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Lv H, Xu R, Xie X, Liang Q, Yuan W, Xia Y, Ao X, Tan S, Zhao L, Wu J, Wang Y. Injectable, degradable, and mechanically adaptive hydrogel induced by L-serine and allyl-functionalized chitosan with platelet-rich plasma for treating intrauterine adhesions. Acta Biomater 2024:S1742-7061(24)00357-X. [PMID: 38964528 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.06.043] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
The integration of barrier materials with pharmacological therapy is a promising strategy to treat intrauterine adhesions (IUAs). However, most of these materials are surgically implanted in a fixed shape and incongruence with the natural mechanical properties of the uterus, causing poor adaptability and significant discomfort to the patients. Herein, an injectable, biodegradable, and mechanically adaptive hydrogel loaded with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is created by L‑serine and allyl functionalized chitosan (ACS) to achieve efficient, comfortable, and minimally invasive treatment of IUAs. L‑serine induces fast gelation and mechanical reinforcement of the hydrogel, while ACS introduces, imparting a good injectability and complaint yet strong feature to the hydrogel. This design enables the hydrogel to adapt to the complex geometry and match the mechanical properties of the uterine. Moreover, the hydrogel exhibits proper degradability, sustained growth factors (GFs) of PRP release ability, and good biocompatibility. Consequently, the hydrogel shows promising therapeutic efficacy by reducing collagen fiber deposition and facilitating endometrium cell proliferation, thereby restoring the fertility function of the uterus in an IUAs model of rats. Accordingly, the combination of L‑serine and ACS-induced hydrogel with such advantages holds great potential for treating IUAs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This research introduces a breakthrough in the treatment of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) with an injectable, biodegradable and mechanically adaptive hydrogel using L‑serine and allyl functionalized chitosan (ACS). Unlike traditional surgical treatments, this hydrogel uniquely conforms to the uterus's geometry and mechanical properties, offering a minimally invasive, comfortable, and more effective solution. The hydrogel is designed to release growth factors from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) sustainably, promoting tissue regeneration by enhancing collagen fiber deposition and endometrium cell proliferation. Demonstrated efficacy in a rat model of IUAs indicates its great potential to significantly improve fertility restoration treatments. This advancement represents a significant leap in reproductive medicine, promising to transform IUAs treatment with its innovative approach to achieving efficient, comfortable, and minimally invasive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyi Lv
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610068, China
| | - Ruijuan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiangyan Xie
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610068, China
| | - Qianqian Liang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610068, China
| | - Wanting Yuan
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610068, China
| | - Yuting Xia
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610068, China
| | - Xue Ao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shiqiao Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Lijuan Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610068, China
| | - Jinrong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610068, China.
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2
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Zhang LL, Huang S, Wang LY, Wang YY, Lu S, Li R. Endometrial Elasticity is an Ultrasound Marker for Predicting Clinical Pregnancy Outcomes after Embryo Transfer. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01565-0. [PMID: 38769248 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01565-0] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Endometrial elasticity is a potential new marker for assessing endometrial receptivity and pregnancy outcomes based on endometrial thickness and type. Currently, little research has been conducted on the elasticity of the endometrium using shear wave elasticity imaging (SWEI). This study aimed to explore whether endometrial elasticity is an ultrasound marker for predicting clinical pregnancy outcomes after embryo transfer. A total of 245 infertile women underwent ultrasonography before embryo transfer at the Peking University Third Hospital. We compared the endometrial elasticity and sub-endometrial blood flow rate using SWEI in the groups with different pregnancy outcomes. Trends in clinical pregnancy outcomes across the quartiles of endometrial elasticity in the fundus of the uterus (E1) were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain odds ratios for clinical pregnancy outcomes based on the quartiles of E1, with or without adjusting for potential confounding variables. Women in the clinical pregnancy group had higher E1 values and sub-endometrial blood flow rates in the uterine fundus than those in the non-pregnancy group. Women in the highest quartile of E1 had the most favorable clinical pregnancy rates. Endometrial elasticity measured using SWEI is a promising ultrasound marker for predicting clinical pregnancy outcomes after embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Lin Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Ying Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, North Garden Rd.49. Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, North Garden Rd.49. Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, North Garden Rd.49. Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, China.
