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Hacimoto SYS, Cressoni ACL, da Silva LECM, Padovan CC, Ferriani RA, Rosa-e-Silva JC, Meola J. Selection of reference miRNAs for RT-qPCR assays in endometriosis menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306657. [PMID: 39078824 PMCID: PMC11288454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Choosing appropriate reference genes or internal controls to normalize RT-qPCR data is mandatory for the interexperimental reproducibility of gene expression data obtained by RT-qPCR in most studies, including those on endometriosis. Particularly for miRNAs, the choice for reference genes is challenging because of their physicochemical and biological characteristics. Moreover, the retrograde menstruation theory, mesenchymal stem cells in menstrual blood (MenSCs), and changes in post-transcriptional regulatory processes through miRNAs have gained prominence in the scientific community as important players in endometriosis. Therefore, we originally explored the stability of 10 miRNAs expressions as internal control candidates in conditions involving the two-dimensional culture of MenSCs from healthy women and patients with endometriosis. Here, we applied multiple algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, Bestkeeper, and delta Ct) to screen reference genes and assessed the comprehensive stability classification of miRNAs using RefFinder. Pairwise variation calculated using geNorm identified three miRNAs as a sufficient number of reference genes for accurate normalization. MiR-191-5p, miR-24-3p, and miR-103a-3p were the best combination for suitable gene expression normalization. This study will benefit similar research, but is also attractive for regenerative medicine and clinics that use MenSCs, miRNA expression, and RT-qPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Yukari Santos Hacimoto
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Clara Lagazzi Cressoni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Cristiana Carolina Padovan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rui Alberto Ferriani
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute of Hormones and Women’s Health (Hormona), CNPq, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Júlio César Rosa-e-Silva
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Meola
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute of Hormones and Women’s Health (Hormona), CNPq, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Dias Da Silva I, Wuidar V, Zielonka M, Pequeux C. Unraveling the Dynamics of Estrogen and Progesterone Signaling in the Endometrium: An Overview. Cells 2024; 13:1236. [PMID: 39120268 PMCID: PMC11312103 DOI: 10.3390/cells13151236] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The endometrium is crucial for the perpetuation of human species. It is a complex and dynamic tissue lining the inner wall of the uterus, regulated throughout a woman's life based on estrogen and progesterone fluctuations. During each menstrual cycle, this multicellular tissue undergoes cyclical changes, including regeneration, differentiation in order to allow egg implantation and embryo development, or shedding of the functional layer in the absence of pregnancy. The biology of the endometrium relies on paracrine interactions between epithelial and stromal cells involving complex signaling pathways that are modulated by the variations of estrogen and progesterone levels across the menstrual cycle. Understanding the complexity of estrogen and progesterone receptor signaling will help elucidate the mechanisms underlying normal reproductive physiology and provide fundamental knowledge contributing to a better understanding of the consequences of hormonal imbalances on gynecological conditions and tumorigenesis. In this narrative review, we delve into the physiology of the endometrium, encompassing the complex signaling pathways of estrogen and progesterone.
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Grants
- J.0165.24, 7.6529.23, J.0153.22, 7.4580.21F, 7.6518.21, J.0131.19 Fund for Scientific Research
- FSR-F-2023-FM, FSR-F-2022-FM, FSR-F-2021-FM, FSR-F-M-19/6761 University of Liège
- 2020, 2021, 2022 Fondation Léon Fredericq
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christel Pequeux
- Tumors and Development, Estrogen-Sensitive Tissues and Cancer Team, GIGA-Cancer, Laboratory of Biology, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (I.D.D.S.); (V.W.); (M.Z.)
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3
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Sun B, Cheng X, Wu Q. The Endometrial Stem/Progenitor Cells and Their Niches. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:1273-1284. [PMID: 38635126 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10725-3] [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] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Endometrial stem/progenitor cells are a type of stem cells with the ability to self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types. They exist in the endometrium and form niches with their neighbor cells and extracellular matrix. The interaction between endometrial stem/progenitor cells and niches plays an important role in maintaining, repairing, and regenerating the endometrial structure and function. This review will discuss the characteristics and functions of endometrial stem/progenitor cells and their niches, the mechanisms of their interaction, and their roles in endometrial regeneration and diseases. Finally, the prospects for their applications will also be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baolan Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.
- The State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China.
| | - Xi Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.
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Wei L, Wang S, Xu S, Zhang C. The interplay between systemic inflammatory factors and endometriosis: A bidirectional mendelian randomization study. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 165:104293. [PMID: 38986231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104293] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To utilize vast genetic data to reveal the interplay between 41 systemic inflammatory factors and endometriosis. DESIGN Bidirectional Mendelian randomization study. MAINS OUTCOME MEASURES This study obtained believable genetic instrumental variables for systemic inflammatory factors. The effect of systemic inflammatory factors on different endometriosis phenotypes, and the effect of endometriosis on the concentrations of systemic inflammatory factors were investigated. RESULTS In this mendelian randomization study, we found 20 causal relationships involving 18 systemic inflammatory factors and it was shown that Monocyte chemotactic protein-1, Macrophage inflammatory protein-1a, Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, Macrophage migration inhibitory factor, Interleukin-4, Interleukin-5, Interleukin-8, Interleukin-9, Interleukin-12p70, Interleukin-16, and Interleukin-17 may be the upstream causes of endometriosis (P<0.05). Additionally, if the definition of exposure in the mendelian randomization was endometriosis, it could suggestively cause an increase in Eotaxin, cutaneous T-cell attracting chemokine, and Interferon gamma-induced protein 10 levels, and a decrease in growth-regulated oncogene-alpha, Interleukin-2 receptor, alpha subunit, platelet-derived growth factor BB, and Interleukin-18 (P<0.05). Reverse causality was not observed between a single systemic inflammatory factor and endometriosis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that several systemic inflammatory factors may act as the initiator at the onset of endometriosis. Additionally, several other inflammatory factors are far more probable to involved downstream during disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longlong Wei
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shuna Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Siyue Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Cuilian Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Hao J, Ma A, Sun C, Qin H, Zhu Y, Li G, Wang H, Wang H. Melatonin pretreatment improves endometrial regenerative cell-mediated therapeutic effects in experimental colitis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112092. [PMID: 38626548 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112092] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometrial regenerative cells (ERCs) have been proven to be an effective strategy for attenuating experimental colitis, but the complex in vivo microenvironment such as oxidative stress may largely limit and weaken ERC efficacy. Melatonin (MT) works as an anti-oxidative agent in a variety of preclinical diseases, and has been identified to promote mesenchymal stem cell-mediated therapeutic effects in different diseases. However, the ability of MT to enhance ERC-mediated effects in colitis is currently poorly understood. METHODS Menstrual blood was collected from healthy female volunteers to obtain ERCs and identified. In vitro, H2O2-induced oxidative stress was introduced to test if MT could prevent ERCs from damage through detection of intracellular reactive oxidative species (ROS) and apoptosis assay. In vivo, dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced acute colitis was treated by ERCs and MT-primed ERCs, therapeutic effects were assayed by the disease activity index (DAI), histological features, and macrophage and CD4+ T cell in the spleen and colon, and cytokine profiles in the sera and colon were also measured. RESULTS In vitro, ERCs that underwent MT-precondition were found to possess more anti-oxidative potency in comparison to naïve ERCs, which were characterized by decreased apoptosis rate and intracellular ROS under H2O2 stimulation. In vivo, MT pretreatment can significantly enhance the therapeutic effects of ERCs in the attenuation of experimental colitis, including decreased DAI index and damage score. In addition, MT pretreatment was found to promote ERC-mediated inhibition of Th1, Th17, and M1 macrophage and pro-inflammatory cytokines, increase of Treg, and immunomodulation of cytokines in the spleen and colon. CONCLUSIONS MT pretreatment facilitates the promotion of cell viability under oxidative stress in vitro, while also enhancing ERC-mediated therapeutic effects in experimental colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingpeng Hao
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Ai Ma
- Department of Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Chenglu Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China.
