cycle, in particular post-menstrual repair and estrogen-driven regeneration, as well as their possible contributions to menstruation-related disorders such as endometriosis and regeneration-related disorder Asherman's syndrome. We will also highlight new techniques that allow for a greater understanding of stem/progenitor cells' role in repair and regeneration, including 3D organoids, 3D slice cultures and gene sequencing at the single cell level. Since mouse models are commonly used to study menstruation, repair and regeneration we will also detail the mouse stem/progenitor markers that have been investigated in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona L. Cousins
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Fiona L. Cousins
| | - Caitlin E. Filby
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Caroline E. Gargett
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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20
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Muter J, Kong CS, Brosens JJ. The Role of Decidual Subpopulations in Implantation, Menstruation and Miscarriage. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:804921. [PMID: 36303960 PMCID: PMC9580781 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.804921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In each menstrual cycle, the endometrium becomes receptive to embryo implantation while preparing for tissue breakdown and repair. Both pregnancy and menstruation are dependent on spontaneous decidualization of endometrial stromal cells, a progesterone-dependent process that follows rapid, oestrogen-dependent proliferation. During the implantation window, stromal cells mount an acute stress response, which leads to the emergence of functionally distinct decidual subsets, reflecting the level of replication stress incurred during the preceding proliferative phase. Progesterone-dependent, anti-inflammatory decidual cells (DeC) form a robust matrix that accommodates the conceptus whereas pro-inflammatory, progesterone-resistant stressed and senescent decidual cells (senDeC) control tissue remodelling and breakdown. To execute these functions, each decidual subset engages innate immune cells: DeC partner with uterine natural killer (uNK) cells to eliminate senDeC, while senDeC co-opt neutrophils and macrophages to assist with tissue breakdown and repair. Thus, successful transformation of cycling endometrium into the decidua of pregnancy not only requires continuous progesterone signalling but dominance of DeC over senDeC, aided by recruitment and differentiation of circulating NK cells and bone marrow-derived decidual progenitors. We discuss how the frequency of cycles resulting in imbalanced decidual subpopulations may determine the recurrence risk of miscarriage and highlight emerging therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Muter
- Division of Biomedicine, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Joanne Muter
| | - Chow-Seng Kong
- Division of Biomedicine, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Jan J. Brosens
- Division of Biomedicine, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
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21
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Tempest N, Hill CJ, Maclean A, Marston K, Powell SG, Al-Lamee H, Hapangama DK. Novel microarchitecture of human endometrial glands: implications in endometrial regeneration and pathologies. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 28:153-171. [PMID: 34875046 PMCID: PMC8888994 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human endometrium remains a poorly understood tissue of the female reproductive tract. The superficial endometrial functionalis, the site of embryo implantation, is repeatedly shed with menstruation, and the stem cell-rich deeper basalis is postulated to be responsible for the regeneration of the functionalis. Two recent manuscripts have demonstrated the 3D architecture of endometrial glands. These manuscripts have challenged and replaced the prevailing concept that these glands end in blind pouches in the basalis layer that contain stem cells in crypts, as in the intestinal mucosa, providing a new paradigm for endometrial glandular anatomy. This necessitates re-evaluation of the available evidence on human endometrial regeneration in both health and disease in the context of this previously unknown endometrial glandular arrangement. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this review is to determine if the recently discovered glandular arrangement provides plausible explanations for previously unanswered questions related to human endometrial biology. Specifically, it will focus on re-appraising the theories related to endometrial regeneration, location of stem/progenitor cells and endometrial pathologies in the context of this recently unravelled endometrial glandular organization. SEARCH METHODS An extensive literature search was conducted from inception to April 2021 using multiple databases, including PubMed/Web of Science/EMBASE/Scopus, to select studies using keywords applied to endometrial glandular anatomy and regeneration, and the references included in selected publications were also screened. All relevant publications were included. OUTCOMES The human endometrial glands have a unique and complex architecture; branched basalis glands proceed in a horizontal course adjacent to the myometrium, as opposed to the non-branching, vertically coiled functionalis glands, which run parallel to each other as is observed in intestinal crypts. This complex network of mycelium-like, interconnected basalis glands is demonstrated to contain endometrial epithelial stem cells giving rise to single, non-branching functionalis glands. Several previous studies that have tried to confirm the existence of epithelial stem cells have used methodologies that prevent sampling of the stem cell-rich basalis. More recent findings have provided insight into the efficient regeneration of the human endometrium, which is preferentially evolved in humans and menstruating upper-order primates. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The unique physiological organization of the human endometrial glandular element, its relevance to stem cell activity and scarless endometrial regeneration will inform reproductive biologists and clinicians to direct their future research to determine disease-specific alterations in glandular anatomy in a variety of endometrial pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Tempest
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Centre for Women's Health Research, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.,Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.,Hewitt Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Christopher J Hill
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Centre for Women's Health Research, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
| | - Alison Maclean
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Centre for Women's Health Research, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.,Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kathleen Marston
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Centre for Women's Health Research, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
| | - Simon G Powell
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Centre for Women's Health Research, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
| | - Hannan Al-Lamee
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Centre for Women's Health Research, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.,Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.,Hewitt Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Dharani K Hapangama
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Centre for Women's Health Research, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.,Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
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22
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Terzic M, Aimagambetova G, Kunz J, Bapayeva G, Aitbayeva B, Terzic S, Laganà AS. Molecular Basis of Endometriosis and Endometrial Cancer: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9274. [PMID: 34502183 PMCID: PMC8431548 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The human endometrium is a unique tissue undergoing important changes through the menstrual cycle. Under the exposure of different risk factors in a woman's lifetime, normal endometrial tissue can give rise to multiple pathologic conditions, including endometriosis and endometrial cancer. Etiology and pathophysiologic changes behind such conditions remain largely unclear. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the pathophysiology of endometriosis and its potential role in the development of endometrial cancer from a molecular perspective. A better understanding of the molecular basis of endometriosis and its role in the development of endometrial pathology will improve the approach to clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Terzic
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay Batyr Avenue 53, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan or (M.T.); (S.T.)
- National Research Center for Maternal and Child Health, Clinical Academic Department of Women’s Health, University Medical Center, Turan Avenue 32, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan; (G.B.); (B.A.)
