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Li YX, Wei SQ, Li S, Zheng PS. Strategies and Challenges of Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Infertility. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2024; 30:385-403. [PMID: 38009217 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2023.0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Having genetically related offspring remains an unattainable dream for couples with reproductive failure. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells derived from various human tissues and organs. As critical paracrine effectors of MSCs, extracellular vesicles (EVs) can carry and deliver bioactive content, thereby participating in intercellular communication and determining cell fate. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have shown promising therapeutic effects, including repairing injured endometria, restoration of ovarian functions, and improving sperm quantity, morphology, and motility, owing to their regenerative potential, abundant sources, high proliferation rates, low immunogenicity, and lack of ethical issues. However, limited knowledge on purification and isolation of MSC-EVs, therapeutic effects, and unpredictable safety have caused challenges in overcoming female and male infertility. To overcome them, future studies should focus on modification/engineering of MSC-EVs with therapeutic biomolecules and combining attractive biomaterials and MSC-EVs. This review highlights the latest studies on MSC-EVs therapies in infertility and the major challenges that must be overcome before clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Xing Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Si-Qi Wei
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Peng-Sheng Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
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Ding Z, Greenberg ZF, Serafim MF, Ali S, Jamieson JC, Traktuev DO, March K, He M. Understanding molecular characteristics of extracellular vesicles derived from different types of mesenchymal stem cells for therapeutic translation. EXTRACELLULAR VESICLE 2024; 3:100034. [PMID: 38957857 PMCID: PMC11218754 DOI: 10.1016/j.vesic.2024.100034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been studied for decades as candidates for cellular therapy, and their secretome, including secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs), has been identified to contribute significantly to regenerative and reparative functions. Emerging evidence has suggested that MSC-EVs alone, could be used as therapeutics that emulate the biological function of MSCs. However, just as with MSCs, MSC-EVs have been shown to vary in composition, depending on the tissue source of the MSCs as well as the protocols employed in culturing the MSCs and obtaining the EVs. Therefore, the importance of careful choice of cell sources and culture environments is receiving increasing attention. Many factors contribute to the therapeutic potential of MSC-EVs, including the source tissue, isolation technique, and culturing conditions. This review illustrates the molecular landscape of EVs derived from different types of MSC cells along with culture strategies. A thorough analysis of publicly available omic datasets was performed to advance the precision understanding of MSC-EVs with unique tissue source-dependent molecular characteristics. The tissue-specific protein and miRNA-driven Reactome ontology analysis was used to reveal distinct patterns of top Reactome ontology pathways across adipose, bone marrow, and umbilical MSC-EVs. Moreover, a meta-analysis assisted by an AI technique was used to analyze the published literature, providing insights into the therapeutic translation of MSC-EVs based on their source tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuo Ding
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Zachary F. Greenberg
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Maria Fernanda Serafim
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Samantha Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Julia C. Jamieson
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Dmitry O. Traktuev
- UF Center for Regenerative Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Keith March
- UF Center for Regenerative Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Mei He
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
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Dai W, Liang J, Guo R, Zhao Z, Na Z, Xu D, Li D. Bioengineering approaches for the endometrial research and application. Mater Today Bio 2024; 26:101045. [PMID: 38600921 PMCID: PMC11004221 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The endometrium undergoes a series of precise monthly changes under the regulation of dynamic levels of ovarian hormones that are characterized by repeated shedding and subsequent regeneration without scarring. This provides the potential for wound healing during endometrial injuries. Bioengineering materials highlight the faithful replication of constitutive cells and the extracellular matrix that simulates the physical and biomechanical properties of the endometrium to a larger extent. Significant progress has been made in this field, and functional endometrial tissue bioengineering allows an in-depth investigation of regulatory factors for endometrial and myometrial defects in vitro and provides highly therapeutic methods to alleviate obstetric and gynecological complications. However, much remains to be learned about the latest progress in the application of bioengineering technologies to the human endometrium. Here, we summarize the existing developments in biomaterials and bioengineering models for endometrial regeneration and improving the female reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlin Dai
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Junzhi Liang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Renhao Guo
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhongyu Zhao
- Innovation Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhijing Na
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China
| | - Dake Xu
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Da Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Diseases and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
