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Šalamun V, Riemma G, Klemenc A, Laganà AS, De Franciscis P, Štimpfel M, Korošec S, Ban Frangež H. Effect of Oral Contraceptive Use in Relation to Fertile Years on the Risk of Endometriosis in Women with Primary Infertility: A Ten-Year Single-Centre Retrospective Analysis. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:959. [PMID: 38929576 PMCID: PMC11205679 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Oral contraceptives (OCs) are usually used to treat endometriosis; however, the evidence is inconsistent about whether OC use in the past, when given to asymptomatic women, is protective against the development of future disease. We aimed to assess the relationship between the use of OCs and the likelihood of discovering endometriosis, considering the length of time under OCs during their fertile age. Materials and Methods: This was a monocentric retrospective cohort study in a tertiary-care University Hospital (Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia) carried out from January 2012 to December 2022. Reproductive-aged women scheduled for laparoscopic surgery for primary infertility and subsequent histopathological diagnosis of endometriosis were compared to women without an endometriosis diagnosis. They were classified based on the ratio of years of OC use to fertile years in four subgroups: never, <25%, between 25 and 50%, and >50. Results: In total, 1923 women (390 with and 1533 without endometriosis) were included. Previous OC use was higher in those with endometriosis than controls (72.31% vs. 58.64%; p = 0.001). Overall, previous OC usage was not related to histopathological diagnosis of endometriosis (aOR 1.06 [95% CI 0.87-1.29]). Women who used OCs for less than 25% of their fertile age had reduced risk of rASRM stage III endometriosis (aOR 0.50 [95% CI 0.26-0.95]; p = 0.036) or superficial implants (aOR 0.88 [95% CI 0.58-0.95]; p = 0.040). No significant results were retrieved for other rASRM stages. Using OCs for <25%, between 25 and 50%, or >50% of fertile age did not increase the risk of developing superficial endometriosis, endometriomas, or DIE. Conclusions: When OCs are used at least once, histological diagnoses of endometriosis are not increased. A protective effect of OCs when used for less than 25% of fertile age on superficial implants may be present. Prospective research is needed to corroborate the findings due to constraints related to the study's limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Šalamun
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.Š.); (M.Š.); (S.K.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Gaetano Riemma
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.R.); (P.D.F.)
| | - Anja Klemenc
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Paolo Giaccone” Hospital, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Pasquale De Franciscis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.R.); (P.D.F.)
| | - Martin Štimpfel
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.Š.); (M.Š.); (S.K.)
| | - Sara Korošec
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.Š.); (M.Š.); (S.K.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Helena Ban Frangež
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.Š.); (M.Š.); (S.K.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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Dutta S, Lee J, Banu SK, Arosh JA. Dual inhibition of AKT and ERK1/2 pathways restores the expression of progesterone Receptor-B in endometriotic lesions through epigenetic mechanisms. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 592:112290. [PMID: 38825223 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent and progesterone-resistant gynecological inflammatory disease of reproductive-age women. Progesterone resistance, loss of progesterone receptor -B (PR-B) in the stromal cells of the endometrium, is one of the hallmarks of endometriosis and a major contributing factor for infertility in endometriosis patients. Loss of PR-B in the stromal cells of the endometriotic lesions poses resistance to the success of progesterone-based therapy. The working hypothesis is that PR-B is hypermethylated and epigenetically silenced, and inhibition of AKT and ERK1/2 pathways will decrease the hypermethylation, reverse the epigenetic silencing, and restore the expression of PR-B via DNA methylation and histone modification mechanisms in the endometriotic lesions. The objectives are to (i) determine the effects of dual inhibition of AKT and ERK1/2 pathways on the expression of PR-B and DNA methylation and histone modification protein machinery in the endometriotic lesions and (ii) identify the underlying epigenetic mechanisms of PR-B restoration in the endometriotic lesions. The results indicate that dual inhibition of AKT and ERK1/2 pathways decreases the hypermethylation, reverses the epigenetic silencing, and restores the expression of PR-B via DNA methylation and H3K9 and H3K27 methylation mechanisms in the endometriotic lesions or endometriotic stromal cells of human origin. These results support the novel concept that restored expression of PR-B in the endometriotic lesions and endometrium may improve the clinical outcome of progesterone therapy in endometriosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudipta Dutta
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Texas, 77843, College Station, USA
| | - JeHoon Lee
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Texas, 77843, College Station, USA
| | - Sakhila K Banu
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Texas, 77843, College Station, USA
| | - Joe A Arosh
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Texas, 77843, College Station, USA.
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Li R, Tran DN, Lessey BA, Young SL, Kim TH, Jeong JW. Transcriptomic changes in eutopic endometrium and ectopic lesions during endometriosis progression in a mouse model. F&S SCIENCE 2024; 5:182-194. [PMID: 38342342 PMCID: PMC11116064 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the transcriptomic changes of ectopic lesions and eutopic endometrial tissues during the progression of endometriosis, we performed transcriptomic analysis in the eutopic endometrium and ectopic lesions. DESIGN Laboratory study. SETTING Academic medical center. ANIMALS Four fertile and 4 subfertile Pgrcre/+Rosa26mTmG/+ mice with endometriosis, and 4 sham mice for each group of endometriosis mice as control. These mice underwent either surgery to induce endometriosis or sham surgery. Fertile sham and mice with endometriosis were used 1 month after surgery, whereas subfertile ones were used 3 months after surgery. INTERVENTIONS Early and chronic effects of endometriosis on transcriptomics of ectopic lesions and eutopic endometrium. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES RNA-sequencing analysis and identification of differentially expressed genes and pathways in the ectopic lesions and eutopic uteri from mice with endometriosis and sham mice at day 3.5 of pregnancy. RESULTS Our mouse model recapitulates the transcriptomic changes of ectopic lesions in humans. RNA-sequencing analysis was performed in ectopic lesions and eutopic uteri from mice with or without endometriosis during the progression of the disease. Estrogen activity, inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis pathways were consistently elevated in all the ectopic lesions compared with eutopic endometrium. Cholesterol/glucose synthesis and stem cell pluripotency pathways were more enhanced in ectopic lesions from subfertile mice compared with their eutopic endometrium. Dysregulation of infiltration of macrophage, dendritic, T and B cells was validated with the use of immunohistochemistry in ectopic lesions. Multiple ligand-receptor pairs between the ectopic and eutopic endometrium were altered compared with the sham endometrium. Suppressed WNT and EGF pathways were only found in the eutopic endometrium from subfertile not fertile mice compared with sham. CONCLUSIONS Our mouse endometriosis model recapitulates the transcriptomics of ectopic lesions in humans. Our transcriptomic analysis during endometriosis progression in our mouse model will help us understand the pathophysiology of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Dinh Nam Tran
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Bruce A Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Steven L Young
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.
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Colgrave EM, Keast JR, Healey M, Rogers PA, Girling JE, Holdsworth-Carson SJ. Extensive heterogeneity in the expression of steroid receptors in superficial peritoneal endometriotic lesions. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103409. [PMID: 38134474 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103409] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is the expression of steroid hormone receptors (oestrogen receptor-α and progesterone receptor A/B) and proliferative markers (Bcl-2 and Ki67) uniform among superficial peritoneal endometriotic lesions? DESIGN A retrospective cohort study of 24 patients with surgically and histologically confirmed endometriosis. Immunofluorescence was used to determine the proportion of oestrogen receptor-α (ERα), progesterone receptor A/B, Bcl-2 and Ki67 positive cells in 271 endometriotic lesions (defined as endometriotic gland profile/s within an individual region of CD10 stromal immunostaining from a single biopsy) from 67 endometriotic biopsies from 24 patients. Data were analysed to examine associations related to menstrual cycle stage, lesion location and gland morphology. RESULTS Oestrogen receptor-α and progesterone receptor A/B expression in superficial peritoneal endometriotic lesions was extremely heterogeneous. Bcl-2 immunostaining in endometriotic lesions was also variable, whereas Ki67 immunostaining was minimal. Menstrual cycle stage associations were limited in steroid hormone receptor and Bcl-2 expression in lesions. Patterns in progesterone receptor A/B and Bcl-2 immunostaining were associated with lesion location. Bcl-2 was differentially expressed, based on lesion gland morphology. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate considerable diversity in the expression of steroid hormone receptors and Bcl-2 between lesions, even within an individual patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza M Colgrave
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Janet R Keast
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin Healey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Aw Rogers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane E Girling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Sarah J Holdsworth-Carson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Julia Argyrou Endometriosis Centre, Epworth HealthCare, Richmond, Victoria, Australia.