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Li ZY, Cai L, Zhang ZJ, Zou HR, He M, Qin ML, Wang H. Evaluation of endometrial receptivity in women with unexplained infertility by shear wave elastography. Insights Imaging 2024; 15:85. [PMID: 38517577 PMCID: PMC10959862 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-024-01646-3] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The endometrium of most unexplained infertility (UI) patients has been altered histologically. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is utilized to assess the signature of living tissue. This study aimed to explore the value of SWE in evaluating endometrial receptivity (ER) in UI patients. METHODS In total, 59 UI patients (UI group) and 52 normal control women (NC group) who received fertility consultation in our hospital were included between January 2022 and June 2023. We divided them into the late-proliferative phase of UI group (LPUI; n = 59), mid-secretory phase of UI group (MPUI; n = 41), late-proliferative phase of NC group (LPNC; n = 52), and mid-secretory phase of NC group (MPNC; n = 45). Transvaginal ultrasonography and SWE were performed during the LP and MP. Endometrial thickness (EMT), uterine artery pulsatility index (UA-PI), endometrial mean elasticity (E-mean), and mean shear wave velocities (SWV-mean) were measured. RESULTS There were significant differences in E-mean, SWV-mean, EMT, and UA-PI between the UI group and the NC group during both the LP and MP (p MPNC vs MPUI < 0.05, p LPNC vs LPUI < 0.05). E-mean and SWV-mean decreased with increasing EMT but increased with increasing UA-PI (p < 0.05). The most effective parameter for evaluating ER in UI patients is the E-mean (AUC = 0.89). CONCLUSIONS UI patients exhibited thinner endometrium, increased endometrial stiffness, and poor endometrial blood perfusion. E-mean was the most effective parameter to evaluate ER in UI patients. The study preliminarily proved that SWE is a promising non-invasive tool for evaluating the condition of endometrium. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT This study aimed to explore the significance of endometrial elasticity measured by SWE in evaluating patients with UI. The findings revealed a correlation between EMT, UA-PI, and E-mean. Endometrial elasticity can serve as an effective indicator for predicting ER. KEY POINTS 1. To explore the significance of endometrial elasticity in assessing patients with UI. 2. The endometrium of UI patient exhibited thinness, stiffness, and poor blood perfusion. 3. Endometrial elasticity serves as a valuable indicator for evaluating endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Ying Li
- Department of Ultrasound, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 55 University Middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Lu Cai
- Department of Ultrasound, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 55 University Middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 55 University Middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Hai-Rong Zou
- Department of Ultrasound, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 55 University Middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Mei He
- Department of Ultrasound, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 55 University Middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Mei-Lin Qin
- Department of Ultrasound, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 55 University Middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 55 University Middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China.
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Yu CC, Jiao Y, Wang JJ, Zhao XS, Chen L. Preliminary application of real-time shear wave elastography to evaluate endometrial receptivity and predict pregnancy outcome. Technol Health Care 2024; 32:2345-2352. [PMID: 38339944 DOI: 10.3233/thc-231106] [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] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometrial receptivity is crucial for the establishment of a healthy pregnancy outcome. Previous research on endometrial receptivity primarily examined endometrial thickness, endometrial echo types, and endometrial blood supply. OBJECTIVE To explore the differences in the elastic modulus of the endometrium in women with various pregnancy outcomes by real-time shear wave elastography (SWE) and to investigate its application value in evaluation of endometrial receptivity. METHODS A total of 205 pregnant women who were admitted at Wenzhou People's Hospital between January 2021 and December 2022 were selected. Three-dimensional transvaginal sonography and real-time shear wave elastography were performed in the proliferative phase and receptive phase of the endometrium, and the average elastic modulus of the endometrium in the two phases was obtained and compared. According to whether the pregnancy was successful or not, the participants were divided into the pregnancy group (n= 72) and non-pregnancy group (n= 133), and the differences in intimal thickness, 3D blood flow parameters, and average elastic modulus of intima were compared between the two groups. RESULTS The average elastic modulus of the endometrium in the proliferative phase and receptive phase was (23.92 ± 2.31) kPa and (11.82 ± 2.24) kPa, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant P< 0.05. The average elastic modulus of the endometrium in the pregnancy group and non-pregnancy group was (9.97 ± 1.08) kPa and (12.82 ± 2.06) kPa, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant P< 0.05. The area under the curve of predicting pregnancy by the average elastic modulus of the endometrium in the receptive phase was 0.888 (0.841∼0.934), with corresponding P value < 0.05. The critical value was 11.15, with a corresponding sensitivity of 81.7% and specificity of 78.2%. CONCLUSION Real-time shear wave elastography can quantitatively evaluate endometrial elasticity, indirectly reflect the endometrial phase, and provide a new diagnostic concept for evaluating endometrial receptivity and predicting pregnancy outcome in infertile patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai-Cha Yu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Ultrasonography, Wenzhou Peoples' Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Jiao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Ultrasonography, Wenzhou Peoples' Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia-Jia Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Ultrasonography, Wenzhou