1
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Lissaman AC, Girling JE, Cree LM, Campbell RE, Ponnampalam AP. Androgen signalling in the ovaries and endometrium. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad017. [PMID: 37171897 PMCID: PMC10663053 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, our understanding of hormonal regulation within the female reproductive system is largely based on our knowledge of estrogen and progesterone signalling. However, while the important functions of androgens in male physiology are well known, it is also recognized that androgens play critical roles in the female reproductive system. Further, androgen signalling is altered in a variety of gynaecological conditions, including endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, indicative of regulatory roles in endometrial and ovarian function. Co-regulatory mechanisms exist between different androgens, estrogens, and progesterone, resulting in a complex network of steroid hormone interactions. Evidence from animal knockout studies, in vitro experiments, and human data indicate that androgen receptor expression is cell-specific and menstrual cycle stage-dependent, with important regulatory roles in the menstrual cycle, endometrial biology, and follicular development in the ovaries. This review will discuss the expression and co-regulatory interactions of androgen receptors, highlighting the complexity of the androgen signalling pathway in the endometrium and ovaries, and the synthesis of androgens from additional alternative pathways previously disregarded as male-specific. Moreover, it will illustrate the challenges faced when studying androgens in female biology, and the need for a more in-depth, integrative view of androgen metabolism and signalling in the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbey C Lissaman
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jane E Girling
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Lynsey M Cree
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca E Campbell
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Anna P Ponnampalam
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Pūtahi Manawa-Healthy Hearts for Aotearoa New Zealand, Centre of Research Excellence, New Zealand
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2
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Hu M, Zhang Y, Lu Y, Han J, Guo T, Cui P, Brännström M, Shao LR, Billig H. Regulatory mechanisms of HMGB1 and its receptors in polycystic ovary syndrome-driven gravid uterine inflammation. FEBS J 2023; 290:1874-1906. [PMID: 36380688 PMCID: PMC10952262 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is critical for inflammatory homeostasis and successful pregnancy, and there is a strong association among elevated levels of HMGB1, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), chronic inflammation and pregnancy loss. However, the mechanisms responsible for PCOS-driven regulation of uterine HMGB1 and its candidate receptors [toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and 4] and inflammatory responses during pregnancy remain unclear. In this study, we found a gestational stage-dependent decrease in uterine HMGB1 and TLR4 protein abundance in rats during normal pregnancy. We demonstrated that increased expression of HMGB1, TLR2 and TLR4 proteins was associated with activation of inflammation-related signalling pathways in the gravid uterus exposed to 5α-dihydrotestosterone and insulin, mimicking the clinical features (hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance) of PCOS and this elevation was completely inhibited by treatment with the androgen receptor (AR) antagonist flutamide. Interestingly, acute exposure to lipopolysaccharide suppressed HMGB1, TLR4 and inflammation-related protein abundance but did not affect androgen levels or AR expression in the gravid uterus with viable fetuses. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that, in addition to being localized predominately in the nuclear compartment, HMGB1 immunoreactivity was also detected in the cytoplasm in the PCOS-like rat uterus, PCOS endometrium and pregnant rat uterus with haemorrhagic and resorbed fetuses, possibly via activation of nuclear factor κB signalling. These results suggest that both AR-dependent and AR-independent mechanisms contribute to the modulation of HMGB1/TLR2/TLR4-mediated uterine inflammation. We propose that the elevation of HMGB1 and its receptors and disruption of the pro-/anti-inflammatory balance in the gravid uterus may participate in the pathophysiology of PCOS-associated pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hu
- Department of Traditional Chinese MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityChina
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western MedicineGuangzhou Medical UniversityChina
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgSweden
| | - Yuehui Zhang
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgSweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated HospitalHeilongjiang University of Chinese MedicineHarbinChina
| | - Yaxing Lu
- Department of Traditional Chinese MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityChina
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western MedicineGuangzhou Medical UniversityChina
| | - Jing Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated HospitalHeilongjiang University of Chinese MedicineHarbinChina
| | - Tingting Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated HospitalHeilongjiang University of Chinese MedicineHarbinChina
| | - Peng Cui
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgSweden
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyShuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChina
| | - Mats Brännström
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgSweden
| | - Linus R. Shao
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgSweden
| | - Håkan Billig
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgSweden
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3
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What Role do Androgens Play in Endometrial Cancer? J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13020341. [PMID: 36836575 PMCID: PMC9960114 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13020341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of estrogens and progesterone in the development and progression of endometrial cancer is well-established, but there are very little data about the role of androgens. There are five different androgens produced in women: dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione (A4), testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The most potent hormones are T and DHT, the latter being mainly produced from T in peripheral tissues, including endometrium. Although they are considered to exert antiproliferative effects in many settings and the expression of their receptors is more often associated with a good prognosis in EC, it is still unknown in which specific settings androgens have carcinogenic or protective effects in EC.