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Tang H, Lin T, Wu M, Tsai S. Progesterone resistance in endometriosis: A pathophysiological perspective and potential treatment alternatives. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12588. [PMID: 38854774 PMCID: PMC11157498 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease affecting women of reproductive age. Patients with endometriosis frequently experience severe chronic pain and have higher chances to experience infertility. Progesterone resistance is a major problem that develops during the medical treatment of endometriosis, which often leads to treatment failure of hormonal therapies. Previous studies indicated that the dysregulation of progesterone receptors (PR) is the primary factor leading to progesterone resistance in endometriosis. Methods This review article systematically reviewed and summarized findings extracted from previously published papers available on PubMed, encompassing both experimental studies and clinical trials. Main findings Various determinants influencing PR expression in endometriosis have been identified, including the environmental toxins, microRNAs, cell signaling pathways, genetic mutations, and the pro-inflammatory cytokines. The selective estrogen/progesterone receptor modulators have emerged as novel therapeutic approaches for treating endometriosis, offering potential improvements in overcoming progesterone resistance. Conclusion Concerns and limitations persist despite the newly developed drugs. Therefore, studies on unraveling new therapeutic targets based on the molecular mechanisms of progesterone resistance is warranted for the development potential alternatives to overcome hormonal treatment failure in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao‐Chien Tang
- Institute of Basic Medical SciencesCollege of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| | - Ting‐Chien Lin
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsNational Cheng Kung University HospitalTainanTaiwan
| | - Meng‐Hsing Wu
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsNational Cheng Kung University HospitalTainanTaiwan
- Department of PhysiologyCollege of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| | - Shaw‐Jenq Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical SciencesCollege of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
- Department of PhysiologyCollege of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Science, National Chung Cheng UniversityChiayiTaiwan
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Marquardt RM, Tran DN, Lessey BA, Rahman MS, Jeong JW. Epigenetic Dysregulation in Endometriosis: Implications for Pathophysiology and Therapeutics. Endocr Rev 2023; 44:1074-1095. [PMID: 37409951 PMCID: PMC10638603 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a prevalent gynecological condition associated with pelvic pain and infertility. Despite more than a century of research, the etiology of endometriosis still eludes scientific consensus. This lack of clarity has resulted in suboptimal prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options. Evidence of genetic contributors to endometriosis is interesting but limited; however, significant progress has been made in recent years in identifying an epigenetic role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis through clinical studies, in vitro cell culture experiments, and in vivo animal models. The predominant findings include endometriosis-related differential expression of DNA methyltransferases and demethylases, histone deacetylases, methyltransferases, and demethylases, and regulators of chromatin architecture. There is also an emerging role for miRNAs in controlling epigenetic regulators in the endometrium and endometriosis. Changes in these epigenetic regulators result in differential chromatin organization and DNA methylation, with consequences for gene expression independent of a genetic sequence. Epigenetically altered expression of genes related to steroid hormone production and signaling, immune regulation, and endometrial cell identity and function have all been identified and appear to play into the pathophysiological mechanisms of endometriosis and resulting infertility. This review summarizes and critically discusses early seminal findings, the ever-growing recent evidence of epigenetic contributions to the pathophysiology of endometriosis, and implications for proposed epigenetically targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Marquardt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Dinh Nam Tran
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Bruce A Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Hon JX, Wahab NA, Karim AKA, Mokhtar NM, Mokhtar MH. MicroRNAs in Endometriosis: Insights into Inflammation and Progesterone Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15001. [PMID: 37834449 PMCID: PMC10573326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241915001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis, a non-malignant gynecological disorder influenced by estrogen, involves the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Its development includes processes such as inflammation, progesterone resistance, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation. Epigenetic factors, particularly the dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs), have emerged as key factors in these mechanisms in endometriosis. This review aims to unveil the intricate molecular processes that control inflammation, progesterone resistance, and miRNA functions in endometriosis. In addition, it provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding regarding the involvement of miRNAs in the inflammatory aspects of this condition. This synthesis encompasses research investigating the molecular underpinnings of inflammation, along with the biogenesis and roles of miRNAs in endometriosis. Furthermore, it examines human studies and functional analyses to establish the intricate connection between miRNAs, inflammation, and progesterone resistance in the context of endometriosis. The results highlight the significant impact of dysregulated miRNAs on the inflammatory pathways and hormonal imbalances characteristic of endometriosis. Consequently, miRNAs hold promise as potential non-invasive biomarkers and targeted therapeutic agents aimed at addressing inflammation and enhancing the response to progesterone treatment in individuals with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Xian Hon
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Norhazlina Abdul Wahab
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- GUT Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Kadir Abdul Karim
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Norfilza Mohd Mokhtar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- GUT Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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Tassinari V, Smeriglio A, Stillittano V, Trombetta D, Zilli R, Tassinari R, Maranghi F, Frank G, Marcoccia D, Di Renzo L. Endometriosis Treatment: Role of Natural Polyphenols as Anti-Inflammatory Agents. Nutrients 2023; 15:2967. [PMID: 37447296 DOI: 10.3390/nu15132967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent common chronic inflammatory disease defined by the presence of extrauterine endometrial tissue that promotes pelvic pain and fertility impairment. Its etiology is complex and multifactorial, and several not completely understood theories have been proposed to describe its pathogenesis. Indeed, this disease affects women's quality of life and their reproductive system. Conventional therapies for endometriosis treatment primarily focus on surgical resection, lowering systemic levels of estrogen, and treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to counteract the inflammatory response. However, although these strategies have shown to be effective, they also show considerable side effects. Therefore, there is a growing interest in the use of herbal medicine for the treatment of endometriosis; however, to date, only very limited literature is present on this topic. Polyphenols display important anti-endometriotic properties; in particular, they are potent phytoestrogens that in parallel modulates estrogen activity and exerts anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this review is to provide an overview on anti-inflammatory activity of polyphenols in the treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Tassinari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Virgilio Stillittano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Romano Zilli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Tassinari
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Maranghi
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Frank
- Ph.D. School of Applied Medical-Surgical Sciences, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Marcoccia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
- School of Specialization in Food Science, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Renzo
- School of Specialization in Food Science, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomic, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Clemenza S, Capezzuoli T, Eren E, Garcia Garcia JM, Vannuccini S, Petraglia F. Progesterone receptor ligands for the treatment of endometriosis. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2023; 75:288-297. [PMID: 36255163 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.22.05157-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen dependence and progesterone resistance play a crucial role in the origin and development of endometriosis. Therefore, hormonal therapies are currently the most effective treatment. Progestins are considered the first-line approach, especially for a long-term management. Progestins are synthetic compounds that mimic the effects of progesterone by binding progesterone receptors. Continuous use of progestins leads to the suppression of ovarian steroidogenesis with anovulation and low serum levels of ovarian steroids, causing endometrial pseudodecidualization. Moreover, they act by interfering on several endometriosis pathogenetic pathways, decreasing inflammation, provoking apoptosis in endometriotic cells, stimulating atrophy or regression of endometrial lesions, inhibiting angiogenesis, and decreasing expression of metalloproteinases, thus diminishing the invasiveness of endometriotic implants. Progestins are effective for pain relief and improvement of the quality of life (QoL). The side effects are limited, and the compounds are available in different formulations and routes of administration and represent, in most cases, an inexpensive treatment option. Dienogest, Medroxyprogesterone acetate and Norethisterone acetate are the labeled progestins for endometriosis, but other progestins, such as Dyhidrogesterone, Levonorgestrel and Desogestrel, have been shown to be effective in the treatment of endometriosis-associated pain. The present review aims to describe the available and emerging evidences on progestins used for the treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Clemenza
