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Tao T, Mo X, Zhao L. Identifying novel potential drug targets for endometriosis via plasma proteome screening. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1416978. [PMID: 39036049 PMCID: PMC11257892 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1416978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis (EM) is a chronic painful condition that predominantly affects women of reproductive age. Currently, surgery or medication can only provide limited symptom relief. This study used a comprehensive genetic analytical approach to explore potential drug targets for EM in the plasma proteome. Methods In this study, 2,923 plasma proteins were selected as exposure and EM as outcome for two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. The plasma proteomic data were derived from the UK Biobank Pharmaceutical Proteomics Project (UKB-PPP), while the EM dataset from the FinnGen consortium R10 release data. Several sensitivity analyses were performed, including summary-data-based MR (SMR) analyses, heterogeneity in dependent instruments (HEIDI) test, reverse MR analyses, steiger detection test, and bayesian co-localization analyses. Furthermore, proteome-wide association study (PWAS) and single-cell transcriptomic analyses were also conducted to validate the findings. Results Six significant (p < 3.06 × 10-5) plasma protein-EM pairs were identified by MR analyses. These included EPHB4 (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.20 - 1.63), FSHB (OR = 3.91, 95% CI: 3.13 - 4.87), RSPO3 (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.38 - 1.86), SEZ6L2 (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.23 - 1.68) and WASHC3 (OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.54 - 2.59) were identified as risk factors, whereas KDR (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.75 - 0.90) was found to be a protective factor. All six plasma proteins passed the SMR test (P < 8.33 × 10-3), but only four plasma proteins passed the HEIDI heterogeneity test (PHEIDI > 0.05), namely FSHB, RSPO3, SEZ6L2 and EPHB4. These four proteins showed strong evidence of co-localization (PPH4 > 0.7). In particular, RSPO3 and EPHB4 were replicated in the validated PWAS. Single-cell analyses revealed high expression of SEZ6L2 and EPHB4 in stromal and epithelial cells within EM lesions, while RSPO3 exhibited elevated expression in stromal cells and fibroblasts. Conclusion Our study identified FSHB, RSPO3, SEZ6L2, and EPHB4 as potential drug targets for EM and highlighted the critical role of stromal and epithelial cells in disease development. These findings provide new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Tao
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyu Mo
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liangbin Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Brinca AT, Peiró AM, Evangelio PM, Eleno I, Oliani AH, Silva V, Vicente LF, Ramalhinho AC, Gallardo E. Follicular Fluid and Blood Monitorization of Infertility Biomarkers in Women with Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7177. [PMID: 39000283 PMCID: PMC11241429 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility is recognized globally as a social disease and a growing medical condition, posing a significant challenge to modern reproductive health. Endometriosis, the third-most frequent gynecologic disorder, is one of the most common and intricate conditions that can lead to female infertility. Despite extensive research, the etiology, malignant transformation, and biological therapy of endometriosis remain unknown. Blood and follicular fluid are two matrices that have been carefully studied and can provide insights into women's health. These matrices are clinically significant because they contain metabolites closely associated with women's illness stage and reproductive outcomes. Nowadays, the application of metabolomic analysis in biological matrices may be able to predict the outcome of assisted reproductive technologies with greater precision. From a molecular viewpoint on reproductive health, we evaluate and compare the utilization of human follicular fluid and blood as matrices in analysis for diagnostic and assisted reproductive technology (ART) predictors of success for endometriosis patients. In the follicular fluid (FF), plasma, and serum of endometriosis-affected women, researchers identified dysregulations of oxidative stress, upregulation of several immune factors, and aberrations in energy metabolic pathways. The altered signatures negatively correlate with the overall oocyte and embryo quality and fertilization rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Teresa Brinca
- Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal;
| | - Ana Maria Peiró
- Pharmacogenetic Unit, Clinical Pharmacology Department, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Dr. Balmis General University Hospital, 03010 Alicante, Spain;
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernández University, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | | | - Irene Eleno
- Unidad de Reproduccion, Servicio de Ginecologia y Obstetricia, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, 03010 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Antonio Helio Oliani
- Assisted Reproduction Laboratory, Cova da Beira Local Health Unit, 6200-251 Covilhã, Portugal;
- São José do Rio Preto School of Medicine, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Vladimiro Silva
- Ferticentro—Centro de Estudos de Fertilidade S.A., 3000-316 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Procriar—Centro de Procriação Medicamente Assistida, 4100-130 Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Ana Cristina Ramalhinho
- Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal;
- Assisted Reproduction Laboratory, Cova da Beira Local Health Unit, 6200-251 Covilhã, Portugal;
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal;
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, University of Beira Interior, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
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3
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Meidyana S, Isfandiary S, Primariawan RY. WNT4 (rs7521902 and rs16826658) polymorphism and its association with endometriosis - A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 295:111-117. [PMID: 38354602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.01.038] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE This systematic review supports the involvement of the WNT4 gene in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on WNT4 rs7521902 and rs16826658 polymorphism associated with endometriosis based on multi-ethnic case-control studies. DATA SOURCES Comprehensive searching was performed using Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar. STUDY SELECTION AND SYNTHESIS Keywords used for searching using Boolean operators are endometriosis, WNT4, and polymorphism. This review followed PRISMA guidelines, and meta-analysis was conducted in STATA18. MAIN OUTCOMES WNT4 polymorphisms identified in this review were rs7521902, rs16826658, rs2235529, rs3820282, and rs12037376. RESULTS A total of 250 studies were identified through databases; 10 were eligible for this review, and eight were included in the meta-analysis. Two WNT4 polymorphisms (rs7521902 and rs16826658) were analysed in the meta-analysis. A lower risk of odds in having endometriosis was apparent in the CC genotype of rs7521092 polymorphism with a pooled OR of 0.86 (0.76, 0.99). Most articles were high-quality case-control studies and were at low risk of bias. CONCLUSION This study highlighted the association of WNT4 polymorphisms (rs7521092) and endometriosis across Latin America, Europe, and Asian populations. RELEVANCE Following the completion of the Human Genome Project, many genetic aspects of endometriosis were revealed, including the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However, due to a lack of replications and conflicting results between studies, the conclusion of the endometriosis genetic pathway needed to be completed. This finding of WNT4 showed that its association with endometriosis was valid even in varied ethnicities, indicating a general genetic aspect of disease across populations. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to confirm this finding, including functional biological and longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafira Meidyana
- Dept. Public Health - Preventive Medicine, Airlangga University, Jl. Mayjen Prof. Dr. Moestopo, 47, Surabaya, Indonesia.
