Gonadal steroids regulate the expression of aggrecanases in human endometrial stromal cells in vitro

Rare variant associations with birth weight identify genes involved in adipose tissue regulation, placental function and insulin-like growth factor signalling

Investigating the genetic factors influencing human birth weight may lead to biological insights into fetal growth and long-term health. Genome-wide association studies of birth weight have highlighted associated variants in more than 200 regions of the genome, but the causal genes are mostly unknown. Rare genetic variants with robust evidence of association are more likely to point to causal genes, but to date, only a few rare variants are known to influence birth weight. We aimed to identify genes that harbour rare variants that impact birth weight when carried by either the fetus or the mother, by analysing whole exome sequence data in UK Biobank participants. We annotated rare (minor allele frequency <0.1%) protein-truncating or high impact missense variants on whole exome sequence data in up to 234,675 participants with data on their own birth weight (fetal variants), and up to 181,883 mothers who reported the birth weight of their first child (maternal variants). Variants within each gene were collapsed to perform gene burden tests and for each associated gene, we compared the observed fetal and maternal effects. We identified 8 genes with evidence of rare fetal variant effects on birth weight, of which 2 also showed maternal effects. One additional gene showed evidence of maternal effects only. We observed 10/11 directionally concordant associations in an independent sample of up to 45,622 individuals (sign test P=0.01). Of the genes identified, IGF1R and PAPPA2 (fetal and maternal-acting) have known roles in insulin-like growth factor bioavailability and signalling. PPARG, INHBE and ACVR1C (all fetal-acting) have known roles in adipose tissue regulation and rare variants in the latter two also showed associations with favourable adiposity patterns in adults. We highlight the dual role of PPARG in both adipocyte differentiation and placental angiogenesis. NOS3, NRK, and ADAMTS8 (fetal and maternal-acting) have been implicated in both placental function and hypertension. Analysis of rare coding variants has identified regulators of fetal adipose tissue and fetoplacental angiogenesis as determinants of birth weight, as well as further evidence for the role of insulin-like growth factors.

Transcriptomic patterns in early-secretory and mid-secretory endometrium in a natural menstrual cycle immediately before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the endometrial transcriptomic patterns in the early secretory phase (ESP) and mid-secretory phase (MSP) of the natural menstrual cycle before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

METHODS

Thirty patients whose endometrial tissues were obtained from the ESP or MSP of a natural menstrual cycle immediately before IVF-ET were included. Endometrial dating was histologically confirmed as ESP (cycle days 16-18) or MSP (cycle days 19-21), according to the noyes criteria. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the IVF-ET outcome: pregnant (n=14; 7 in ESP and 7 in MSP) or non-pregnant (n=16; 8 in ESP and 8 in MSP). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the MSP, compared to the ESP, were identified using NanoString nCounter (NanoString Technologies, Seattle, WA, USA) data for both the pregnant and non-pregnant groups.

RESULTS

Thirteen DEGs in the pregnant group and 11 DEGs in the non-pregnant group were identified in the MSP compared to those in the ESP. In both groups, adrenoceptor alpha 2A, interleukin 1 receptor-associated kinase 2, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin repeats 15 (ADAMTS15), serpin family E member 1, integrin subunit beta 3, transmembrane protein 252 (TMEM252), huntingtin associated protein 1, C2 calcium-dependent domain containing 4A, and integrin subunit alpha 2 were upregulated in the MSP, compared to the ESP. TMEM37, galactosidase beta 1 like 2, Rho family GTPase 3, and cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member 1 were upregulated in the MSP only in the pregnant group. ADAMTS8 was downregulated and monoamine oxidase A was upregulated in the MSP only in the non-pregnant group.

CONCLUSION

Transcriptomic patterns in the endometrium immediately before IVF-ET appear to differ according to the IVF-ET outcome. These novel DEGs, which have not been previously studied, may have functional significance during the window of implantation and serve as potential biomarkers of endometrial receptivity.

