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Zeng Y, Hang F, Peng C, Zhao L, Ou S, Luo L, Liu B. Research progress in rodent models of endometriosis. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 163:104219. [PMID: 38422807 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104219] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common and frequent disease in gynecology; its etiology and pathogenesis are partially understood and still not clear. The construction of suitable animal models is beneficial for basic research related to the disease. Currently, rodents have the advantages of low cost, fast reproduction, easy rearing, and a similar endometrial structure to humans. Depending on the purpose of the experiment, different molding methods have their advantages. In this paper, we describe the traditional methods of constructing endometriosis rodent models, compare their advantages and disadvantages, and introduce newly developed rodent models, such as cell line injection models, pain models, genetically engineered mouse models, fluorescent tracer models, iron overload models, chemical induction models, and methods of constructing rodent models of different subtypes of endometriosis. Fertility and treatment of endometriosis rodent models are also described. This study provides a reference for researchers in the selection of animal models for pathogenesis and drug treatment studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zeng
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Fu Hang
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Chuyu Peng
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Shanshan Ou
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Liumei Luo
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.
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Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is a major limiting factor in the success rates of in-vitro fertilisation despite the remarkable clinical and technological advancement made at improving assisted reproductive technology. The primary purpose of the endometrium is to provide a receptive site for the implantation of the blastocyst and support its growth and subsequent development. Endometrial pathologies such as endometrial polyps, adenomyosis, Asherman's syndrome, chronic endometritis, and congenital Müllerian ducts defect negatively influence the integrity and receptivity of the endometrium, as well as the implantation of the embryo. This review highlights the implications of these endometrial pathologies and their association with RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Babatunde Okewale
- IVF and Fertility Unit, St. Ives Specialist Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
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Kirkwood PM, Shaw IW, Saunders PTK. Mechanisms of Scarless Repair at Time of Menstruation: Insights From Mouse Models. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 3:801843. [PMID: 36304046 PMCID: PMC9580659 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.801843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The human endometrium is a remarkable tissue which may experience up to 400 cycles of hormone-driven proliferation, differentiation and breakdown during a woman's reproductive lifetime. During menstruation, when the luminal portion of tissue breaks down, it resembles a bloody wound with piecemeal shedding, exposure of underlying stroma and a strong inflammatory reaction. In the absence of pathology within a few days the integrity of the tissue is restored without formation of a scar and the endometrium is able to respond appropriately to subsequent endocrine signals in preparation for establishment of pregnancy if fertilization occurs. Understanding mechanisms regulating scarless repair of the endometrium is important both for design of therapies which can treat conditions where this is aberrant (heavy menstrual bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis, Asherman's syndrome) as well as to provide new information that might allow us to reduce fibrosis and scar formation in other tissues. Menstruation only occurs naturally in species that exhibit spontaneous stromal cell decidualization during the fertile cycle such as primates (including women) and the Spiny mouse. To take advantage of genetic models and detailed time course analysis, mouse models of endometrial shedding/repair involving hormonal manipulation, artificial induction of decidualization and hormone withdrawal have been developed and refined. These models are useful in modeling dynamic changes across the time course of repair and have recapitulated key features of endometrial repair in women including local hypoxia and immune cell recruitment. In this review we will consider the evidence that scarless repair of endometrial tissue involves changes in stromal cell function including mesenchyme to epithelial transition, epithelial cell proliferation and multiple populations of immune cells. Processes contributing to endometrial fibrosis (Asherman's syndrome) as well as scarless repair of other tissues including skin and oral mucosa are compared to that of menstrual repair.