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4
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Zhou Y, Yan H, Liu W, Hu C, Zhou Y, Sun R, Tang Y, Zheng C, Yang J, Cui Q. A multi-tissue transcriptomic landscape of female mice in estrus and diestrus provides clues for precision medicine. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:983712. [PMID: 36589755 PMCID: PMC9800588 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.983712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Female reproductive cycle, also known as menstrual cycle or estrous cycle in primate or non-primate mammals, respectively, dominates the reproductive processes in non-pregnant state. However, in addition to reproductive tissues, reproductive cycle could also perform global regulation because the receptors of two major female hormones fluctuating throughout the cycle, estrogen and progesterone, are widely distributed. Therefore, a multi-tissue gene expression landscape is in continuous demand for better understanding the systemic changes during the reproductive cycle but remains largely undefined. Here we delineated a transcriptomic landscape covering 15 tissues of C57BL/6J female mice in two phases of estrous cycle, estrus and diestrus, by RNA-sequencing. Then, a number of genes, pathways, and transcription factors involved in the estrous cycle were revealed. We found the estrous cycle could widely regulate the neuro-functions, immuno-functions, blood coagulation and so on. And behind the transcriptomic alteration between estrus and diestrus, 13 transcription factors may play important roles. Next, bioinformatics modeling with 1,263 manually curated gene signatures of various physiological and pathophysiological states systematically characterized the beneficial/deleterious effects brought by estrus/diestrus on individual tissues. We revealed that the estrous cycle has a significant effect on cardiovascular system (aorta, heart, vein), in which the anti-hypertensive pattern in aorta induced by estrus is one of the most striking findings. Inspired by this point, we validated that two hypotensive drugs, felodipine and acebutolol, could exhibit significantly enhanced efficacy in estrus than diestrus by mouse and rat experiments. Together, this study provides a valuable data resource for investigating reproductive cycle from a transcriptomic perspective, and presents models and clues for investigating precision medicine associated with reproductive cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Han Yan
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengqing Hu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruya Sun
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yida Tang
- Department of Cardiology, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Chao Zheng, ; Jichun Yang, ; Qinghua Cui,
| | - Jichun Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Chao Zheng, ; Jichun Yang, ; Qinghua Cui,
| | - Qinghua Cui
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Chao Zheng, ; Jichun Yang, ; Qinghua Cui,
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5
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Chen Y, Ma Y, Zhai Y, Yang H, Zhang C, Lu Y, Wei W, Cai Q, Ding X, Lu S, Fang Z. Persistent dysregulation of genes in the development of endometriosis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:1175. [PMID: 36467354 PMCID: PMC9708481 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-4806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects women of child-bearing age. Since the etiology and pathogenesis of endometriosis have not been fully elucidated, it is important to investigate the mechanisms that lead to the deterioration of endometriosis. METHODS In this study, the transcriptome data of patients with normal, mild, and severe endometriosis were examined using the GSE51981 dataset obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Short Time Series Expression Miner (STEM) was used to screen the genes with continuous expression disorder in the development process, and the core genes were identified by constructing a protein-protein interaction network. The