Expression of placental growth factor and a disintegrin and metalloprotease with a thrombospondin type motifs 1-4-8 during the three trimesters of rat pregnancy at the maternal-fetal interface

The functional roles of the a disintegrin and metalloprotease with a thrombospondin type motifs (ADAMTS) gene family in reproductive physiology, reproductive organs developments and adult reproductive health are still under investigation. The expression of the anti-angiogenic proteases ADAMTS-1, ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-8 in placental angiogenesis at various stages of pregnancy also remains unclear. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine the localization and expression of the ADAMTS-1, ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-8 proteins during the three stages of pregnancy in rats. Maternal-fetal tissue samples were collected on Days 5, 12 and 19 of each trimester, corresponding to the first, second and third trimesters. The expression of placental growth factor (PlGF) and ADAMTS-1, ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-8 at the maternal-fetal interface was examined using immunohistochemistry and western blot at three distinct phases of pregnancy. ADAMTS-1, ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-8 were detected in all three trimesters of pregnancy. The relative amount of PIGF increased in the first trimester and decreased significantly in the third trimester (p < 0.05). The expression of ADAMTS-1 and ADAMTS-4 was significantly higher in the second (p < 0.05) and third trimesters (p < 0.01) compared to the first trimester. However, no statistically significant change was observed in ADAMTS-8 expression between trimesters. The ADAMTS exhibiting the highest expression during the first trimester was ADAMTS8. These findings indicate that the expression of ADAMTS-1, ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-8 in the three different stages of rat pregnancy may be involved in the modulation of decidualization, morphogenesis and angiogenesis. Periodic changes in ADAMTS expression are thought to be regulated by gonadal steroids.

Role of ADAM and ADAMTS Disintegrin and Metalloproteinases in Normal Pregnancy and Preeclampsia

Normal pregnancy (NP) involves intricate processes starting with egg fertilization, proceeding to embryo implantation, placentation and gestation, and culminating in parturition. These pregnancy-related processes require marked uteroplacental and vascular remodeling by proteolytic enzymes and metalloproteinases. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) and ADAM with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) are members of the zinc-dependent family of proteinases with highly conserved protein structure and sequence homology, which include a pro-domain, and a metalloproteinase, disintegrin and cysteine-rich domain. In NP, ADAMs and ADAMTS regulate sperm-egg fusion, embryo implantation, trophoblast invasion, placental angiogenesis and spiral arteries remodeling through their ectodomain proteolysis of cell surface cytokines, cadherins and growth factors as well as their adhesion with integrins and cell-cell junction proteins. Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious complication of pregnancy characterized by new-onset hypertension (HTN) in pregnancy (HTN-Preg) at or after 20 weeks of gestation, with or without proteinuria. Insufficient trophoblast invasion of the uterine wall, inadequate expansive remodeling of the spiral arteries, reduced uteroplacental perfusion pressure, and placental ischemia/hypoxia are major initiating events in the pathogenesis of PE. Placental ischemia/hypoxia increase the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which lead to aberrant expression/activity of certain ADAMs and ADAMTS. In PE, abnormal expression/activity of specific ADAMs and ADAMTS that function as proteolytic sheddases could alter proangiogenic and growth factors, and promote the release of antiangiogenic factors and inflammatory cytokines into the placenta and maternal circulation leading to generalized inflammation, endothelial cell injury and HTN-Preg, renal injury and proteinuria, and further decreases in uteroplacental blood flow, exaggeration of placental ischemia, and consequently fetal growth restriction. Identifying the role of ADAMs and ADAMTS in NP and PE has led to a better understanding of the underlying molecular and vascular pathways, and advanced the potential for novel biomarkers for prediction and early detection, and new approaches for the management of PE.

ADAMTS proteoglycanases downregulation with impaired oocyte quality in PCOS

OBJECTIVE

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS-4) and ADAMTS-5 normal expression levels are essential for ovulation and subsequent fertilization. The objective of the present study was to assess expression pattern of these genes in cumulus cells (CCs) taken from patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to investigate any possible relationship with the oocyte quality.

