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Yu S, Diao L, Lian R, Chen C, Huang C, Li X, Li Y, Zeng Y. Comparing the peri-implantation endometrial T-bet/GATA3 ratio between control fertile women and patients with recurrent miscarriage: establishment and application of a reference range. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:1680-1689. [PMID: 37353913 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead132] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the ratio of endometrial T-box expressed in T cell (T-bet) and GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3) changed in patients with recurrent miscarriage (RM) compared to fertile controls? SUMMARY ANSWER Our study showed a significantly higher T-bet/GATA3 ratio in patients with RM compared with fertile controls. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The endometrial T-bet (Th1 lineage-committed transcription factor)/GATA3 (Th2 lineage-committed transcription factor) ratio could represent the Th1/Th2 balance, which is particularly important for healthy pregnancy. However, a reliable reference range for the T-bet/GATA3 ratio during the peri-implantation period has not yet been established for use in clinical practice. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a retrospective study carried out in a private fertility center. The control group included 120 women in couples undergoing IVF treatment for male infertility, who had experienced a live-birth baby following the first IVF cycle. The study group included 93 women diagnosed with RM that experienced at least two consecutive clinically spontaneous miscarriages before gestational week 12. The ratio of T-bet/GATA3 was calculated in the control group and RM group. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Endometrium samples were collected at mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle prior to IVF treatment or pregnancy. The percentage of T-bet+ and GATA3+ cells in total endometrial cells was analyzed using immunohistochemical staining and quantitative analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Using the 95th percentile to define the upper limits of the endometrial T-bet/GATA3 ratio during the mid-luteal phase, the reference range of control fertile women was ≤0.22. Compared with the control group, the RM group exhibited a significantly higher T-bet/GATA3 ratio (P = 0.02), and 19.4% (18/93) women with RM exhibited a T-bet/GATA3 ratio above the reference range in the mid-luteal phase. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION All patients were recruited from a single center. The stability and clinical value of the endometrial T-bet/GATA3 ratio require further investigation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The present study suggests that an abnormal endometrial T-bet/GATA3 ratio may be one of the risk factors of RM. Further studies are needed to follow up the pregnancy outcomes in patients with RM with normal and abnormal endometrial T-bet/GATA3 ratio according to the reference range. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by Shenzhen Fundamental Research Program (JCYJ20180228164631121, JCYJ20190813161203606, JCYJ20220530172817039). There are no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Yu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Lianghui Diao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Ruochun Lian
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunyu Huang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinyuan Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuye Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Yu S, Huang C, Lian R, Diao L, Zhang X, Cai S, Wei H, Chen C, Li Y, Zeng Y. Establishment of reference intervals of endometrial immune cells during the mid-luteal phase. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 156:103822. [PMID: 36758471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103822] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to develop reference intervals (RIs) of endometrial immune cells in control infertile women during the mid-luteal phase, and compare with the proportion of endometrial immune cells in recurrent reproductive failure (RRF) patients. Endometrial tissue sections were obtained from 113 fertile women and 79 patients with RRF, including 40 patients who had suffered recurrent miscarriage (RM) and 39 patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF) during the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Immunohistochemical staining and quantitative analysis of CD56+, Foxp3+, CD163+, CD1a+ and CD8+ cells were performed in endometriums. RIs of endometrial immune cells in control infertile women were as follows: CD56+ uterine natural killer cells (uNK) cells, 1.785-8.712%, forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)+ Tregs, 0.041-0.154%, CD163+ M2 macrophages, 0.298-1.492%, CD1a+ dendritic cells (DCs), 0.006-0.081% and CD8+ T cells, 0.674-2.504%. Compared with control infertile women, the percentage of endometrial CD56+ uNK cells, CD163+ M2 macrophages, CD1a+ DCs and CD8+ T cells were significantly increased in patients with RRF. Moreover, Foxp3+ Tregs levels were decreased in patients with RRF, and were statistically significant only in patients with RM. In conclusion, the RIs of endometrial immune cells were established in control infertile women during the mid-luteal phase, and a disordered endometrial immune microenvironment was observed in patients with RRF. The RIs of endometrial immune cells may be of important clinical significance for the treatment of RRF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Yu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen 518045, Guangdong, China; Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation
| | - Chunyu Huang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen 518045, Guangdong, China; Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation
| | - Ruochun Lian
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen 518045, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation
| | - Lianghui Diao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen 518045, Guangdong, China; Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation
| | - Xueling Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen 518045, Guangdong, China; Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation
| | - Songchen Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen 518045, Guangdong, China; Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation
| | - Hongxia Wei
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen 518045, Guangdong, China; Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation
| | - Cong Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen 518045, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation
| | - Yuye Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen 518045, Guangdong, China; Shenzhen Jinxin Medical Technology Innovation Center, Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation.
| | - Yong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen 518045, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation.
