1
|
Fang X, Deng Q, Yang H, Yan Z, Peng Z, Zhao Y, Liao T, Tu Z, Liu J, Liu L, Zou L, He H. Causal association of immune cells and endometriosis: a Mendelian randomization study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1397670. [PMID: 38868746 PMCID: PMC11167632 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1397670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the causal effect of immune cells on endometriosis (EMS), we performed a Mendelian randomization analysis. Methods Mendelian randomization (MR) uses genetic variants as instrumental variables to investigate the causal effects of exposures on outcomes in observational data. In this study, we conducted a thorough two-sample MR analysis to investigate the causal relationship between 731 immune cells and endometriosis. We used complementary Mendelian randomization (MR) methods, including weighted median estimator (WME) and inverse variance weighted (IVW), and performed sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of our results. Results Four immune phenotypes have been found to be significantly associated with the risk of developing EMS: B cell %lymphocyte (WME: OR: 1.074, p = 0.027 and IVW: OR: 1.058, p = 0.008), CD14 on Mo MDSC (WME: OR: 1.056, p =0.021 and IVW: OR: 1.047, p = 0.021), CD14+ CD16- monocyte %monocyte (WME: OR: 0.947, p = 0.024 and IVW: OR: 0.958, p = 0.011), CD25 on unsw mem (WME: OR: 1.055, p = 0.030 and IVW: OR: 1.048, p = 0.003). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the main findings, demonstrating consistency across analyses. Conclusions Our MR analysis provides compelling evidence for a direct causal link between immune cells and EMS, thereby advancing our understanding of the disease. It also provides new avenues and opportunities for the development of immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingyi Fang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Qinghua Deng
- Department of Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Haili Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhaohua Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhen Peng
- Reproductive Medical Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuheng Zhao
- Graduate School of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Tantan Liao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziying Tu
- Graduate School of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Graduate School of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Liu
- Graduate School of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Zou
- Reproductive Medical Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Honghua He
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cho SB. Molecular Mechanisms of Endometriosis Revealed Using Omics Data. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2210. [PMID: 37626707 PMCID: PMC10452455 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder prevalent in women of reproductive age. The primary symptoms include dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, and infertility. However, the pathogenesis of endometriosis remains unclear. With the advent of high-throughput technologies, various omics experiments have been conducted to identify genes related to the pathophysiology of endometriosis. This review highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying endometriosis using omics. When genes identified in omics experiments were compared with endometriosis disease genes identified in independent studies, the number of overlapping genes was moderate. However, the characteristics of these genes were found to be equivalent when functional gene set enrichment analysis was performed using gene ontology and biological pathway information. These findings indicate that omics technology provides invaluable information regarding the pathophysiology of endometriosis. Moreover, the functional characteristics revealed using enrichment analysis provide important clues for discovering endometriosis disease genes in future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seong Beom Cho
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, Gachon University, 38-13, Dokgeom-ro 3 Street Namdon-gu, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zare M, Hesampour F, Poordast T, Valibeigi M, Enayatmehri M, Ahmadi S, Nasri F, Gharesi-Fard B. Association between gene polymorphisms of IL-12, IL-12 receptor and IL-27 and organ involvement in Iranian endometriosis patients. Int J Immunogenet 2023; 50:24-33. [PMID: 36328955 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12606] [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: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue, immune cell dysfunction and abnormal cytokine secretion. In addition to immunological factors, genetic variations that influence endometriosis severity and cytokine expression levels play important roles in the pathogenesis of this disease. Interleukin-12 (IL-12), specifically its p40 subunit encoded by IL-12B gene and the interleukin-12 receptor β1 (IL-12Rβ2) chain of its receptor, as well as interleukin-27 (IL-27) are important in the establishment of endometriosis. So, in this study, we measured IL-12 and IL-27 serum levels and investigated the possible links between IL-12B rs3212227, IL-12Rβ2 rs3790565 and IL-27 rs153109 polymorphisms and the risk of developing endometriosis in a group of Iranian women. In this case-control study, 162 endometriosis patients and 151 healthy women were included and tested for the aforementioned polymorphisms using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was also used to measure IL-12 and IL-27 serum levels. Although there was no statistically significant association between the genotypes and alleles of the studied polymorphisms and the development of endometriosis in general, the AA genotype of IL-12B rs3212227 showed a significant association with uterine endometriosis when compared to AC+CC genotypes (p = .04, CI = 0.270-0.988, OR = 0.517). Indeed, the AA genotype of the IL-12B rs3212227 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) may be linked with a lower risk of developing uterine endometriosis. There was no significant difference in IL-27 levels between the two studied groups (p = .49), and IL-12 levels were undetectable in both groups. In conclusion, the AA genotype of IL-12B rs3212227 might be associated with a decreased risk of uterine involvement in endometriosis patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Zare
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Fatemeh Hesampour
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Rady Faculty of Health Science, Department of Immunology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E0T5, Canada
| | - Tahereh Poordast
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Valibeigi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maliheh Enayatmehri