- Mario Serio Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tommaso Capezzuoli
- Mario Serio Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ecem Eren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Jose M Garcia Garcia
- Mario Serio Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Vannuccini
- Mario Serio Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Mario Serio Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy -
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Lin SC, Li WN, Lin SC, Hou HT, Tsai YC, Lin TC, Wu MH, Tsai SJ. Targeting YAP1 ameliorates progesterone resistance in endometriosis. Hum Reprod 2023:7128246. [PMID: 37071897 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead071] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does YAP1 inhibition alleviate progesterone resistance in endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER YAP1 inhibition reduces progesterone resistance in vitro and in vivo. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Progesterone resistance not only causes treatment failure for endometriosis but also inhibits eutopic endometrial cell proliferation, dysregulates decidualization, and reduces the success rates of pregnancy. Hippo/yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) signaling pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Paraffin-embedded tissues containing paired endometriotic and endometrial specimens (n = 42) and serum samples isolated from normal controls (n = 15) or endometriotic patients with (n = 25) or without (n = 21) prior dienogest treatment were analyzed. A mouse model of endometriosis was also used to evaluate the effects of YAP1 inhibition on progesterone resistance. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Primary endometriotic and endometrial stromal cells treated with YAP1 inhibitor or miR-21 mimic/inhibitor were used for the in vitro studies including decidualization induction, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and RNA immunoprecipitation. Tissue specimens and serum from human and mouse were used for immunohistochemistry staining, exosome isolation, and microRNA (miRNA) quantification, respectively. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Herein, we report, by using ChIP-PCR and RNA-IP, that YAP1 inhibits progesterone receptor (PGR) expression through upregulation of miR-21-5p. Upregulation of miR-21-5p not only reduces PGR expression but also inhibits endometrial stromal cell decidualization. Indeed, levels of YAP1 and miR-21-5p are inversely correlated with the level of PGR in human endometrial samples. In contrast, knockdown of YAP1 or treatment with verteporfin (VP), a YAP1 inhibitor, reduces miR-21-5p expression, thus leading to an increase in PGR expression in ectopic endometriotic stromal cells. In the mouse model of endometriosis, treatment with VP increases PGR expression and enhances decidualization. More importantly, VP synergistically increases the treatment effect of progestin in causing the regression of endometriotic lesions and improves the decidualization capability of the endometrium. Interestingly, treatment with dienogest, a synthetic progestin, reduces YAP1 and miR-21-5p expression in human cells and in the mouse model of endometriosis. Patients who received dienogest treatment for 6 months show a significant decrease in serum extracellular vesicle-associated miR-21-5p level. LARGE SCALE DATA A public dataset (GSE51981) containing a large cohort of endometriotic tissues is available from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A large cohort of clinical samples is needed to verify the current diagnostic value of miR-21-5p in future studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The reciprocal regulation of YAP1 and PGR suggests that combined YAP1 inhibitor and progestin may be a better therapeutic approach for treating endometriosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan (MOST-111-2636-B-006-012, MOST-111-2314-B-006-075-MY3, and MOST-106-2320-B-006-072-MY3). The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chieh Lin
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ning Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Chih Lin
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Haun-Tzu Hou
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chuan Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tin-Chien Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Hsing Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shaw-Jenq Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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11
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Patiño-García D, Palomino J, Pomés C, Celle C, Torres-Estay V, Orellana R. Estetrol Increases Progesterone Genetic Response without Triggering Common Estrogenic Effects in Endometriotic Cell Lines and Primary Cultures. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041169. [PMID: 37189786 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041169] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Estetrol (E4), a natural estrogen produced by the human fetal liver, is actively studied for menopause and breast cancer treatment. It has low side effects and preferential estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) affinity. There are no data about its effects on endometriosis, a common gynecological disease affecting 6-10% of cycling women, generating painful pelvic lesions and infertility. Current combined hormone treatment (progestins and estrogens) is safe and efficient; nevertheless, one-third of patients develop progesterone (P4) resistance and recurrence by reducing P4 receptors (PRs) levels. We aimed to compare E4 and 17β-estradiol (E2) effects using two human endometriotic cell lines (epithelial 11Z and stromal Hs832 cells) and primary cultures from endometriotic patients. We evaluated cell growth (MTS), migration (wound assay), hormone receptors levels (Western blot), and P4 response by PCR array. Compared to E2, E4 did not affect cell growth or migration but increased estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and PRs, and reduced ERβ. Finally, the incubation with E4 improved the P4 gene response. In conclusion, E4 increased PRs levels and genetic response without inducing cell growth or migration. These results suggest that E4 might be useful for endometriosis treatment avoiding P4 resistance; however, evaluating its response in more complex models is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Patiño-García
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, General Gana 1702, Santiago 8370874, Chile
- División de Ginecología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Jaime Palomino
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, General Gana 1702, Santiago 8370874, Chile
| | - Cristián Pomés
- División de Ginecología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Claudia Celle
- División de Ginecología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Verónica Torres-Estay
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, General Gana 1702, Santiago 8370874, Chile
- Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Bellavista 7, Santiago 8420524, Chile
| | - Renán Orellana
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, General Gana 1702, Santiago 8370874, Chile
- Programa de Magíster en Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, General Gana 1702, Santiago 8370874, Chile
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12
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Zhang P, Wang G. Progesterone Resistance in Endometriosis: Current Evidence and Putative Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086992. [PMID: 37108154 PMCID: PMC10138736 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Progestins are currently the most commonly used treatment for endometriosis because of their excellent therapeutic effects and limited side effects. However, progestins have been unsuccessful in some symptomatic patients. The inability of the endometrium to respond properly to progesterone is known as progesterone resistance. An increasing body of evidence suggests the loss of progesterone signaling and the existence of progesterone resistance in endometriosis. The mechanisms of progesterone resistance have received considerable scholarly attention in recent years. Abnormal PGR signaling, chronic inflammation, aberrant gene expression, epigenetic alterations, and environmental toxins are considered potential molecular causes of progesterone resistance in endometriosis. The general objective of this review was to summarize the evidence and mechanisms of progesterone resistance. A deeper understanding of how these mechanisms contribute to progesterone resistance may help develop a novel therapeutic regimen for women with endometriosis by reversing progesterone resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhang
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Guoyun Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China
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13
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From Retrograde Menstruation to Endometrial Determinism and a Brave New World of "Root Treatment" of Endometriosis: Destiny or a Fanciful Utopia? Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020336. [PMID: 36830705 PMCID: PMC9953699 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Practically unknown outside of China, the "endometrial determinism" theory was proposed to account for the apparent gap between the relatively low prevalence of endometriosis and nearly universal retrograde menstruation. Attracting uncritical advocacy, the theory culminates in a recent consensus by elite Chinese gynecologists in favor of "root treatment", intended to nip endometriosis in the bud. Correcting endometrial "defects" can gain further momentum by the presence of cancer-driver mutations such as KRAS mutations in the endometrium of women with endometriosis and the recent introduction of therapeutics aiming to rectify the effect of these mutations for cancer treatment. We provide a critical appraisal of evidence for endometrial aberrations in endometriosis and relevant experimental evidence. All available evidence of endometrial "defect" is invariably post hoc and may well be secondary to induced endometriosis. We propose that the theory of "endometrial determinism" needs to demonstrate a clear causal and a phylogenetic relationship between endometrial aberrations and endometriosis. We argue that while it is highly likely that endometriosis is a consequence of retrograde menstruation, the case that molecular aberrations as a sole or a necessary determinant remains to be proven. "Root treatment" is a worthy ambition but as of now it is close to a fanciful Utopia.