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Rodríguez-Eguren A, Bueno-Fernandez C, Gómez-Álvarez M, Francés-Herrero E, Pellicer A, Bellver J, Seli E, Cervelló I. Evolution of biotechnological advances and regenerative therapies for endometrial disorders: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2024:dmae013. [PMID: 38796750 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae013] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The establishment and maintenance of pregnancy depend on endometrial competence. Asherman syndrome (AS) and intrauterine adhesions (IUA), or endometrial atrophy (EA) and thin endometrium (TE), can either originate autonomously or arise as a result from conditions (i.e. endometritis or congenital hypoplasia), or medical interventions (e.g. surgeries, hormonal therapies, uterine curettage or radiotherapy). Affected patients may present an altered or inadequate endometrial lining that hinders embryo implantation and increases the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes and miscarriage. In humans, AS/IUA and EA/TE are mainly treated with surgeries or pharmacotherapy, however the reported efficacy of these therapeutic approaches remains unclear. Thus, novel regenerative techniques utilizing stem cells, growth factors, or tissue engineering have emerged to improve reproductive outcomes. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review comprehensively summarizes the methodologies and outcomes of emerging biotechnologies (cellular, acellular, and bioengineering approaches) to treat human endometrial pathologies. Regenerative therapies derived from human tissues or blood which were studied in preclinical models (in vitro and in vivo) and clinical trials are discussed. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search of full-text articles available in PubMed and Embase was conducted to identify original peer-reviewed studies published in English between January 2000 and September 2023. The search terms included: human, uterus, endometrium, Asherman syndrome, intrauterine adhesions, endometrial atrophy, thin endometrium, endometritis, congenital hypoplasia, curettage, radiotherapy, regenerative therapy, bioengineering, stem cells, vesicles, platelet-rich plasma, biomaterials, microfluidic, bioprinting, organoids, hydrogel, scaffold, sheet, miRNA, sildenafil, nitroglycerine, aspirin, growth hormone, progesterone, and estrogen. Preclinical and clinical studies on cellular, acellular, and bioengineering strategies to repair or regenerate the human endometrium were included. Additional studies were identified through manual searches. OUTCOMES From a total of 4366 records identified, 164 studies (3.8%) were included for systematic review. Due to heterogeneity in the study design and measured outcome parameters in both preclinical and clinical studies, the findings were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively without meta-analysis. Groups using stem cell-based treatments for endometrial pathologies commonly employed mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the human bone marrow or umbilical cord. Alternatively, acellular therapies based on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or extracellular vesicles are gaining popularity. These are accompanied by the emergence of bioengineering strategies based on extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived hydrogels or synthetic biosimilars that sustain local delivery of cells and growth factors, reporting promising results. Combined therapies that target multiple aspects of tissue repair and regeneration remain in preclinical testing but have shown translational value. This review highlights the myriad of therapeutic material sources, administration methods, and carriers that have been tested. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Therapies that promote endometrial proliferation, vascular development, and tissue repair may help restore endometrial function and, ultimately, fertility. Based on the existing evidence, cost, accessibility, and availability of the therapies, we propose the development of triple-hit regenerative strategies, potentially combining high-yield MSCs (e.g. from bone marrow or umbilical cord) with acellular treatments (PRP), possibly integrated in ECM hydrogels. Advances in biotechnologies together with insights from preclinical models will pave the way for developing personalized treatment regimens for patients with infertility-causing endometrial disorders such as AS/IUA, EA/TE, and endometritis. REGISTRATION NUMBER https://osf.io/th8yf/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Rodríguez-Eguren
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Clara Bueno-Fernandez
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Gómez-Álvarez
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Emilio Francés-Herrero
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - José Bellver
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Emre Seli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
| | - Irene Cervelló
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
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Saad-Naguib MH, Kenfack Y, Sherman LS, Chafitz OB, Morelli SS. Impaired receptivity of thin endometrium: therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1268990. [PMID: 38344687 PMCID: PMC10854221 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1268990] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The endometrium is a resilient and highly dynamic tissue, undergoing cyclic renewal in preparation for embryo implantation. Cyclic endometrial regeneration depends on the intact function of several cell types, including parenchymal, endothelial, and immune cells, as well as adult stem cells that can arise from endometrial or extrauterine sources. The ability of the endometrium to undergo rapid, repeated regeneration without scarring is unique to this tissue. However, if this tissue renewal process is disrupted or dysfunctional, women may present clinically with infertility due to endometrial scarring or persistent atrophic/thin endometrium. Such disorders are rate-limiting in the treatment of female infertility and in the success of in vitro fertilization because of a dearth of treatment options specifically targeting the endometrium. A growing number of studies have explored the potential of adult stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), to treat women with disorders of endometrial regeneration. MSCs are multipotent adult stem cells with capacity to differentiate into cells such as adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts. In addition to their differentiation capacity, MSCs migrate toward injured sites where they secrete bioactive factors (e.g. cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, proteins and extracellular vesicles) to aid in tissue repair. These factors modulate biological processes critical for tissue regeneration, such as angiogenesis, cell migration and immunomodulation. The MSC secretome has therefore attracted significant attention for its therapeutic potential. In the uterus, studies utilizing rodent models and limited human trials have shown a potential benefit of MSCs and the MSC secretome in treatment of endometrial infertility. This review will explore the potential of MSCs to treat women with impaired endometrial receptivity due to a thin endometrium or endometrial scarring. We will provide context supporting leveraging MSCs for this purpose by including a review of mechanisms by which the MSC secretome promotes regeneration and repair of nonreproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H. Saad-Naguib