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 300 Halket Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Gulzhanat Aimagambetova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay Batyr Avenue 53, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Jeannette Kunz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay Batyr Avenue 53, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Gauri Bapayeva
- National Research Center for Maternal and Child Health, Clinical Academic Department of Women’s Health, University Medical Center, Turan Avenue 32, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan; (G.B.); (B.A.)
| | - Botagoz Aitbayeva
- National Research Center for Maternal and Child Health, Clinical Academic Department of Women’s Health, University Medical Center, Turan Avenue 32, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan; (G.B.); (B.A.)
| | - Sanja Terzic
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay Batyr Avenue 53, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan or (M.T.); (S.T.)
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Filippo Del Ponte” Hospital, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy;
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23
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Mohammed Gouse HS, Ali Wahid SM, Ahmed Garout RM, Ayub FM, Youssef MA, Gouse SM. Gynecological Complaints and Seeking Medical Help Among Female Adolescents Living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. ASIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH AND HEALTH CARE 2021. [DOI: 10.18311/ajprhc/2021/26874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this research is to determine the prevalence of gynecological and menstrual complaints concerning adolescent girls in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and exploring their behaviour in reporting them to a medical professional. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at female high schools in the South district of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from June 2017 to Dec 2019. A sample population of 1931/2406 girls aged between 10-19 years was non-randomly selected to complete a self-reporting questionnaire. The questionnaire included a wide range of symptoms regarding the menstrual cycle and whether the sample sought medical attention. The gynecological complaints from most to least reported include dysmenorrhea (83%), Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) (47%), abnormal vaginal discharge (39%), irregular menstrual periods (34%), heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) (27%) and amenorrhea (17%). Overall, over 50% of the population failed to seek medical attention regarding every complaint, those suffering from breast pain (98%), abnormal vaginal discharge (92%), dysmenorrhea (87%), HMB (79%) and amenorrhea (78%). Our findings conclude that regardless of numerous adolescents complaining of gynecological symptoms, less than 50% of those with a complaint tend to seek medical consultation which may be attributed to lack of health awareness, family support and ongoing social stigma regarding women’s reproductive health. Therefore, attention should be given to this adolescent group, guide them and encourage them to seek medical help and improve the primary health care system.
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24
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Yamaguchi M, Yoshihara K, Suda K, Nakaoka H, Yachida N, Ueda H, Sugino K, Mori Y, Yamawaki K, Tamura R, Ishiguro T, Motoyama T, Watanabe Y, Okuda S, Tainaka K, Enomoto T. Three-dimensional understanding of the morphological complexity of the human uterine endometrium. iScience 2021; 24:102258. [PMID: 33796844 PMCID: PMC7995615 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The fundamental morphology of the endometrial glands is not sufficiently understood by 2D observation because these glands have complicated winding and branching patterns. To construct a large picture of the endometrial gland structure, we performed tissue-clearing-based 3D imaging of human uterine endometrial tissue. Our 3D immunohistochemistry and layer analyses revealed that the endometrial glands form a plexus network in the stratum basalis and expand horizontally along the muscular layer, similar to the rhizome of grass. We then extended our method to assess the 3D morphology of tissue affected by adenomyosis, a representative "endometrium-related disease," and observed its 3D morphological features, including the direct invasion of endometrial glands into the myometrium and an ant colony-like network of ectopic endometrial glands within the myometrium. Thus, further understanding of the morphology of the human endometrium based on 3D analysis will lead to the identification of the pathogenesis of endometrium-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manako Yamaguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kosuke Yoshihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Suda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Nakaoka
- Human Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima 411-8540, Japan
- Department of Cancer Genome Research, Sasaki Institute, Sasaki Foundation, Chiyoda-ku 101-0062, Japan
| | - Nozomi Yachida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Haruka Ueda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kentaro Sugino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Yutaro Mori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kaoru Yamawaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Ryo Tamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ishiguro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Teiichi Motoyama
- Department of Molecular and Diagnostic Pathology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Yu Watanabe
- Division of Bioinformatics, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Shujiro Okuda
- Division of Bioinformatics, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kazuki Tainaka
- Department of System Pathology for Neurological Disorders, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
- Laboratory for Synthetic Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Suita 565-5241, Japan
| | - Takayuki Enomoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
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25
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Cousins FL, Pandoy R, Jin S, Gargett CE. The Elusive Endometrial Epithelial Stem/Progenitor Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:640319. [PMID: 33898428 PMCID: PMC8063057 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.640319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The human endometrium undergoes approximately 450 cycles of proliferation, differentiation, shedding and regeneration over a woman's reproductive lifetime. The regenerative capacity of the endometrium is attributed to stem/progenitor cells residing in the basalis layer of the tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells have been extensively studied in the endometrium, whereas endometrial epithelial stem/progenitor cells have remained more elusive. This review details the discovery of human and mouse endometrial epithelial stem/progenitor cells. It highlights recent significant developments identifying putative markers of these epithelial stem/progenitor cells that reveal their in vivo identity, location in both human and mouse endometrium, raising common but also different viewpoints. The review also outlines the techniques used to identify epithelial stem/progenitor cells, specifically in vitro functional assays and in vivo lineage tracing. We will also discuss their known interactions and hierarchy and known roles in endometrial dynamics across the menstrual or estrous cycle including re-epithelialization at menses and regeneration of the tissue during the proliferative phase. We also detail their potential role in endometrial proliferative disorders such as endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona L. Cousins
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ronald Pandoy
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, United States
| | - Shiying Jin
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, United States
| | - Caroline E. Gargett
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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26
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Fernández L, Grasso E, Soczewski E, Gori S, Calo G, Hauk V, Sabbione F, Gallino L, Martínez G, Irigoyen M, Bestach Y, Pérez Leirós C, Ramhorst R. Understanding the natural selection of human embryos: blastocyst quality modulates the inflammatory response during the peri-implantation period. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 87:e13423. [PMID: 33764560 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Decidualized cells display an active role during embryo implantation sensing blastocyst quality, allowing the implantation of normal developed blastocysts and preventing the invasion of impaired developed ones. Here, we characterized the immune microenvironment generated by decidualized cells in response to soluble factors secreted by blastocysts that shape the receptive milieu. METHOD OF STUDY We used an in vitro model of decidualization based on the Human Endometrial Stromal Cells line (HESC) differentiated with medroxiprogesterone and dibutyryl-cAMP, then treated with human blastocysts-conditioned media (BCM) classified according to their quality. RESULTS Decidualized cells treated with BCM from impaired developed blastocysts increased IL-1β production. Next, we evaluated the ability of decidualized cells to modulate other mediators associated with menstruation as chemokines. Decidualized cells responded to stimulation with BCM from impaired developed blastocysts increasing CXCL12 expression and CXCL8 secretion. The modulation of these markers was associated with the recruitment and activation of neutrophils, while regulatory T cells recruitment was restrained. These changes were not observed in the presence of BCM from normal developed blastocysts. CONCLUSION Soluble factors released by impaired developed blastocysts induce an exacerbated inflammatory response associated with neutrophils recruitment and activation, providing new clues to understand the molecular basis of the embryo-endometrial dialogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fernández