| | - Hong Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yanglin Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China.
| | - Guangming Li
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China.
| | - Hongda Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China.
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China.
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Zhang B, Bi Y, Wang K, Guo X, Liu Z, Li J, Wu M. Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Promising Therapeutic Opportunities for Diabetic Wound Healing. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:4357-4375. [PMID: 38774027 PMCID: PMC11108067 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s461342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Wound healing is a sophisticated and orderly process of cellular interactions in which the body restores tissue architecture and functionality following injury. Healing of chronic diabetic wounds is difficult due to impaired blood circulation, a reduced immune response, and disrupted cellular repair mechanisms, which are often associated with diabetes. Stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (SC-EVs) hold the regenerative potential, encapsulating a diverse cargo of proteins, RNAs, and cytokines, presenting a safe, bioactivity, and less ethical issues than other treatments. SC-EVs orchestrate multiple regenerative processes by modulating cellular communication, increasing angiogenesis, and promoting the recruitment and differentiation of progenitor cells, thereby potentiating the reparative milieu for diabetic wound healing. Therefore, this review investigated the effects and mechanisms of EVs from various stem cells in diabetic wound healing, as well as their limitations and challenges. Continued exploration of SC-EVs has the potential to revolutionize diabetic wound care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyu Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yajun Bi
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalian Municipal Women and Children’s Medical Center (Group), Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, 116011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kang Wang
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingjun Guo
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zeming Liu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
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Wei X, Li H, Chen T, Yang X. Histological study of telocytes in mice intrauterine adhesion model and their positive effect on mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. Cell Biol Int 2024; 48:647-664. [PMID: 38353345 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12137] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesions (IUA), the main cause of secondary infertility in women, result from irreversible fibrotic repair of the endometrium due to inflammation or human factors, accompanied by disruptions in the repair function of endometrial stem cells. This significantly impacts the physical and mental health of women in their childbearing years. Telocytes (TCs), a distinctive type of interstitial cells found in various tissues and organs, play diverse repair functions due to their unique spatial structure. In this study, we conduct the inaugural exploration of the changes in TCs in IUA disease and their potential impact on the function of stem cells. Our results show that in vivo, through double immunofluorescence staining (CD34+/Vimentin+; CD34+/CD31-), as endometrial fibrosis deepens, the number of TCs gradually decreases, telopodes shorten, and the three-dimensional structure becomes disrupted in the mouse IUA mode. In vitro, TCs can promote the proliferation and cycle of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by promoting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which were inhibited using XAV939. TCs can promote the migrated ability of BMSCs and contribute to the repair of stem cells during endometrial injury. In addition, TCs can inhibit the apoptosis of BMSCs through the Bcl-2/Bax pathway. In conclusion, our study demonstrates, for the first time, the resistance role of TCs in IUA disease, shedding light on their potential involvement in endometrial repair through the modulation of stem cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojiao Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianquan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojun Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
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Guo S, Chen Q, Liang J, Wu H, Li L, Wang Y. Correlation of Glycolysis-immune-related Genes in the Follicular Microenvironment of Endometriosis Patients with ART Outcomes. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01518-7. [PMID: 38561472 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01518-7] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMT) -related infertility has been a challenge for clinical research. Many studies have confirmed that abnormal alterations in the immune microenvironment and glycolysis are instrumental in causing EMT-related infertility. Recently, our research team identified several key glycolysis-immune-related genes in the endometrial cells of EMT patients. This study aimed to further investigate the expression patterns of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 3 (PDK3), glypican-3 (GPC3), and alcohol dehydrogenase 6 (ADH6), which are related to glycolysis and immunity, in the follicular microenvironment of infertile patients with EMT using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays. According to the results, compared to the patients with tubal factor infertility, the concentrations of PDK3 and GPC3 were considerably increased in the follicular environment of EMT patients, while ADH6 expression was significantly reduced. The number of oocytes retrieved, the transferable embryo rate, and the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate of EMT patients were significantly reduced, and there was a correlation with the level of PDK3, GPC3, and ADH6 in Follicular Fluid (FF). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for predicting clinical pregnancy in infertile patients with EMT for PDK3, GPC3, ADH6, and their combination was 0.732, 0.705, 0.855, and 0.879, respectively (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our research indicates that glycolysis-immune-related genes may contribute to infertility in EMT patients through immune infiltration, and disruption of mitochondrial and oocyte functions. The combined detection of PDK3, GPC3, and ADH6 in FF helps to predict clinical pregnancy outcomes in infertile patients with EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shana Guo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Qizhen Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Jiaqi Liang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Huanmei Wu
- Department of Health Services Administration, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Li Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China.
| | - Yanqiu Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China.
