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Ochoa Bernal MA, Fazleabas AT. The Known, the Unknown and the Future of the Pathophysiology of Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5815. [PMID: 38892003 PMCID: PMC11172035 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of chronic pelvic pain and infertility, affecting 10% of women of reproductive age. A delay of up to 9 years is estimated between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis of endometriosis. Endometriosis is currently defined as the presence of endometrial epithelial and stromal cells at ectopic sites; however, advances in research on endometriosis have some authors believing that endometriosis should be re-defined as "a fibrotic condition in which endometrial stroma and epithelium can be identified". There are several theories on the etiology of the disease, but the origin of endometriosis remains unclear. This review addresses the role of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are naturally occurring post-transcriptional regulatory molecules, in endometriotic lesion development, the inflammatory environment within the peritoneal cavity, including the role that cytokines play during the development of the disease, and how animal models have helped in our understanding of the pathology of this enigmatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ariadna Ochoa Bernal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA;
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Asgerally T. Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA;
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2
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Vilos GA, Vilos AG, Burbank F. Bipedalism and the dawn of uterine fibroids. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:454-463. [PMID: 38300232 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The high prevalence and burden of uterine fibroids in women raises questions about the origin of these benign growths. Here, we propose that fibroids should be understood in the context of human evolution, specifically the advent of bipedal locomotion in the hominin lineage. Over the ≥7 million years since our arboreal ancestors left their trees, skeletal adaptations ensued, affecting the pelvis, limbs, hands, and feet. By 3.2 million years ago, our ancestors were fully bipedal. A key evolutionary advantage of bipedalism was the freedom to use hands to carry and prepare food and create and use tools which, in turn, led to further evolutionary changes such as brain enlargement (encephalization), including a dramatic increase in the size of the neocortex. Pelvic realignment resulted in narrowing and transformation of the birth canal from a simple cylinder to a convoluted structure with misaligned pelvic inlet, mid-pelvis, and pelvic outlet planes. Neonatal head circumference has increased, greatly complicating parturition in early and modern humans, up to and including our own species. To overcome the so-called obstetric dilemma provoked by bipedal locomotion and encephalization, various compensatory adaptations have occurred affecting human neonatal development. These include adaptations limiting neonatal size, namely altricial birth (delivery of infants at an early neurodevelopmental stage, relative to other primates) and mid-gestation skeletal growth deceleration. Another key adaptation was hyperplasia of the myometrium, specifically the neomyometrium (the outer two-thirds of the myometrium, corresponding to 90% of the uterine musculature), allowing the uterus to more forcefully push the baby through the pelvis during a lengthy parturition. We propose that this hyperplasia of smooth muscle tissue set the stage for highly prevalent uterine fibroids. These fibroids are therefore a consequence of the obstetric dilemma and, ultimately, of the evolution of bipedalism in our hominin ancestors.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Vilos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Angelos G Vilos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Fred Burbank
- Salt Creek International Women's Health Foundation, San Clemente, CA, USA
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3
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Slayden OD, Luo F, Martin D V M LD. A protocol for creating endometriosis in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). J Med Primatol 2023; 52:405-413. [PMID: 37849073 PMCID: PMC10843508 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is the presence of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. An experimental model of endometriosis has been created in the baboon by the transcervical collection and laparoscopic inoculation of menstrual endometrium. Macaques are the preferred model for pharmaceutical development, but the complex anatomy of the macaque cervix makes the baboon method impractical. In this work, we sought to validate a surgical approach for creating endometriosis in macaques. METHODS Menstrual endometrium was collected via laparoscopic intrauterine puncture and transferred to the peritoneal cavity. We repeated this procedure during three menstruations. Endometriotic tissue was identified during laparoscopy, collected, and characterized by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Sham surgery-treated animals (n = 3) failed to develop endometriosis. We identified red, powder burnt, and white lesions in 13/14 of the treated animals; the stroma of the red lesions stained positive for ovarian steroid receptors. CONCLUSION This surgical technique can reliably create hormone-responsive endometriosis in macaques for therapeutic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ov D Slayden
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Fangzhou Luo
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Lauren D Martin D V M
- Division of Animal Resources & Research Support, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
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4