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Esteban Grasso
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elizabeth Soczewski
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Soledad Gori
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermina Calo
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanesa Hauk
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Sabbione
- Instituto de Medicina Experimental (IMEX)- CONICET, Academia Nacional de Medicina. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucila Gallino
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Martínez
- Fertilis Medicina Reproductiva. San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela Irigoyen
- Fertilis Medicina Reproductiva. San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yesica Bestach
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Pérez Leirós
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rosanna Ramhorst
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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27
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Critchley HOD, Babayev E, Bulun SE, Clark S, Garcia-Grau I, Gregersen PK, Kilcoyne A, Kim JYJ, Lavender M, Marsh EE, Matteson KA, Maybin JA, Metz CN, Moreno I, Silk K, Sommer M, Simon C, Tariyal R, Taylor HS, Wagner GP, Griffith LG. Menstruation: science and society. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 223:624-664. [PMID: 32707266 PMCID: PMC7661839 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Women's health concerns are generally underrepresented in basic and translational research, but reproductive health in particular has been hampered by a lack of understanding of basic uterine and menstrual physiology. Menstrual health is an integral part of overall health because between menarche and menopause, most women menstruate. Yet for tens of millions of women around the world, menstruation regularly and often catastrophically disrupts their physical, mental, and social well-being. Enhancing our understanding of the underlying phenomena involved in menstruation, abnormal uterine bleeding, and other menstruation-related disorders will move us closer to the goal of personalized care. Furthermore, a deeper mechanistic understanding of menstruation-a fast, scarless healing process in healthy individuals-will likely yield insights into a myriad of other diseases involving regulation of vascular function locally and systemically. We also recognize that many women now delay pregnancy and that there is an increasing desire for fertility and uterine preservation. In September 2018, the Gynecologic Health and Disease Branch of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development convened a 2-day meeting, "Menstruation: Science and Society" with an aim to "identify gaps and opportunities in menstruation science and to raise awareness of the need for more research in this field." Experts in fields ranging from the evolutionary role of menstruation to basic endometrial biology (including omic analysis of the endometrium, stem cells and tissue engineering of the endometrium, endometrial microbiome, and abnormal uterine bleeding and fibroids) and translational medicine (imaging and sampling modalities, patient-focused analysis of menstrual disorders including abnormal uterine bleeding, smart technologies or applications and mobile health platforms) to societal challenges in health literacy and dissemination frameworks across different economic and cultural landscapes shared current state-of-the-art and future vision, incorporating the patient voice at the launch of the meeting. Here, we provide an enhanced meeting report with extensive up-to-date (as of submission) context, capturing the spectrum from how the basic processes of menstruation commence in response to progesterone withdrawal, through the role of tissue-resident and circulating stem and progenitor cells in monthly regeneration-and current gaps in knowledge on how dysregulation leads to abnormal uterine bleeding and other menstruation-related disorders such as adenomyosis, endometriosis, and fibroids-to the clinical challenges in diagnostics, treatment, and patient and societal education. We conclude with an overview of how the global agenda concerning menstruation, and specifically menstrual health and hygiene, are gaining momentum, ranging from increasing investment in addressing menstruation-related barriers facing girls in schools in low- to middle-income countries to the more recent "menstrual equity" and "period poverty" movements spreading across high-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary O D Critchley
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - Elnur Babayev
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Serdar E Bulun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Iolanda Garcia-Grau
- Igenomix Foundation-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Peter K Gregersen
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY
| | | | | | | | - Erica E Marsh
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Kristen A Matteson
- Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Jacqueline A Maybin
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Christine N Metz
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY
| | - Inmaculada Moreno
- Igenomix Foundation-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Kami Silk
- Department of Communication, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Marni Sommer
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Carlos Simon
- Igenomix Foundation-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Günter P Wagner
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Linda G Griffith
- Center for Gynepathology Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
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Critchley HOD, Maybin JA, Armstrong GM, Williams ARW. Physiology of the Endometrium and Regulation of Menstruation. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:1149-1179. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00031.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological functions of the uterine endometrium (uterine lining) are preparation for implantation, maintenance of pregnancy if implantation occurs, and menstruation in the absence of pregnancy. The endometrium thus plays a pivotal role in reproduction and continuation of our species. Menstruation is a steroid-regulated event, and there are alternatives for a progesterone-primed endometrium, i.e., pregnancy or menstruation. Progesterone withdrawal is the trigger for menstruation. The menstruating endometrium is a physiological example of an injured or “wounded” surface that is required to rapidly repair each month. The physiological events of menstruation and endometrial repair provide an accessible in vivo human model of inflammation and tissue repair. Progress in our understanding of endometrial pathophysiology has been facilitated by modern cellular and molecular discovery tools, along with animal models of simulated menses. Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), including heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), imposes a massive burden on society, affecting one in four women of reproductive age. Understanding structural and nonstructural causes underpinning AUB is essential to optimize and provide precision in patient management. This is facilitated by careful classification of causes of bleeding. We highlight the crucial need for understanding mechanisms underpinning menstruation and its aberrations. The endometrium is a prime target tissue for selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs). This class of compounds has therapeutic potential for the clinical unmet need of HMB. SPRMs reduce menstrual bleeding by mechanisms still largely unknown. Human menstruation remains a taboo topic, and many questions concerning endometrial physiology that pertain to menstrual bleeding are yet to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary O. D. Critchley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline A. Maybin
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Gregory M. Armstrong
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair R. W. Williams
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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29
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YÜKSEL H, ZAFER E. Endometrial Stem/Progenitor Cells. CURRENT OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13669-020-00278-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Ng SW, Norwitz SG, Taylor HS, Norwitz ER. Endometriosis: The Role of Iron Overload and Ferroptosis. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:1383-1390. [PMID: 32077077 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00164-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Iron is an essential element for cell survival, and iron deficiency is a known risk factor for many reproductive disorders. Paradoxically, such disorders are also seen more commonly under conditions of iron excess. Here, we focus on the problem of iron overload in women's health, using endometriosis as a model system. We propose (i) that a primary defect in endometriosis is abnormal eutopic endometrium characterized by resistance to ferroptosis, a process of iron-mediated non-apoptotic programmed cell death, which allows cells spread via retrograde menstruation to survive, implant, and establish endometriotic lesions within the abdominal cavity, and (ii) that dysregulated iron homeostasis may be critical to the subsequent pathophysiology of endometriotic lesions with localized iron overload and inflammation. We further investigate the association between endometriosis and hypercholesterolemia and suggest that an interaction between the mevalonate cholesterol biosynthetic pathway and ferroptosis signaling may provide a molecular basis to explain how it is that, in some women, endometrial tissues survive and thrive under ferroptotic pressure, colonize at ectopic sites, and expand into endometriotic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Wing Ng
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA.,Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, USA
| | | | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Errol R Norwitz
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA. .,Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, USA.