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Yu L, Wu H, Zeng S, Hu X, Wu Y, Zhou J, Yuan L, Zhang Q, Xiang C, Feng Z. Menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with collagen I gel as a regenerative therapeutic strategy for degenerated disc after discectomy in rats. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:75. [PMID: 38475906 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03680-w] [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: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Annulus fibrosis (AF) defects have been identified as the primary cause of disc herniation relapse and subsequent disc degeneration following discectomy. Stem cell-based tissue engineering offers a promising approach for structural repair. Menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs), a type of adult stem cell, have gained attention as an appealing source for clinical applications due to their potential for structure regeneration, with ease of acquisition and regardless of ethical issues. METHODS The differential potential of MenSCs cocultured with AF cells was examined by the expression of collagen I, SCX, and CD146 using immunofluorescence. Western blot and ELISA were used to examine the expression of TGF-β and IGF-I in coculture system. An AF defect animal model was established in tail disc of Sprague-Dawley rats (males, 8 weeks old). An injectable gel containing MenSCs (about 1*106/ml) was fabricated and transplanted into the AF defects immediately after the animal model establishment, to evaluate its repairment properties. Disc degeneration was assessed via magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and histological staining. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to assess the expression of aggrecan, MMP13, TGF-β and IGF-I in discs with different treatments. Apoptosis in the discs was evaluated using TUNEL, caspase3, and caspase 8 immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS Coculturing MenSCs with AF cells demonstrated ability to express collagen I and biomarkers of AF cells. Moreover, the coculture system presented upregulation of the growth factors TGF-β and IGF-I. After 12 weeks, discs treated with MenSCs gel exhibited significantly lower Pffirrmann scores (2.29 ± 0.18), compared to discs treated with MenSCs (3.43 ± 0.37, p < 0.05) or gel (3.71 ± 0.29, p < 0.01) alone. There is significant higher MR index in disc treated with MenSCs gel than that treated with MenSCs (0.51 ± 0.05 vs. 0.24 ± 0.04, p < 0.01) or gel (0.51 ± 0.05 vs. 0.26 ± 0.06, p < 0.01) alone. Additionally, MenSCs gel demonstrated preservation of the structure of degenerated discs, as indicated by histological scoring (5.43 ± 0.43 vs. 9.71 ± 1.04 in MenSCs group and 10.86 ± 0.63 in gel group, both p < 0.01), increased aggrecan expression, and decreased MMP13 expression in vivo. Furthermore, the percentage of TUNEL and caspase 3-positive cells in the disc treated with MenSCs Gel was significantly lower than those treated with gel alone and MenSCs alone. The expression of TGF-β and IGF-I was higher in discs treated with MenSCs gel or MenSCs alone than in those treated with gel alone. CONCLUSION MenSCs embedded in collagen I gel has the potential to preserve the disc structure and prevent disc degeneration after discectomy, which was probably attributed to the paracrine of growth factors of MenSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yu
- Department of Operating room, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Honghao Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Shumei Zeng
- Department of gynaecology, Zhejiang Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojian Hu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yuxu Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Jinhong Zhou
- Department of gynaecology, Zhejiang Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Yuan
- Innovative Precision Medicine (IPM) Group, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingqing Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Charlie Xiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Zhiyun Feng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
- , Building 8-2, 58#, Chengzhan Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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10
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Park MK, Song KH. Isolation and characterization of feline endometrial mesenchymal stem cells. J Vet Sci 2024; 25:e31. [PMID: 38568832 PMCID: PMC10990916 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.23267] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, there has been a growing interest in stem cells for human medicine. Limited feline endometrial mesenchymal stem cell (fEM-MSC) research in veterinary medicine necessitates reporting for future feline disease research and therapy. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to isolate fEM-MSCs from feline endometrial tissues and evaluate their morphology, proliferative ability, differentiation ability, and immunophenotype. METHODS Feline endometrial tissues were obtained from the ovariohysterectomies of healthy cats and isolated using an enzymatic method. The morphology and proliferative ability of the isolated cells were assessed using a doubling time (DT) assay from passages 3 to 6 (P3 - P6). We measured pluripotency gene expressions of cells in P2 using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). To investigate MSC characteristics, a trilineage differentiation assay was conducted in P4, and cells in P4 were immunophenotyped using flow cytometry. RESULTS fEM-MSCs showed a typical spindle-shaped morphology under a microscope, and the DT was maintained from P3 to P6. fEM-MSCs could differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes, and expressed three pluripotency markers (OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG) by qRT-PCR. Immunophenotypic analysis showed that the fEM-MSCs were CD14 -, CD34 -, CD45 -, CD9+, and CD44+. CONCLUSIONS In this study, the feline endometrium was a novel source of MSCs, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the isolation method and characteristics of fEM-MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Kyung Park
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
- CM Animal Hospital, Jincheon 27802, Korea
| | - Kun-Ho Song
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea.
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11
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Hong IS. Endometrial Stem Cells: Orchestrating Dynamic Regeneration of Endometrium and Their Implications in Diverse Endometrial Disorders. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:864-879. [PMID: 38250149 PMCID: PMC10797688 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.89795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The human endometrium, a vital component of the uterus, undergoes dynamic changes during the menstrual cycle to create a receptive environment for embryo implantation. Its remarkable regenerative capacity can be attributed to the presence of tissue-resident stem cell populations within the endometrium. Despite variations in characteristics among different subtypes, endometrial stem cells exhibit notably robust self-renewal capacity and the ability to differentiate into multiple lineages. This review offers a comprehensive insight into the current literature and recent advancements regarding the roles of various endometrial stem cell types during dynamic regeneration of the endometrium during the menstrual cycle. In addition, emerging evidence suggests that dysfunction or depletion of endometrial stem cells may play critical roles in the development and progression of various endometrial disorders, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, infertility, and endometrial cancer. Therefore, we also highlight potential roles of endometrial stem cells in the development and progression of these endometrial diseases, including their ability to accumulate genetic mutations and express genes associated with endometrial diseases. Understanding the dynamic properties of the endometrium and the roles of endometrial stem cells in various endometrial disorders will shed light on potential therapeutic strategies for managing these conditions and improving women's fertility outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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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12
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Lee JW, Lee HY. Exploring distinct properties of endometrial stem cells through advanced single-cell analysis platforms. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:379. [PMID: 38124100 PMCID: PMC10734114 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03616-w] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The endometrium is a dynamic tissue that undergoes cyclic changes in response to ovarian hormones during the menstrual cycle. These changes are crucial for pregnancy establishment and maintenance. Endometrial stem cells play a pivotal role in endometrial regeneration and repair by differentiating into various cell types within the endometrium. However, their involvement in endometrial disorders such as endometriosis, infertility, and endometrial cancer is still not fully understood yet. Traditional bulk sequencing methods have limitations in capturing heterogeneity and complexity of endometrial stem cell populations. To overcome these limitations, recent single-cell analysis techniques, including single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq), single-cell ATAC sequencing (scATAC-Seq), and spatial transcriptomics, have emerged as valuable tools for studying endometrial stem cells. In this review, although there are still many technical limitations that require improvement, we will summarize the current state-of-the-art single-cell analysis techniques for endometrial stem cells and explore their relevance to related diseases. We will discuss studies utilizing various single-cell analysis platforms to identify and characterize distinct endometrial stem cell populations and investigate their dynamic changes in gene expression and epigenetic patterns during menstrual cycle and differentiation processes. These techniques enable the identification of rare cell populations, capture heterogeneity of cell populations within the endometrium, and provide potential targets for more effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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, Incheon, 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa-Yong Lee