Peoples' Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-Si Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Ultrasonography, Wenzhou Peoples' Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Ultrasonography, Hangzhou Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Stanziano A, Bianchi FP, Caringella AM, Cantatore C, D'Amato A, Vitti A, Cortone A, Vitagliano A, D'Amato G. The use of real time strain endometrial elastosonography plus endometrial thickness and vascularization flow index to predict endometrial receptivity in IVF treatments: a pilot study. BMC Med Imaging 2023; 23:130. [PMID: 37715124 PMCID: PMC10503140 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-023-01071-w] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The usefulness of endometrium strain elastosonography (SE) for the evaluation of endometrial receptivity in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) remains controversial. The objective of this prospective, observational study was to evaluate the correlation between endometrial thickness (EMT) and its related strain (ESR) on the day of ovulation triggering (hCG-d) and in vitro fertilization outcomes. Additionally, 3D Power Doppler vascular indices (3DPDVI) were also analysed. METHODS We included all the patients undergoing fresh IVF-single blastocyst transfer cycle from January 2021 to August 2021 at our center. On hCG-d, after B-mode scanning was completed to measure the EMT, the mode was changed to elastosonography to evaluate the ESR (ratio between endometrial tissue and the myometrium below). At the end of examination, the Endometrial Volume (EV) and 3DPDVI (vascularization index [VI], flow index [FI] and vascularization flow index [VFI]), were assessed. Statistical analysis was completed using STATA MP16 software. RESULTS A total number of 57 women were included. Based on the EMT on hCG-d, women were divided into two groups, Group 1: <7 mm and Group 2 ≥ 7 mm. Women with EMT < 7 mm had a significantly higher ESR (p = 0.004) and lower pregnancy rate (p = 0.04). Additionally, low ESR values were correlated with high VFI values (rho = -0.8; 95% CI = -0.9- -0.6; p < 0.0001) and EMT ≥ 7 mm could be predicted by low ESR (OR = 0.01; 95% CI = 0.01-0.30; p = 0.008, area under the ROC curve: 0.70). After all, in multiple logistic regression analysis, low values of ESR (p = 0.050) and high values of EMT (p = 0.051) on hCG-d had borderline statistical effects on pregnancy rate. CONCLUSIONS The ESR may be useful to improve the ultrasound evaluation of the endometrial quality in infertile women candidates to IVF/ICS. Given the small sample size of our study, the usefulness of strain elastosonography in this patients, needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Stanziano
- Department of Advanced Reproductive Risk Management and High-Risk Pregnancies, ASL Bari, Reproductive and IVF Unit, PTA Conversano, Conversano, BA, Italy.
| | | | - Anna Maria Caringella
- Department of Advanced Reproductive Risk Management and High-Risk Pregnancies, ASL Bari, Reproductive and IVF Unit, PTA Conversano, Conversano, BA, Italy
| | - Clementina Cantatore
- Department of Advanced Reproductive Risk Management and High-Risk Pregnancies, ASL Bari, Reproductive and IVF Unit, PTA Conversano, Conversano, BA, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Amato
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, University of Bari, Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Vitti
- Department of Advanced Reproductive Risk Management and High-Risk Pregnancies, ASL Bari, Reproductive and IVF Unit, PTA Conversano, Conversano, BA, Italy
| | - Anna Cortone
- Department of Advanced Reproductive Risk Management and High-Risk Pregnancies, ASL Bari, Reproductive and IVF Unit, PTA Conversano, Conversano, BA, Italy
| | - Amerigo Vitagliano
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, University of Bari, Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe D'Amato
- Department of Advanced Reproductive Risk Management and High-Risk Pregnancies, ASL Bari, Reproductive and IVF Unit, PTA Conversano, Conversano, BA, Italy
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Jin Y, Huang W, Qv Q, Liu S. Development of a Nomogram for Predicting Intravasation Before Transvaginal 4-Dimensional Hysterosalpingo-Contrast Sonography. Int J Womens Health 2022; 14:583-591. [PMID: 35479293 PMCID: PMC9037719 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s359467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intravasation during transvaginal 4-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (TVS 4D-HyCoSy) may lead to false-negative results in tubal patency evaluation. Although the influencing factors associated with intravasation have been investigated, some factors are only identified during 4D-HyCoSy, thus currently no studies on preventing intravasation. However, several preprocedural features can be collected in advance, which may be valuable in predicting intravasation. Objective The purpose of this study is to establish a nomogram incorporating the preprocedural features to predict the risk of intravasation before TVS 4D-HyCoSy. Methods The data of 276 infertile women with patent fallopian tubes were analyzed retrospectively. They were assigned to the study group (n = 62) and the control group (n = 214) according to the development of intravasation. The preprocedural characteristics were collected to investigate the predictors independently associated with intravasation, which were then served as the construction of a nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was verified internally. Results History of uterine curettage (OR = 2.341, P = 0.009), endometrial thickness (OR = 0.587, P < 0.001), and examination schedule (OR = 0.790, P = 0.024) were found to be the independent influencing factors associated with intravasation. The established nomogram incorporating these preprocedural features was useful for predicting the risk of intravasation prior to 4D-HyCoSy. It yielded net benefits when the predicted probability was less than 50%. Conclusion The nomogram incorporating the preprocedural characteristics achieved a net benefit for clinical decision-making when the estimated risk was less than 50%. It is recommended to change the examination schedule for patients with an estimated risk greater than 50% and perform 4D-HyCoSy when the risk is less than 50%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jin
- Department of Ultrasound Imaging, the First People's Hospital of Wenling, Wenling City, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wendi Huang