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Nenicu A, Yordanova K, Gu Y, Menger MD, Laschke MW. Differences in growth and vascularization of ectopic menstrual and non-menstrual endometrial tissue in mouse models of endometriosis. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2202-2214. [PMID: 34109385 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there a difference in the growth and vascularization between murine endometriotic lesions originating from menstrual or non-menstrual endometrial fragments? SUMMARY ANSWER Endometriotic lesions developing from menstrual and non-menstrual tissue fragments share many similarities, but also exhibit distinct differences in growth and vascularization, particularly under exogenous estrogen stimulation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Mouse models are increasingly used in endometriosis research. For this purpose, menstrual or non-menstrual endometrial fragments serve for the induction of endometriotic lesions. So far, these two fragment types have never been directly compared under identical experimental conditions. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a prospective experimental study in a murine peritoneal and dorsal skinfold chamber model of endometriosis. Endometrial tissue fragments from menstruated (n = 15) and non-menstruated (n = 21) C57BL/6 mice were simultaneously transplanted into the peritoneal cavity or dorsal skinfold chamber of non-ovariectomized (non-ovx, n = 17), ovariectomized (ovx, n = 17) and ovariectomized, estrogen-substituted (ovx+E2, n = 17) recipient animals and analyzed throughout an observation period of 28 and 14 days, respectively. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The engraftment, growth and vascularization of the newly developing endometriotic lesions were analyzed by means of high-resolution ultrasound imaging, intravital fluorescence microscopy, histology and immunohistochemistry. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Menstrual and non-menstrual tissue fragments developed into peritoneal endometriotic lesions without differences in growth, microvessel density and cell proliferation in non-ovx mice. Lesion formation out of both fragment types was markedly suppressed in ovx mice. In case of non-menstrual tissue fragments, this effect could be reversed by estrogen supplementation. In contrast, endometriotic lesions originating from menstrual tissue fragments exhibited a significantly smaller volume in ovx+E2 mice, which may be due to a reduced hormone sensitivity. Moreover, menstrual tissue fragments showed a delayed vascularization and a reduced blood perfusion after transplantation into dorsal skinfold chambers when compared to non-menstrual tissue fragments, indicating different vascularization modes of the two fragment types. To limit the role of chance, the experiments were conducted under standardized laboratory conditions. Statistical significance was accepted for a value of P < 0.05. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Endometriotic lesions were induced by syngeneic tissue transplantation into recipient mice without the use of pathological endometriotic tissue of human nature. Therefore, the results obtained in this study may not fully relate to human patients with endometriosis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The present study significantly contributes to the characterization of common murine endometriosis models. These models represent important tools for studies focusing on the basic mechanisms of endometriosis and the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this frequent gynecological disease. The presented findings indicate that the combination of different experimental models and approaches may be the most appropriate strategy to study the pathophysiology and drug sensitivity of a complex disease such as endometriosis under preclinical conditions. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) There was no specific funding of this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nenicu
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - K Yordanova
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Y Gu
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - M D Menger
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - M W Laschke
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Rudzitis-Auth J, Christoffel A, Menger MD, Laschke MW. Targeting sphingosine kinase-1 with the low MW inhibitor SKI-5C suppresses the development of endometriotic lesions in mice. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:4104-4118. [PMID: 34185874 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Limited evidence suggests that the sphingosine-1-phosphate/sphingosine kinase 1 (S1P/SPHK1) signalling pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Therefore, we analyzed in this study whether the inhibition of SPHK1 and, consequently, decreased levels of S1P affected the vascularization and growth of endometriotic lesions. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Endometriotic lesions were surgically induced in the peritoneal cavity and the dorsal skinfold chamber of female BALB/c mice. The animals received a daily dose of the SPHK1 inhibitor SKI-5C or vehicle (control). Analyses involved the determination of lesion growth, cyst formation, microvessel density and cell proliferation within peritoneal endometriotic lesions by means of high-resolution ultrasound imaging, caliper measurement, histology and immunohistochemistry. In the dorsal skinfold chamber model the development of newly formed microvascular networks and their microhemodynamic parameters within endometriotic lesions were investigated by means of intravital fluorescence microscopy. KEY RESULTS SKI-5C significantly inhibited the development and vascularization of peritoneal endometriotic lesions, as indicated by a reduced growth and cyst formation, a lower microvessel density and a suppressed cell proliferation, when compared to vehicle-treated controls. Endometriotic lesions in dorsal skinfold chambers of SKI-5C-treated animals exhibited a significantly smaller lesion size, lower functional microvessel density, smaller microvessel diameters and a reduced blood perfusion of the newly developing microvascular networks. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS SPHK1/S1P signalling promotes the establishment and progression of endometriotic lesions. The inhibition of this pathway suppresses the development of endometriotic lesions, suggesting SPHK1 as a potential novel target for future endometriosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anika Christoffel
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Michael D Menger
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Matthias W Laschke