molecular mechanisms of endometriosis were examined using enrichment analysis. Finally, the transcription factors that regulate the core genes were predicted and the comprehensive mechanisms involved in the development of endometriosis were examined. RESULTS A total of 3,472 differentially expressed genes were identified from the normal, mild, and severe endometriosis samples. These were allocated into 12 modules and HRAS, HSP90AA1, TGFB1, TP53, and UBC were selected as the core genes. Enrichment analysis showed that the genes in modules 6, 7, and 9 were significantly related to oxygen levels, metallic processes, and hormone levels, respectively. Transcription factor prediction analysis showed that TP53 regulates HRAS to participate in immune related signaling pathways. Drug prediction analysis identified 792 drugs that interact with the targeted core genes. CONCLUSIONS This study explored the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of endometriosis and identified potential biomarkers of endometriosis. This data may provide novel targets and research directions for the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Yanqun Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Yanzhi Zhai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Chunlan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Yingxin Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Qing Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Xuewen Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Shan Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Ziyu Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
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6
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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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7
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Kit O, Frantsiyants E, Bandovkina V, Moiseenko T, Chernikova N, Adamyan M, Poryvaev Y, Cheryarina N, Tumanyan S, Kornienko S. Modifying effect of obesity on the content of sex hormones and their receptors in endometrial adenocarcinoma and its surrounding tissue. CARDIOMETRY 2022. [DOI: 10.18137/cardiometry.2022.21.3440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To study the effect of comorbid pathology: obesity of degree 2-3 on the level of sex steroid hormones and their receptors in the tumor and its surrounding tissue in patients with endometrial cancer (EC). Materials and methods. In 30 patients with endometrioid adenocarcinoma T1-3N0-1M0 (the main group, 15 females with obesity grade 2-3 (BMI≥35); the reference group 15 females with normal BMI) in samples of the tumor and its perifocal zone taken after surgical treatment, the levels of estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), testosterone (T), progesterone (P4), androgen receptors (AR), progesterone receptors (RP4), estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) were determined by ELISA method. Statistical analysis was performed with STATISTICA 10.0. Results. Obese EC patients showed longer healing of postoperative wounds, slow recovery, and more frequent tumor metastasizing to regional lymph nodes. In the tumor samples in all patients, compared with the intact endometrium, the levels of estrogens, testosterone and their receptors were higher. Obesity accompanying the malignant process led to a local increase in the levels of estrogens, testosterone, progesterone and AR, ERα and ERβ in the tumor. In the tumor samples, there were no significant differences from the presence of obesity in the levels of RP4. In the perifocal zone of the tumor in patients with comorbid pathology, compared with the parameters in the reference group, the level of E2, P4 and T was also higher, but the content of all steroid receptors was lower. Conclusion. Obesity aggravates hyperestrogenism and progesterone deficiency in adenocarcinoma and increases its enrichment with the androgen and estrogen receptors with the prevalence of ERα over ERβ that may cause the autocrine-paracrine regulation of the growth and metastasizing of the malignant process in patients with endometrial cancer.