- Division of Science Education, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Hu X, Wu H, Yong X, Wang Y, Yang S, Fan D, Xiao Y, Che L, Shi K, Li K, Xiong C, Zhu H, Qian Z. Cyclical endometrial repair and regeneration: Molecular mechanisms, diseases, and therapeutic interventions. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e425. [PMID: 38045828 PMCID: PMC10691302 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The endometrium is a unique human tissue with an extraordinary ability to undergo a hormone-regulated cycle encompassing shedding, bleeding, scarless repair, and regeneration throughout the female reproductive cycle. The cyclical repair and regeneration of the endometrium manifest as changes in endometrial epithelialization, glandular regeneration, and vascularization. The mechanisms encompass inflammation, coagulation, and fibrinolytic system balance. However, specific conditions such as endometriosis or TCRA treatment can disrupt the process of cyclical endometrial repair and regeneration. There is uncertainty about traditional clinical treatments' efficacy and side effects, and finding new therapeutic interventions is essential. Researchers have made substantial progress in the perspective of regenerative medicine toward maintaining cyclical endometrial repair and regeneration in recent years. Such progress encompasses the integration of biomaterials, tissue-engineered scaffolds, stem cell therapies, and 3D printing. This review analyzes the mechanisms, diseases, and interventions associated with cyclical endometrial repair and regeneration. The review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the regenerative interventions currently employed in clinical practice. Additionally, it highlights the significant advantages of regenerative medicine in this domain. Finally, we review stem cells and biologics among the available interventions in regenerative medicine, providing insights into future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xulin Hu
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu UniversityChengdu UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Haoming Wu
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu UniversityChengdu UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xin Yong
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Paediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of BiotherapySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yao Wang
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu UniversityChengdu UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Shuhao Yang
- Department of OrthopedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Diyi Fan
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu UniversityChengdu UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yibo Xiao
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu UniversityChengdu UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Lanyu Che
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu UniversityChengdu UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Kun Shi
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Kainan Li
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu UniversityChengdu UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | | | - Huili Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of EducationWest China Second University Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Zhiyong Qian
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
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14
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Zheng X, Zhao D, Liu Y, Jin Y, Liu T, Li H, Liu D. Regeneration and anti-inflammatory effects of stem cells and their extracellular vesicles in gynecological diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115739. [PMID: 37862976 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115739] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
There are many gynecological diseases, among which breast cancer (BC), cervical cancer (CC), endometriosis (EMs), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are common and difficult to cure. Stem cells (SCs) are a focus of regenerative medicine. They are commonly used to treat organ damage and difficult diseases because of their potential for self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation. SCs are also commonly used for difficult-to-treat gynecological diseases because of their strong directional differentiation ability with unlimited possibilities, their tendency to adhere to the diseased tissue site, and their use as carriers for drug delivery. SCs can produce exosomes in a paracrine manner. Exosomes can be produced in large quantities and have the advantage of easy storage. Their safety and efficacy are superior to those of SCs, which have considerable potential in gynecological treatment, such as inhibiting endometrial senescence, promoting vascular reconstruction, and improving anti-inflammatory and immune functions. In this paper, we review the mechanisms of the regenerative and anti-inflammatory capacity of SCs and exosomes in incurable gynecological diseases and the current progress in their application in genetic engineering to provide a foundation for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zheng
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Dan Zhao
- Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Ye Jin
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Tianjia Liu
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; Baicheng Medical College, Baicheng 137000, China.
| | - Huijing Li
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China.
| | - Da Liu
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China.
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Dodangeh A, Hoveizi E, Tabatabaei SRF. Simultaneous Administration of Berberine and Transplantation of Endometrial Stem Cell-Derived Insulin Precursor Cells on a Nanofibrous Scaffold to Treat Diabetes Mellitus in Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:7032-7043. [PMID: 37526896 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03540-3] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Today, significant success has been achieved in treating diabetes with cell therapy derived from various sources of stem and progenitors. The replacement of beta cells is one of the new diabetes treatment methods. To this end, the production of pancreatic beta precursors in cell culture has created an important research field for diabetes treatment. Endometrial stem cells were isolated using an enzymatic method, and after their identity was confirmed using a flow cytometry and differentiation potential assay, the isolated cells were cultured on an electrospun PCL/CS scaffold. Endometrial cells were differentiated into insulin-producing cells (IPCs), and gene expression was analyzed using the qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence to confirm the creation of IPCs. Then, IPCs on the scaffold along with berberine were applied to 5 groups of diabetic mice, and after 6 weeks, insulin, blood glucose, and weight of the animals were measured. The findings revealed that pancreatic markers were significantly expressed in IPCs compared to control cells. In addition, when compared to the control group and scaffolds, the receiving group of IPCs on scaffolds had a significant improvement (p ≤ 0.0015), and this improvement increased with the addition of berberine (decrease in blood sugar (133 mg/dL), and an increase in weight (5/39 g) and insulin (2.29 MIU/L). Thus, tissue engineering is a promising new strategy for treating diabetes and can be used in the future for cell therapy and suitable drugs for diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Dodangeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Elham Hoveizi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Yang H, Zhuang Y. The deviations of CD4 + T cells during peripheral blood and peritoneal fluid of endometriosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 308:1431-1446. [PMID: 36840769 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-06964-3] [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: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether endometriosis (EMs) was related to systematic and/or local deviations of cluster of differentiation (CD)4 + T cells. METHODS Until November 2022, we enrolled a total of 1363 EMs and 1564 healthy women from 32 studies who met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS After systematically retrieving the literature, we identified 1086 citations and 32 case-control studies were enrolled. Cumulative results suggested that there were insignificant deviations of CD4 + T cells during peripheral blood (PB) between EMs and healthy women (RR: - 0.83, I2 = 99%, p = 0.65), also no statistically significant difference was found between mild and severe EMs (RR: 3.19, I2 = 94%, p = 0.19). We also found insignificant deviations of CD4 + /CD8 + during PB between EMs and healthy women (RR: 0.09, I2 = 99%, p = 0.39), and between mild and severe EMs (RR: - 0.16, I2 = 99%, p = 0.29). The results might suggest that there was no significant correlation between EMs and systematic deviations of CD4 + T cells. When it came to local deviation during peritoneal fluid (PF), the polled results suggested that the frequency of CD4 + T cells during EMs was significantly lower than healthy women (RR: - 5.38, I2 = 93%, p = 0.01), and the ratio of CD4 + /CD8 + during EMs was significantly lower than healthy women (RR: - 0.13, I2 = 0%, p < 0.0001). However, there were insignificant deviations of CD4 + during PF between mild and severe EMs (RR: 1.65, I2 = 53%, p = 0.15), also there was an insignificant difference of CD4 + /CD8 + between mild and severe EMs (RR: - 0.09, I2 = 14%, p = 0.19). EMs might be closely related to local deviations of CD4 + T cells. CONCLUSION There was no obvious correlation between EMs and systematic deviations of CD4 + T cells, EMs might be closely related to local deviations of CD4 + T cells. Further study on the functional deviations and subpopulation distribution of CD4 + T cells is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Yuan Zhuang
- Department of Gynecology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China.