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Liu T, Shi F, Ying Y, Chen Q, Tang Z, Lin H. Mouse model of menstruation: An indispensable tool to investigate the mechanisms of menstruation and gynaecological diseases (Review). Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:4463-4474. [PMID: 33174022 PMCID: PMC7646730 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal menstruation may result in several pathological alterations and gynaecological diseases, including endometriosis, menstrual pain and miscarriage. However, the pathogenesis of menstruation remains unclear due to the limited number of animal models available to study the menstrual cycle. In recent years, an effective, reproducible, and highly adaptive mouse model to study menstruation has been developed. In this model, progesterone and oestrogen were administered in cycles following the removal of ovaries. Subsequently, endometrial decidualisation was induced using sesame oil, followed by withdrawal of progesterone administration. Vaginal bleeding in mice is similar to that in humans. Therefore, the use of mice as a model organism to study the mechanism of menstruation and gynaecological diseases may prove to be an important breakthrough. The present review is focussed ond the development and applications of a mouse model of menstruation. Furthermore, various studies have been described to improve this model and the research findings that may aid in the treatment of menstrual disorders in women are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Nanchang University Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Fuli Shi
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Nanchang University Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Ying Ying
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Nanchang University Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Qiongfeng Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Nanchang University Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Zhimin Tang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Nanchang University Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Hui Lin
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Nanchang University Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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Persoons E, De Clercq K, Van den Eynde C, Pinto SJPC, Luyten K, Van Bree R, Tomassetti C, Voets T, Vriens J. Mimicking Sampson's Retrograde Menstrual Theory in Rats: A New Rat Model for Ongoing Endometriosis-Associated Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072326. [PMID: 32230898 PMCID: PMC7177935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a prevalent gynecologic disease, defined by dysfunctional endometrium-like lesions outside of the uterine cavity. These lesions are presumably established via retrograde menstruation, i.e., endometrial tissue that flows backwards during menses into the abdomen and deposits on the organs. As ongoing pain is one of the main pain symptoms of patients, an animal model that illuminates this problem is highly anticipated. In the present study, we developed and validated a rat model for ongoing endometriosis-associated pain. First, menstrual endometrial tissue was successfully generated in donor rats, as validated by gross examination, histology and qPCR. Next, endometriosis was induced in recipient animals by intraperitoneal injection of menstrual tissue. This resulted in neuro-angiogenesis as well as established endometriosis lesions, which were similar to their human counterparts, since epithelial and stromal cells were observed. Furthermore, significant differences were noted between control and endometriosis animals concerning bodyweight and posture changes, indicating the presence of ongoing pain in animals with endometriosis. In summary, a rat model for endometriosis was established that reliably mimics the human pathophysiology of endometriosis and in which signs of ongoing pain were detected, thus providing a new research tool for therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Persoons
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 611, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.P.); (K.D.C.); (C.V.d.E.); (K.L.); (R.V.B.); (C.T.)
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Herestraat 49 box 802, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.J.P.c.P.); (T.V.)
| | - Katrien De Clercq
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 611, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.P.); (K.D.C.); (C.V.d.E.); (K.L.); (R.V.B.); (C.T.)
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Herestraat 49 box 802, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.J.P.c.P.); (T.V.)
| | - Charlotte Van den Eynde
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 611, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.P.); (K.D.C.); (C.V.d.E.); (K.L.); (R.V.B.); (C.T.)
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Herestraat 49 box 802, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.J.P.c.P.); (T.V.)
| | - Sílvia João Poseiro coutinho Pinto
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Herestraat 49 box 802, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.J.P.c.P.); (T.V.)
| | - Katrien Luyten
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 611, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.P.); (K.D.C.); (C.V.d.E.); (K.L.); (R.V.B.); (C.T.)
| | - Rita Van Bree
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 611, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.P.); (K.D.C.); (C.V.d.E.); (K.L.); (R.V.B.); (C.T.)
| | - Carla Tomassetti
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 611, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.P.); (K.D.C.); (C.V.d.E.); (K.L.); (R.V.B.); (C.T.)
- Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Voets
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Herestraat 49 box 802, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.J.P.c.P.); (T.V.)
| | - Joris Vriens
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 611, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.P.); (K.D.C.); (C.V.d.E.); (K.L.); (R.V.B.); (C.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-16-32-72-79
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Hibaoui Y, Feki A. Organoid Models of Human Endometrial Development and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:84. [PMID: 32133360 PMCID: PMC7039834 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Hibaoui
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.,Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique, HFR Fribourg - Hôpital Cantonal, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Anis Feki
- Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique, HFR Fribourg - Hôpital Cantonal, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Kotlyar A, Taylor HS, D'Hooghe TM. Use of immunomodulators to treat endometriosis. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2019; 60:56-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Maduro MR. A Deeper Look Into the Decidualization of Human Endometrial Stromal Fibroblasts. Reprod Sci 2019; 26:313-314. [PMID: 30764735 DOI: 10.1177/1933719119830167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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