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31
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Hogg C, Horne AW, Greaves E. Endometriosis-Associated Macrophages: Origin, Phenotype, and Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:7. [PMID: 32038499 PMCID: PMC6989423 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a complex, heterogeneous, chronic inflammatory condition impacting ~176 million women worldwide. It is associated with chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and fatigue, and has a substantial impact on health-related quality of life. Endometriosis is defined by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, typically on the lining of the pelvic cavity and ovaries (known as "lesions"). Macrophages are complex cells at the center of this enigmatic condition; they are critical for the growth, development, vascularization, and innervation of lesions as well as generation of pain symptoms. In health, tissue-resident macrophages are seeded during early embryonic life are vital for development and homeostasis of tissues. In the adult, under inflammatory challenge, monocytes are recruited from the blood and differentiate into macrophages in tissues where they fulfill functions, such as fighting infection and repairing wounds. The interplay between tissue-resident and recruited macrophages is now at the forefront of macrophage research due to their differential roles in inflammatory disorders. In some cancers, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are comprised of tissue-resident macrophages and recruited inflammatory monocytes that differentiate into macrophages within the tumor. These macrophages of different origins play differential roles in disease progression. Herein, we review the complexities of macrophage dynamics in health and disease and explore the paradigm that under disease-modified conditions, macrophages that normally maintain homeostasis become modified such that they promote disease. We also interrogate the evidence to support the existence of multiple phenotypic populations and origins of macrophages in endometriosis and how this could be exploited for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Hogg
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew W. Horne
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Erin Greaves
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Erin Greaves
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32
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Monin L, Whettlock EM, Male V. Immune responses in the human female reproductive tract. Immunology 2019; 160:106-115. [PMID: 31630394 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucosal surfaces are key interfaces between the host and its environment, but also constitute ports of entry for numerous pathogens. The gut and lung mucosae act as points of nutrient and gas exchange, respectively, but the physiological purpose of the female reproductive tract (FRT) is to allow implantation and development of the fetus. Our understanding of immune responses in the FRT has traditionally lagged behind our grasp of the situation at other mucosal sites, but recently reproductive immunologists have begun to make rapid progress in this challenging area. Here, we review current knowledge of immune responses in the human FRT and their heterogeneity within and between compartments. In the commensal-rich vagina, the immune system must allow the growth of beneficial microbes, whereas the key challenge in the uterus is allowing the growth of the semi-allogeneic fetus. In both compartments, these objectives must be balanced with the need to eliminate pathogens. Our developing understanding of immune responses in the FRT will help us develop interventions to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and to improve outcomes of pregnancy for mothers and babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Monin
- Immunosurveillance Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Emily M Whettlock
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Male
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Bellofiore N, Rana S, Dickinson H, Temple-Smith P, Evans J. Characterization of human-like menstruation in the spiny mouse: comparative studies with the human and induced mouse model. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:1715-1726. [PMID: 30032205 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the newly discovered menstruating rodent, the spiny mouse, a valid model for studying endometrial morphology and menstruation? SUMMARY ANSWER Our study is the first to demonstrate a primate-like pattern of natural menstruation in a rodent, with decidualization, spiral arteriole remodeling and piece-meal endometrial shedding. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The spiny mouse has a naturally occurring menstrual cycle. This unique feature has the potential to reduce the heavy reliance on primates and provide a more appropriate small animal model for menstrual physiology research. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study compares morphological changes in the endometrium during early, mid and late menstruation of the spiny mouse (n = 39), human (n = 9) and the induced mouse model of menstruation (n = 17). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We assessed tissue morphology with hematoxylin and eosin and erythrocyte patterns with Mallory's trichrome. We conducted staining for neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL), cytokeratin and interleukin-11 (IL-11) in all species. We used double immunofluorescence staining for vascular endothelial growth factor and alpha-smooth muscle actin to detect vasculature remodeling and western immunoblot to detect interleukin-8 (IL-8) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the menstrual fluid of spiny mice. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Menstruation occurs in the spiny mouse over a 72-h period, with heaviest menstrual breakdown occurring 24 h after initial observation of red blood cells in the vaginal cytology. During menstruation, the endometrium of the spiny mouse appeared to resemble human menstrual shedding with focal epithelial breakdown observed in conjunction with lysis of underlying stroma and detection of IL-8 and MIF in menstrual fluid. The mouse exhibits extensive decidualization prior to induced menses, with transformation of the entire uterine horn and cytokeratin expression absent until initiation of repair. Decidualization occurred spontaneously and was less marked in the spiny mouse, where epithelial integrity remained intact. In all species, the decidua was positive for IL-11 secretion and neutrophil recruitment was similar in each. Spiral arteriole formation was confirmed in the spiny mouse. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is a descriptive study comparing primarily morphological traits between the spiny mouse, the mouse and the human. Reagents specific to the spiny mouse were limited and resources for global use of this novel species are few. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our work supports the spiny mouse as a viable model, sharing many attributes of physiological menstruation with humans. The strength of a natural as opposed to an artificial model is validated through the striking similarities observed between the spiny mouse and human in uterine breakdown. The spiny mouse may be highly useful in large-scale investigations of menstruation and menstrual disorders. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) N.B. and S.R. are each recipients of a Research Training Program scholarship supported by Monash University. This work was supported by the Victorian Government Operational Infrastructure and laboratory funds to H.D. The authors declare no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Bellofiore
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright St, Clayton, Australia.,Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, Australia
| | - Shreya Rana
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright St, Clayton, Australia.,Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, Australia
| | - Hayley Dickinson
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright St, Clayton, Australia.,Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, Australia