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14
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Bonavina G, Taylor HS. Endometriosis-associated infertility: From pathophysiology to tailored treatment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1020827. [PMID: 36387918 PMCID: PMC9643365 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1020827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the clinically recognized association between endometriosis and infertility, the mechanisms implicated in endometriosis-associated infertility are not fully understood. Endometriosis is a multifactorial and systemic disease that has pleiotropic direct and indirect effects on reproduction. A complex interaction between endometriosis subtype, pain, inflammation, altered pelvic anatomy, adhesions, disrupted ovarian reserve/function, and compromised endometrial receptivity as well as systemic effects of the disease define endometriosis-associated infertility. The population of infertile women with endometriosis is heterogeneous, and diverse patients' phenotypes can be observed in the clinical setting, thus making difficult to establish a precise diagnosis and a single mechanism of endometriosis related infertility. Moreover, clinical management of infertility associated with endometriosis can be challenging due to this heterogeneity. Innovative non-invasive diagnostic tools are on the horizon that may allow us to target the specific dysfunctional alteration in the reproduction process. Currently the treatment should be individualized according to the clinical situation and to the suspected level of impairment. Here we review the etiology of endometriosis related infertility as well as current treatment options, including the roles of surgery and assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bonavina
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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15
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Sex Steroid Receptors in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometriosis: Insights from Laboratory Studies to Clinical Trials. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071705. [PMID: 35885010 PMCID: PMC9312843 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis are reproductive disorders that may cause infertility. The pathology of both diseases has been suggested to be associated with sex steroid hormone receptors, including oestrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PRs) and androgen receptors (ARs). Therefore, with this review, we aim to provide an update on the available knowledge of these receptors and how their interactions contribute to the pathogenesis of PCOS and endometriosis. One of the main PCOS-related medical conditions is abnormal folliculogenesis, which is associated with the downregulation of ER and AR expression in the ovaries. In addition, metabolic disorders in PCOS are caused by dysregulation of sex steroid hormone receptor expression. Furthermore, endometriosis is related to the upregulation of ER and the downregulation of PR expression. These receptors may serve as therapeutic targets for the treatment of PCOS-related disorders and endometriosis, considering their pathophysiological roles. Receptor agonists may be applied to increase the expression of a specific receptor and treat endometriosis or metabolic disorders. In contrast, receptor antagonist functions to reduce receptor expression and can be used to treat endometriosis and induce ovulation. Understanding PCOS and the pathological roles of endometriosis sex steroid receptors is crucial for developing potential therapeutic strategies to treat infertility in both conditions. Therefore, research should be continued to fill the knowledge gap regarding the subject.
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16
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The expression pattern of endometrial receptivity genes is desynchronized between endometrium and matched endometriomas. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:713-720. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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17
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Tarumi Y, Mori T, Shimura K, Izumi Y, Okimura H, Kataoka H, Kokabu T, Ito F, Koshiba A, Khan KN, Kusuki I, Kitawaki J. Progesterone Receptor Status of Epithelial Cells as a Predictive Marker for Postoperative Recurrence of Endometriosis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:1552-1559. [PMID: 35235655 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Progesterone resistance including progesterone receptor (PR) deficiency contributes to the pathophysiology of endometriosis; however, whether the PR expression levels in ovarian endometrioma (OE) correlate with the postoperative recurrence of endometriosis remains unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the association between PR expression levels in OE and the recurrence of endometriosis. METHODS OE specimens were obtained from 132 patients who underwent conservative surgery for endometriosis. The PR expression levels were evaluated using the H score after immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS Of the 132 patients, 36 (27.3%) experienced recurrence and 96 (72.7%) did not. No differences were observed in the patient characteristics between the recurrence and nonrecurrence groups except for follow-up period. PR immunoreactivity in the epithelial cells (ECs) was statistically significantly lower in the recurrent group than in the nonrecurrent group (P < .01); however, this change was not observed in the stromal cells. Moreover, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the H score of PR in ECs was an independent factor and was statistically significantly associated with the recurrence of endometriosis (P = .01). Furthermore, we divided the patients into PR-negative or PR-positive groups. The cumulative recurrence rate in the negative PR group was statistically significantly higher than that in the positive PR group (P = .046). CONCLUSION Low PR expression levels in OE-ECs may predict the recurrence of endometriosis. The PR status in OE-ECs is associated with the pathophysiology of the recurrence of endometriosis, and optimized postoperative management for endometriosis may be provided by referring to the PR status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Tarumi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Taisuke Mori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Koki Shimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yuko Izumi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Okimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Hisashi Kataoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kokabu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Fumitake Ito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Akemi Koshiba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Khaleque N Khan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Izumi Kusuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Jo Kitawaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
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18
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MicroRNAs and Progesterone Receptor Signaling in Endometriosis Pathophysiology. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071096. [PMID: 35406659 PMCID: PMC8997421 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a significant disease characterized by infertility and pelvic pain in which endometrial stromal and glandular tissue grow in ectopic locations. Altered responsiveness to progesterone is a contributing factor to endometriosis pathophysiology, but the precise mechanisms are poorly understood. Progesterone resistance influences both the eutopic and ectopic (endometriotic lesion) endometrium. An inability of the eutopic endometrium to properly respond to progesterone is believed to contribute to the infertility associated with the disease, while an altered responsiveness of endometriotic lesion tissue may contribute to the survival of the ectopic tissue and associated symptoms. Women with endometriosis express altered levels of several endometrial progesterone target genes which may be due to the abnormal expression and/or function of progesterone receptors and/or chaperone proteins, as well as inflammation, genetics, and epigenetics. MiRNAs are a class of epigenetic modulators proposed to play a role in endometriosis pathophysiology, including the modulation of progesterone signaling. In this paper, we summarize the role of progesterone receptors and progesterone signaling in endometriosis pathophysiology, review miRNAs, which are over-expressed in endometriosis tissues and fluids, and follow this with a discussion on the potential regulation of key progesterone signaling components by these miRNAs, concluding with suggestions for future research endeavors in this area.
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19
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MacLean JA, Hayashi K. Progesterone Actions and Resistance in Gynecological Disorders. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040647. [PMID: 35203298 PMCID: PMC8870180 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen and progesterone and their signaling mechanisms are tightly regulated to maintain a normal menstrual cycle and to support a successful pregnancy. The imbalance of estrogen and progesterone disrupts their complex regulatory mechanisms, leading to estrogen dominance and progesterone resistance. Gynecological diseases are heavily associated with dysregulated steroid hormones and can induce chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, heavy bleeding, and infertility, which substantially impact the quality of women’s lives. Because the menstrual cycle repeatably occurs during reproductive ages with dynamic changes and remodeling of reproductive-related tissues, these alterations can accumulate and induce chronic and recurrent conditions. This review focuses on faulty progesterone signaling mechanisms and cellular responses to progesterone in endometriosis, adenomyosis, leiomyoma (uterine fibroids), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometrial hyperplasia. We also summarize the association with gene mutations and steroid hormone regulation in disease progression as well as current hormonal therapies and the clinical consequences of progesterone resistance.
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20
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Mooney SS, Ross V, Stern C, Rogers PAW, Healey M. Obstetric Outcome After Surgical Treatment of Endometriosis: A Review of the Literature. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:750750. [DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.750750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A diagnosis of endometriosis is associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes including placenta praevia and preterm birth. Some studies have also suggested associations with gestational hypertension, foetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes, perinatal death, and obstetric haemorrhage. This review aims to assess the impact of pre-pregnancy surgical treatment of endometriosis on future obstetric outcomes. A search of the Medline, Embase and PubMed electronic databases was performed to identify studies reporting pre-pregnancy surgery for endometriosis and subsequent pregnancy outcome compared to controls with unresected endometriosis. Three studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies were heterogenous in design, definition of study groups and outcome measures. All three studies were judged at critical risk of bias. Pre-pregnancy excision of endometriosis was associated with an increased risk of caesarean section in one of two studies, OR 1.72 (95% CI 1.59–1.86) and OR 1.79 (95% CI 0.69–4.64). Placenta praevia rates were also increased in one of two studies OR 2.83 (95% CI 0.56–12.31) and OR 2.04 (95% CI 1.66–2.52). One study found increased risks of preterm birth, small for gestational age, gestational hypertension, and antepartum and postpartum haemorrhage (all p < 0.05) with pre-pregnancy excision of endometriosis. There is insufficient evidence examining the role of pre-pregnancy endometriosis surgery in ameliorating adverse pregnancy outcomes, and thus reliable conclusions cannot be drawn. Prospectively designed studies are needed to assess the relationship between surgical treatments for endometriosis and obstetric outcome and examine potential confounders such as comorbid adenomyosis and infertility.
