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Yun CS, Saito Y, Rahman ANMI, Suzuki T, Takahashi H, Kizaki K, Khandoker MAMY, Yamauchi N. C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 regulates prostaglandin synthesis and embryo attachment of the bovine endometrium during implantation. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 396:231-243. [PMID: 38438567 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03869-8] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) has been reported to be expressed in the bovine endometrium during pregnancy. However, the details of its functions involved in the implantation mechanism are still not clear. The purpose of this study is to analyze the functional properties of CCL2 in the bovine endometrium and embryos. The expression of CCR2 was not different between the luteal phase and implantation phase of their endometrial tissues, but was significantly high in IFNa treated bovine endometrial stromal (BES) cells in vitro. The expressions of PGES1, PGES2, AKR1C4, and AKR1C4 were high at the implantation stage compared with the luteal stage. On the other hand, PGES2 and AKR1B1 in BEE and PGES3 and AKR1A1 in BES were significantly increased by CCL2 treatment, respectively. The expressions of PCNA and IFNt were found significantly high in the bovine trophoblastic cells (BT) treated with CCL2 compared to the control. CCL2 significantly increased the attachment rate of BT vesicles to BEE in in vitro co-culture system. The expression of OPN and ICAM-1 increased in BEE, and ICAM-1 increased in BT by CCL2 treatment, respectively. The present results indicate that CCL2 has the potential to regulate the synthesis of PGs in the endometrium and the embryo growth. In addition, CCL2 has the possibility to regulate the process of bovine embryo attachment to the endometrium by modulation of binding molecules expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Sun Yun
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, 744 Moto-oka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yuyu Saito
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, 744 Moto-oka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Al-Nur Md Iftekhar Rahman
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, 744 Moto-oka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Shere-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh
| | - Takahiro Suzuki
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, 744 Moto-oka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Takahashi
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, 744 Moto-oka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Kizaki
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka, Iwate, 020-8550, Japan
| | - M A M Yahia Khandoker
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh , Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Nobuhiko Yamauchi
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, 744 Moto-oka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan.
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Acupuncture for Female Infertility: Discussion on Action Mechanism and Application. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:3854117. [PMID: 35832528 PMCID: PMC9273356 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3854117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A higher incidence of female infertility has been reported with an unexpectedly early appearance in recent years. The female infertility treatment and application of assisted reproductive technology have recently gained immense interest from scientists. Many studies have discussed the beneficial effects of acupuncture on female infertility. With advancements in science and medical technology, acupuncture-related research has increased in investigating its effectiveness in treating female infertility. This review focuses on a compilation of research in recent years on acupuncture for female infertility treatment and the exploration of the underlying mechanism. For this purpose, literature was searched using various search engines like PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search was refined by only focusing on recent studies on acupuncture effectiveness and mechanism in female infertility and evaluating pregnancy outcomes.
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Fan L, Sha M, Li W, Kang Q, Wu J, Chen S, Yu N. Intrauterine administration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) improves embryo implantation in mice by regulating local Treg/Th17 cell balance. J Reprod Dev 2021; 67:359-368. [PMID: 34615838 PMCID: PMC8668375 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2021-006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune imbalance of Treg/Th17 cells may contribute to recurrent implantation failure (RIF) during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). In this study, we sought to determine the effect of intrauterine administration of mouse PBMCs prior to embryo implantation on endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation, and examine the underlying mechanism of Treg/Th17 cell balance following intrauterine administration of PBMCs. Pregnant mice were randomly divided into three groups: control group, embryo implantation dysfunction (EID) group, and EID with PBMCs group, and the number of embryo implantation sites was recorded during early pregnancy (Pd7.5). The balance of Treg/Th17 cells in the peripheral blood, spleen, and local implantation sites was detected during the peri-implantation period (Pd4.0) and early pregnancy (Pd7.5). The EID group demonstrated a significant decrease in the number of embryo implantation sites, while the EID with PBMCs group demonstrated higher number of embryo implantation sites compared to the EID group. The balance of Treg/Th17 cells in the peripheral blood and spleen tissues was not significantly different between the aforementioned groups. However, the local uterine ratio of the Treg/Th17 cells increased in the EID with PBMCs group compared to that in the EID group. Collectively, we found that intrauterine administration of PBMCs prior to embryo implantation effectively promotes embryo implantation rates. This may be attributed to the improvement in the local immune balance of Treg and Th17 cells compared with the overall immune balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Fan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Menghan Sha