| | - Peter Temple-Smith
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jemma Evans
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright St, Clayton, Australia
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Mucenski ML, Mahoney R, Adam M, Potter AS, Potter SS. Single cell RNA-seq study of wild type and Hox9,10,11 mutant developing uterus. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4557. [PMID: 30872674 PMCID: PMC6418183 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40923-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The uterus is a remarkable organ that must guard against infections while maintaining the ability to support growth of a fetus without rejection. The Hoxa10 and Hoxa11 genes have previously been shown to play essential roles in uterus development and function. In this report we show that the Hoxa9,10,11, Hoxc9,10,11, Hoxd9,10,11 genes play a redundant role in the formation of uterine glands. In addition, we use single cell RNA-seq to create a high resolution gene expression atlas of the developing wild type mouse uterus. Cell types and subtypes are defined, for example dividing endothelial cells into arterial, venous, capillary, and lymphatic, while epithelial cells separate into luminal and glandular subtypes. Further, a surprising heterogeneity of stromal and myocyte cell types are identified. Transcription factor codes and ligand/receptor interactions are characterized. We also used single cell RNA-seq to globally define the altered gene expression patterns in all developing uterus cell types for two Hox mutants, with 8 or 9 mutant Hox genes. The mutants show a striking disruption of Wnt signaling as well as the Cxcl12/Cxcr4 ligand/receptor axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Mucenski
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Robert Mahoney
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Mike Adam
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Andrew S Potter
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - S Steven Potter
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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35
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Bellofiore N, Evans J. Monkeys, mice and menses: the bloody anomaly of the spiny mouse. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:811-817. [PMID: 30610663 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1390-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The common spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus) is the only known rodent to demonstrate a myriad of physiological processes unseen in their murid relatives. The most recently discovered of these uncharacteristic traits: spontaneous decidual transformation of the uterus in virgin females, preceding menstruation. Menstruation occurring without experimental intervention in rodents has not been documented elsewhere to date, and natural menstruation is indeed rare in the animal kingdom outside of higher order primates. This review briefly summarises the current knowledge of spiny mouse biology and taxonomy, and explores their endocrinology which may aid in our understanding of the evolution of menstruation in this species. We propose that DHEA, synthesised by the spiny mouse (but not other rodents), humans and other menstruating primates, is integral in spontaneous decidualisation and therefore menstruation. We discuss both physiological and behavioural attributes across the menstrual cycle in the spiny mouse analogous to those observed in other menstruating species, including premenstrual syndrome. We further encourage the use of the spiny mouse as a small animal model of menstruation and female reproductive biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Bellofiore
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright St, Clayton, 3168, Australia. .,Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, 3168, Australia.
| | - Jemma Evans
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright St, Clayton, 3168, Australia
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36
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Cousins FL, O DF, Ong YR, Breault DT, Deane JA, Gargett CE. Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Expression in Mouse Endometrium During Reepithelialization and Regeneration in a Menses-Like Model. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 28:1-12. [PMID: 30358490 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The regenerative capacity of the endometrium has been attributed to resident stem/progenitor cells. A number of stem/progenitor markers have been reported for human endometrial stem/progenitor cells; however, the lack of convenient markers in the mouse has made experimental investigation into endometrial regeneration difficult. We recently identified endometrial epithelial, endothelial, and immune cells, which express a reporter for the stem/progenitor marker, mouse telomerase reverse transcriptase (mTert). In this study, we investigate the expression pattern of a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter for mTert promoter activity (mTert-GFP) in endometrial regeneration following a menses-like event. mTert-GFP expression marks subepithelial populations of T cells and mature macrophages and may play a role in immune cell regulated repair. Clusters of mTert-GFP-positive epithelial cells were identified close to areas of reepithelialization and possibly highlight a role for mTert in the repair and regeneration of the endometrial epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona L Cousins
- 1 The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
- 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University Faculty of Medicine, Clayton, Australia
| | - Dorien F O
- 1 The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
| | - Yih Rue Ong
- 1 The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
| | - David T Breault
- 3 Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James A Deane
- 1 The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
- 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University Faculty of Medicine, Clayton, Australia
| | - Caroline E Gargett
- 1 The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
- 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University Faculty of Medicine, Clayton, Australia
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Gibson DA, Simitsidellis I, Collins F, Saunders PTK. Endometrial Intracrinology: Oestrogens, Androgens and Endometrial Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E3276. [PMID: 30360364 PMCID: PMC6214123 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral tissue metabolism of steroids (intracrinology) is now accepted as a key way in which tissues, such as the endometrium, can utilise inactive steroids present in the blood to respond to local physiological demands and 'fine-tune' the activation or inhibition of steroid hormone receptor-dependent processes. Expression of enzymes that play a critical role in the activation and inactivation of bioactive oestrogens (E1, E2) and androgens (A4, T, DHT), as well as expression of steroid hormone receptors, has been detected in endometrial tissues and cells recovered during the menstrual cycle. There is robust evidence that increased expression of aromatase is important for creating a local microenvironment that can support a pregnancy. Measurement of intra-tissue concentrations of steroids using liquid chromatography⁻tandem mass spectrometry has been important in advancing our understanding of a role for androgens in the endometrium, acting both as active ligands for the androgen receptor and as substrates for oestrogen biosynthesis. The emergence of intracrinology, associated with disordered expression of key enzymes such as aromatase, in the aetiology of common women's health disorders such as endometriosis and endometrial cancer has prompted renewed interest in the development of drugs targeting these pathways, opening up new opportunities for targeted therapies and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas A Gibson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Ioannis Simitsidellis
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Frances Collins
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ Edinburgh, UK.