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Cheng J, Sha Z, Li J, Li B, Luo X, Zhang Z, Zhou Y, Chen S, Wang Y. Progress on the Role of Estrogen and Progesterone Signaling in Mouse Embryo Implantation and Decidualization. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:1746-1757. [PMID: 36694081 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01169-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Embryo implantation and decidualization are key steps in establishing a successful pregnancy. Defects in embryo implantation and decidualization can cause a series of adverse chain reactions which can contribute to harmful pregnancy outcomes, such as embryo growth retardation, preeclampsia, miscarriage, premature birth, and so on. Approximately 75% of failed pregnancies are considered to be due to embryo implantation failure or defects. Decidualization, characterized by proliferation and differentiation of uterine stromal cells, is one of the essential conditions for blastocyst implantation, placental formation, and maintenance of pregnancy and is indispensable for the establishment of pregnancy in many species. Embryo implantation and decidualization are closely regulated by estrogen and progesterone secreted by the ovaries. Many cellular events and molecular signaling network pathways are involved in this process. This article reviews the recent advances in the molecular mechanisms of estrogen- and progesterone-regulating uterine receptivity establishment, blastocyst implantation, and decidualization, in order to better understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of hormonal regulation of embryo implantation and to develop new strategies for preventing or treating embryo implantation defects and improving the pregnancy rate of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghong Cheng
- Xi'An Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'An Medical University, Xi'An 710021, China
| | - Zizhuo Sha
- Xi'An Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'An Medical University, Xi'An 710021, China
| | - Junyang Li
- Xi'An Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'An Medical University, Xi'An 710021, China
| | - Bixuan Li
- Xi'An Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'An Medical University, Xi'An 710021, China
| | - Xianyang Luo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, People's Republic of China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiamen, 361003, China.,Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiming Zhang
- Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, People's Republic of China.,Department of Breast Surgery, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, People's Republic of China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiamen, 361003, China.,Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, People's Republic of China. .,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiamen, 361003, China.
| | - Yang Wang
- Xi'An Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'An Medical University, Xi'An 710021, China.
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Cheng J, Liang J, Li Y, Gao X, Ji M, Liu M, Tian Y, Feng G, Deng W, Wang H, Kong S, Lu Z. Shp2 in uterine stromal cells critically regulates on time embryo implantation and stromal decidualization by multiple pathways during early pregnancy. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010018. [PMID: 35025868 PMCID: PMC8791483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 75% of failed pregnancies are considered to be due to embryo implantation failure or defects. Nevertheless, the explicit signaling mechanisms governing this process have not yet been elucidated. Here, we found that conditional deletion of the Shp2 gene in mouse uterine stromal cells deferred embryo implantation and inhibited the decidualization of stromal cells, which led to embryonic developmental delay and to the death of numerous embryos mid-gestation, ultimately reducing female fertility. The absence of Shp2 in stromal cells increased the proliferation of endometrial epithelial cells, thereby disturbing endometrial epithelial remodeling. However, Shp2 deletion impaired the proliferation and polyploidization of stromal cells, which are distinct characteristics of decidualization. In human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs), Shp2 expression gradually increased during the decidualization process. Knockout of Shp2 blocked the decidual differentiation of hESCs, while Shp2 overexpression had the opposite effect. Shp2 knockout inhibited the proliferation of hESCs during decidualization. Whole gene expression profiling analysis of hESCs during the decidualization process showed that Shp2 deficiency disrupted many signaling transduction pathways and gene expression. Analyses of hESCs and mouse uterine tissues confirmed that the signaling pathways extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), protein kinase B (AKT), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and their downstream transcription factors CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) and Forkhead box transcription factor O1 (FOXO-1) were involved in the Shp2 regulation of decidualization. In summary, these results demonstrate that Shp2 plays a crucial role in stromal decidualization by mediating and coordinating multiple signaling pathways in uterine stromal cells. Our discovery possibly provides a novel key regulator of embryo implantation and novel therapeutic target for pregnancy failure. Embryo implantation includes the establishment of uterine receptivity, blastocyst attachment, and endometrial decidualization. Disorders of this process usually induce pregnancy failure, resulting in women infertility. But the signaling mechanisms governing this process remain unclear. Here, using gene knockout mouse model and human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs), we identified a novel key regulator of embryo implantation, Shp2, which plays a crucial role in stromal decidualization by mediating and coordinating multiple signaling pathways in uterine stromal cells. Shp2 deficiency in mouse uterine stromal cells inhibited the uterine stromal decidualization, disturbing embryo implantation and embryonic development, ultimately reducing female fertility. The absence of Shp2 in hESCs also blocked the decidual differentiation. Our findings not only promote the understanding of peri-implantation biology, but may also provide a critical target for more effectively diagnose and/or treat women with recurrent implantation failure or early pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghong Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jia Liang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yingzhe Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xia Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Mengjun Ji
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Mengying Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yingpu Tian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Gensheng Feng
- Department of Pathology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Reproductive Medical Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Reproductive Medical Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- * E-mail: (HW); (SK); (ZL)