- Department of Ultrasound Imaging, the First People's Hospital of Wenling, Wenling City, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinhong Qv
- Department of Ultrasound Imaging, the First People's Hospital of Wenling, Wenling City, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuling Liu
- Department of Ultrasound Imaging, the First People's Hospital of Wenling, Wenling City, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
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Park SR, Kim SR, Im JB, Park CH, Lee HY, Hong IS. 3D stem cell-laden artificial endometrium: successful endometrial regeneration and pregnancy. Biofabrication 2021; 13. [PMID: 34284368 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac165a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Thin endometrium lining or severe endometrial injury which may occur during artificial abortion can cause defective endometrial receptivity and subsequent infertility. Therefore, much effort has been devoted toward regenerating thin or damaged endometrial lining by applying multiple types of stem cells. Even though there are some positive preliminary outcomes, repairing the injured endometrium with stem cells is considerably challenging, due to the lack of an adequate microenvironment for the administrated stem cells within the tissues and subsequent poor therapeutic efficiency. In this context, as an alternative, we fabricated a 3D stem cell-laden artificial endometrium by incorporating several biodegradable biomaterials (collagen and hyaluronic acid) and multiple cellular components of endometrium (endometrial stem cells, stromal cells, and vessel cells) to properly recapitulate the multicellular microenvironment and multilayered structure. Agarose was used as an inert filler substrate to enhance the mechanical integrity of the three-layered artificial endometrium. Various mechanical characteristics, such as morphology, compression properties, swelling, and viscosity, have been evaluated. Various biological features, such as steroid hormone responsiveness, specific endometrial cell-surface marker expressions, and the secretion of multiple growth factors and steroid hormones, as well as the viability of encapsulated endometrial cells are relatively well maintained within the artificial endometrium. More importantly, severe tissue injuries were significantly relieved by transplanting our 3D artificial endometrium into endometrial ablation mice. Remarkably, artificial endometrium transplantation resulted in a successful pregnancy with subsequent live birth without any morphological or chromosomal abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Ra Park
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Rim Kim
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Been Im
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Hum Park
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa-Yong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Jungwon University, 85 Goesan-eup,Munmu-ro, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do 367-700, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Sun Hong
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
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Park SR, Kim SR, Lee JW, Park CH, Yu WJ, Lee SJ, Chon SJ, Lee DH, Hong IS. Development of a novel dual reproductive organ on a chip: recapitulating bidirectional endocrine crosstalk between the uterine endometrium and the ovary. Biofabrication 2020; 13. [PMID: 32998123 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/abbd29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Conventional 2D or even 3Din vitroculture models for human reproductive organs cannot properly recapitulate the bidirectional endocrine crosstalk between the uterine endometrium and the ovary. This crosstalk is essential for maintaining the various physiological features and functions of each tissue. Moreover, mostin vitromodels for the female reproductive tract also fail to mimic its multicellular structure. We therefore developed a novel 'dual reproductive organ on a chip' that reflects the bidirectional endocrine cross-talk and the complex multicellular structures by integrating various cellular components of both the human uterine endometrium and the ovary with several biodegradable natural polymers. Indeed, the bidirectional endocrine crosstalk between these two tissues is achieved through media sharing between channels, and it can markedly improve the viability of loaded cells within each chamber of the chip platform. In addition, we also identified a reliable reproductive toxicity marker, SERPINB2, which is significantly increased in response to various toxic exposures in both endometrial and ovarian follicular cells. Based on these findings, we next established a SERPINB2 luciferase reporter system that was specifically designed for detecting and quantifying the toxicity of certain substances. By introducing this SERPINB2 luciferase reporter system into the loaded cells within the chip platform, we ultimately developed an effective 'dual reproductive organ-on-chip' that was successfully used to predict the reproductive toxicity of various hazardous materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Ra Park
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, 7-45 Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-ku, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Rim Kim
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, 7-45 Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-ku, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woo Lee
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, 7-45 Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-ku, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Hum Park
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Wook-Joon Yu
- Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Research Group, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Deajeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Jin Lee
- Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Research Group, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Deajeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Joo Chon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Ho Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Sun Hong
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, 7-45 Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-ku, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
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