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8
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Xiao L, Sun W, Su Y, Lu N, He Y, Sheng X, Qi X, Xing K, Guo Y, Chang D, Wang X, Zhao J, Ni H. Dihydrotestosterone regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 expression in bovine endometrial epithelium cells by androgen receptor mediated EGFR/PI3K/Akt pathway. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 214:106001. [PMID: 34547381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.106001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Uterine prostaglandins F2α (PGF2α) is essential for implantation, initiation of luteolysis and delivery. Previous studies have demonstrated that the expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme limiting PGF2α rate, is regulated by steroid hormones, and also dihydrotestosterone (DHT) may be involved in regulating COX-2 expression both positively and negatively. However, it remains unclear how whether DHT regulates COX-2 expression and consequent PGF2α release in bovine endometrial epithelial cells (EECs). In this study, we evaluated the localization of the two isoforms of DHT synthetase 5α-reductase (5α-red1 and 5α-red2) and androgen receptor (AR) in bovine endometria by immunohistochemistry, and investigated 5α-red1, 5α-red2, AR, and DHT levels at the different stages of endometria (follicle, early-, mid-, and late-pregnancy phases). The results showed that 5α-red1, 5α-red2 and AR all were expressed in endometria, and their expressions and the level of DHT significantly increased in the late-pregnancy phase compared with the mid-pregnancy phase. Moreover, we cultured EECs from the mid-pregnancy phase and the in vitro study showed that DHT dose-dependently increased COX-2 expression and PGF2a release, but AR antagonist (flutamide) inhibited the stimulating effect via DHT. In addition, the DHT-induced COX-2 expression and PGF2α release were subjected to the regulation of both EGFR/PI3K/Akt/NFkB signaling as the inhibitors of EGFR (AG1478) and PI3K/Akt (LY294002) and NFkB (QNZ) attenuated the DHT mediated effect. Taken together, the results demonstrated that DHT-induced COX-2 expression and consequent PGF2α release in bovine EECs were mediated through AR-derived EGFR transactivation and PI3K/Akt cascade leading to NFkB activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Xiao
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Wanxu Sun
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Su
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Lu
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan He
- Zhangjiagang Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xihui Sheng
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolong Qi
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Xing
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Di Chang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangguo Wang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China.
| | - Junjin Zhao
- National Grazing Headquarter, Beijing, China
| | - Hemin Ni
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China.
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9
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Khatun M, Arffman RK, Lavogina D, Kangasniemi M, Laru J, Ahtikoski A, Lehtonen S, Paulson M, Hirschberg AL, Salumets A, Andersson LC, Piltonen TT. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome present with altered endometrial expression of stanniocalcin-1†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:306-315. [PMID: 31494675 PMCID: PMC7016287 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stanniocalcin-1 (STC-1) is a pro-survival factor that protects tissues against stressors, such as hypoxia and inflammation. STC-1 is co-expressed with the endometrial receptivity markers, and recently endometrial STC-1 was reported to be dysregulated in endometriosis, a condition linked with endometrial progesterone resistance and inflammation. These features are also common in the endometrium in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrine disorder in women. Given that women with PCOS present with subfertility, pregnancy complications, and increased risk for endometrial cancer, we investigated endometrial STC-1 expression in affected women. Endometrial biopsy samples were obtained from women with PCOS and controls, including samples from overweight/obese women with PCOS before and after a 3-month lifestyle intervention. A total of 98 PCOS and 85 control samples were used in immunohistochemistry, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, or in vitro cell culture. STC-1 expression was analyzed at different cycle phases and in endometrial stromal cells (eSCs) after steroid hormone exposure. The eSCs were also challenged with 8-bromo-cAMP and hypoxia for STC-1 expression. The findings indicate that STC-1 expression is not steroid hormone mediated although secretory-phase STC-1 expression was blunted in PCOS. Lower expression seems to be related to attenuated STC-1 response to stressors in PCOS eSCs, shown as downregulation of protein kinase A activity. The 3-month lifestyle intervention did not restore STC-1 expression in PCOS endometrium. More studies are warranted to further elucidate the mechanisms behind the altered endometrial STC-1 expression and rescue mechanism in the PCOS endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masuma Khatun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Riikka K Arffman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Darja Lavogina
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marika Kangasniemi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Johanna Laru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Anne Ahtikoski