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Zhang Y, He T, Lin T, Guo Q, Huo C, Roberts SZ, Yang M, Yang S, Gao L, Zhang W, Li C, Ma X. Novel in vivo endometriotic models associated eutopic endometrium by implanting menstrual blood-derived stromal cells from patients with endometriosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8347. [PMID: 37221282 PMCID: PMC10206158 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35373-4] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The eutopic endometrium provides novel insights into endometriotic pathophysiology and treatment. However, no in vivo models currently available are suitable for eutopic endometrium in endometriosis. In this study, we present new endometriotic in vivo models associated with eutopic endometrium using menstrual blood-derived stromal cells (MenSCs). First, we isolated endometriotic MenSCs (E-MenSCs) and healthy MenSCs (H-MenSCs) from the menstrual blood of patients with endometriosis (n = 6) and healthy volunteers (n = 6). Then, we identified MenSCs' endometrial stromal cell properties using adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation. A cell counting kit-8 and wound healing assay were used to compare the proliferation and migration capability between E-MenSCs and H-MenSCs. Seventy female nude mice were used to prepare endometriotic models related to eutopic endometrium by implanting E-MenSCs relying on three approaches, including surgical implantation using scaffolds seeded with MenSCs, and subcutaneous injection of MenSCs in the abdomen and the back (n = 10). H-MenSCs or scaffolds only were implanted in control groups (n = 10). One month after the surgical implantation and 1 week after the subcutaneous injection, we evaluated modeling by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and immunofluorescent staining of human leukocyte antigen α (HLAA). Fibroblast morphology, lipid droplets, and calcium nodules in E-MenSCs and H-MenSCs identified their endometrial stromal cell properties. We noticed that the proliferation and migration of E-MenSCs were considerably enhanced compared to H-MenSCs (P < 0.05). E-MenSCs implanted in nude mice formed ectopic lesions using three approaches (n = 10; lesions formation rate: 90%, 115%, and 80%; average volumes: 123.60, 27.37, and 29.56 mm3), while H-MenSCs in the nude mice shaped nothing at the implantation sites. Endometrial glands, stroma, and HLAA expression in these lesions further verified the success and applicability of the proposed endometriotic modeling. Findings provide in vitro and in vivo models and paired controls associated with eutopic endometrium in women with endometriosis using E-MenSCs and H-MenSCs. The approach of subcutaneous injection of MenSCs in the abdomen is highlighted due to non-invasive, simple, and safe steps, a short modeling period (1 week), and an excellent modeling success rate (115%), which could improve the repeats and success of endometriotic nude mice model and shorten the modeling period. These novel models could nearly intimate human eutopic endometrial mesenchymal stromal cells in the progress of endometriosis, opening a new path for disease pathology and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuejian Zhang
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tiantian He
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Taoxiu Lin
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Guo
- Department of Galactophore, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chaoyue Huo
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Song Ze Roberts
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mengping Yang
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Sichen Yang
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Luyi Gao
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjuan Zhang
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Changxiang Li
- The School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11. Beisanhuang Dong Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Xiaona Ma
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Third Hospital, No. 51. Xiaoguan Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Westwood S, Fannin M, Ali F, Thigpen J, Tatro R, Hernandez A, Peltzer C, Hildebrand M, Fernandez-Pacheco A, Raymond-Lezman JR, Jacobs RJ. Disparities in Women With Endometriosis Regarding Access to Care, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management in the United States: A Scoping Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e38765. [PMID: 37303418 PMCID: PMC10250135 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38765] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a benign gynecological condition that elicits chronic pain in 2-10% of reproductive-age women in the United States and exists in approximately 50% of women with infertility. It creates complications such as hemorrhage and uterine rupture. Historically, the gynecologic symptoms of endometriosis have been associated with economic strain and inferior quality of life. It is suspected that endometriosis diagnosis and treatment are affected by health disparities throughout gynecological care. The goal of this review was to collate and report the current evidence on potential healthcare disparities related to endometriosis diagnosis, treatment, and care across race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. This scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and searched the Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Medline Ovid, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, and PsycInfo databases for relevant articles on the topic. Eligibility was established a priori to include articles written in English, published between 2015-2022, and reported on cohort, cross-sectional, or experimental studies conducted in the United States. Initially, 328 articles were found, and after screening and quality assessment, four articles were retained for the final review. Results indicated that White women had higher rates of minimally invasive procedures versus open abdominal surgeries than non-White women. White women also had fewer surgical complications compared to all other races and ethnicities. Black women had higher rates of perioperative complications, higher mortality, and spent more time in the perioperative stage than any other race or ethnicity. In the management of endometriosis, the limited research available showed that all non-White women encountered an increased risk of perioperative and postoperative complications compared to White women. More research is needed to explore diagnostic and treatment disparities beyond surgical management, socioeconomic barriers, and improved representation of racial and ethnic minority women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Westwood
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Mackenzie Fannin
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Fadumo Ali
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Justice Thigpen
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Rachel Tatro
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Amanda Hernandez
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Cadynce Peltzer
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Mariah Hildebrand
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Alexnys Fernandez-Pacheco
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Jonathan R Raymond-Lezman
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Robin J Jacobs
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
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Endometriosis Stem Cells as a Possible Main Target for Carcinogenesis of Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancer (EAOC). Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010111. [PMID: 36612107 PMCID: PMC9817684 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010111] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a serious recurrent disease impairing the quality of life and fertility, and being a risk for some histologic types of ovarian cancer defined as endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers (EAOC). The presence of stem cells in the endometriotic foci could account for the proliferative, migrative and angiogenic activity of the lesions. Their phenotype and sources have been described. The similarly disturbed expression of several genes, miRNAs, galectins and chaperones has been observed both in endometriotic lesions and in ovarian or endometrial cancer. The importance of stem cells for nascence and sustain of malignant tumors is commonly appreciated. Although the proposed mechanisms promoting carcinogenesis leading from endometriosis into the EAOC are not completely known, they have been discussed in several articles. However, the role of endometriosis stem cells (ESCs) has not been discussed in this context. Here, we postulate that ESCs may be a main target for the carcinogenesis of EAOC and present the possible sequence of events resulting finally in the development of EAOC.