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38
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Stem cell therapy in Asherman syndrome and thin endometrium: Stem cell- based therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 102:333-343. [PMID: 29571018 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.03.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The endometrium is one of the essential components of the uterus. The endometrium of human is a complex and dynamic tissue, which undergoes periods of growth and turn over during any menstrual cycle. Stem cells are initially undifferentiated cells that display a wide range of differentiation potential with no distinct morphological features. Stem cell therapy method recently has become a novel procedure for treatment of tissue injury and fibrosis in response to damage. Currently, there is massive interest in stem cells as a novel treatment method for regenerative medicine and more specifically for the regeneration of human endometrium disorder like Asherman syndrome (AS) and thin endometrium. AS also known as intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a uterine disorder with the aberrant creation of adhesions within the uterus and/or cervix. Patients with IUA are significantly associated with menstrual abnormalities and suffer from pelvic pain. In addition, IUA might prevent implantation of the blastocyst, impair the blood supply to the uterus and early fetus, and finally result in the recurrent miscarriage or infertility in the AS patients. It has been evidenced that the transplantation of different stem cells with a diverse source in the endometrial zone had effects on endometrium such as declined the fibrotic area, an elevated number of glands, stimulated angiogenesis, the enhanced thickness of the endometrium, better formed tissue construction, protected gestation, and improved pregnancy rate. This study presents a summary of the investigations that indicate the key role of stem cell therapy in regeneration and renovation of defective parts.
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39
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Jiang Y, Chen L, Taylor RN, Li C, Zhou X. Physiological and pathological implications of retinoid action in the endometrium. J Endocrinol 2018; 236:R169-R188. [PMID: 29298821 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Retinol (vitamin A) and its derivatives, collectively known as retinoids, are required for maintaining vision, immunity, barrier function, reproduction, embryogenesis and cell proliferation and differentiation. Despite the fact that most events in the endometrium are predominantly regulated by steroid hormones (estrogens and progesterone), accumulating evidence shows that retinoid signaling is also involved in the development and maintenance of the endometrium, stromal decidualization and blastocyst implantation. Moreover, aberrant retinoid metabolism seems to be a critical factor in the development of endometriosis, a common gynecological disease, which affects up to 10% of reproductive age women and is characterized by the ectopic localization of endometrial-like tissue in the pelvic cavity. This review summarizes recent advances in research on the mechanisms and molecular actions of retinoids in normal endometrial development and physiological function. The potential roles of abnormal retinoid signaling in endometriosis are also discussed. The objectives are to identify limitations in current knowledge regarding the molecular actions of retinoids in endometrial biology and to stimulate new investigations toward the development potential therapeutics to ameliorate or prevent endometriosis symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwen Jiang
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Lu Chen
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Robert N Taylor
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Molecular Medicine and Translational SciencesWake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chunjin Li
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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40
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Cousins FL, O DF, Gargett CE. Endometrial stem/progenitor cells and their role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2018; 50:27-38. [PMID: 29503126 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Human endometrium regenerates on a cyclical basis each month, likely mediated by endometrial stem/progenitor cells. Several types of stem/progenitor cells have been identified: CD140b+CD146+ or SUSD2+ endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs), N-cadherin+ endometrial epithelial progenitor cells (eEPs), and side population (SP) cells, a heterogeneous population predominantly comprising endothelial cells. eMSCs reside in a perivascular niche and likely mediate angiogenesis and stromal regeneration. Human eEPs are located in the bases of glands in the basalis and are likely more primitive than SSEA-1+ basalis epithelial cells. Endometrial stem/progenitor cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis by their retrograde shedding into the pelvic cavity, either after menarche or as a result of neonatal uterine bleeding. eMSCs may have a role in the generation of progesterone-resistant phenotype of endometrial stromal fibroblasts (eSFs) in endometriosis. In future clinical practice, endometrial stem/progenitor cells may be used to establish diagnosis of endometriosis or as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona L Cousins
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Dorien F O
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; KU Leuven-University of Leuven, University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Caroline E Gargett
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
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Armstrong GM, Maybin JA, Murray AA, Nicol M, Walker C, Saunders PTK, Rossi AG, Critchley HOD. Endometrial apoptosis and neutrophil infiltration during menstruation exhibits spatial and temporal dynamics that are recapitulated in a mouse model. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17416. [PMID: 29234102 PMCID: PMC5727295 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17565-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Menstruation is characterised by synchronous shedding and restoration of tissue integrity. An in vivo model of menstruation is required to investigate mechanisms responsible for regulation of menstrual physiology and to investigate common pathologies such as heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). We hypothesised that our mouse model of simulated menstruation would recapitulate the spatial and temporal changes in the inflammatory microenvironment of human menses. Three regulatory events were investigated: cell death (apoptosis), neutrophil influx and cytokine/chemokine expression. Well-characterised endometrial tissues from women were compared with uteri from a mouse model (tissue recovered 0, 4, 8, 24 and 48 h after removal of a progesterone-secreting pellet). Immunohistochemistry for cleaved caspase-3 (CC3) revealed significantly increased staining in human endometrium from late secretory and menstrual phases. In mice, CC3 was significantly increased at 8 and 24 h post-progesterone-withdrawal. Elastase+ human neutrophils were maximal during menstruation; Ly6G+ mouse neutrophils were maximal at 24 h. Human endometrial and mouse uterine cytokine/chemokine mRNA concentrations were significantly increased during menstrual phase and 24 h post-progesterone-withdrawal respectively. Data from dated human samples revealed time-dependent changes in endometrial apoptosis preceding neutrophil influx and cytokine/chemokine induction during active menstruation. These dynamic changes were recapitulated in the mouse model of menstruation, validating its use in menstrual research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M Armstrong
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI), 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Jacqueline A Maybin
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI), 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Alison A Murray
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI), 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Moira Nicol
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI), 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Catherine Walker
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI), 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research (CIR), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI), 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Adriano G Rossi
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research (CIR), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI), 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Hilary O D Critchley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI), 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
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42