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sahar Ahmadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nasri
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Behrouz Gharesi-Fard
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nair AP, Sethu S, Nagaraj H, Kumar V, Nagaraj S, Fadli Z, Scales C, Chemaly M, Song XY, Ghosh A, Liang B. Ocular Surface Immune Cell Profiles in Contact Lens-Induced Discomfort. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:16. [PMID: 35857328 PMCID: PMC9315072 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.7.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Contact lens–induced discomfort (CLD) remains a primary factor in discontinuation or prevention of contact lens wear. Thus, we investigated the role of ocular surface immune cells in subjects with CLD. Methods Habitual contact lens (CL) wearers with CLD (n = 19; 38 eyes) and without CLD (n = 21; 42 eyes) as determined by the Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire-8 was included in a trial. Enrolled subjects used either of the two types of CL (designated as CL-A or CL-D). Ocular surface cells from the bulbar conjunctiva were obtained by impression cytology. The collected cells were phenotyped using fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies specific for leukocytes (CD45+), neutrophils (CD66b+,High,Low), macrophages (CD163+), T cells (CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+), natural killer (NK) cells (CD56+, High, Low), natural killer T (NKT) cells (CD3+CD56+), and gamma delta T (γδT) cells (CD3+γδTCR+) by flow cytometry. Further, corneal dendritic cell density (cDCD) was also determined using in vivo confocal microscopy. Results Significantly higher proportions of CD45+ cells were observed in subjects with CLD compared to those without CLD. The percentages of CD66bTotal,Low, CD163+, pan T cells, CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, CD56Total,High,Low (NK) cells, and NKT cells, as well as the CD4/CD8 ratio, were significantly higher in CLD subjects. The proportion of T cells (CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8 ratio, NKT cells) and macrophages exhibited a direct association with discomfort score. The percentages of CD45+, CD66bTotal,Low, CD163+, CD3+, CD56Total,High,Low, and NKT cells and cDCD were significantly higher in CLD subjects wearing CL-D. The percentages of CD66bHigh, CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, NKT cells, and CD4/CD8 ratio were significantly higher in CLD subjects wearing CL-A. Conclusions Increased proportions of ocular surface immune cells are observed in CLD, and the lens type could impact the immune cells associated with CLD. Translational Relevance The association between the proportion of altered ocular surface immune cell subsets and contact lens–induced discomfort underpins the importance of considering immune-related aspects during contact lens development and in the clinical management of ocular surface pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Swaminathan Sethu
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore, India
| | - Harsha Nagaraj
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore, India
| | - Sriharsha Nagaraj
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore, India
| | - Zohra Fadli
- Johnson & Johnson Vision, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Arkasubhra Ghosh
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chuah JJM, Hertzog PJ, Campbell NK. Immunoregulation by type I interferons in the peritoneal cavity. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 111:337-353. [PMID: 34612523 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.3mr0821-147r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The peritoneal cavity, a fluid-containing potential space surrounding the abdominal and pelvic organs, is home to a rich network of immune cells that maintain tissue homeostasis and provide protection against infection. However, under pathological conditions such as peritonitis, endometriosis, and peritoneal carcinomatosis, the peritoneal immune system can become dysregulated, resulting in nonresolving inflammation and disease progression. An enhanced understanding of the factors that regulate peritoneal immune cells under both homeostatic conditions and in disease contexts is therefore required to identify new treatment strategies for these often life-limiting peritoneal pathologies. Type I interferons (T1IFNs) are a family of cytokines with broad immunoregulatory functions, which provide defense against viruses, bacteria, and cancer. There have been numerous reports of immunoregulation by T1IFNs within the peritoneal cavity, which can contribute to both the resolution or propagation of peritoneal disease states, depending on the specifics of the disease setting and local environment. In this review, we provide an overview of the major immune cell populations that reside in the peritoneal cavity (or infiltrate it under inflammatory conditions) and highlight their contribution to the initiation, progression, or resolution of peritoneal diseases. Additionally, we will discuss the role of T1IFNs in the regulation of peritoneal immune cells, and summarize the results of laboratory studies and clinical trials which have investigated T1IFNs in peritonitis/sepsis, endometriosis, and peritoneal carcinomatosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine J M Chuah
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul J Hertzog
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicole K Campbell
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
A Brief Analysis of Tissue-Resident NK Cells in Pregnancy and Endometrial Diseases: The Importance of Pharmacologic Modulation. IMMUNO 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/immuno1030011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are lymphocytes involved in the innate and adaptative immune response. These cells are located in peripheral blood and tissues with ample functions, from immune vigilant to tolerogenic reactions. In the endometrium, NK cell populations vary depending on age, hormones, and inflammation. When pregnancy occurs, tissue-resident NK cells and conventional NK cells are recruited to protect the fetus, a tolerogenic response. On the contrary, in the inflamed endometrium, various inflammatory cells down-regulate NK tolerance and impair embryo implantation. Therefore, NK cells’ pharmacological modulation is difficult to achieve. Several strategies have been used, from progesterone, lipid emulsions to steroids; the success has not been as expected. However, new therapeutic approaches have been proposed to decrease the endometrial inflammatory burden and increase pregnancy success based on understanding NK cell physiology.
Collapse
|