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The Emerging Role of Menstrual-Blood-Derived Stem Cells in Endometriosis. Biomedicines 2022; 11:biomedicines11010039. [PMID: 36672546 PMCID: PMC9856091 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The human endometrium has a complex cellular composition that is capable of promoting cyclic regeneration, where endometrial stem cells play a critical role. Menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSC) were first discovered in 2007 and described as exhibiting mesenchymal stem cell properties, setting them in the spotlight for endometriosis research. The stem cell theory for endometriosis pathogenesis, supported by the consensual mechanism of retrograde menstruation, highlights the recognized importance that MenSC have gained by potentially being directly related to the genesis, development and maintenance of ectopic endometriotic lesions. Meanwhile, the differences observed between MenSC in patients with endometriosis and in healthy women underlines the applicability of these cells as a putative biomarker for the early diagnosis of endometriosis, as well as for the development of targeted therapies. It is expected that in the near future MenSC will have the potential to change the way we manage this complex disease, once their long-term safety and effectiveness are assessed.
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21
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Penariol LBC, Thomé CH, Tozetti PA, Paier CRK, Buono FO, Peronni KC, Orellana MD, Covas DT, Moraes MEA, Silva WA, Rosa-e-Silva JC, Ferriani RA, Faça VM, Poli-Neto OB, Tiezzi DG, Meola J. What Do the Transcriptome and Proteome of Menstrual Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Tell Us about Endometriosis? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911515. [PMID: 36232817 PMCID: PMC9570451 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the importance of menstrual blood in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and the multifunctional roles of menstrual mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) in regenerative medicine, this issue has gained prominence in the scientific community. Moreover, recent reviews highlight how robust the integrated assessment of omics data are for endometriosis. To our knowledge, no study has applied the multi-omics approaches to endometriosis MenSCs. This is a case-control study at a university-affiliated hospital. MenSCs transcriptome and proteome data were obtained by RNA-seq and UHPLC-MS/MS detection. Among the differentially expressed proteins and genes, we emphasize ATF3, ID1, ID3, FOSB, SNAI1, NR4A1, EGR1, LAMC3, and ZFP36 genes and MT2A, TYMP, COL1A1, COL6A2, and NID2 proteins that were already reported in the endometriosis. Our functional enrichment analysis reveals integrated modulating signaling pathways such as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (↑) and PI3K signaling via AKT to mTORC1 (↓ in proteome), mTORC1 signaling, TGF beta signaling, TNFA signaling via NFkB, IL6 STAT3 signaling, and response to hypoxia via HIF1A targets (↑ in transcriptome). Our findings highlight primary changes in the endometriosis MenSCs, suggesting that the chronic inflammatory endometrial microenvironment can modulate these cells, providing opportunities for endometriosis etiopathogenesis. Moreover, they identify challenges for future research leveraging knowledge for regenerative and precision medicine in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia B. C. Penariol
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Carolina H. Thomé
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
- Regional Blood Center, Medical School of Hemocenter Foundation of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14051-140, Brazil
| | - Patrícia A. Tozetti
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Carlos R. K. Paier
- Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceara, Ceará 60430-275, Brazil
| | - Fabiana O. Buono
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Kamila C. Peronni
- Department of Genetics, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Maristela D. Orellana
- Regional Blood Center, Medical School of Hemocenter Foundation of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14051-140, Brazil
| | - Dimas T. Covas
- Regional Blood Center, Medical School of Hemocenter Foundation of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14051-140, Brazil
| | - Maria E. A. Moraes
- Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceara, Ceará 60430-275, Brazil
| | - Wilson A. Silva
- Department of Genetics, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Júlio C. Rosa-e-Silva
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
- Laboratory for Translational Data Science, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Rui A. Ferriani
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
- National Institute of Hormones and Women’s Health (Hormona), CNPq, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Vitor M. Faça
- Regional Blood Center, Medical School of Hemocenter Foundation of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14051-140, Brazil
- Department Biochemistry and Immunology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Omero B. Poli-Neto
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
- Laboratory for Translational Data Science, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Daniel G. Tiezzi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
- Laboratory for Translational Data Science, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana Meola
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
- Laboratory for Translational Data Science, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
- National Institute of Hormones and Women’s Health (Hormona), CNPq, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-16-3315-0577
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22
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A novel role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in various regeneration-related functions of endometrial stem cells. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:1524-1535. [PMID: 36117220 PMCID: PMC9534881 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00858-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) promotes the production and secretion of estrogen, which in turn stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles. Therefore, consecutive FSH treatment to induce ovarian hyperstimulation (superovulation) is still considered the most cost-effective option for the majority of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). However, a relatively high cancellation rate and subsequent low pregnancy outcomes (approximately 15%) are the most challenging aspects of this FSH-based ART. Currently, the main cause for this low implantation rate of FSH-based ART has not yet been revealed. Therefore, we hypothesized that these high cancellation rates with FSH-based superovulation protocols might be associated with the harmful effects of consecutive FSH treatment. Importantly, several recent studies have revealed that tissue-resident stem cell deficiency can significantly reduce cyclic endometrial regeneration and subsequently decrease the pregnancy outcome. In this context, we investigated whether FSH treatment could directly inhibit endometrial stem cell functions and consequently suppress endometrial regeneration. Consistent with our hypothesis, our results revealed for the first time that FSH could inhibit various regeneration-associated functions of endometrial stem cells, such as self-renewal, migration, and multilineage differentiation capacities, via the PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways both in vitro and in vivo. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is commonly administered to treat female infertility by stimulating the ovaries, but FSH treatment can also inhibit key cellular and physiological processes required for successful pregnancy. In the light of pregnancy outcomes as low as 15 percent after FSH-based assisted reproduction technologies, In-Sun Hong at Gachon University, Incheon, South Korea, and colleagues investigated the effects of FSH. Working with cultured human stem cells from the lining of the uterus, they found that FSH could inhibit multiple cellular regenerative functions that normally maintain this lining. They also identified a specific molecular signaling pathway involved in mediating these inhibitory effects. Studies in mice supported the cell culture results. The findings could help improve infertility treatment strategies by guiding research into methods to alleviate the unwanted effects of FSH.