METHODS

ADAMTS-4 and -5 expression levels within CCs containing oocytes at the metaphase II (MII) and germinal vesicle (GV) stages, taken from 35 patients with PCOS and 35 women with normal ovarian function, were investigated using RT-qPCR. Moreover, possible correlations between ADAMTS-4, ADAMTS-5, and progesterone receptors (PRs) expression as well as oocyte quality were evaluated.

RESULTS

ADAMTS-4 and -5 expression levels were dramatically diminished in the CCs of the PCOS patients when compared to the controls. ADAMTS-4 and -5 expression levels were correlated with each other and with the oocyte quality. Furthermore, lower expression levels of ADAMTS-4 and -5 in the PCOS patients were strongly correlated with the diminished PRs expression levels.

CONCLUSION

Downregulation of ADAMTS-4 and -5 in the human CCs of the PCOS patients correlated with the decline in the PRs expression, and impaired oocyte quality may cause lower oocyte recovery, maturation, and fertilization rate.

The influence of a sustained 10-day hypoxic bed rest on cartilage biomarkers and subchondral bone in females: The FemHab study

This study assessed the influence of a 10‐day hypoxic bed rest on cartilage biomarkers and subchondral bone density across the patellofemoral joint (PFJ). Within clinical settings hypoxic tissue may arise in several types of disorders. Furthermore, a hypoxic environment is being considered for space flight habitats in the near future. Female participants (N = 12) participated in this study comprising three 10‐day interventions: hypoxic ambulation (HAMB), normoxic bed rest (NBR), and hypoxic bed rest (HBR). Venous samples were collected prior to (day −2: Pre) and during the intervention (days 2 and 5), immediately before reambulation (D11) and 24 hr post intervention (R1). Blood samples were analyzed for: aggrecan, hyaluronan, Type IIA procollagen amino terminal propeptide (PIIANP), and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). Total bone mineral density (BMD) in eight regions (2 mm × 10 mm) across the PFJ was determined. The three interventions (HAMB, HBR, and NBR) did not induce any significant changes in the cartilage biomarkers of hyaluronan or PIIANP. Aggrecan increased during the HAMB trial to 2.02 fold the Pre value. COMP decreased significantly in both NBR & HBR compared to HAMB on D5. There were significant differences in BMD measured across the PFJ from cortical patellar bone (735 to 800 mg/cm³) to femur trabecular (195 to 226 mg/cm³). However, there were no significant changes in BMD from Pre to Post bed rest. These results indicate that there were no significant detectable effects of inactivity/unloading on subchondral bone density. The biomarker of cartilage, COMP, decreased on D5, whereas the addition of hypoxia to bed rest had no effect, it appears that hypoxia in combination with ambulation counteracted this decrease.

Adamts 1, 4, 5, 8, and 9 in Early Pregnancies

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to immunohistochemically investigate the presence and localization of ADAMTS 1, 4, 5, 8 and 9 in decidual and chorionic tissues in first trimester pregnancy losses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted with early pregnancy failure decidual and chorionic tissue samples from 36 pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy (ongoing pregnancies, missed miscarriages, anembryonic pregnancies) Results: It was observed that the decidual and chorionic tissue levels of ADAMTS 1, 4, 5, and 8 in ongoing pregnancies were more intensely expressed when compared with miscarriages. ADAMTS 1 expression was not observed in the anembryonic pregnancies, ADAMTS 4, 5, and 8 were less intensely expressed. ADAMTS 9 showed no staining in any group.

CONCLUSION

ADAMTS 1 may be necessary during the decidualization and implantation stages of early normal pregnancy.