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Qingling Kang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Jianli Wu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Suhua Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Nan Yu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
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Terawaki K, Saegusa Y, Sekiguchi K, Shimizu T, Takiyama M, Matsumoto T, Iizuka S, Matsumoto C, Motoyama F. The ameliorating effects of tokishakuyakusan in a rat model of implantation failure involves endometrial gland leukemia inhibitory factor and decidualization. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 265:113288. [PMID: 32841695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tokishakuyakusan (TSS) is a Kampo medicine that is prescribed for the treatment of infertility in Japan. However, its precise mechanism of action remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in the endometrium plays an indispensable role in embryo implantation and is linked to infertility or implantation failure. Previously, we demonstrated that TSS ameliorated implantation failure induced by mifepristone (RU-486), an antagonist of progesterone, in rats. Herein, we aimed to clarify whether the ameliorating effect of TSS on implantation failure in the rat model involves endometrial LIF. Additionally, we determined whether decidualization, the dysfunction of which is linked to infertility or implantation failure similar to LIF, progesterone, and other implantation-related factors, are involved in the effect of TSS. MATERIALS AND METHODS The implantation failure rat model was developed via the subcutaneous administration of RU-486 (7 mg/kg) on day 3 post-coitus. Sesame oil was administered as the vehicle control. Rats were fed a diet containing 1% or 3% TSS or a control diet from day 13 pre-coitus. Subsequently, the implantation sites were assessed, and plasma progesterone levels were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) on day 8 post-coitus. The LIF mRNA of the endometrial gland, which was segmented via laser-microdissection from the endometrial tissue, was measured, and endometrial LIF immunostaining was carried out on day 5. The gene expression of different factors related to implantation, including decidualization and progesterone-responsiveness on days 5 and 6, were measured. The human endometrial Ishikawa cell line derived from human adenocarcinoma was treated with TSS (30-300 μg/mL) for 24 h, and the LIF concentrations in the cell culture supernatants were measured. RESULTS RU-486 decreased the number of implantation sites in the uterus of rats; however, the decrease was significantly alleviated by TSS (3%-diet), which tended to increase plasma progesterone. In rats with RU-486-induced implantation failure, endometrial gland LIF mRNA and endometrial LIF protein were markedly decreased while the gene expression of both decidualization-related factors such as interleukin-11, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1, and cyclooxygenase-2, and progesterone responsive-related factors such as FK506 binding protein 5, were significantly decreased. These changes in the uterus of rats with implantation failure were significantly alleviated by TSS (3%-diet). Additionally, TSS significantly enhanced LIF protein production and LIF mRNA in Ishikawa cells. CONCLUSIONS The mechanism whereby TSS ameliorates RU-486-induced implantation failure in rats may involve the alleviation of decreased LIF production derived from the endometrial gland, and a dysfunction of decidualization, including lower progesterone responsiveness in the model. These findings may partly contribute to the interpretation of the beneficial effects of TSS on infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Terawaki
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research & Development Division, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, 300-1192, Japan.
| | - Yayoi Saegusa
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research & Development Division, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, 300-1192, Japan
| | - Kyoji Sekiguchi
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research & Development Division, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, 300-1192, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Shimizu
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research & Development Division, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, 300-1192, Japan
| | - Mikina Takiyama
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research & Development Division, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, 300-1192, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsumoto
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research & Development Division, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, 300-1192, Japan
| | - Seiichi Iizuka
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research & Development Division, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, 300-1192, Japan
| | - Chinami Matsumoto
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research & Development Division, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, 300-1192, Japan.