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21
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GnRH Antagonists with or without Add-Back Therapy: A New Alternative in the Management of Endometriosis? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111342. [PMID: 34768770 PMCID: PMC8583814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the effectiveness of a new class of medical drugs, namely oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists, in the management of premenopausal women with endometriosis-associated pelvic pain. We reviewed the most relevant papers (n = 27) on the efficacy of new medical alternatives (oral GnRH antagonists) as therapy for endometriosis. We first briefly summarized the concept of progesterone resistance and established that oral contraceptives and progestogens work well in two-thirds of women suffering from endometriosis. Since clinical evidence shows that estrogens play a critical role in the pathogenesis of the disease, lowering their levels with oral GnRH antagonists may well prove effective, especially in women who fail to respond to progestogens. There is a need for reliable long-term oral treatment capable of managing endometriosis symptoms, taking into consideration both the main symptoms and phenotype of the disease. Published studies reviewed and discussed here confirm the efficacy of GnRH antagonists. There is a place for GnRH antagonists in the management of symptomatic endometriosis. Novel algorithms that take into account the different phenotypes are proposed.
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22
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Progesterone receptor isoform B regulates the Oxtr- Plcl2- Trpc3 pathway to suppress uterine contractility. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2011643118. [PMID: 33707208 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2011643118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine contractile dysfunction leads to pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and labor dystocia. In humans, it is hypothesized that progesterone receptor isoform PGR-B promotes a relaxed state of the myometrium, and PGR-A facilitates uterine contraction. This hypothesis was tested in vivo using transgenic mouse models that overexpress PGR-A or PGR-B in smooth muscle cells. Elevated PGR-B abundance results in a marked increase in gestational length compared to control mice (21.1 versus 19.1 d respectively, P < 0.05). In both ex vivo and in vivo experiments, PGR-B overexpression leads to prolonged labor, a significant decrease in uterine contractility, and a high incidence of labor dystocia. Conversely, PGR-A overexpression leads to an increase in uterine contractility without a change in gestational length. Uterine RNA sequencing at midpregnancy identified 1,174 isoform-specific downstream targets and 424 genes that are commonly regulated by both PGR isoforms. Gene signature analyses further reveal PGR-B for muscle relaxation and PGR-A being proinflammatory. Elevated PGR-B abundance reduces Oxtr and Trpc3 and increases Plcl2 expression, which manifests a genetic profile of compromised oxytocin signaling. Functionally, both endogenous PLCL2 and its paralog PLCL1 can attenuate uterine muscle cell contraction in a CRISPRa-based assay system. These findings provide in vivo support that PGR isoform levels determine distinct transcriptomic landscapes and pathways in myometrial function and labor, which may help further the understanding of abnormal uterine function in the clinical setting.
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Yoshino O, Ono Y, Honda M, Hattori K, Sato E, Hiraoka T, Ito M, Kobayashi M, Arai K, Katayama H, Tsuchida H, Yamada-Nomoto K, Iwahata S, Fukushi Y, Wada S, Iwase H, Koga K, Osuga Y, Iwaoka M, Unno N. Relaxin-2 May Suppress Endometriosis by Reducing Fibrosis, Scar Formation, and Inflammation. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8110467. [PMID: 33142814 PMCID: PMC7693148 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8110467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Relaxin (RLX)-2, produced by the corpus luteum and placenta, is known to be potentially effective in fibrotic diseases of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and bladder; however, its effectiveness in endometriosis has not yet been investigated. In the present study, we conducted a comprehensive study on the effect of RLX-2 on endometriosis. We checked the expressions of LGR-7, a primary receptor of RLX-2, in endometriomas using immunohistochemistry. Endometriotic stromal cells (ESCs) purified from surgical specimens were used in in vitro experiments. The effects of RLX-2 on ESCs were evaluated by quantitative-PCR, ELISA, and Western blotting. Gel contraction assay was used to assess the contraction suppressive effect of RLX-2. The effect of RLX-2 was also examined in the endometriosis mouse model. LGR-7 was expressed in endometriotic lesions. In ESCs, RLX-2 increased the production of cAMP and suppressed the secretion of interleukin-8, an inflammatory cytokine, by 15% and mRNA expression of fibrosis-related molecules, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and collagen-I by approximately 50% (p < 0.05). In the gel contraction assay, RLX-2 significantly suppressed the contraction of ESCs, which was cancelled by removing RLX-2 from the medium or by adding H89, a Protein Kinase A (PKA) inhibitor. In ESCs stimulated with RLX-2, p38 MAPK phosphorylation was significantly suppressed. In the endometriosis mouse model, administration of RLX-2 significantly decreased the area of the endometriotic-like lesion with decreasing fibrotic component compared to non-treated control (p = 0.01). RLX-2 may contribute to the control of endometriotic lesion by suppressing fibrosis, scar formation, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Yoshino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan; (M.H.); (K.H.); (E.S.); (T.H.); (S.I.); (H.I.); (N.U.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Yosuke Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, Hokkaido 006-0811, Japan; (Y.O.); (Y.F.); (S.W.)
| | - Masako Honda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan; (M.H.); (K.H.); (E.S.); (T.H.); (S.I.); (H.I.); (N.U.)
| | - Kyoko Hattori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan; (M.H.); (K.H.); (E.S.); (T.H.); (S.I.); (H.I.); (N.U.)
| | - Erina Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan; (M.H.); (K.H.); (E.S.); (T.H.); (S.I.); (H.I.); (N.U.)
| | - Takehiro Hiraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan; (M.H.); (K.H.); (E.S.); (T.H.); (S.I.); (H.I.); (N.U.)
| | - Masami Ito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; (M.I.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (K.Y.-N.)
| | - Mutsumi Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; (M.I.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (K.Y.-N.)
| | - Kenta Arai
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tokai University, Tokyo 259-1292, Japan; (K.A.); (M.I.)
| | - Hidekazu Katayama
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University, Tokyo 259-1292, Japan;
| | - Hiroyoshi Tsuchida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; (M.I.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (K.Y.-N.)
| | - Kaori Yamada-Nomoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; (M.I.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (K.Y.-N.)
| | - Shunsuke Iwahata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan; (M.H.); (K.H.); (E.S.); (T.H.); (S.I.); (H.I.); (N.U.)
| | - Yoshiyuki Fukushi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, Hokkaido 006-0811, Japan; (Y.O.); (Y.F.); (S.W.)
| | - Shinichiro Wada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, Hokkaido 006-0811, Japan; (Y.O.); (Y.F.); (S.W.)
| | - Haruko Iwase
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan; (M.H.); (K.H.); (E.S.); (T.H.); (S.I.); (H.I.); (N.U.)
| | - Kaori Koga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan; (K.K.); (Y.O.)
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan; (K.K.); (Y.O.)
| | - Michio Iwaoka
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tokai University, Tokyo 259-1292, Japan; (K.A.); (M.I.)
| | - Nobuya Unno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan; (M.H.); (K.H.); (E.S.); (T.H.); (S.I.); (H.I.); (N.U.)