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Apostolou G, Apostolou N, Moulos P, Chatzipantelis P. Endometrial cytopathology. An image analysis approach using the Ki-67 biomarker. Cytopathology 2017; 28:385-390. [PMID: 28737230 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.12435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the different identity and biological behaviour of endometrial benign epithelial and endometrial adenocarcinoma cell categories. METHODS For this study, the imprint smears from three groups, 10 cases of disordered proliferative/benign hyperplastic endometrium, 21 cases of low-grade and eight cases of high-grade endometrial adenocarcinoma, were examined using image analysis and the Ki-67 biomarker. The plastic stem cell model was also applied. RESULTS Among the examined groups, the nuclear area major axis ranged statistically different in the digitally measured Ki-67 positive endometrial epithelial and adenocarcinoma cells (P<.0001). Moreover, higher values of the cycling nuclear area major axis were observed in high-grade, as compared with the low-grade endometrial adenocarcinomas (P<.0001) and the cases of disordered/benign hyperplastic endometrium (P<.0001). Additionally, a Ki-67 increase pathway was observed in the benign endometrial lesions, and a relatively stable pathway was noticed in low- and high-grade endometrial adenocarcinomas. CONCLUSIONS The different range of the nuclear area major axis among cycling endometrial epithelial and adenocarcinoma cells may correlate with their specific identity and biological behaviour. The different values of the cycling nuclear area major dimension may also be connected with the biological behaviour of the three examined groups. Moreover, the endometrial epithelial cells may follow a Ki-67 increase pathway, instead of the relatively stable pathway which the rapidly proliferating adenocarcinoma cells may use. Finally, the studied cell categories may exhibit different biology, because their stem cells may reside in different states of stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Apostolou
- Department of Cytopathology, Anti-cancer Oncological Hospital St. Savvas, Athens, Greece
| | - N Apostolou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Olympic Polyclinic, Athens, Greece
| | - P Moulos
- HybridStat Predictive Analytics, Athens, Greece
| | - P Chatzipantelis
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, UK
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43
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Suginami K, Sato Y, Horie A, Matsumoto H, Tani H, Mizumoto Y, Ono M, Matsuoka A, Kyo S, Araki Y, Konishi I, Fujiwara H. Platelet-derived microparticles and soluble factors differentially regulate human endometrial epithelial cell movement. Am J Reprod Immunol 2017; 77. [PMID: 28168784 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM We previously proposed that platelets promote re-epithelialization during menstruation. As cell movement is one of the important cell behaviors in the process of tissue remodeling, we examined the effects of platelets on endometrial epithelial cell invasion. METHOD OF STUDY The platelets were isolated from healthy women. Using a human endometrial epithelial cell-derived immortalized cell line, EM-E6/E7/hTERT cells, we examined the effects of platelets and platelet-derived condition media with or without microparticles on the morphological and invasive properties of EM-E6/E7/hTERT cells. RESULTS Platelets and microparticle-containing conditioned media inhibited Matrigel invasion by EM-E6/E7/hTERT cells along with an increase in cortical ring formation, whereas microparticle-depleted conditioned media promoted their invasion without any significant changes of cortical ring formation. CONCLUSION These results support our previous proposal and newly suggest the dual roles of platelets: platelet-derived soluble factors that promote cell movement in the distant area, and microparticles that induce re-epithelialization by endometrial epithelial cells in the proximal area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koh Suginami
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yukiyasu Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Otsu Red Cross Hospital, Otsu, Japan
| | - Akihito Horie
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hisanori Matsumoto
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hirohiko Tani
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasunari Mizumoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Masanori Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Ayumi Matsuoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Satoru Kyo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Araki
- Institute for Environmental and Gender-specific Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Urayasu, Japan
| | - Ikuo Konishi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
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44
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Chan RWS, Lee CL, Ng EHY, Yeung WSB. Co-culture with macrophages enhances the clonogenic and invasion activity of endometriotic stromal cells. Cell Prolif 2017; 50. [PMID: 28071833 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effect on endometrial and endometriotic cells after co-culture with macrophages, using clonogenic, invasion and self-renewal assays. MATERIALS AND METHODS Peripheral blood samples, endometrium and endometriotic tissues were collected. Autologous macrophages were co-cultured with endometrial and endometriotic cells. The number of colony-forming units (CFU), invasiveness and self-renewal activity after co-culture with macrophages were determined. The cytokine level of colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) from macrophages with and without endometriosis was compared. RESULTS Co-culture with macrophages significantly increased the clonogenic and invasion ability of endometriotic stromal cells in vitro. Colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) was up-regulated in endometriotic macrophages conditioned medium when compared to those without the disease. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that macrophages may increase the proliferation and invasion activity of stromal clonogenic cells in women with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel W S Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Centre of Reproduction, Development of Growth, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Centre of Reproduction, Development of Growth, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ernest H Y Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Centre of Reproduction, Development of Growth, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Centre of Reproduction, Development of Growth, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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45
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Suginami K, Sato Y, Horie A, Matsumoto H, Kyo S, Araki Y, Konishi I, Fujiwara H. Platelets are a possible regulator of human endometrial re-epithelialization during menstruation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 77. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Koh Suginami
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine; Kyoto Japan
| | - Yukiyasu Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Otsu Red Cross Hospital; Otsu Japan
| | - Akihito Horie
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine; Kyoto Japan
| | - Hisanori Matsumoto
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine; Kyoto Japan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital; Osaka Japan
| | - Satoru Kyo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Faculty of Medicine; Shimane University; Izumo Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Araki
- Institute for Environmental and Gender-specific Medicine; Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine; Urayasu Japan
| | - Ikuo Konishi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine; Kyoto Japan
- National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center; Kyoto Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine; Kyoto Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science; Kanazawa Japan
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46
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Gonzalez G, Mehra S, Wang Y, Akiyama H, Behringer RR. Sox9 overexpression in uterine epithelia induces endometrial gland hyperplasia. Differentiation 2016; 92:204-215. [PMID: 27262401 PMCID: PMC5133190 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