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Jeon S, Liu QF, Cai H, Jeong HJ, Kim SH, Kim DI, Lee JH. Administration of a herbal formulation enhanced blastocyst implantation via IκB activation in mouse endometrium. Chin Med 2020; 15:112. [PMID: 33093859 PMCID: PMC7576727 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-00395-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background BaelanChagsangBang (BCB), a herbal formulation consisting of eleven herbs, may be prescribed as a reproductive functional supplement to improve ovulation and implantation during the treatment of infertility and recurrent abortion in Korean Medicine. This study aimed to investigate the effects and action mechanisms of water-extracted BCB on endometrial receptivity and blastocyst implantation under normal conditions and in a mifepristone (RU486)-induced implantation failure murine model. Methods In vitro, the antioxidant potentials of BCB were evaluated using DPPH and superoxide anion radical scavenging assays and a DCFH-DA assay, and the cytotoxic and cytoprotective effects of BCB were confirmed using an MTT assay. In vivo, C57BL/6 female mice (n = 6 per group) orally received BCB (300 mg/kg/day), a dose similar to that used clinically, from 7 days before pregnancy until the end of the experiment. On day 4 of pregnancy, RU486 (4 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously to induce implantation failure. The effect of BCB on embryo implantation was evaluated by implantation rate analysis, histological examination, and western blotting of uterus tissues. Results BCB water extract showed strong anti-oxidative and cytoprotective effects in vitro. In vivo administration of BCB water extract increased the number of newborn pups in BCB-treated mice versus sham-treated mice under normal conditions and improved the number of implantation sites in pregnant mice despite RU486 injection. BCB increased the protein levels of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase through IκB activation. Moreover, the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases at uterus implantation sites were up-regulated in the BCB-treated group as compared with those in the RU486-treated group. Conclusion These results show BCB improved embryo implantation through IκB activation in our mouse model and suggest that BCB has therapeutic potential in the context of poor endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songhee Jeon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Creative Biomedical Scientists at Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61469 Republic of Korea
| | - Quan Feng Liu
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, 38066 Republic of Korea
| | - Hua Cai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Creative Biomedical Scientists at Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61469 Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Jin Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Creative Biomedical Scientists at Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61469 Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Hyun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, Wonju, Gangwon-do 26338 Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Il Kim
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital of Korean Medicine, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 10326 Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hee Lee
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 10326 Republic of Korea
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Li F, Qi Z, Hua L, Wang X, Ling M, Juan D. The efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment and the fertility improvement in child-bearing period female with Hashimoto Disease: A randomized controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e20909. [PMID: 32629685 PMCID: PMC7337562 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000020909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is highly prevalent among reproductive-aged women and has a substantial negative impact on fertility. Currently, there is no specific treatment for Hashimoto thyroiditis. We hypothesize that acupuncture can halt or delay the progression of HT and improve fertility in child-bearing period female. We therefore designed a randomized controlled trial to test this hypothesis by comparing the therapeutic effect of acupuncture vs sham acupuncture in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis. METHODS In this randomized controlled study, a total of 284 eligible patients will be assigned to acupuncture group (n = 142) or sham acupuncture group (n = 142) in a 1:1 ratio. All patients will receive 36 sessions in total for 12 consecutive weeks with the same acupoint prescription (RN23, ST9, RN17, RN4, RN6, ST36, SP6, KI6). The primary assessment is the titers of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb). Secondary outcomes include the thyroid function, ovarian function, the rate of primary ovarian insufficiency, and pregnancy outcome. The thyroid function and thyroid antibodies tests will be measured at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 after randomization. The ovarian function will be examined on the 2nd to 4th day of the menstrual period in the 1st month, 2nd month and 3rd month compared with baseline. Both the pregnancy outcome and the rate of primary ovarian insufficiency will be evaluated 1 year after treatment. DISCUSSION This will be the first large-scale trial specifically evaluating acupuncture therapy in child-bearing period female with Hashimoto thyroiditis. If the study confirms the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment, more consistent acupuncture therapy can be set up for clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trials Register identifier, ChiCTR2000031320, registered on 27 March 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Li
- College of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Zhang Qi
- College of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Lu Hua
- College of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital
| | - Xinxin Wang
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu
| | - Mi Ling
- Maternal and Child Reproductive Hospital affiliated to Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China
| | - Du Juan
- Maternal and Child Reproductive Hospital affiliated to Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China