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23
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Szukiewicz D. Epigenetic regulation and T-cell responses in endometriosis – something other than autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:943839. [PMID: 35935991 PMCID: PMC9355085 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.943839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-like glands and stroma located outside the uterine cavity. This common, estrogen dependent, inflammatory condition affects up to 15% of reproductive-aged women and is a well-recognized cause of chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Despite the still unknown etiology of endometriosis, much evidence suggests the participation of epigenetic mechanisms in the disease etiopathogenesis. The main rationale is based on the fact that heritable phenotype changes that do not involve alterations in the DNA sequence are common triggers for hormonal, immunological, and inflammatory disorders, which play a key role in the formation of endometriotic foci. Epigenetic mechanisms regulating T-cell responses, including DNA methylation and posttranslational histone modifications, deserve attention because tissue-resident T lymphocytes work in concert with organ structural cells to generate appropriate immune responses and are functionally shaped by organ-specific environmental conditions. Thus, a failure to precisely regulate immune cell transcription may result in compromised immunological integrity of the organ with an increased risk of inflammatory disorders. The coexistence of endometriosis and autoimmunity is a well-known occurrence. Recent research results indicate regulatory T-cell (Treg) alterations in endometriosis, and an increased number of highly active Tregs and macrophages have been found in peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis. Elimination of the regulatory function of T cells and an imbalance between T helper cells of the Th1 and Th2 types have been reported in the endometria of women with endometriosis-associated infertility. This review aims to present the state of the art in recognition epigenetic reprogramming of T cells as the key factor in the pathophysiology of endometriosis in the context of T-cell-related autoimmunity. The new potential therapeutic approaches based on epigenetic modulation and/or adoptive transfer of T cells will also be outlined.
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24
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Ludke A, Hatta K, Yao A, Li RK. Uterus: A Unique Stem Cell Reservoir Able to Support Cardiac Repair via Crosstalk among Uterus, Heart, and Bone Marrow. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142182. [PMID: 35883625 PMCID: PMC9324611 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence suggests that the prevalence of cardiac disease is lower in premenopausal women compared to postmenopausal women and men. Although multiple factors contribute to this difference, uterine stem cells may be a major factor, as a high abundance of these cells are present in the uterus. Uterine-derived stem cells have been reported in several studies as being able to contribute to cardiac neovascularization after injury. However, our studies uniquely show the presence of an “utero-cardiac axis”, in which uterine stem cells are able to home to cardiac tissue to promote tissue repair. Additionally, we raise the possibility of a triangular relationship among the bone marrow, uterus, and heart. In this review, we discuss the exchange of stem cells across different organs, focusing on the relationship that exists between the heart, uterus, and bone marrow. We present increasing evidence for the existence of an utero-cardiac axis, in which the uterus serves as a reservoir for cardiac reparative stem cells, similar to the bone marrow. These cells, in turn, are able to migrate to the heart in response to injury to promote healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ludke
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (A.L.); (K.H.); (A.Y.)
| | - Kota Hatta
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (A.L.); (K.H.); (A.Y.)
| | - Alina Yao
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (A.L.); (K.H.); (A.Y.)
| | - Ren-Ke Li
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (A.L.); (K.H.); (A.Y.)
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-581-7492
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25
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Cai G, Hou Z, Sun W, Li P, Zhang J, Yang L, Chen J. Recent Developments in Biomaterial-Based Hydrogel as the Delivery System for Repairing Endometrial Injury. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:894252. [PMID: 35795167 PMCID: PMC9251415 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.894252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial injury caused by intrauterine surgery often leads to pathophysiological changes in the intrauterine environment, resulting in infertility in women of childbearing age. However, clinical treatment strategies, especially for moderate to severe injuries, often fail to provide satisfactory therapeutic effects and pregnancy outcomes. With the development of reproductive medicine and materials engineering, researchers have developed bioactive hydrogel materials, which can be used as a physical anti-adhesion barrier alone or as functional delivery systems for intrauterine injury treatment by loading stem cells or various active substances. Studies have demonstrated that the biomaterial-based hydrogel delivery system can provide sufficient mechanical support and improve the intrauterine microenvironment, enhance the delivery efficiency of therapeutic agents, prolong intrauterine retention time, and perform efficiently targeted repair compared with ordinary drug therapy or stem cell therapy. It shows the promising application prospects of the hydrogel delivery system in reproductive medicine. Herein, we review the recent advances in endometrial repair methods, focusing on the current application status of biomaterial-based hydrogel delivery systems in intrauterine injury repair, including preparation principles, therapeutic efficacy, repair mechanisms, and current limitations and development perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiyang Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhipeng Hou
- Center for Molecular Science and Engineering, College of Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics (China Medical University), Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning (The Reproductive Hospital of China Medical University), Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peng Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics (China Medical University), Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning (The Reproductive Hospital of China Medical University), Shenyang, China
| | - Jinzhe Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics (China Medical University), Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning (The Reproductive Hospital of China Medical University), Shenyang, China
| | - Liqun Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics (China Medical University), Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning (The Reproductive Hospital of China Medical University), Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Liqun Yang, ; Jing Chen,
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Liqun Yang, ; Jing Chen,
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26
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Gołąbek-Grenda A, Olejnik A. In vitro modeling of endometriosis and endometriotic microenvironment - Challenges and recent advances. Cell Signal 2022; 97:110375. [PMID: 35690293 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic condition with high prevalence in reproductive age women, defined as the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, most commonly on the pelvic peritoneum. The ectopic endometrial lesions exist in a unique microenvironment created by the interaction of epithelial, stromal, endothelial, glandular, and immune cell components, dominated by inflammatory, angiogenic, and endocrine signals. Current research is directed at understanding the complex microenvironment of the lesions and its relationship with different endometriosis stages, phenotypes, and disease symptoms and at the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic concepts that minimalize the undesirable side effects of current medical management. Recreating pathophysiological cellular and molecular mechanisms and identifying clinically relevant metrics to assess drug efficacy is a great challenge for the experimental disease models. This review summarizes the complete range of available in vitro experimental systems used in endometriotic studies, which reflect the multifactorial nature of the endometriotic lesion. The article discusses the simplistic in vitro models such as primary endometrial cells and endometriotic cell lines to heterogeneous 2D co-cultures, and recently more common, 3D systems based on self-organization and controlled assembly, both in microfluidic or bioprinting methodologies. Basic research models allow studying fundamental pathological mechanisms by which menstrual endometrium adheres, invades, and establishes lesions in ectopic sites. The advanced endometriosis experimental models address the critical challenges and unsolved problems and provide an approach to drug screening and medicine discovery by mimicking the complicated behaviors of the endometriotic lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Gołąbek-Grenda
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, 48 Wojska Polskiego St., 60-627 Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Olejnik
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, 48 Wojska Polskiego St., 60-627 Poznan, Poland.