| | - Soraya Isfandiary
- Dept. Public Health - Preventive Medicine, Airlangga University, Jl. Mayjen Prof. Dr. Moestopo, 47, Surabaya, Indonesia
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4
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Ni C, Li D. Ferroptosis and oxidative stress in endometriosis: A systematic review of the literature. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37421. [PMID: 38489713 PMCID: PMC10939684 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis (EMT) a common gynecological condition in women, an inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue on organs and tissues in the pelvis, and is mainly associated with chronic pelvic pain and infertility. As the etiology has not been fully elucidated, current treatment is limited to surgery, hormones and painkillers, with more side effects and difficulty in achieving long-term relief. Oxidative stress manifests itself as an overproduction of reactive oxygen species, which has an integral impact in the pathology of female reproductive disorders. In this review, we evaluate the mechanisms of iron overload-induced oxidative stress and ferroptosis in EMT and their pathophysiological implications. METHODS Because the etiology has not been fully elucidated, current treatments are limited to surgery, hormones, and painkillers, which have many side effects and are difficult to achieve long-term relief. RESULTS We interpreted that antioxidants as well as ferroptosis inducers show promising results in the treatment of EMT, but their application in this population needs to be further investigated. CONCLUSION In combination with the interpretation of previous studies, it was shown that iron overload is present in the peritoneal fluid, endometriotic lesions, peritoneum and macrophages in the abdominal cavity. However, the programmed cellular ferroptosis associated with iron overload is resisted by endometriotic foci, which is critical to the pathophysiology of EMT with local iron overload and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghong Ni
- Department of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Dingheng Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou Women’s Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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5
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Davoodi Asl F, Sahraei SS, Kalhor N, Fazaeli H, Sheykhhasan M, Soleimani Moud S, Naserpour L, Sheikholeslami A. Promising effects of exosomes from menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells on endometriosis. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100788. [PMID: 37542905 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis as a non-malignant gynecological disease leads to dysregulation of numerous cellular functions including apoptosis, angiogenesis, migration, proliferation, and inflammation. Accumulating evidence has shed light on the importance of endometrial stem cells within the menstrual blood which are involved in the establishment and progression of endometriotic lesions in a retrograde manner. According to the fact that the therapeutic benefits of mesenchymal stem cells are provided through paracrine functions, we used exosomes from menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) for treating endometriotic stem cells to inhibit their lesion formation tendency. Menstrual blood samples from healthy and endometriosis women were collected. Isolated MenSCs by the density-gradient centrifugation method were characterized by flow cytometry. Secreted exosomes were isolated from healthy MenSCs (NE-MenSCs) and used to treat endometriotic cells (E-MenSCs). 72 h after treatment, different mechanisms and pathways including inflammation, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis were analyzed using Real-Time PCR, ELISA, immunocytochemistry, annexin V/PI, and scratching assay. Exosome treatment significantly reduce the expression level of markers related to inflammation, proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in E-MenSCs which are aberrantly expressed in endometriosis. Moreover, apoptosis was induced in E-MenSCs after treatment which was evaluated in both gene and protein levels. In this study, we give preliminary evidence for the potential of MenSCs-Exo in ameliorating endometriosis. Regarding our results, we suggest that after relevant clinical trial, MenSCs-derived exosomes can be considered as a better treatment option to improve endometriosis compared to common and conventional treatments and show their potential as a cell-free product in endometriosis repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Davoodi Asl
- Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Saeideh Sahraei
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Naser Kalhor
- Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Hoda Fazaeli
- Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sheykhhasan
- Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Sanaz Soleimani Moud
- Midwifery ward, Infertility treatment center, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Leila Naserpour
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Azar Sheikholeslami
- Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran.
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Mortlock S, Houshdaran S, Kosti I, Rahmioglu N, Nezhat C, Vitonis AF, Andrews SV, Grosjean P, Paranjpe M, Horne AW, Jacoby A, Lager J, Opoku-Anane J, Vo KC, Manvelyan E, Sen S, Ghukasyan Z, Collins F, Santamaria X, Saunders P, Kober K, McRae AF, Terry KL, Vallvé-Juanico J, Becker C, Rogers PAW, Irwin JC, Zondervan K, Montgomery GW, Missmer S, Sirota M, Giudice L. Global endometrial DNA methylation analysis reveals insights into mQTL regulation and associated endometriosis disease risk and endometrial function. Commun Biol 2023; 6:780. [PMID: 37587191 PMCID: PMC10432557 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05070-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a leading cause of pain and infertility affecting millions of women globally. Herein, we characterize variation in DNA methylation (DNAm) and its association with menstrual cycle phase, endometriosis, and genetic variants through analysis of genotype data and methylation in endometrial samples from 984 deeply-phenotyped participants. We estimate that 15.4% of the variation in endometriosis is captured by DNAm and identify significant differences in DNAm profiles associated with stage III/IV endometriosis, endometriosis sub-phenotypes and menstrual cycle phase, including opening of the window for embryo implantation. Menstrual cycle phase was a major source of DNAm variation suggesting cellular and hormonally-driven changes across the cycle can regulate genes and pathways responsible for endometrial physiology and function. DNAm quantitative trait locus (mQTL) analysis identified 118,185 independent cis-mQTLs including 51 associated with risk of endometriosis, highlighting candidate genes contributing to disease risk. Our work provides functional evidence for epigenetic targets contributing to endometriosis risk and pathogenesis. Data generated serve as a valuable resource for understanding tissue-specific effects of methylation on endometrial biology in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Mortlock
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Sahar Houshdaran
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Idit Kosti
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nilufer Rahmioglu
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre, Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Camran Nezhat
- Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Camran Nezhat Institute, Center for Special Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery, Woodside, CA, USA
| | - Allison F Vitonis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Epidemiology Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shan V Andrews
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Parker Grosjean
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Manish Paranjpe
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrew W Horne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, QMRI, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alison Jacoby
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeannette Lager
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Opoku-Anane
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kim Chi Vo