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Zhu H, Nan S, Suo C, Zhang Q, Hu M, Chen R, Wan J, Li M, Chen J, Ding M. Electro-Acupuncture Affects the Activity of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovary Axis in Female Rats. Front Physiol 2019; 10:466. [PMID: 31068836 PMCID: PMC6491808 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary (HPO) axis is a dominant system controlling ovulation during puberty. Electro-acupuncture (EA) has been widely used to cure the reproductive diseases associated with endocrinological disorders. However, whether EA treatment affects HPO axis activity of physiological animals and induces alterations on the hormones in the HPO axis was also unclear. Here, we performed the EA stimuli on bilateral acupoints of Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Zusanli (ST36) on female virgin rats every 3 days and for a total of 5 times. The results showed that GnRH levels in hypothalamus were greatly upregulated in EA-treated rats than untreated animals at day 7 and 13. The serum levels for FSH and LH were severely reduced after EA treatment compared with EA-untreated animals at day 1, while they were greatly increased at day 7 and 13. The serum concentrations of 17β-estradiol were lower in EA-treated rats versus untreated animals at day 7, while they were higher in EA-treated rats than other groups at day 13. However, the progesterone concentrations were lower in EA-treated rats than Control and Sham-EA rats both at day 7 and 13. More importantly, we found that the prostaglandin E2 level in serum was reduced in EA-treated rats versus untreated rats at day 1, while they were upregulated at day 7 and 13. Conversely, the norepinephrine level in serum was increased at day 1, while they were decreased greatly in EA-treated rats versus untreated rats at day 7 and 13. The current results demonstrated that EA could modulate homeostasis of HPO axis in physiologic rats, which would be useful to clarify the mechanisms of EA application on pathological and physiological animals or human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sha Nan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuanguang Suo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiulin Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Manli Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Wan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianguo Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingxing Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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Chen W, Chen J, Xu M, Zhong Z, Zhang Q, Yang W, Huang G. Electroacupuncture facilitates implantation by enhancing endometrial angiogenesis in a rat model of ovarian hyperstimulation. Biol Reprod 2019; 100:268-280. [PMID: 30084973 PMCID: PMC6335210 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) impairs the synchronized development of endometrium and embryo, resulting in the failure of embryo implantation. Here, we investigated what effects electroacupuncture had on embryo implantation in COH rats. Female rats were randomly assigned to four groups: normal (N), model (M), electroacupuncture (EA), and electroacupuncture pretreatment (PEA). Rats in groups M, EA, PEA were injected with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotropin to establish the COH model. Rats in group EA received electroacupuncture treatment from the PMSG injection day to the 3rd day of pregnancy (D3), while those in group PEA received electroacupuncture treatment for 3 days before the PMSG day and continuing to D3. Furthermore, another 30 female rats who received the same treatment as the rats in group PEA were injected with siVEGFR2 into uterine lumen. The endometrial microvascular density (MVD) and the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A, angiopoietin-1, and fibroblast growth factor-2 were significantly lower in groups M than in groups N and PEA. The percentage of dolichos biflorus agglutinin positive uterine natural killer cells in groups N, EA and PEA was higher than that in group M. After the siVEGFR2 injection, the protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), PI3K, p-AKT and p-ERK, the embryo number and the MVD were significantly reduced. In conclusion, electroacupuncture can facilitate embryo implantation in COH rats by activating the VEGFR2/PI3K/AKT and VEGFR2/ERK signaling pathways which have a positive relationship with endometrial angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Menghao Xu
- School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhiyan Zhong
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medicine College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Guangying Huang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Effect of Acupuncture on Endometrial Angiogenesis and Uterus Dendritic Cells in COH Rats during Peri-Implantation Period. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:3647080. [PMID: 28588637 PMCID: PMC5446881 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3647080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study was to explore the mechanism of acupuncture on regulating the endometrial angiogenesis and uterus dendritic cells (uDCs) during the peri-implantation period. Rats, in early pregnancy, were randomized into five groups: normal (N), model (M), acupuncture (A), progesterone (P), and A + P groups. The COH model was established using pregnant mare serum, combined with human chorionic gonadotrophin. Endometrium was collected on days 4, 6, and 8 (D4, D6, and D8) of gestation. Compared with group M, both VEGF and FGF-2 protein and mRNA levels were significantly lower on D4 and higher on D6 and D8 (P < 0.05), except for VEGF of group P on D8; the proportion of uterus dendritic cells (uDCs) in the endometrium was significantly lower on D4 and D6 and higher on D8 (P < 0.05). In vitro, except for the proliferation of group P on D8, proliferation, tube formation, and migration of uDCs were significantly decreased on D4 and increased on D8 (P < 0.05). In addition, acupuncture or progesterone regulated the secretion levels of VEGF, IL-15, and IL-18 secreted by uDCs instead of soluble sFLT-1. In conclusion, acupuncture may regulate angiogenesis of the endometrium and the number and roles of uDCs after COH, and the specific mechanism may be different with progesterone.