- Department of Pathology, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Siri Lehtonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Mariana Paulson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andres Salumets
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Leif C Andersson
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Terhi T Piltonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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10
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Mikhaleva LM, Radzinsky VE, Orazov MR, Khovanskaya TN, Sorokina AV, Mikhalev SA, Volkova SV, Shustova VB, Sinelnikov MY. Current Knowledge on Endometriosis Etiology: A Systematic Review of Literature. Int J Womens Health 2021; 13:525-537. [PMID: 34104002 PMCID: PMC8179825 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s306135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To review the mechanisms of endometriosis development, including those related to epigenetic mutations, cellular dysregulation, inflammatory processes, and oxidative stress. Methods A systematic literature review regarding current aspects of endometriosis etiology, genesis and development was performed using the PubMed, Google Scholar, and eLibrary databases. Keywords included endometriosis, etiology, development, genesis, associations and mechanisms. A multilingual search was performed. Results Several mechanisms underline the pathophysiological pathways for endometriosis development. Epigenetic mutations, external and internal influences, and chronic conditions have a significant impact on endometriosis development, survival and regulation. Several historically valid theories on endometriosis development were discussed, as well as updated findings. Conclusion Despite recent advances, fundamental problems in understanding endometriosis remain unresolved. The identification of unknown circulating epithelial progenitors or stem cells that are responsible for epithelial growth in both the endometrium and endometriotic foci seems to be the next step in solving these questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyudmila M Mikhaleva
- Laboratory of Clinical Morphology, Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Tatyana N Khovanskaya
- Laboratory of Clinical Morphology, Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia V Sorokina
- Laboratory of Clinical Morphology, Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Victoria B Shustova
- Laboratory of Clinical Morphology, Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail Y Sinelnikov
- Laboratory of Clinical Morphology, Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
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11
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Palomba S, Piltonen TT, Giudice LC. Endometrial function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a comprehensive review. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:584-618. [PMID: 33302299 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility. An endometrial component has been suggested to contribute to subfertility and poor reproductive outcomes in affected women. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this review was to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support that endometrial function is altered in women with PCOS, whether clinical features of PCOS affect the endometrium, and whether there are evidence-based interventions to improve endometrial dysfunction in PCOS women. SEARCH METHODS An extensive literature search was performed from 1970 up to July 2020 using PubMed and Web of Science without language restriction. The search included all titles and abstracts assessing a relationship between PCOS and endometrial function, the role played by clinical and biochemical/hormonal factors related to PCOS and endometrial function, and the potential interventions aimed to improve endometrial function in women with PCOS. All published papers were included if considered relevant. Studies having a specific topic/hypothesis regarding endometrial cancer/hyperplasia in women with PCOS were excluded from the analysis. OUTCOMES Experimental and clinical data suggest that the endometrium differs in women with PCOS when compared to healthy controls. Clinical characteristics related to the syndrome, alone and/or in combination, may contribute to dysregulation of endometrial expression of sex hormone receptors and co-receptors, increase endometrial insulin-resistance with impaired glucose transport and utilization, and result in chronic low-grade inflammation, immune dysfunction, altered uterine vascularity, abnormal endometrial gene expression and cellular abnormalities in women with PCOS. Among several interventions to improve endometrial function in women with PCOS, to date, only lifestyle modification, metformin and bariatric surgery have the highest scientific evidence for clinical benefit. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Endometrial dysfunction and abnormal trophoblast invasion and placentation in PCOS women can predispose to miscarriage and pregnancy complications. Thus, patients and their health care providers should advise about these risks. Although currently no intervention can be universally recommended to reverse endometrial dysfunction in PCOS women, lifestyle modifications and metformin may improve underlying endometrial dysfunction and pregnancy outcomes in obese and/or insulin resistant patients. Bariatric surgery has shown its efficacy in severely obese PCOS patients, but a careful evaluation of the benefit/risk ratio is warranted. Large scale randomized controlled clinical trials should address these possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Palomba