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Evelina Manvelyan
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sushmita Sen
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zhanna Ghukasyan
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Frances Collins
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, QMRI, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Xavier Santamaria
- Carlos Simon Foundation, Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
- Group of Biomedical Research in Gynecology, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Philippa Saunders
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kord Kober
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Physiological Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Allan F McRae
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Kathryn L Terry
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Epidemiology Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston Center for Endometriosis, Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Júlia Vallvé-Juanico
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Group of Biomedical Research in Gynecology, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Becker
- Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre, Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter A W Rogers
- University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Juan C Irwin
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Krina Zondervan
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre, Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Grant W Montgomery
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Stacey Missmer
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston Center for Endometriosis, Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Marina Sirota
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Linda Giudice
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Zhang M, Xu T, Tong D, Li S, Yu X, Liu B, Jiang L, Liu K. Research advances in endometriosis-related signaling pathways: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114909. [PMID: 37210898 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is characterized by the existence of endometrial mucosa outside the uterine cavity, which causesinfertility, persistent aches, and a decline in women's quality of life. Both hormone therapies and nonhormone therapies, such as NSAIDs, are ineffective, generic categories of EM drugs. Endometriosis is a benign gynecological condition, yet it shares a number of features with cancer cells, including immune evasion, survival, adhesion, invasion, and angiogenesis. Several endometriosis-related signaling pathways are comprehensively reviewed in this article, including E2, NF-κB, MAPK, ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, YAP, Wnt/β-catenin, Rho/ROCK, TGF-β, VEGF, NO, iron, cytokines and chemokines. To find and develop novel medications for the treatment of EM, it is essential to implicitly determine the molecular pathways that are disordered during EM development. Additionally, research on the shared pathways between EM and tumors can provide hypotheses or suggestions for endometriosis therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manlin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tongtong Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Deming Tong
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Siman Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaodan Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Boya Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lili Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Kuiran Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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8
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Song Z, Liao C, Yao L, Xu X, Shen X, Tian S, Wang S, Xing F. miR-219-5p attenuates cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer by inactivating Wnt/β-catenin signaling and autophagy via targeting HMGA2. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 30:596-607. [PMID: 36494581 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00574-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Our previous study confirmed that miR-219-5p inhibits the progression of ovarian cancer (OC) by targeting high mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2), while the role of miR-219-5p on the chemoresistance of OC is unclear. HMGA2 and miR-219-5p expression in OC tumors and various types of OC cells were determined by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. The miRNA profiles in A2780 and cisplatin-resistant A2780 cells were investigated via bulk miRNA sequencing, and the interactions of miR-219-5p and HMGA2 were determined by luciferase reporter activity assay. Cell function was verified through Cell Counting Kit-8, invasion assay, wound-healing, and TUNEL assays. HMGA2 level is highly expressed in cisplatin-resistant OC cell lines compared to normal OC cells, while the expression trend of miR-219-5p is the opposite. In addition, we found that miR-219-5p is one of the miRNAs that have the most significant reduction in levels in the cisplatin-resistant A2780/DDP cell line compared to A2780 cells. Then, we reveal that miR-219-5p directly targets HMGA2 in cisplatin-resistant OC cells, and upregulation of miR-219-5p significantly reduces the resistance of OC cells to cisplatin both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, our results suggest that Wnt/β-catenin signaling and autophagy pathway is involved in the role of miR-219-5p/HMGA2 on resistance of OC cells to cisplatin via gain-of-function experiments. Collectively, the present study shows that miR-219-5p decreases the resistance of OC cells to cisplatin via Wnt/β-catenin signaling and autophagy by regulating HMGA2, which provides a feasible solution for the resistance of OC to chemotherapy.
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9
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Li Y, Hung SW, Zhang R, Man GCW, Zhang T, Chung JPW, Fang L, Wang CC. Melatonin in Endometriosis: Mechanistic Understanding and Clinical Insight. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194087. [PMID: 36235740 PMCID: PMC9572886 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is defined as the development of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. Pathophysiology of this disease includes abnormal hormone profiles, cell survival, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, immunology, and inflammation. Melatonin is a neuroendocrine hormone that is synthesized and released primarily at night from the mammalian pineal gland. Increasing evidence has revealed that melatonin can be synthesized and secreted from multiple extra-pineal tissues where it regulates immune response, inflammation, and angiogenesis locally. Melatonin receptors are expressed in the uterus, and the therapeutic effects of melatonin on endometriosis and other reproductive disorders have been reported. In this review, key information related to the metabolism of melatonin and its biological effects is summarized. Furthermore, the latest in vitro and in vivo findings are highlighted to evaluate the pleiotropic functions of melatonin, as well as to summarize its physiological and pathological effects and treatment potential in endometriosis. Moreover, the pharmacological and therapeutic benefits derived from the administration of exogenous melatonin on reproductive system-related disease are discussed to support the potential of melatonin supplements toward the development of endometriosis. More clinical trials are needed to confirm its therapeutic effects and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Li
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Sze-Wan Hung
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ruizhe Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Gene Chi-Wai Man
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jacqueline Pui-Wah Chung
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Correspondence: (L.F.); (C.-C.W.); Tel.: +86-371-6691-3635 (L.F.); +852-3505-4267 (C.-C.W.)
| | - Chi-Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Chinese University of Hong Kong-Sichuan University Joint Laboratory in Reproductive Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Correspondence: (L.F.); (C.-C.W.); Tel.: +86-371-6691-3635 (L.F.); +852-3505-4267 (C.-C.W.)