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Reproductive Medical Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- * E-mail: (HW); (SK); (ZL)
| | - Zhongxian Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- * E-mail: (HW); (SK); (ZL)
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Wang TS, Gao F, Qi QR, Qin FN, Zuo RJ, Li ZL, Liu JL, Yang ZM. Dysregulated LIF-STAT3 pathway is responsible for impaired embryo implantation in a Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model. Biol Open 2015; 4:893-902. [PMID: 26002932 PMCID: PMC4571093 DOI: 10.1242/bio.011890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide with the trend of patients being young and creating a significant burden on health systems, including reproductive problems, but the effects of diabetes on embryo implantation are still poorly understood. Our study was to examine effects of diabetes on mouse embryo implantation, providing experimental basis for treating diabetes and its complications. Streptozotocin (STZ) was applied to induce type 1 diabetes from day 2 of pregnancy or pseudopregnancy in mice. Embryo transfer was used to analyze effects of uterine environment on embryo implantation. Our results revealed that the implantation rate is significantly reduced in diabetic mice compared to controls, and the change of uterine environment is the main reason leading to the decreased implantation rate. Compared to control, the levels of LIF and p-STAT3 are significantly decreased in diabetic mice on day 4 of pregnancy, and serum estrogen level is significantly higher. Estrogen stimulates LIF expression under physiological level, but the excessive estrogen inhibits LIF expression. LIF, progesterone or insulin supplement can rescue embryo implantation in diabetic mice. Our data indicated that the dysregulated LIF-STAT3 pathway caused by the high level of estrogen results in the impaired implantation in diabetic mice, which can be rescued by LIF, progesterone or insulin supplement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong-Song Wang
- School of Science, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Fei Gao
- School of Science, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Qian-Rong Qi
- School of Science, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Fu-Niu Qin
- School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Ru-Juan Zuo
- School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Zi-Long Li
- School of Science, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Ji-Long Liu
- Colleage of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zeng-Ming Yang
- School of Science, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China Colleage of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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Chen X, Li A, Chen W, Wei J, Fu J, Wang A. Differential Gene Expression in Uterine Endometrium During Implantation in Pigs1. Biol Reprod 2015; 92:52. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.123075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Pawar S, Hantak AM, Bagchi IC, Bagchi MK. Minireview: Steroid-regulated paracrine mechanisms controlling implantation. Mol Endocrinol 2014; 28:1408-22. [PMID: 25051170 DOI: 10.1210/me.2014-1074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Implantation is an essential process during establishment of pregnancy in mammals. It is initiated with the attachment of the blastocyst to a receptive uterine epithelium followed by its invasion into the stromal tissue. These events are profoundly regulated by the steroid hormones 17β-estradiol and progesterone. During the past several years, mouse models harboring conditional gene knockout mutations have become powerful tools for determining the functional roles of cellular factors involved in various aspects of implantation biology. Studies using these genetic models as well as primary cultures of human endometrial cells have established that the estrogen receptor α, the progesterone receptor, and their downstream target genes critically regulate uterine growth and differentiation, which in turn control embryo-endometrial interactions during early pregnancy. These studies have uncovered a diverse array of molecular cues, which are produced under the influence of estrogen receptor α and progesterone receptor and exchanged between the epithelial and stromal compartments of the uterus during the progressive phases of implantation. These paracrine signals are critical for acquisition of uterine receptivity and functional interactions with the embryo. This review highlights recent work describing paracrine mechanisms that govern steroid-regulated uterine epithelial-stromal dialogue during implantation and their roles in fertility and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Pawar
- Departments of Molecular and Integrative Physiology (S.P., A.M.H., M.K.B.) and Comparative Biosciences (I.C.B.), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
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Pawar S, Starosvetsky E, Orvis GD, Behringer RR, Bagchi IC, Bagchi MK. STAT3 regulates uterine epithelial remodeling and epithelial-stromal crosstalk during implantation. Mol Endocrinol 2013; 27:1996-2012. [PMID: 24100212 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is regulated by a variety of endometrial factors, including cytokines, growth factors, and transcription factors. Earlier studies identified the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a cytokine produced by uterine glands, as an essential regulator of implantation. LIF, acting via its cell surface receptor, activates the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the uterine epithelial cells. However, the precise mechanism via which activated STAT3 promotes uterine function during implantation remains unknown. To identify the molecular pathways regulated by STAT3, we created SW(d/d) mice in which Stat3 gene is conditionally inactivated in uterine epithelium. The SW(d/d) mice are infertile due to a lack of embryo attachment to the uterine luminal epithelium and consequent implantation failure. Gene expression profiling of uterine epithelial cells of SW(d/d) mice revealed dysregulated expression of specific components of junctional complexes, including E-cadherin, α- and β-catenin, and several claudins, which critically regulate epithelial junctional integrity and embryo attachment. In addition, uteri of SW(d/d) mice exhibited markedly reduced stromal proliferation and differentiation, indicating that epithelial STAT3 controls stromal function via a paracrine mechanism. The stromal defect arose from a drastic reduction in the production of several members of the epidermal growth factor family in luminal epithelium of SW(d/d) uteri and the resulting lack of activation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling and mitotic activity in the stromal cells. Collectively, our results uncovered an intricate molecular network operating downstream of STAT3 that regulates uterine epithelial junctional reorganization, and stromal proliferation, and differentiation, which are critical determinants of successful implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Pawar
- PhD, Professor and Head, Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, 534 Burrill Hall, 407 South Goodwin, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801.