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Choi HJ, Chung TW, Park MJ, Lee KS, Yoon Y, Kim HS, Lee JH, Kwon SM, Lee SO, Kim KJ, Baek JH, Ha KT. Paeonia lactiflora Enhances the Adhesion of Trophoblast to the Endometrium via Induction of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Expression. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148232. [PMID: 26839969 PMCID: PMC4739624 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the role of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. extract on embryo implantation in vitro and in vivo. A polysaccharides depleted-water extract of P. lactiflora (PL-PP) increased LIF expression in human endometrial Ishikawa cells at non-cytotoxic doses. PL-PP significantly increased the adhesion of the human trophectoderm-derived JAr spheroids to endometrial Ishikawa cells. PL-PP-induced LIF expression was decreased in the presence of a p38 kinase inhibitor SB203580 and an MEK/ERK inhibitor U0126. Furthermore, endometrial LIF knockdown by shRNA reduced the expression of integrins β3 and β5 and adhesion of JAr spheroids to Ishikawa cells. In vivo administration of PL-PP restored the implantation of mouse blastocysts in a mifepristone-induced implantation failure mice model. Our results demonstrate that PL-PP increases LIF expression via the p38 and MEK/ERK pathways and favors trophoblast adhesion to endometrial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Jung Choi
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine and Korean Medicine Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Wook Chung
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine and Korean Medicine Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Ju Park
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine and Korean Medicine Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Sup Lee
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngjin Yoon
- Department of Korean Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Pusan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Sik Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, SungKyunKwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Hee Lee
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Mo Kwon
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Syng-Ook Lee
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Keuk-Jun Kim
- Department of Clinical Pathology, TaeKyeung University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ho Baek
- Daechubatbaek Korean Medical Clinic, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Tae Ha
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine and Korean Medicine Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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Fogarty S, Smith CA. Evaluating research information on practitioner websites describing the use of acupuncture as an adjunct to IVF. Eur J Integr Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2015.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Mediators, Receptors, and Signalling Pathways in the Anti-Inflammatory and Antihyperalgesic Effects of Acupuncture. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:975632. [PMID: 26339274 PMCID: PMC4539069 DOI: 10.1155/2015/975632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture has been used for millennia to treat allergic diseases including both intermittent rhinitis and persistent rhinitis. Besides the research on the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment for allergic rhinitis, research has also investigated how acupuncture might modulate immune function to exert anti-inflammatory effects. A proposed model has previously hypothesized that acupuncture might downregulate proinflammatory neuropeptides, proinflammatory cytokines, and neurotrophins, modulating transient receptor potential vallinoid (TRPV1), a G-protein coupled receptor which plays a central role in allergic rhinitis. Recent research has been largely supportive of this model. New advances in research include the discovery of a novel cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway activated by acupuncture. A chemokine-mediated proliferation of opioid-containing macrophages in inflamed tissues, in response to acupuncture, has also been demonstrated for the first time. Further research on the complex cross talk between receptors during inflammation is also helping to elucidate the mediators and signalling pathways activated by acupuncture.
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