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10
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Załęcka J, Pankiewicz K, Issat T, Laudański P. Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Association between Endometriosis and Ectopic Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073490. [PMID: 35408850 PMCID: PMC8998627 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of endometrial cells outside the uterine cavity. It is estimated that it affects 10% of women of reproductive age. Its pathogenesis covers a wide range of abnormalities, including adhesion, proliferation, and cell signaling disturbances. It is associated with a significant deterioration in quality of life as a result of chronic pelvic pain and may also lead to infertility. One of the most serious complications of endometriosis is an ectopic pregnancy (EP). Currently, the exact mechanism explaining this phenomenon is unknown; therefore, there are no effective methods of prevention. It is assumed that the pathogenesis of EP is influenced by abnormalities in the contraction of the fallopian tube muscles, the mobility of the cilia, and in the fallopian microenvironment. Endometriosis can disrupt function on all three levels and thus contribute to the implantation of the embryo beyond the physiological site. This review takes into account aspects of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and EP, with particular emphasis on the similarities between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Załęcka
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicza 1/3, 02-015 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Pankiewicz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw, Kasprzaka 17a, 01-211 Warsaw, Poland; (K.P.); (T.I.)
| | - Tadeusz Issat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw, Kasprzaka 17a, 01-211 Warsaw, Poland; (K.P.); (T.I.)
| | - Piotr Laudański
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicza 1/3, 02-015 Warsaw, Poland;
- OVIklinika Infertility Center, Połczyńska 31, 01-377 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
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11
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Mortlock S, Corona RI, Kho PF, Pharoah P, Seo JH, Freedman ML, Gayther SA, Siedhoff MT, Rogers PAW, Leuchter R, Walsh CS, Cass I, Karlan BY, Rimel BJ, Montgomery GW, Lawrenson K, Kar SP. A multi-level investigation of the genetic relationship between endometriosis and ovarian cancer histotypes. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100542. [PMID: 35492879 PMCID: PMC9040176 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is associated with increased risk of epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs). Using data from large endometriosis and EOC genome-wide association meta-analyses, we estimate the genetic correlation and evaluate the causal relationship between genetic liability to endometriosis and EOC histotypes, and identify shared susceptibility loci. We estimate a significant genetic correlation (rg) between endometriosis and clear cell (rg = 0.71), endometrioid (rg = 0.48), and high-grade serous (rg = 0.19) ovarian cancer, associations supported by Mendelian randomization analyses. Bivariate meta-analysis identified 28 loci associated with both endometriosis and EOC, including 19 with evidence for a shared underlying association signal. Differences in the shared risk suggest different underlying pathways may contribute to the relationship between endometriosis and the different histotypes. Functional annotation using transcriptomic and epigenomic profiles of relevant tissues/cells highlights several target genes. This comprehensive analysis reveals profound genetic overlap between endometriosis and EOC histotypes with valuable genomic targets for understanding the biological mechanisms linking the diseases. Endometriosis is genetically correlated with CCOC, ENOC, and HGSOC Genetic liability to endometriosis confers risk of these EOC histotypes Profound colocalization of genetic associations at endometriosis and EOC risk loci Functional annotation highlights shared target genes elucidating the genetic link
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Mortlock
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Rosario I Corona
- Women's Cancer Research Program at Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pik Fang Kho
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul Pharoah
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, CB1 8RN Cambridge, UK.,Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, CB1 8RN Cambridge, UK
| | - Ji-Heui Seo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew L Freedman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simon A Gayther
- Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthew T Siedhoff
- Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peter A W Rogers
- University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Ronald Leuchter
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christine S Walsh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ilana Cass
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Beth Y Karlan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - B J Rimel
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Grant W Montgomery
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Kate Lawrenson
- Women's Cancer Research Program at Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Siddhartha P Kar
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, BS8 2BN Bristol, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS8 2BN Bristol, UK
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12
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A Comparative Study of Gene Expression in Menstrual Blood-Derived Stromal Cells between Endometriosis and Healthy Women. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7053521. [PMID: 35059465 PMCID: PMC8766185 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7053521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background. Research into the pathogenesis of endometriosis would substantially promote its effective treatment and early diagnosis. Currently, accumulating evidence has shed light on the importance of endometrial stem cells within the menstrual blood which are involved in the establishment and progression of endometriotic lesions in a retrograde manner. Objectives. We aimed to identify the differences in some genes’ expression between menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) isolated from endometriosis patients (E-MenSCs) and MenSCs from healthy women (NE-MenSCs). Methods. Menstrual blood samples (2-3 mL) from healthy and endometriosis women in the age range of 22–35 years were collected. Isolated MenSCs by the Ficoll-Paque density-gradient centrifugation method were characterized by flow cytometry. MenSCs were evaluated for key related endometriosis genes by real-time-PCR. Results. E-MenSCs were morphologically different from NE-MenSCs and showed, respectively, higher and lower expression of CD10 and CD9. Furthermore, E-MenSCs had higher expression of Cyclin D1 (a cell cycle-related gene) and MMP-2 and MMP-9 (migration- and invasion-related genes) genes compared with NE-MenSCs. Despite higher cell proliferation in E-MenSCs, the BAX/BCL-2 ratio was significantly lower in E-MenSCs compared to NE-MenSCs. Also, the level of inflammatory genes such as IL1β, IL6, IL8, and NF-κB and stemness genes including SOX2 and SALL4 was increased in E-MenSCs compared with NE-MenSCs. Further, VEGF, as a potent angiogenic factor, showed a significant increase in E-MenSCs rather than NE-MenSCs. However, NE-MenSCs showed increased ER-α and β-catenin when compared with E-MenSCs. Conclusion. Here, we showed that there are gene expression differences between E-MenSCs and NE-MenSCs. These findings propose that MenSCs could play key role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and further support the menstrual blood retrograde theory of endometriosis formation. This could be of great importance in exploiting promising therapeutic targets and new biomarkers for endometriosis treatment and prognosis.