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Kim HG, Lim YS, Hwang S, Kim HY, Moon Y, Song YJ, Na YJ, Yoon S. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate Triggers Proliferation, Migration, Stemness, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Endometrial and Endometriotic Epithelial Cells via the Transforming Growth Factor-β/Smad Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073938. [PMID: 35409294 PMCID: PMC8999884 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a frequently used plasticizer that may be linked to the development of endometriosis, a common gynecological disorder with a profound impact on quality of life. Despite its prevalence, vital access to treatment has often been hampered by a lack of understanding of its pathogenesis as well as reliable disease models. Recently, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been suggested to have a significant role in endometriosis pathophysiology. In this study, we found that DEHP treatment enhanced proliferation, migration, and inflammatory responses, along with EMT and stemness induction in human endometrial and endometriotic cells. The selective transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor type 1/2 inhibitor LY2109761 reversed the DEHP-induced cell proliferation and migration enhancement as well as the increased expression of crucial molecules involved in inflammation, EMT, and stemness, indicating that DEHP-triggered phenomena occur via the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Our study clearly defines the role of DEHP in the etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms of endometriosis and establishes an efficient disease model for endometriosis using a biomimetic 3D cell culture technique. Altogether, our data provide novel etiological and mechanistic insights into the role of DEHP in endometriosis pathogenesis, opening avenues for developing novel preventive and therapeutic strategies for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwi Gon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea; (H.G.K.); (Y.J.S.); (Y.-J.N.)
| | - Ye Seon Lim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea; (Y.S.L.); (S.H.); (H.-Y.K.)
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea;
| | - Seonyeong Hwang
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea; (Y.S.L.); (S.H.); (H.-Y.K.)
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea;
| | - Hye-Yoon Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea; (Y.S.L.); (S.H.); (H.-Y.K.)
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea;
| | - Yuseok Moon
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea;
- Department of Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea
| | - Yong Jung Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea; (H.G.K.); (Y.J.S.); (Y.-J.N.)
| | - Yong-Jin Na
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea; (H.G.K.); (Y.J.S.); (Y.-J.N.)
| | - Sik Yoon
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea; (Y.S.L.); (S.H.); (H.-Y.K.)
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea;
- Correspondence:
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28
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Chopyak VV, Koval HD, Havrylyuk AM, Lishchuk-Yakymovych KA, Potomkina HA, Kurpisz MK. Immunopathogenesis of endometriosis - a novel look at an old problem. Cent Eur J Immunol 2022; 47:109-116. [PMID: 35600152 PMCID: PMC9115599 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2022.113830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to cast a look at endometriosis as a chronic and progressive gynecological disease.Endometriosis-affected tissues show a variety of pathologic features: alterations in cell growth, apoptosis, activation, angiogenesis, cell adhesion, and cytokine production. Fresh endometriotic lesions are associated with induction of an inflammatory reaction represented by overproduction of prostaglandins (PGE2), metalloproteinases (MMP-2, -3, -9), cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1 and MIF) and adhesive molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1) and activation of synthesis of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The inflammatory process may lead to defective folliculogenesis by an altered follicular milieu. An increase in the number and change in function of macrophages, T- and B-lymphocytes and reduction of NK cells have been reported. Treg lymphocytes are known to play an extremely important role in controlling and modulating changes in the aberrant immune response in endometriosis. Dysregulation of the immune system results in both increased progression of endometriosis and its severity. In inflammatory conditions the immune cells provide immune defense at the local level - in peritoneal fluid - and could further cause: 1) a decrease of the number of NK CD16+ cells with expression of KIRs and an increase of NK CD57+; 2) increased numbers of CD8+ cells and CD11b- immature dendritic cells; 3) an increase of FoxP3 expression in the regulatory T cell (Treg) population; 4) an increase of macrophages activating T- and B-lymphocytes leading to elevated synthesis of cytokines and/or autoantibodies. We may conclude that endometriosis resembles an immunodependent disease with the autoimmune background and breakdown of immunosuppressive mechanisms. Further immunological investigations may open a new avenue to discover innovative immunomodulatory treatments of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maciej K. Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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29
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Sanchez-Mata A, Gonzalez-Muñoz E. Understanding menstrual blood-derived stromal/stem cells: Definition and properties. Are we rushing into their therapeutic applications? iScience 2021; 24:103501. [PMID: 34917895 PMCID: PMC8646170 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells with mesenchymal stem cell properties have been identified in menstrual blood and termed menstrual blood-derived stem/stromal cells (MenSCs). MenSCs have been proposed as ideal candidates for cell-based therapy in regenerative medicine and immune-related diseases. However, MenSCs identity has been loosely defined so far and there is controversy regarding their cell markers and differentiation potential. In this review, we outline the origin of MenSCs in the context of regenerating human endometrium, with attention to endometrial eMSCs as reference cells to understand MenSCs. We summarize the cell identity markers analyzed and the immunomodulatory and reparative properties reported. We also address the recent use of MenSCs in cell reprogramming. The main goal of this review is to contribute to the understanding of the identity and properties of MenSCs as well as to identify potential caveats and new venues that deserve to be explored to strengthen their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Sanchez-Mata
- Andalusian Laboratory of Cell Reprogramming (LARCel), Andalusian Centre for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology-BIONAND, 29590 Málaga, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, University of Malaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Elena Gonzalez-Muñoz
- Andalusian Laboratory of Cell Reprogramming (LARCel), Andalusian Centre for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology-BIONAND, 29590 Málaga, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, University of Malaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, (CIBER-BBN), 29071 Málaga, Spain
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30
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Making More Womb: Clinical Perspectives Supporting the Development and Utilization of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Endometrial Regeneration and Infertility. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11121364. [PMID: 34945836 PMCID: PMC8707522 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11121364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The uterus is a homeostatic organ, unwavering in the setting of monthly endometrial turnover, placental invasion, and parturition. In response to ovarian steroid hormones, the endometrium autologously prepares for embryo implantation and in its absence will shed and regenerate. Dysfunctional endometrial repair and regeneration may present clinically with infertility and abnormal menses. Asherman's syndrome is characterized by intrauterine adhesions and atrophic endometrium, which often impacts fertility. Clinical management of infertility associated with abnormal endometrium represents a significant challenge. Endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) occupy a perivascular niche and contain regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. Given these characteristics, mesenchymal stem cells of endometrial and non-endometrial origin (bone marrow, adipose, placental) have been investigated for therapeutic purposes. Local administration of human MSC in animal models of endometrial injury reduces collagen deposition, improves angiogenesis, decreases inflammation, and improves fertility. Small clinical studies of autologous MSC administration in infertile women with Asherman's Syndrome suggested their potential to restore endometrial function as evidenced by increased endometrial thickness, decreased adhesions, and fertility. The objective of this review is to highlight translational and clinical studies investigating the use of MSC for endometrial dysfunction and infertility and to summarize the current state of the art in this promising area.
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