SOX9 is a high mobility group transcription factor that is required in many biological processes, including cartilage differentiation, endoderm progenitor maintenance, hair differentiation, and testis determination. SOX9 has also been linked to colorectal, prostate, and lung cancer. We found that SOX9 is expressed in the epithelium of the adult mouse and human uterus, predominantly marking the uterine glands. To determine if SOX9 plays a role in the development of endometrial cancer we overexpressed Sox9 in the uterine epithelium using a progesterone receptor-Cre mouse model. Sox9 overexpression in the uterine epithelium led to the formation of simple and complex cystic glandular structures in the endometrium of aged-females. Histological analysis revealed that these structures appeared morphologically similar to structures present in patients with endometrial hyperplastic lesions and endometrial polyps that are thought to be precursors of endometrial cancer. The molecular mechanisms that cause the glandular epithelium to become hyperplastic, leading to endometrial cancer are still poorly understood. These findings indicate that chronic overexpression of Sox9 in the uterine epithelium can induce the development of endometrial hyperplastic lesions. Thus, SOX9 expression may be a factor in the formation of endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Gonzalez
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shyamin Mehra
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Haruhiko Akiyama
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Gifu University, Gifu City 501-1194, Japan
| | - Richard R Behringer
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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47
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Cousins FL, Kirkwood PM, Murray AA, Collins F, Gibson DA, Saunders PTK. Androgens regulate scarless repair of the endometrial “wound” in a mouse model of menstruation. FASEB J 2016; 30:2802-11. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201600078r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona L. Cousins
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Inflammation ResearchThe University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research InstituteEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Phoebe M. Kirkwood
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Inflammation ResearchThe University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research InstituteEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Alison A. Murray
- MRC Centre for Reproductive HealthThe University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research InstituteEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Frances Collins
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Inflammation ResearchThe University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research InstituteEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Douglas A. Gibson
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Inflammation ResearchThe University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research InstituteEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Philippa T. K. Saunders
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Inflammation ResearchThe University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research InstituteEdinburghUnited Kingdom
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48
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Coudyzer P, Lemoine P, Po C, Jordan BF, Van Der Smissen P, Courtoy PJ, Henriet P, Marbaix E. Induction of post-menstrual regeneration by ovarian steroid withdrawal in the functionalis of xenografted human endometrium. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:1156-68. [PMID: 25750204 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does the endometrial functionalis have the potential to undergo self-renewal after menstruation and how is this process controlled by ovarian steroids? SUMMARY ANSWER Endometrial xenografts subjected to withdrawal of estradiol and progesterone shrink but also show signs of proliferation and tissue repair; new estradiol supply prevents atrophy but is not sufficient to increase graft volume. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Menstruation, i.e. cyclic proteolysis of the extracellular matrix of endometrial functionalis, is induced by a fall in estrogen and progesterone concentration and is followed by tissue regeneration. However, there is debate about whether regenerating cells must originate from the basalis or from stem cells and whether new estrogen supply is required for the early repair concomitant with menstruation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Fragments from human endometrial functionalis (from 24 hysterectomy specimens) were xenografted in ovariectomized SCID mice and submitted to a 4-day estradiol and progesterone withdrawal (to mimic menstruation) followed by re-exposure to estradiol (to mimic the proliferative phase). We measured signs of proliferation and changes in graft volume. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Endometrium was collected from spontaneously cycling women. Cell proliferation was examined by immunolabeling Ki-67, cyclin D1 and phosphorylated-histone H3. Xenograft volume was measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Xenograft histomorphometry was performed to determine how the different tissue compartments contributed to volume change. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Hormone withdrawal induced a rapid decrease in graft volume mainly attributable to stroma condensation and breakdown, concomitant with an increase of proliferation markers. Reinsertion of estradiol pellets after induced menstruation blocked volume decrease and stimulated epithelial and stromal growth, but, surprisingly, did not induce graft enlargement. Reinsertion of both estradiol and progesterone pellets blocked apoptosis. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Mechanisms of endometrial remodeling are different in women and mice and the contribution of circulating inflammatory cells in both species remains to be clarified. Moreover, during human menstruation, endometrial fragments resulting from tissue proteolysis can be expelled by the menstrual flow, unlike in this model. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Menstruation is a multifocal event within the functionalis. This is the first evidence that endometrial fragments that are not shed after menstrual tissue breakdown can support endometrial regeneration. Endometriosis is commonly thought to result from the retrograde migration of menstrual fragments of the degraded functionalis into the peritoneal cavity. Our study supports their potential to regenerate as ectopic endometrium. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by the Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique Médicale, Concerted Research Actions, Communauté Française de Belgique, Région wallonne, Région bruxelloise and Loterie nationale. P.H. and B.F.J. are research associates of the Belgian Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S.-F.N.R.S.). E.M. is Associate Editor at Human Reproduction. There is no conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Coudyzer
- Cell Biology Unit, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pascale Lemoine
- Cell Biology Unit, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Chrystelle Po
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bénédicte F Jordan
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Pierre J Courtoy
- Cell Biology Unit, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patrick Henriet
- Cell Biology Unit, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Etienne Marbaix
- Cell Biology Unit, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Costiniuk CT, Jenabian MA. HIV reservoir dynamics in the face of highly active antiretroviral therapy. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2015; 29:55-68. [PMID: 25412339 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2014.0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon discontinuation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals experience a brisk rebound in blood plasma viremia due to the exodus of HIV from various body reservoirs. Assessment of HIV dynamics during HAART and following treatment discontinuation is essential to better understand HIV persistence. Here we will first provide a brief overview of the molecular mechanisms involved in HIV reservoir formation and persistence. After a summary of HAART-mediated HIV decay within peripheral blood, we discuss findings from clinical studies examining the effects of HAART initiation and interruption on HIV reservoir dynamics in major anatomical compartments, including lymph nodes and spleen, gut associated lymphoid tissue, reproductive organs, the central nervous system, and the lungs. Features contributing to these reservoirs as distinct compartments, including anatomical features, the presence of drug transporters, and the effect of co-infection, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia T. Costiniuk
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Infectious Diseases/Chronic Viral Illness Service and Lachine Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mohammad-Ali Jenabian
- Département des Sciences Biologiques et Centre de recherche BioMed, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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50
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Immunity at the Maternal–Fetal Interface. Mucosal Immunol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-415847-4.00114-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
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