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13
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Shi L, Xue X, Tian H, Ye H, Wang H, Wang R, Liu Y, Zhang C, Chen Q, Sun L. WEE1 promotes endometriosis via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:161. [PMID: 34686198 PMCID: PMC8532311 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00844-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis, the presence of active endometrial tissue outside the lining membrane of the uterine cavity, is a common disease in women of childbearing age. The ectopic endometrium has some characteristics of tumor tissue, including invasive and migratory abilities. In addition, endometriosis is associated with inflammation and reduced cellular apoptosis. METHODS Western blot analysis, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence microscopy, Transwell assay, wound healing assay, and TUNEL staining. RESULTS Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induced WEE1 expression in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), suggesting that WEE1 may be upregulated during the endometriosis-induced inflammatory response. Overexpression of WEE1 in cultured ESCs promoted ESC migration while inhibiting apoptosis, whereas WEE1 knockdown reduced ESC migration while promoting apoptosis. Inhibition of WEE1 attenuates fibrosis in ESCs and female C57BL/6 J mice. This pro-fibrotic effect of WEE1 was significantly decreased by treatment with the Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor XAV939, suggesting that WEE1 acts via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that WEE1 promotes ESC migration and fibrosis via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Thus, WEE1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Shi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Xue Xue
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Hui Tian
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Hongjuan Ye
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Rongxiang Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Caixia Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Qiuju Chen
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Lihua Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200120, China.
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14
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Godin SK, Wagner J, Huang P, Bree D. The role of peripheral nerve signaling in endometriosis. FASEB Bioadv 2021; 3:802-813. [PMID: 34632315 PMCID: PMC8493968 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2021-00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of endometriosis - a chronic debilitating condition whose causes are poorly understood - is neuronal innervation of lesions. Recent evidence demonstrates that the peripheral nervous system plays an important role in the pathophysiology of this disease. Sensory nerves, which surround and innervate endometriotic lesions, not only drive the chronic and debilitating pain associated with endometriosis but also contribute to a pro-growth phenotype by secreting neurotrophic factors and interacting with surrounding immune cells. The diverse array of contributions that neurons play in endometriosis indicate that it should be considered as a nerve-centric disease. This review is focused on the emerging field of exoneural biology and how it applies to the field of endometriosis, in particular the role that peripheral nerves play in driving and maintaining endometriotic lesions. A better understanding of the mechanisms of neuronal contribution to endometriosis, as well as their interactions with accompanying stromal and immune cells, will unearth novel disease-relevant pathways and targets, providing additional, more selective therapeutic horizons.
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15
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Giacomini E, Minetto S, Li Piani L, Pagliardini L, Somigliana E, Viganò P. Genetics and Inflammation in Endometriosis: Improving Knowledge for Development of New Pharmacological Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169033. [PMID: 34445738 PMCID: PMC8396487 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
According to a rich body of literature, immune cell dysfunctions, both locally and systemically, and an inflammatory environment characterize all forms of endometriosis. Alterations in transcripts and proteins involved in the recruitment of immune cells, in the interaction between cytokines and their receptors, cellular adhesion and apoptosis have been demonstrated in endometriotic lesions. The objective of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the components and mechanisms at the intersection between inflammation and genetics that may constitute vanguard therapeutic approaches in endometriosis. The GWAS technology and pathway-based analysis highlighted the role of the MAPK and the WNT/β-catenin cascades in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. These signaling pathways have been suggested to interfere with the disease establishment via several mechanisms, including apoptosis, migration and angiogenesis. Extracellular vesicle-associated molecules may be not only interesting to explain some aspects of endometriosis progression, but they may also serve as therapeutic regimens per se. Immune/inflammatory dysfunctions have always represented attractive therapeutic targets in endometriosis. These would be even more interesting if genetic evidence supported the involvement of functional pathways at the basis of these alterations. Targeting these dysfunctions through next-generation inhibitors can constitute a therapeutic alternative for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Giacomini
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy; (E.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Sabrina Minetto
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Letizia Li Piani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (L.L.P.); (E.S.)
| | - Luca Pagliardini
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy; (E.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (L.L.P.); (E.S.)
| | - Paola Viganò
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-5503-4302
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16
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Hung SW, Zhang R, Tan Z, Chung JPW, Zhang T, Wang CC. Pharmaceuticals targeting signaling pathways of endometriosis as potential new medical treatment: A review. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:2489-2564. [PMID: 33948974 PMCID: PMC8252000 DOI: 10.1002/med.21802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is defined as endometrial tissues found outside the uterus. Growth and development of endometriotic cells in ectopic sites can be promoted via multiple pathways, including MAPK/MEK/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, Rho/ROCK, reactive oxidative stress, tumor necrosis factor, transforming growth factor-β, Wnt/β-catenin, vascular endothelial growth factor, estrogen, and cytokines. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms include proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, migration, invasion, fibrosis, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune escape. Current medical treatments for EM are mainly hormonal and symptomatic, and thus the development of new, effective, and safe pharmaceuticals targeting specific molecular and signaling pathways is needed. Here, we systematically reviewed the literature focused on pharmaceuticals that specifically target the molecular and signaling pathways involved in the pathophysiology of EM. Potential drug targets, their upstream and downstream molecules with key aberrant signaling, and the regulatory mechanisms promoting the growth and development of endometriotic cells and tissues were discussed. Hormonal pharmaceuticals, including melatonin, exerts proapoptotic via regulating matrix metallopeptidase activity while nonhormonal pharmaceutical sorafenib exerts antiproliferative effect via MAPK/ERK pathway and antiangiogenesis activity via VEGF/VEGFR pathway. N-acetyl cysteine, curcumin, and ginsenoside exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects via radical scavenging activity. Natural products have high efficacy with minimal side effects; for example, resveratrol and epigallocatechin gallate have multiple targets and provide synergistic efficacy to resolve the complexity of the pathophysiology of EM, showing promising efficacy in treating EM. Although new medical treatments are currently being developed, more detailed pharmacological studies and large sample size clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of these treatments in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Wan Hung