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Guo X, Li TC, Chen X. The endometrial proteomic profile around the time of embryo implantation†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:11-26. [PMID: 32856701 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is an intricate process which requires competent embryo and receptive endometrium. The failure of endometrium to achieve receptivity is a recognized cause of infertility. However, due to multiplicity of events involved, the molecular mechanisms governing endometrial receptivity are still not fully understood. Traditional one-by-one approaches, including western blotting and histochemistry, are insufficient to examine the extensive changes of endometrial proteome. Although genomics and transcriptomics studies have identified several significant genes, the underlying mechanism remains to be uncovered owing to post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications. Proteomic technologies are high throughput in protein identification, and they are now intensively used to identify diagnostic and prognostic markers in the field of reproductive medicine. There is a series of studies analyzing endometrial proteomic profile, which has provided a mechanistic insight into implantation failure. These published studies mainly focused on the difference between pre-receptive and receptive stages of endometrium, as well as on the alternation of endometrial proteomics in women with reproductive failure. Here, we review recent data from proteomic analyses regarding endometrium around the time of embryo implantation and propose possible future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Guo
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Tin Chiu Li
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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Reis FM, Coutinho LM, Vannuccini S, Batteux F, Chapron C, Petraglia F. Progesterone receptor ligands for the treatment of endometriosis: the mechanisms behind therapeutic success and failure. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:565-585. [PMID: 32412587 PMCID: PMC7317284 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite intense research, it remains intriguing why hormonal therapies in general and progestins in particular sometimes fail in endometriosis. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We review here the action mechanisms of progesterone receptor ligands in endometriosis, identify critical differences between the effects of progestins on normal endometrium and endometriosis and envisage pathways to escape drug resistance and improve the therapeutic response of endometriotic lesions to such treatments. SEARCH METHODS We performed a systematic Pubmed search covering articles published since 1958 about the use of progestins, estro-progestins and selective progesterone receptor modulators, to treat endometriosis and its related symptoms. Two reviewers screened the titles and abstracts to select articles for full-text assessment. OUTCOMES Progesterone receptor signalling leads to down-regulation of estrogen receptors and restrains local estradiol production through interference with aromatase and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1. Progestins inhibit cell proliferation, inflammation, neovascularisation and neurogenesis in endometriosis. However, progesterone receptor expression is reduced and disrupted in endometriotic lesions, with predominance of the less active isoform (PRA) over the full-length, active isoform (PRB), due to epigenetic abnormalities affecting the PGR gene transcription. Oxidative stress is another mechanism involved in progesterone resistance in endometriosis. Among the molecular targets of progesterone in the normal endometrium that resist progestin action in endometriotic cells are the nuclear transcription factor FOXO1, matrix metalloproteinases, the transmembrane gap junction protein connexin 43 and paracrine regulators of estradiol metabolism. Compared to other phenotypes, deep endometriosis appears to be more resistant to size regression upon medical treatments. Individual genetic characteristics can affect the bioavailability and pharmacodynamics of hormonal drugs used to treat endometriosis and, hence, explain part of the variability in the therapeutic response. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Medical treatment of endometriosis needs urgent innovation, which should start by deeper understanding of the disease core features and diverse phenotypes and idiosyncrasies, while moving from pure hormonal treatments to drug combinations or novel molecules capable of restoring the various homeostatic mechanisms disrupted by endometriotic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando M Reis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics II and Reproductive Medicine, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Larissa M Coutinho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Careggi University Hospital University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Vannuccini
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Careggi University Hospital University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics II and Reproductive Medicine, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Batteux
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Charles Chapron
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics II and Reproductive Medicine, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Careggi University Hospital University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Anupa G, Sharma JB, Roy KK, Sengupta J, Ghosh D. An assessment of the multifactorial profile of steroid-metabolizing enzymes and steroid receptors in the eutopic endometrium during moderate to severe ovarian endometriosis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:111. [PMID: 31878927 PMCID: PMC6933937 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0553-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies of expression profiles of major endometrial effectors of steroid physiology in endometriosis have yielded markedly conflicting conclusions, presumably because the relative effects of type of endometriosis, fertility history and menstrual cycle phases on the measured variables were not considered. In the present study, endometrial mRNA and protein levels of several effectors of steroid biosynthesis and action in patients with stage III-IV ovarian endometriosis (OE) with known fertility and menstrual cycle histories were compared with the levels in control endometrium to test this concept. METHODS Endometrial samples were collected from patients without endometriosis (n = 32) or OE stages III-IV (n = 52) with known fertility and cycle histories. qRT-PCR and immunoblotting experiments were performed to measure levels of NR5A1, STAR, CYP19A1, HSD17Bs, ESRs and PGR transcripts and proteins, respectively. Tissue concentrations of steroids (P4, T, E1 and E2) were measured using ELISAs. RESULTS The levels of expression of aromatase and ERβ were lower (P < 0.0001) and 17β-HSD1 (P < 0.0001) and PRA (P < 0.01) were higher in OE endometrium. Lower aromatase levels and higher 17β-HSD1 levels were detected in fertile (aromatase: P < 0.05; 17β-HSD1: P < 0.0001) and infertile (aromatase: P < 0.0001; 17β-HSD1: P < 0.0001) OE endometrium than in the matched control tissues. Both proliferative (PP) and secretory (SP) phase OE samples expressed aromatase (P < 0.0001) and ERβ (PP: P < 0.001; SP: P < 0.01) at lower levels and 17β-HSD1 (P < 0.0001) and PRA (PP: P < 0.01; SP: P < 0.0001) at higher levels than matched controls. Higher 17β-HSD1 (P < 0.01) and E2 (P < 0.05) levels and a lower (P < 0.01) PRB/PRA ratio was observed in infertile secretory phase OE endometrium than in control. CONCLUSIONS We report that dysregulated expression of 17β-HSD1 and PGR resulting in hyperestrogenism and progesterone resistance during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, rather than an anomaly in aromatase expression, was the hallmark of eutopic endometrium from infertile OE patients. Furthermore, the results provide proof of concept that the fertility and menstrual cycle histories exerted relatively different effects on steroid physiology in the endometrium from OE patients compared with the control subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Anupa
- 0000 0004 1767 6103grid.413618.9Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
- 0000 0004 1767 6103grid.413618.9Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jai Bhagwan Sharma
- 0000 0004 1767 6103grid.413618.9Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Kallol K. Roy
- 0000 0004 1767 6103grid.413618.9Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jayasree Sengupta
- 0000 0004 1767 6103grid.413618.9Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Debabrata Ghosh
- 0000 0004 1767 6103grid.413618.9Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Da Broi MG, Meola J, Plaça JR, Peronni KC, Rocha CV, Silva WA, Ferriani RA, Navarro PA. Is the profile of transcripts altered in the eutopic endometrium of infertile women with endometriosis during the implantation window? Hum Reprod 2019; 34:2381-2390. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION
Compared to healthy women, is the profile of transcripts altered in the eutopic endometrium of infertile women with endometriosis during the implantation window (IW)?
SUMMARY ANSWER
The eutopic endometrium of infertile women with endometriosis seems to be transcriptionally similar to the endometrium of infertile and fertile controls (FC) during the IW.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Endometriosis is a disease related to infertility; nevertheless, little is known regarding the ethiopathogenic mechanisms underlying this association. Some studies evaluating the eutopic endometrium of endometriosis patients suggest there is an endometrial factor involved in the disease-related infertility. However, no study to date has evaluated the endometrial transcriptome (mRNA and miRNA) by next generation sequencing (NGS), comparing patients with endometriosis as the exclusive infertility factor (END) to infertile controls (IC; male and/or tubal factor) and FC.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
From November 2011 to November 2015 we performed a case-control study, where 17 endometrial samples (six END, six IC, five FC) were collected during the IW.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
All endometrial samples had the RNA extracted. Two libraries were prepared for each one (mRNA and miRNA), which were sequenced, respectively, at HISEQ 2500 (RNA-Seq) and MiSeq System (miRNA-Seq), Illumina. The normalization and differential expression were conducted in statistical R environment using DESeq2 package. qPCR was used for data validation, which were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn posttest (P < 0.05).
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
RNA-Seq revealed no differentially expressed genes (DEG) among END, IC and FC groups. miRNA-Seq revealed three differentially expressed miRNAs (has-27a-5p, has-miR-150-5p, has-miR-504-5p) in END group compared to FC group. However, none of the miRNAs identified in the sequencing was validated by qPCR.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
The main limitation of this study was the small sample size evaluated as a result of the restrictive eligibility criteria adopted, limiting the generalization of the results obtained here. On the other hand, strict eligibility criteria, which eliminated factors potentially related to impaired endometrial receptivity, were required to increase the study’s internal validity.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
This study brings new perspectives on the mechanisms involved in endometriosis-related infertility. The present findings suggest the eutopic endometrium of infertile women with endometriosis, without considering the disease’s stage, is transcriptionally similar to controls during the IW, possibly not affecting receptivity. Further studies are needed to evaluate endometrial alterations related to endometriosis’ stages.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
This study received financial support from the Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP—Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo; fellowship 2011/17614–6, MGB) and from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq—Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico; INCT—National Institutes of Hormones and Woman’s Health, grant 471 943/2012-6, 309 397/2016-2, PAN; fellowship 140 137/2015-7, MGB). The authors have no conflicts of interest.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Da Broi
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirao Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - J Meola
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirao Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - J R Plaça
- Center for Integrative Systems Biology—CISBi, NAP/USP, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirao Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - K C Peronni
- Center for Medical Genomics, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirao Preto (HCFMRP)/University of Sao Paulo (USP), Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirao Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - C V Rocha
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirao Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - W A Silva
- Center for Integrative Systems Biology—CISBi, NAP/USP, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirao Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
- Center for Medical Genomics, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirao Preto (HCFMRP)/University of Sao Paulo (USP), Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirao Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirao Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - R A Ferriani
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirao Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
- National Institute of Hormones and Woman’s Health, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - P A Navarro
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirao Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
- National Institute of Hormones and Woman’s Health, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Aldo-keto reductase 1C3-Assessment as a new target for the treatment of endometriosis. Pharmacol Res 2019; 152:104446. [PMID: 31546014 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder, which is treated surgically and/ or pharmacologically with an unmet clinical need for new therapeutics. A completed phase I trial and a recent phase II trial that investigated the steroidal aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) inhibitor BAY1128688 in endometriosis patients prompted this critical assessment on the role of AKR1C3 in endometriosis. This review includes an introduction to endometriosis with emphasis on the roles of prostaglandins and progesterone in its pathophysiology. This is followed by an overview of the major enzymatic activities and physiological functions of AKR1C3 and of the data published to date on the expression of AKR1C3 in endometriosis at the mRNA and protein levels. The review concludes with the rationale for using AKR1C3 inhibitors, a discussion of the effects of AKR1C3 inhibition on the pathophysiology of endometriosis and a brief overview of other drugs under clinical investigation for this indication.