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Vaill M, Kawanishi K, Varki N, Gagneux P, Varki A. Comparative physiological anthropogeny: exploring molecular underpinnings of distinctly human phenotypes. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2171-2229. [PMID: 36603157 PMCID: PMC10151058 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00040.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthropogeny is a classic term encompassing transdisciplinary investigations of the origins of the human species. Comparative anthropogeny is a systematic comparison of humans and other living nonhuman hominids (so-called "great apes"), aiming to identify distinctly human features in health and disease, with the overall goal of explaining human origins. We begin with a historical perspective, briefly describing how the field progressed from the earliest evolutionary insights to the current emphasis on in-depth molecular and genomic investigations of "human-specific" biology and an increased appreciation for cultural impacts on human biology. While many such genetic differences between humans and other hominids have been revealed over the last two decades, this information remains insufficient to explain the most distinctive phenotypic traits distinguishing humans from other living hominids. Here we undertake a complementary approach of "comparative physiological anthropogeny," along the lines of the preclinical medical curriculum, i.e., beginning with anatomy and considering each physiological system and in each case considering genetic and molecular components that are relevant. What is ultimately needed is a systematic comparative approach at all levels from molecular to physiological to sociocultural, building networks of related information, drawing inferences, and generating testable hypotheses. The concluding section will touch on distinctive considerations in the study of human evolution, including the importance of gene-culture interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Vaill
- Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Kunio Kawanishi
- Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Nissi Varki
- Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Pascal Gagneux
- Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Ajit Varki
- Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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Guffroy M, Trela B, Kambara T, Stawski L, Chen H, Luus L, Montesinos MS, Olson L, He Y, Maisonave K, Carr T, Lu M, Ray AS, Hazelwood LA. Selective inhibition of integrin αvβ6 leads to rapid induction of urinary bladder tumors in cynomolgus macaques. Toxicol Sci 2023; 191:400-413. [PMID: 36515490 PMCID: PMC9936210 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Administration of a novel and selective small molecule integrin αvβ6 inhibitor, MORF-627, to young cynomolgus monkeys for 28 days resulted in the rapid induction of epithelial proliferative changes in the urinary bladder of 2 animals, in the absence of test agent genotoxicity. Microscopic findings included suburothelial infiltration by irregular nests and/or trabeculae of epithelial cells, variable cytologic atypia, and high mitotic rate, without invasion into the tunica muscularis. Morphologic features and patterns of tumor growth were consistent with a diagnosis of early-stage invasive urothelial carcinoma. Ki67 immunohistochemistry demonstrated diffusely increased epithelial proliferation in the urinary bladder of several monkeys, including those with tumors, and αvβ6 was expressed in some epithelial tissues, including urinary bladder, in monkeys and humans. Spontaneous urothelial carcinomas are extremely unusual in young healthy monkeys, suggesting a direct link of the finding to the test agent. Inhibition of integrin αvβ6 is intended to locally and selectively block transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling, which is implicated in epithelial proliferative disorders. Subsequent in vitro studies using a panel of integrin αvβ6 inhibitors in human bladder epithelial cells replicated the increased urothelial proliferation observed in monkeys and was reversed through exogenous application of TGF-β. Moreover, analysis of in vivo models of liver and lung fibrosis revealed evidence of epithelial hyperplasia and cell cycle dysregulation in mice treated with integrin αvβ6 or TGF-β receptor I inhibitors. The cumulative evidence suggests a direct link between integrin αvβ6 inhibition and decreased TGF-β signaling in the local bladder environment, with implications for epithelial proliferation and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruce Trela
- AbbVie, Inc, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, USA
| | | | - Lukasz Stawski
- Morphic Therapeutic, Inc, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, USA
| | - Huidong Chen
- Morphic Therapeutic, Inc, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, USA
| | - Lia Luus
- Morphic Therapeutic, Inc, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, USA
| | | | | | - Yupeng He
- AbbVie, Inc, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, USA
| | | | - Tracy Carr
- AbbVie, Inc, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, USA
| | - Min Lu
- Morphic Therapeutic, Inc, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, USA
| | - Adrian S Ray
- Morphic Therapeutic, Inc, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, USA
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Lamglait B, Moresco A, Couture ÉL, Ferrell ST, Lair S. Vaginal foreign bodies in six nonhuman primates with underlying pathological conditions. Zoo Biol 2022; 41:595-600. [PMID: 35253920 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Four female Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) from the same group as well as Wolf's guenon (Cercopithecus wolfi) and a Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) from a second institution presented with vaginal foreign bodies in parallel with diseases of the urogenital tract or with endocrine disorders. These foreign bodies were associated with a mild to marked, diffuse vaginitis in all cases. Underlying pathological conditions consisted of a cavernous uterine hemangioma in a 20-year-old macaque, diffuse endometritis in a 21-year-old macaque, an in situ endometrial carcinoma in a 24-year-old macaque, endometritis and an ovarian cyst-like structure in the 27-year-old Western lowland gorilla, chronic cystitis and chronic renal disease in a 24-year-old macaque, and a history of hypothyroidism with irregular reproductive cycles in the 12-year-old Wolf's guenon. Vaginal foreign bodies have been reported in nonhuman primates used in biomedical research, but their concurrence with underlying conditions has not been explored. In women, vaginal foreign bodies have been linked to serious underlying medical conditions. This case series emphasizes the recommendation to investigate this abnormal behavior for underlying medical or adverse psychosocial conditions in primates under human care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Lamglait