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Ruizhe Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and GeneticsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou
| | - Zhouyurong Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | | | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Chi Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
- Reproduction and Development, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
- Chinese University of Hong Kong‐Sichuan University Joint Laboratory in Reproductive MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
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17
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Zhang C, Zhang Y, Pan H, Tan Y, Wei Q, Dai X, Wei J, Chen Y. Combination of Ferulic Acid, Ligustrazine and Tetrahydropalmatine attenuates Epithelial-mesenchymal Transformation via Wnt/β-catenin Pathway in Endometriosis. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:2449-2460. [PMID: 34326686 PMCID: PMC8315018 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.60167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously the potential therapeutic action of ferulic acid, ligustrazine and tetrahydropalmatine (FLT) are discovered with unclear mechanism in rat autograft endometriosis. However, the effect of FLT on endometrial cells and allograft endometriosis is still unclear. This study is designed to elucidate the influence of FLT on epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in allograft endometriosis and endometrium cells. In vivo, fluorescent xenogeneic endometriosis model was established. In vitro, invasion and metastasis were analyzed after treating FLT. Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and Wnt/β-catenin pathway were inspected in vitro and in vivo. Activator or inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling was performed to inspect mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. In vivo, FLT not only decreased fluorescent intensity and volume of ectopic lesion, but also ameliorated pathological morphology. E2 and PROG levels in serum were reduced by FLT. In endometrial cells, FLT significantly inhibited the invasion and metastasis. Meantime, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation was reversed, accompanied by suppression of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In-depth study, activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway lead to promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, which was reversed by FLT. FLT prevented fluorescent allograft endometriosis and endometrium cells, which was related to suppress epithelial-mesenchymal transformation through inactivating Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The findings disclose molecular mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in endometriosis by FLT, and contribute to further application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengling Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Chinese Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China.,Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica - the Key Discipline Constructed by the state Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Pharmacy Education (Southwest University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Chinese Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China.,Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica - the Key Discipline Constructed by the state Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Pharmacy Education (Southwest University), Chongqing, China
| | - Haiying Pan
- Sichuan Jinxin Women & Children Hospital, Chengdu 610066, China
| | - Yi Tan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Chinese Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China.,Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica - the Key Discipline Constructed by the state Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Pharmacy Education (Southwest University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qinghua Wei
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Chinese Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China.,Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica - the Key Discipline Constructed by the state Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Pharmacy Education (Southwest University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xueshan Dai
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Chinese Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China.,Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica - the Key Discipline Constructed by the state Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Pharmacy Education (Southwest University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jiahui Wei
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Chinese Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China.,Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica - the Key Discipline Constructed by the state Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Pharmacy Education (Southwest University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Chinese Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China.,Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica - the Key Discipline Constructed by the state Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Pharmacy Education (Southwest University), Chongqing, China
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18
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Muraoka A, Osuka S, Kiyono T, Suzuki M, Yokoi A, Murase T, Nishino K, Niimi K, Nakamura T, Goto M, Kajiyama H, Kondo Y, Kikkawa F. Establishment and characterization of cell lines from human endometrial epithelial and mesenchymal cells from patients with endometriosis. F&S SCIENCE 2020; 1:195-205. [PMID: 35559928 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish and characterize cell lines derived from human endometrial epithelial cells (ECs) and mesenchymal cells (MCs) from patients with and without endometriosis. DESIGN In vitro experimental study. SETTING University and national cancer center research institute. PATIENT(S) Two women with endometriosis and two women without endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S) Sampling of endometrial ECs and MCs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Establishing immortalized endometrial ECs and MCs with quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunocytochemical analysis, and RNA sequence profiling performed to characterize the immortalized cells and a cell proliferation assay, three-dimensional culture, and assays for hormone responses performed to characterize the features of ECs. RESULT(S) The qRT-PCR, immunocytochemical analysis, and Western blot analysis revealed that the ECs and MCs maintained their original features. Moreover, the immortalized cells were found to retain responsiveness to sex steroid hormones. The ECs formed a gland-like structure in three-dimensional culture, indicating the maintenance of normal EC phenotypes. The RNA sequence profiling, principal component analysis, and clustering analysis showed that the gene expression patterns of the immortalized cells were different from those of cancer cells. Several signaling pathways that were statistically significantly enriched in ECs and MCs with endometriosis were revealed. CONCLUSION(S) We successfully obtained four paired immortalized endometrial ECs and MCs from patients with and without endometriosis. Using these cells could help identify diagnostic and therapeutic targets for endometriosis. The cell lines established in this study will thus serve as powerful experimental tools in the study of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Muraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan; Division of Cancer Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoko Osuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Tohru Kiyono
- Project for Prevention of HPV-related Cancer, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa City, Japan.