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Marquardt RM, Kim TH, Shin JH, Jeong JW. Progesterone and Estrogen Signaling in the Endometrium: What Goes Wrong in Endometriosis? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3822. [PMID: 31387263 PMCID: PMC6695957 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the healthy endometrium, progesterone and estrogen signaling coordinate in a tightly regulated, dynamic interplay to drive a normal menstrual cycle and promote an embryo-receptive state to allow implantation during the window of receptivity. It is well-established that progesterone and estrogen act primarily through their cognate receptors to set off cascades of signaling pathways and enact large-scale gene expression programs. In endometriosis, when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterine cavity, progesterone and estrogen signaling are disrupted, commonly resulting in progesterone resistance and estrogen dominance. This hormone imbalance leads to heightened inflammation and may also increase the pelvic pain of the disease and decrease endometrial receptivity to embryo implantation. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms governing progesterone and estrogen signaling supporting endometrial function and how they become dysregulated in endometriosis. Understanding how these mechanisms contribute to the pelvic pain and infertility associated with endometriosis will open new avenues of targeted medical therapies to give relief to the millions of women suffering its effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Marquardt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jung-Ho Shin
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guro Hospital, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul 08318, Korea
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
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Rocha-Junior CV, Da Broi MG, Miranda-Furtado CL, Navarro PA, Ferriani RA, Meola J. Progesterone Receptor B ( PGR-B) Is Partially Methylated in Eutopic Endometrium From Infertile Women With Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2019; 26:1568-1574. [PMID: 30782101 DOI: 10.1177/1933719119828078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is frequently related to infertility and little is known about the mechanisms underlying this association. Some studies point to an endometrial factor involved in this condition, which could compromise embryo implantation. Progesterone plays crucial role in endometrial receptivity by acting through progesterone receptor (PGR) isoforms PR-A and PR-B whose expression is epigenetically regulated by DNA methylation, in a specific promoter region for each isoform. Epigenetic changes in PGR-A and PGR-B may be related to progesterone resistance of endometriosis-related infertility. In order to better understand the mechanisms involved in endometrial receptivity, this case-control study aimed to compare the methylation pattern of PGR-A and PGR-B in eutopic endometrium from infertile women with and without endometriosis during the secretory phase. Endometrial biopsies from 19 patients (10 infertile women with endometriosis and 9 infertile controls) with regular cycles were performed during the secretory phase and were dated according to Noyes' criteria. The percentage of DNA methylation at PGR-A and PGR-B was carried out by high-resolution melting assay. The PGR-A gene showed 0% of DNA methylation (unmethylated) in both control and endometriosis groups. However, PGR-B gene showed a partially methylated pattern in majority of the patients (n = 7), with methylation percentage corresponding to 50%, while in the control group the percentage of methylation was 20% (hypomethylated; P = .04). The increased percentage of methylation at PGR-B may be related to reduced gene expression, which could compromise the endometrial receptivity in patients with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Valério Rocha-Junior
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Michele Gomes Da Broi
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Cristiana Libardi Miranda-Furtado
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Current address: Cristiana Libardi Miranda-Furtado is now with the Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Paula Andrea Navarro
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,National Institute of Hormones and Woman's Health, CNPq, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rui Alberto Ferriani
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,National Institute of Hormones and Woman's Health, CNPq, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Juliana Meola
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,National Institute of Hormones and Woman's Health, CNPq, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Maekawa R, Mihara Y, Sato S, Okada M, Tamura I, Shinagawa M, Shirafuta Y, Takagi H, Taketani T, Tamura H, Sugino N. Aberrant DNA methylation suppresses expression of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) in ovarian endometrioma. J Ovarian Res 2019; 12:14. [PMID: 30728052 PMCID: PMC6364435 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-019-0489-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In ovarian endometriomas (OE), the expression statuses of various steroid hormone receptors are altered compared with their expression statuses in eutopic endometrium (EE). For example, in OE, the expressions of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), which encodes ERα, and progesterone receptor (PGR) are downregulated, while the expression of ESR2, which encodes ERβ, is upregulated. The causes of these changes are unclear. DNA methylation of a specific region of a gene can result in tissue-specific gene expression. Such regions are called tissue-dependent and differentially methylated regions (T-DMRs). We previously reported that the tissue-specific expression of ESR1 is regulated by DNA methylation of a T-DMR in normal tissues. In the present study, we examined whether aberrant DNA methylation of the T-DMR is associated with the altered expressions of ESR1, ESR2 and PGR in OE. Results Gene expression levels of ESR1, ESR2 and PGR were measured by quantitative RT-PCR. The expression levels of ESR1 and PGR were significantly lower and the expression level of ESR2 was significantly higher in OE than in EE. DNA methylation statuses were examined with an Infinium HumanMethylation450K BeadChip and sodium bisulfite sequencing. DNA methylation at the T-DMRs of ESR1 were significantly higher in OE than in EE, but no significant differences were observed in the DNA methylation statuses of ESR2 and PGR. Conclusions Aberrant DNA methylation of the T-DMR was associated with the impaired expression of ESR1, but not the altered expressions of ESR2 and PGR, in OE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Maekawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube, 755-8505, Japan.
| | - Yumiko Mihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Shun Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Maki Okada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Isao Tamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shinagawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Shirafuta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Haruka Takagi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Taketani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Norihiro Sugino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi 1-1-1, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
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McKinnon B, Mueller M, Montgomery G. Progesterone Resistance in Endometriosis: an Acquired Property? Trends Endocrinol Metab 2018; 29:535-548. [PMID: 29934050 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus and is characterized by progesterone resistance and changes in global and progesterone target gene expression. However, the mechanism behind this and whether it is innate, acquired, or present in both the eutopic and ectopic tissue in not always clear. We find large-scale gene expression studies in eutopic tissue, indicative of progesterone resistance, are often contradictory, potentially due to the dynamic nature of this tissue, whereas suppressed progesterone receptor expression is supported in ectopic but not eutopic tissue. This suggests more studies are required in eutopic tissue particularly, and that potentially the suppressed progesterone receptor (PR) expression is a consequence of the pathogenic process and exposure to the peritoneal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett McKinnon
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Frauenklinik, Inselspital Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Michael Mueller
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Frauenklinik, Inselspital Bern, Switzerland
| | - Grant Montgomery
- Genomics of Reproductive Disorders, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Australia
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Wu SP, Li R, DeMayo FJ. Progesterone Receptor Regulation of Uterine Adaptation for Pregnancy. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2018; 29:481-491. [PMID: 29705365 PMCID: PMC6004243 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone acts through the progesterone receptor to direct physiological adaption of the uterus in preparation and completion of pregnancy. Genome-wide transcriptome and cistrome analyses have uncovered new members and novel modifiers of the progesterone signaling pathway. Genetically engineered mice allow functional assessment of newly identified genes in vivo and provide insights on the impact of progesterone receptor-dependent molecular mechanisms on pregnancy at the organ system level. Progesterone receptor isoforms collectively mediate progesterone signaling via their distinct and common downstream target genes, which makes the stoichiometry of isoforms relevant in modifying the progesterone activity. This review discusses recent advances on the discovery of the progesterone receptor network, with special focus on the endometrium at early pregnancy and myometrium during parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Rong Li
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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Abnormal Pathways in Endometriosis in Relation to Progesterone Resistance: A Review. JOURNAL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PELVIC PAIN DISORDERS 2017. [DOI: 10.5301/jeppd.5000302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disorder, and recent studies suggest that progesterone resistance may contribute to the development and pathophysiology of the disorder. Based on this, identification of genetic and molecular perturbations in the endometrium of women with endometriosis is an important step towards understanding the pathogenesis of the disease, and the development of novel treatment and diagnostic strategies. Methods A systematic literature search in PubMed and Embase was performed, and 118 articles were identified for further screening. Two reviewers performed article screening independently using Covidence, and 16 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of these studies. Results This review presents data from eutopic endometrial biopsies from women with and without endometriosis. Several biomarkers related to a downregulated progesterone response were identified and discussed in detail. Conclusions Our review demonstrates significant results concerning the biomarkers investigated, which may substantiate the theory of progesterone resistance in women with endometriosis. However, further research is necessary to determine their specific role and relevance.