Molecular characterization of lysyl oxidase-mediated extracellular matrix remodeling during mouse decidualization

The establishment of decidualization is a prerequisite of successful pregnancy. Lysyl oxidase (Lox) is a copper-containing amine oxidase which catalyzes cross-linking of collagen and elastin in the ECM. Lox is expressed in the subluminal stroma surrounding the implanting blastocyst on day 5 of pregnancy. From days 6 to 8, the signals for Lox mRNA and protein are strongly detected in the decidual cells. The expression of Lox is under the control of estrogen via the GSK-3β/β-catenin/c-myc pathway. Dtprp is decreased by the inhibition of Lox activity. Furthermore, the inhibition of Lox activity decreases stromal cell migration and embryo adhesion. Our findings highlight the crucial role of Lox in endometrial stromal cells and deepen our understanding of decidualization.

Regulated expression of the prostacyclin receptor (IP) gene by androgens within the vasculature: Combined role for androgens and serum cholesterol

The prostanoid prostacyclin plays a key cardioprotective role within the vasculature. There is increasing evidence that androgens may also confer cardioprotection but through unknown mechanisms. This study investigated whether the androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) may regulate expression of the prostacyclin/I prostanoid receptor or, in short, the IP in platelet-progenitor megakaryoblastic and vascular endothelial cells. DHT significantly increased IP mRNA and protein expression, IP-induced cAMP generation and promoter (PrmIP)-directed gene expression in all cell types examined. The androgen-responsive region was localised to a cis-acting androgen response element (ARE), which lies in close proximity to a functional sterol response element (SRE) within the core promoter. In normal serum conditions, DHT increased IP expression through classic androgen receptor (AR) binding to the functional ARE within the PrmIP. However, under conditions of low-cholesterol, DHT led to further increases in IP expression through an indirect mechanism involving AR-dependent upregulation of SCAP expression and enhanced SREBP1 processing & binding to the SRE within the PrmIP. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed DHT-induced AR binding to the ARE in vivo in cells cultured in normal serum while, in conditions of low cholesterol, DHT led to increased AR and SREBP1 binding to the functional ARE and SRE cis-acting elements, respectively, within the core PrmIP resulting in further increases in IP expression. Collectively, these data establish that the human IP gene is under the transcriptional regulation of DHT, where this regulation is further influenced by serum-cholesterol levels. This may explain, in part, some of the protective actions of androgens within the vasculature.

ADAMTS proteases in fertility

The reproductive organs are unique among adult organs in that they must undergo continual tissue remodelling as a key aspect of their normal function. The processes for persistent maturation and release of new gametes, as well as fertilisation, implantation, placentation, gestation and parturition involve cyclic development and regression of tissues that must continually regenerate to support fertility. The ADAMTS family of proteases has been shown to contribute to many aspects of the tissue morphogenesis required for development and function of each of the reproductive organs. Dysregulation or functional changes in ADAMTS family proteases have been associated with reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian failure (POF). Likewise, proteolytic substrates of ADAMTS enzymes have also been linked to reproductive function. New insight into the roles of ADAMTS proteases has yielded a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind fertility with clinical potential to generate therapeutic targets to resolve infertility, develop biomarkers that predict dysfunction of the reproductive organs and potentially offer targets for development of non-hormonal male and female contraceptives.

A new biological marker candidate in female reproductive system diseases: Matrix metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)

Playing a key role in the pathophysiology of many diseases, A Disintegrin-like and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin type-1 motif (ADAMTS) proteinases have been attracted more attention in obstetrics and gynecology. First discovered in 1997, this zinc-dependent proteinase family has 19 members today. These enzymes, which are located in the extracellular matrix (ECM), have a lot of very important functions, like matrix formation and resorption, angiogenesis, ovulation, and coagulation. In addition, in the pathogenesis of cancer, inflammation, arthritis, and connective tissue diseases, ADAMTS proteinases have crucial roles. The purpose of this review is to collect previous studies about obstetrics and gynecology that are related to ADAMTS enzymes and discuss the subject in many aspects to give an idea to the investigators who are interested in the subject.