| | - Miho Suzuki
- Division of Cancer Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akira Yokoi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Murase
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kimihiro Nishino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kaoru Niimi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomoko Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Maki Goto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kajiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kondo
- Division of Cancer Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Fumitaka Kikkawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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19
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Karamian A, Paktinat S, Esfandyari S, Nazarian H, Ziai SA, Zarnani AH, Salehpour S, Hosseinirad H, Karamian A, Novin MG. Pyrvinium pamoate induces in-vitro suppression of IL-6 and IL-8 produced by human endometriotic stromal cells. Hum Exp Toxicol 2020; 40:649-660. [PMID: 33021119 DOI: 10.1177/0960327120964543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory disease, is identified by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. The prevalence of this disease among reproductive-age women is almost 10-15%. High levels of IL-6 and IL-8 have been found in the peritoneal fluid (PF) of women with endometriosis and are involved in its pathogenesis. Isolated stromal cells from 12 ectopic and eutopic endometrial biopsies of women with ovarian endometrioma and also 12 endometrial biopsies of nonendometriotic controls were treated with 1.1 µM pyrvinium pamoate, a Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibitor, for 72 hrs. Before treatment, mRNA gene expression and secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly higher in ectopic (EESCs) than eutopic (EuESCs) and control (CESCs) endometrial stromal cells. After treatment, mRNA gene expression and also secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly reduced. Our Findings showed that pyrvinium pamoate suppresses the mRNA gene expression and secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 in human endometriotic stromal cells. Additional investigations on this compound are required before clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Karamian
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, 274946School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Paktinat
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, 274946School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Esfandyari
- Department of Anatomy, 48504School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Nazarian
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, 274946School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Ziai
- Department of Pharmacology, 274946School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir-Hassan Zarnani
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saghar Salehpour
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseinirad
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, 274946School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Armin Karamian
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, 48468Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, 274946School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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20
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Dihm K, Ek M, Roth B, Ohlsson B. Plasma AXIN1 expression exhibit negative correlations with inflammatory biomarkers and is associated with gastrointestinal symptoms in endometriosis. Biomed Rep 2020; 12:211-221. [PMID: 32257184 PMCID: PMC7100128 DOI: 10.3892/br.2020.1282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytoplasmic protein AXIN1 is involved in the Wnt signalling pathway and its expression is increased in patients with endometriosis compared with healthy controls. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to further assess the levels of AXIN1 and other inflammatory biomarkers in patients with endometriosis. Patients with laparoscopy-verified endometriosis were recruited (n=172) and completed a questionnaire regarding socioeconomic factors, lifestyle habits and medical history. Plasma AXIN1 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were analysed by ELISA. The levels of calprotectin were determined in the faeces, and the haemoglobin concentration and number of erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets were determined in the blood in a subgroup of 64 patients during clinical routine procedures. F-calprotectin expression was detected in 18 women (28.1%), who had more severe constipation and more frequently experienced incomplete evacuation when defecating, and 5 women (7.8%) exhibited elevated levels. P-AXIN1 levels were higher in patients who received hormonal treatment, and correlated inversely with faecal-calprotectin levels (P=0.003), B-haemoglobin levels (P=0.030) and the numbers of B-erythrocytes (P=0.033) and B-platelets (P=0.017), but were not correlated with hs-CRP levels (P=0.818). Higher levels of AXIN1 were associated with the duration of the gastrointestinal symptoms and with diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting and nausea and the intestinal symptoms' effect on quality of life, and tended to be associated with the duration of endometriosis. Hs-CRP expression was not associated with the clinical characteristics or symptoms of endometriosis, but higher levels were associated with obesity (P=0.002) and hormonal treatment (P=0.011). In conclusion, P-AXIN1 expression was negatively correlated with certain inflammatory biomarkers and was positively associated with gastrointestinal symptoms. P-AXIN1 levels were increased in patients who received hormonal treatment, highlighting the importance of obtaining native samples for future studies regarding its role in the development and presentation of endometriosis. However, hs-CRP and other studied biomarkers seemed to be of no value for the assessment and diagnosis of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Dihm
- Department of Internal Medicine, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, 205 02 Malmo, Sweden
| | - Malin Ek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, 205 02 Malmo, Sweden
| | - Bodil Roth
- Department of Internal Medicine, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, 205 02 Malmo, Sweden
| | - Bodil Ohlsson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, 205 02 Malmo, Sweden
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21
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Folate-PEG/Hyd-curcumin/C18-g-PSI micelles for site specific delivery of curcumin to colon cancer cells via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2019; 101:464-471. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2019.03.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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22
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Chen JJ, Xiao ZJ, Meng X, Wang Y, Yu MK, Huang WQ, Sun X, Chen H, Duan YG, Jiang X, Wong MP, Chan HC, Zou F, Ruan YC. MRP4 sustains Wnt/β-catenin signaling for pregnancy, endometriosis and endometrial cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:5049-5064. [PMID: 31410201 PMCID: PMC6691374 DOI: 10.7150/thno.32097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Abnormal Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the endometrium can lead to both embryo implantation failure and severe pathogenic changes of the endometrium such as endometrial cancer and endometriosis. However, how Wnt/β-catenin signaling is regulated in the endometrium remains elusive. We explored possible regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by multi-drug resistance protein 4 (MRP4), a potential target in cancer chemotherapy, and investigated the mechanism. Methods: Knockdown of MRP4 was performed in human endometrial cells in vitro or in a mouse embryo-implantation model in vivo. Immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence were used to assess protein interaction and stability. Wnt/β-catenin signaling was assessed by TOPflash reporter assay and quantitative PCR array. Normal and endometriotic human endometrial tissues were examined. Data from human microarray or RNAseq databases of more than 100 participants with endometriosis, endometrial cancer or IVF were analyzed. In vitro and in vivo tumorigenesis was performed. Results: MRP4-knockdown, but not its transporter-function-inhibition, accelerates β-catenin degradation in human endometrial cells. MRP4 and β-catenin are co-localized and co-immunoprecipitated in mouse and human endometrium. MRP4-knockdown in mouse uterus reduces β-catenin levels, downregulates a series of Wnt/β-catenin target genes and impairs embryo implantation, which are all reversed by blocking β-catenin degradation. Analysis of human endometrial biopsy samples and available databases reveals significant and positive correlations of MRP4 with β-catenin and Wnt/β-catenin target genes in the receptive endometrium in IVF, ectopic endometriotic lesions and endometrial cancers. Knockdown of MRP4 also inhibits in vitro and in vivo endometrial tumorigenesis. Conclusion: A previously undefined role of MRP4 in stabilizing β-catenin to sustain Wnt/β-catenin signaling in endometrial cells is revealed for both embryo implantation and endometrial disorders, suggesting MRP4 as a theranostic target for endometrial diseases associated with Wnt/β-catenin signaling abnormality.