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Broi MGD, Rocha CV, Meola J, Martins WP, Carvalho FM, Ferriani RA, Navarro PA. Expression of PGR, HBEGF, ITGAV, ITGB3 and SPP1 genes in eutopic endometrium of infertile women with endometriosis during the implantation window: a pilot study. JBRA Assist Reprod 2017; 21:196-202. [PMID: 28837027 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20170038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alterations in endometrial receptivity may be involved in the etiopathogenesis of endometriosis-related infertility. The literature has suggested that patients with endometriosis present progestin resistance, which could affect embryo implantation. We question the presence of alterations in the expression of the progesterone receptor gene (PGR) and the genes related to endometrium-embryo interaction regulated by progesterone. This pilot study compared the expression of PGR, HBEGF, ITGAV, ITGB3, and SPP1 genes in eutopic endometrium during the implantation window (IW) in infertile women with endometriosis with that observed in the endometrium of fertile and infertile controls. METHODS In this prospective case-control study, endometrial biopsies were performed during the IW in patients aged between 18 and 45 years old, with regular cycles and without endocrine/systemic dysfunctions, divided into endometriosis (END), infertile control (IC) and fertile control (FC) groups. Total RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and gene expression analysis by Real-Time PCR were performed. We assessed the size of the difference that our series was powered to detect. RESULTS From the 687 patients who underwent diagnostic videolaparoscopy or tubal ligation at the University Hospital, 130 were eligible. Of these, 32 had endometrial samples collected, with 17 confirmed in the IW. Fifteen samples (5 END, 5 IC and 5 FC) were analyzed. There was no significant difference in the expression of any studied gene. Our sample size allowed us to identify or discard large differences (two standard deviations) among the groups. CONCLUSION Endometriosis doesn't cause large changes in the endometrial expression of PGR, HBEGF, ITGAV, ITGB3 and SPP1 during the IW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele G Da Broi
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos V Rocha
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Meola
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Wellington P Martins
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Rui A Ferriani
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Paula A Navarro
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,National Institute of Hormones and Woman's Health, CNPq, Brazil
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Da Broi MG, Rocha CV, Carvalho FM, Martins WP, Ferriani RA, Navarro PA. Ultrastructural Evaluation of Eutopic Endometrium of Infertile Women With and Without Endometriosis During the Window of Implantation: A Pilot Study. Reprod Sci 2017; 24:1469-1475. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719117691142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michele G. Da Broi
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos V. Rocha
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Wellington P. Martins
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rui A. Ferriani
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula A. Navarro
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute of Hormones and Women’s Health – CNPq, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Handra-Luca A, Ben Romdhane M. Appendiceal Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2016; 24:339-341. [PMID: 28013575 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116683810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Handra-Luca
- 1 APHP GHU Avicenne, Universite Paris Nord Sorbonne Cite, Bobigny, France.,2 Service d'Anatomie Pathologique, Université Paris Nord Sorbonne Cite, Bobigny, France
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Greene AD, Lang SA, Kendziorski JA, Sroga-Rios JM, Herzog TJ, Burns KA. Endometriosis: where are we and where are we going? Reproduction 2016; 152:R63-78. [PMID: 27165051 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis currently affects ~5.5 million reproductive-aged women in the U.S. with symptoms such as painful periods (dysmenorrhea), chronic pelvic pain, pain with intercourse (dyspareunia), and infertility. It is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity and is found predominately attached to sites within the peritoneal cavity. Diagnosis for endometriosis is solely made through surgery as no consistent biomarkers for disease diagnosis exist. There is no cure for endometriosis and treatments only target symptoms and not the underlying mechanism(s) of disease. The nature of individual predisposing factors or inherent defects in the endometrium, immune system, and/or peritoneal cavity of women with endometriosis remains unclear. The literature over the last 5 years (2010-2015) has advanced our critical knowledge related to hormones, hormone receptors, immune dysregulation, hormonal treatments, and the transformation of endometriosis to ovarian cancer. In this review, we cover the aforementioned topics with the goal of providing the reader an overview and related references for further study to highlight the progress made in endometriosis research, while concluding with critical areas of endometriosis research that are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis D Greene
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Cincinnati Center for Reproductive Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Stephanie A Lang
- Department of Environmental HealthUniversity of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jessica A Kendziorski
- Department of Environmental HealthUniversity of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Julie M Sroga-Rios
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Cincinnati Center for Reproductive Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Thomas J Herzog
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Cincinnati Center for Reproductive Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA University of Cincinnati Cancer InstituteUniversity of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Katherine A Burns
- Department of Environmental HealthUniversity of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Zhan L, Wang W, Zhang Y, Song E, Fan Y, Wei B. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha: A promising therapeutic target in endometriosis. Biochimie 2016; 123:130-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Grandi G, Mueller M, Bersinger NA, Cagnacci A, Volpe A, McKinnon B. Does dienogest influence the inflammatory response of endometriotic cells? A systematic review. Inflamm Res 2015; 65:183-92. [PMID: 26650031 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-015-0909-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN A systematic review of all literature was done to assess the ability of the progestin dienogest (DNG) to influence the inflammatory response of endometriotic cells. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES In vitro and in vivo studies report an influence of DNG on the inflammatory response in eutopic or ectopic endometrial tissue (animal or human). RESULTS After strict inclusion criteria were satisfied, 15 studies were identified that reported a DNG influence on the inflammatory response in endometrial tissue. These studies identified a modulation of prostaglandin (PG) production and metabolism (PGE2, PGE2 synthase, cyclo-oxygenase-2 and microsomal PGE synthase-1), pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and stromal cell-derived factor-1], growth factor biosynthesis (vascular endothelial growth factor and nerve growth factor) and signaling kinases, responsible for the control of inflammation. Evidence supports a progesterone receptor-mediated inhibition of the inflammatory response in PR-expressing epithelial cells. It also indicated that DNG inhibited the inflammatory response in stromal cells, however, whether this was via a PR-mediated mechanism is not clear. CONCLUSIONS DNG has a significant effect on the inflammatory microenvironment of endometriotic lesions that may contribute to its clinical efficacy. A better understanding of the specific anti-inflammatory activity of DNG and whether this contributes to its clinical efficacy can help develop treatments that focus on the inhibition of inflammation while minimizing hormonal modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Grandi
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Berne, Murtenstrasse 35, 3010, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Mueller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Inselspital, Berne University Hospital, Effingerstrasse 102, 3010, Berne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Berne, Murtenstrasse 35, 3010, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Nick A Bersinger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Inselspital, Berne University Hospital, Effingerstrasse 102, 3010, Berne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Berne, Murtenstrasse 35, 3010, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Angelo Cagnacci
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Annibale Volpe
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Brett McKinnon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Inselspital, Berne University Hospital, Effingerstrasse 102, 3010, Berne, Switzerland. .,Department of Clinical Research, University of Berne, Murtenstrasse 35, 3010, Berne, Switzerland.
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