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Health, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Yannick Kenfack
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Lauren S. Sherman
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Olivia B. Chafitz
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, United States
| | - Sara S. Morelli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Health, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
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Yu SL, Jeong DU, Noh EJ, Jeon HJ, Lee DC, Kang M, Kim TH, Lee SK, Han AR, Kang J, Park SR. Exosomal miR-205-5p Improves Endometrial Receptivity by Upregulating E-Cadherin Expression through ZEB1 Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15149. [PMID: 37894829 PMCID: PMC10607375 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015149] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity is a complex process that prepares the uterine endometrium for embryo implantation; insufficient endometrial receptivity is one of the causes of implantation failure. Here, we analyzed the microRNA expression profiles of exosomes derived from both receptive (RL95-2) and non-receptive (AN3-CA) endometrial epithelial cell (EEC) lines to identify exosomal miRNAs closely linked to endometrial receptivity. Among the 466 differentially expressed miRNAs, miR-205-5p was the most highly expressed in exosomes secreted from receptive RL95-2 cells. miR-205-5p, enriched at the adhesive junction, was closely related to endometrial receptivity. ZEB1, a transcriptional repressor of E-cadherin associated with endometrial receptivity, was identified as a direct target of miR-205-5p. miR-205-5p expression was significantly lower in the endometrial tissues of infertile women than in that of non-infertile women. In vivo, miR-205-5p expression was upregulated in the post-ovulatory phase, and its inhibitor reduced embryo implantation. Furthermore, administration of genetically modified exosomes overexpressing miR-205-5p mimics upregulated E-cadherin expression by targeting ZEB1 and improved spheroid attachment of non-receptive AN3-CA cells. These results suggest that the miR-205-5p/ZEB1/E-cadherin axis plays an important role in regulating endometrial receptivity. Thus, the use of exosomes harboring miR-205-5p mimics can be considered a potential therapeutic approach for improving embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Lan Yu
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
| | - Da-Un Jeong
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
| | - Eui-Jeong Noh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hye Jin Jeon
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
| | - Dong Chul Lee
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; (D.C.L.); (M.K.)
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Minho Kang
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; (D.C.L.); (M.K.)
| | - Tae-Hyun Kim
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Ki Lee
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Ae Ra Han
- I-Dream Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mizmedi Hospital, Seoul 07639, Republic of Korea;
- Daegu CHA Fertility Center, CHA University, Daegu 42469, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeku Kang
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Rae Park
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
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Zhu J, Li Z, Yin F, Yu X, Lu Y, Zhou T, Gong F, Xu Z. Fibroblast growth factor 1 ameliorates thin endometrium in rats through activation of the autophagic pathway. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1143096. [PMID: 37153783 PMCID: PMC10157643 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1143096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Thin endometrium is a reproductive disorder that affects embryo implantation. There are several therapies available for this disease, however they are not so effective. Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) is a member of fibroblast growth factor superfamily (FGFs), and it has been demonstrated that FGF1 expression was altered in samples collected from patients with thin endometrium. However, it is unclear if FGF1 could improve thin endometrium. The aim of this study was to investigate whether FGF1 have a therapeutic effect on thin endometrium. Methods: A model of thin endometrium induced by ethanol was constructed to investigate the effect and mechanism of action of FGF1 in thin endometrium. In the characterization experiments, 6-8 weeks female rats (n = 40) were divided into four groups: i) Control group; ii) Sham group; iii) Injured group; (iv) FGF1 therapy group. Endometrial tissues would be removed after three sexuel cycles after molding. Morphology and histology of the endometrium were evaluated by visual and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Masson staining and expression of α-SMA in endometrium showed the degree of endometrial fibrosis. Western blotting (PCNA、vWF and Vim) and immunohistochemistry (CK19 and MUC-1) demonstrated the effect of FGF1 on cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Moreover, immunohistochemistry (ER and PR) was used to explore the function of endometrium. The remaining rats (n = 36) were divided into three groups: i) Injured group; ii) FGF1 therapy group; and iii) 3-methyladenine. Western blotting (p38、p-p38、PI3K 、SQSTM1/p62、beclin-1 and LC3) was used to explore the mechanisms of FGF1. Results: In FGF1 therapy group, the morphology and histology of endometrium improved compared with the model group. Masson staining and the expression level of α-SMA showed that FGF1 could decrease the fibrotic area of endometrium. Besides, changes in ER and PR expression in the endometrium suggested that FGF1 could restore endometrium-related functions. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry revealed that PCNA, vWF, Vim, CK19 and MUC-1 were significantly increased after FGF1 treatment compared with the thin endometrium. In addition, Western blotting showed that p38, p-p38, PI3K, SQSTM1/p62, beclin-1 and LC3 levels were higher in FGF1 group than in the injured group. Conclusion: FGF1 application cured the thin endometrium caused by ethanol through autophagy mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhenyao Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fengli Yin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaoting Yu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuanfan Lu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fanghua Gong
- School of Pharmacy, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Fanghua Gong, ; Zhangye Xu,
| | - Zhangye Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Fanghua Gong, ; Zhangye Xu,
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