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Xie QZ, Qi QR, Chen YX, Xu WM, Liu Q, Yang J. Uterine micro-environment and estrogen-dependent regulation of osteopontin expression in mouse blastocyst. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:14504-17. [PMID: 23852023 PMCID: PMC3742256 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140714504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is a highly synchronized bioprocess between an activated blastocyst and a receptive uterus. In mice, successful implantation relies on the dynamic interplay of estrogen and progesterone; however, the key mediators downstream of these hormones that act on blastocyst competency and endometrium receptivity acquisition are largely unknown. In this study, we showed that the expression of osteopontin (OPN) in mouse blastocysts is regulated by ovarian estrogen and uterine micro-environment. OPN mRNA is up-regulated in mouse blastocyst on day 4 of pregnancy, which is associated with ovarian estrogen secretion peak. Hormone treatment in vivo demonstrated that OPN expression in a blastocyst is regulated by estrogen through an estrogen receptor (ER). Our results of the delayed and activated implantation model showed that OPN expression is induced after estrogen injection. While estrogen treatment during embryo culture in vitro showed less effect on OPN expression, the tubal ligation model on day 3 of pregnancy confirmed that the regulation of estrogen on OPN expression in blastocyst might, through some specific cytokines, have existed in a uterine micro-environment. Collectively, our study presents that estrogen regulates OPN expression and it may play an important role during embryo implantation by activating blastocyst competence and facilitating the endometrium acceptable for active blastocyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Zhen Xie
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, China; E-Mails: (Q.-R.Q.); (Y.-X.C.); (W.-M.X.); (Q.L.); (J.Y.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +86-27-8804-1919 (ext. 123); Fax: +86-27-8808-0749
| | - Qian-Rong Qi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, China; E-Mails: (Q.-R.Q.); (Y.-X.C.); (W.-M.X.); (Q.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Ying-Xian Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, China; E-Mails: (Q.-R.Q.); (Y.-X.C.); (W.-M.X.); (Q.L.); (J.Y.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taihe Hospital, Shiyan 441000, Hubei, China
| | - Wang-Ming Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, China; E-Mails: (Q.-R.Q.); (Y.-X.C.); (W.-M.X.); (Q.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Qian Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, China; E-Mails: (Q.-R.Q.); (Y.-X.C.); (W.-M.X.); (Q.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Jing Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, China; E-Mails: (Q.-R.Q.); (Y.-X.C.); (W.-M.X.); (Q.L.); (J.Y.)
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2012; 24:265-72. [DOI: 10.1097/gco.0b013e3283564f02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Chabbert-Buffet N, Pintiaux A, Bouchard P. The immninent dawn of SPRMs in obstetrics and gynecology. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 358:232-43. [PMID: 22415029 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Revised: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs) have been developed since the late 70s when mifepristone was first described. They act through nuclear progesterone receptors and can have agonist or mixed agonist antagonist actions depending on the cell and tissue. Mifepristone has unique major antagonist properties allowing its use for pregnancy termination. Ulipristal acetate has been marketed in 2009 for emergency contraception and has been recently approved for preoperative myoma treatment. Further perspectives for SPRMs use include long term estrogen free contraception, endometriosis treatment. However long term applications will be possible only after confirmation of endometrial safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Chabbert-Buffet
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Department, AP-HP, Hospital Tenon, UPMC Paris 06, Paris, France.
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