- Centre québécois sur la santé des animaux sauvages/Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal St. Hyacinthe, St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anneke Moresco
- Denver Zoo, Denver, Colorado, USA.,Reproductive Health Surveillance Program, Morrison, Colorado, USA
| | | | | | - Stéphane Lair
- Centre québécois sur la santé des animaux sauvages/Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal St. Hyacinthe, St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
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Sarvi JY, Gardhouse SM, Berke KA, Weber RL, Hiebert K, Whittaker JH, Kapaldo N. A three-portal laparoscopic hysterectomy in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) with a uterine manipulator and vessel sealing device. Vet Surg 2022; 51:1167-1174. [PMID: 35899397 DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report the treatment and outcome of a a captive chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) undergoing 3-portal laparoscopic hysterectomy. Additionally, the technique used for successful urinary catheterization is described. ANIMALS A 29-year-old female intact chimpanzee with uterine bleeding. STUDY DESIGN Clinical case report. METHODS Uterine changes consistent with adenomyosis and/or endometriosis were noted on abdominal ultrasonographic and computed tomographic examinations. A urinary catheter was placed before a 3-portal laparoscopic hysterectomy with a uterine manipulator (VCare) and a vessel sealer (Ligasure). The uterus was submitted for histopathology. RESULTS Preoperative urinary catheterization was achieved with several modifications and prevented bladder protrusion into the surgical field. Laparoscopy provided excellent visualization of the pelvic structures and VCare effectively maneuvered the uterus for a safe and efficient dissection. The use of the vessel sealer was effective, and bleeding was minimal. Anesthesia and surgery lasted 240 and 150 minutes, respectively. No complications were encountered. Histopathological changes of the uterus were consistent with adenomyosis and myometrial hyperplasia. The chimpanzee recovered uneventfully and returned to normal behavior with no recurrence of uterine bleeding 5 months after surgery. CONCLUSION The 3-portal laparoscopic technique reported here allowed hysterectomy without complication in this chimpanzee. Urinary catheterization was technically challenging but successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Y Sarvi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Sara M Gardhouse
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Kara A Berke
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | | | - Kara Hiebert
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - John H Whittaker
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Nathaniel Kapaldo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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Pereira AHB, Pissinatti L, Moreira SB, Pissinatti A, Ubiali DG. Metastatic endometrioid carcinoma in a hybrid Leontopithecus sp. J Med Primatol 2022; 51:381-383. [PMID: 35394073 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12585] [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: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Primary female reproductive neoplasms in Platyrrhines species are few reported. We present the gross, histological, and immunohistochemical findings of metastatic endometrioid carcinoma in the uterus, urinary bladder, jejunum, and rectum of a Leontopithecus sp. The neoplastic endometrial cells expressed strong cytoplasmic immunolabeling of cytokeratin 7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asheley Henrique Barbosa Pereira
- Pathological Anatomy Sector (SAP), Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | | | | | - Alcides Pissinatti
- Rio de Janeiro Primatology Center (CPRJ/INEA), Guapimirim, Brazil.,Serra dos Órgãos University Center, Teresópolis, Brazil
| | - Daniel Guimarães Ubiali
- Pathological Anatomy Sector (SAP), Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
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Abstract
Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are present in >75% of women and can cause serious morbidity. They are by far the leading cause of hysterectomy. Fibroids are a complex mixture of cells that include fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. Rich in extracellular matrix, they typically arise through somatic mutations, most commonly MED12. Their lack of growth inhibition and their ability to have facets of malignancy yet be histologically and biologically benign provide opportunities to explore basic processes. To date, the mechanisms responsible for growth and development of leiomyomas are an enigma. This review provides an overview of current understanding and future directions for clinical and basic research of fibroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Stewart
- 1Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota,2Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota,3Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota,4Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota,5Women’s Health Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Romana A. Nowak
- 6Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois,7Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
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