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano of Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Terhi T Piltonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Linda C Giudice
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Joseph S, Mahale SD. Endometriosis Knowledgebase: a gene-based resource on endometriosis. DATABASE-THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DATABASES AND CURATION 2020; 2019:5511349. [PMID: 31169291 PMCID: PMC6551373 DOI: 10.1093/database/baz062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a complex, benign, estrogen-dependent gynecological disorder with an incidence of ~10% women in reproductive age. The implantation and growth of endometrial cells outside the uterus leads to the development of endometriosis. Endometriosis is also associated with comorbid conditions like cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. The absence of non-invasive diagnostic markers, delayed diagnosis, high risk of recurrence of the disease on surgical removal of the tissue and absence of a definitive cure for endometriosis makes it imperative to gain insights into the complex etiology of endometriosis. A plethora of genes identified from blood and endometrial biopsies, involved in different pathways like steroid metabolism, angiogenesis, inflammation, etc. have been associated with endometriosis. However, the exact mechanism and genetic etiology of endometriosis still remain unclear. The polygenic nature of the disease, incongruent phenotypic manifestations in different ethnic populations and information scattered in literature makes it difficult to delineate the sub-network of genes that will aid in disease diagnosis and effective treatment. Endometriosis Knowledgebase is a manually curated database with information on genes associated with endometriosis. It holds information on 831 genes, their associated polymorphisms, gene ontologys, pathways and diseases. Genes in the database are enriched in pathways important for cell signaling, immune regulation and reproduction. A genetic overlap is seen between endometriosis and cancers, endocrine/reproductive, nervous system, immune and metabolic diseases. Network analysis of genes in the Endometriosis Knowledgebase helped predict 13 new candidate genes for endometriosis. These genes were found to be enriched in biological processes associated with endometriosis. The Endometriosis Knowledgebase and incorporated tools for gene and sequence-based analysis will benefit both researchers and clinicians working in the realm of reproductive biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaini Joseph
- ICMR-Biomedical Informatics Center, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, J.M. Street, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Smita D Mahale
- ICMR-Biomedical Informatics Center, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, J.M. Street, Parel, Mumbai, India.,Division of Structural Biology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, J.M. Street, Parel, Mumbai, India
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13
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Xiao L, Song L, Hu J, Zhang Q, Jiang Y, Duan H, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Hua Y. Dihydrotestosterone synthesis in the sheep corpus luteum and its potential mechanism in luteal regression. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:15182-15193. [PMID: 30671954 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Corpus luteum (CL) regression is a complex physiological process. Previous studies have shown that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) may be involved in regulating CL regression, but the mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we evaluated the localization of the two isoforms of DHT synthetase 5α-reductase (5α-red1 and 5α-red2) and androgen receptor (AR) in sheep CL, and investigated 5α-red1, 5α-red2, AR, and DHT levels at different luteal stages of CL (early, middle, and late phase) by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis. Moreover, we cultured luteal cells from middle phase CL and treated them with different concentrations of DHT (10-10 -10 -6 M) and the AR antagonist flutamide (10 -5 M), to evaluate whether DHT is involved in the regulation of progesterone (P4) secretion and progesterone nuclear receptor (PGR) expression and whether these effects are regulated by the AR pathway. We also investigated the effects of DHT and flutamide on prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) secretion and apoptotic gene and protein expression. Our results showed that 5α-red1, 5α-red2, and AR were expressed in the CL, and their expression and DHT levels were changed during the luteal phase. DHT was involved in mediating P4 and PGF2α secretion and PGR and apoptotic gene and protein expression. The effects of DHT on CL were at least partially regulated by the AR pathway. This study reveals the mechanism of action of DHT on sheep CL regression and lays the foundation for further exploration of androgen regulation of CL function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Xiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Liangli Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Junjie Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Quanwei Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yuting Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hongwei Duan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yongli Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Asghari S, Valizadeh A, Aghebati-Maleki L, Nouri M, Yousefi M. Endometriosis: Perspective, lights, and shadows of etiology. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 106:163-174. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.06.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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