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23
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Ek M, Roth B, Engström G, Ohlsson B. AXIN1 in Plasma or Serum Is a Potential New Biomarker for Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20010189. [PMID: 30621017 PMCID: PMC6337238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although endometriosis is considered an inflammatory disease, no reliable diagnostic biomarkers exist for use in clinical practice. The aim was to investigate the inflammatory profile in endometriosis using an exploratory approach of inflammation-related proteins. Patients with laparoscopy-verified endometriosis (N = 172), women with microscopic colitis (N = 50), healthy controls (N = 31), and age-matched controls from the general population (N = 100) were enrolled and questionnaires regarding socioeconomic factors, lifestyle habits, and medical history were completed. Sera from patients and healthy controls were analyzed for 92 inflammatory biomarkers using Proximity Extension Assay technology (PEA). Plasma AXIN1 levels were analyzed in patients with endometriosis and controls from the general population by ELISA. General linear model adjusted for age, Mann–Whitney U-test, and principal component analysis (PCA) were used for statistical calculations. Serum levels of AXIN1 and ST1A1 were increased in endometriosis compared with MC (p < 0.001) and healthy controls (p = 0.001), whereas CXCL9 levels were decreased. Plasma levels of AXIN1 were elevated in endometriosis compared with age-matched controls from the general population (30.0 (17.0–38.0) pg/mL vs. 19.5 (15.0–28.0) pg/mL, p < 0.001). PCA analysis identified four clusters of proteins, where one cluster differed between endometriosis and controls, with strong correlations for AXIN1 and ST1A1. Plasma/serum AXIN1 is an interesting biomarker to be further evaluated in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Ek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Bodil Roth
- Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Gunnar Engström
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Clinical Research Centre, Lund University, Box 50332, 202 13 Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Bodil Ohlsson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden.
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24
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Mai H, Wei Y, Yin Y, Huang S, Lin H, Liao Y, Liu X, Chen X, Shi H, Liu C, Xu H. LINC01541 overexpression attenuates the 17β-Estradiol-induced migration and invasion capabilities of endometrial stromal cells. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2019; 65:214-222. [PMID: 30608887 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2018.1549290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Mai
- Department of Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yeping Wei
- Department of Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yan Yin
- Department of Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Shijin Huang
- Department of Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Huisi Lin
- Department of Gynaecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yan Liao
- Department of Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xupeng Liu
- Department of Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xianfeng Chen
- Department of Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Haijuan Shi
- Department of Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Chuanzhong Liu
- Department of Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Gynaecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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25
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Identification of small-molecule ligands that bind to MiR-21 as potential therapeutics for endometriosis by screening ZINC database and in-vitro assays. Gene 2018; 662:46-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.03.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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26
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Wang C, Zhang J, Fok KL, Tsang LL, Ye M, Liu J, Li F, Zhao AZ, Chan HC, Chen H. CD147 Induces Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition by Disassembling Cellular Apoptosis Susceptibility Protein/E-Cadherin/β-Catenin Complex in Human Endometriosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2018; 188:1597-1607. [PMID: 29630856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is postulated to be a prerequisite for the establishment of endometriosis (EMS), a common reproductive disorder in women. Our previous studies have demonstrated the elevated expression of transmembrane glycoprotein CD147 and its prosurvival effect on abnormal cells in endometriosis. Intriguingly, CD147 is known to promote EMT in cancers. However, the involvement of CD147 in EMT during the establishment of endometriosis remains incompletely understood. We found that CD147 promotes EMT in human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line Ishikawa. We identified a novel CD147-interacting partner, cellular apoptosis susceptibility protein (CAS), which stabilized the interaction between E-cadherin (E-cad) and β-catenin (β-cat) by forming the CAS/E-cad/β-cat complex. Down-regulation of CAS led to the release and nuclear translocation of β-cat from E-cad, resulting in the overexpression of the EMT-promoting gene SNAIL. Interestingly, overexpression of CD147 impaired the interaction between CAS and E-cad and triggered the release of β-cat from the CAS/E-cad/β-cat complex, which in turn led to EMT. Furthermore, CAS was down-regulated in EMS, with elevated levels of CD147 and nuclear β-cat. These findings suggest a previously undefined role of CAS in regulating EMT and reveal the involvement of a CD147-induced EMT signaling pathway in pathogenic progression of EMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqun Wang
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Jieting Zhang
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Kin L Fok
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Lai L Tsang
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Mei Ye
- Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianni Liu
- Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanghong Li
- Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, People's Republic of China
| | - Allan Z Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, People's Republic of China
| | - Hsiao C Chan
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hao Chen
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, People's Republic of China.
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27
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Abstract
Oestrogen–progesterone signalling is highly versatile and critical for the maintenance of healthy endometrium in humans. The genomic and nongenomic signalling cascades initiated by these hormones in differentiated cells of endometrium have been the primary focus of research since 1920s. However, last decade of research has shown a significant role of stem cells in the maintenance of a healthy endometrium and the modulatory effects of hormones on these cells. Endometriosis, the growth of endometrium outside the uterus, is very common in infertile patients and the elusiveness in understanding of disease pathology causes hindrance in selection of treatment approaches to enhance fertility. In endometriosis, the stem cells are dysfunctional as it can confer progesterone resistance to their progenies resulting in disharmony of hormonal orchestration of endometrial homeostasis. The bidirectional communication between stem cell signalling pathways and oestrogen–progesterone signalling is found to be disrupted in endometriosis though it is not clear which precedes the other. In this paper, we review the intricate connection between hormones, stem cells and the cross-talks in their signalling cascades in normal endometrium and discuss how this is deregulated in endometriosis. Re-examination of the oestrogen–progesterone dependency of endometrium with a focus on stem cells is imperative to delineate infertility associated with endometriosis and thereby aid in designing better treatment modalities.
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28
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Zhu X, Li Y, Zhou R, Wang N, Kang S. Knockdown of E-cadherin expression of endometrial epithelial cells may activate Wnt/β-catenin pathway in vitro. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2017; 297:117-123. [PMID: 29018948 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-017-4560-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE E-cadherin, a transmembrane glycoprotein mediating Ca2+-independent homotypic cell-cell adhesion in epithelial cell, plays an essential role in metastasis. It has been postulated that E-cadherin downregulation is a crucial mechanism in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. To evaluate the effect on the cell behavior after knockdown of E-cadherin gene (CDH1) in cultured human endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) isolated from normal endometrium. METHODS EECs were isolated from the endometrial tissues of fertile woman who underwent total hysterectomy due to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia III. CDH1 expression was knocked down by small hairpin RNA. The EECs transfected with empty vector served as control. Transwell assay was used to test EECs migration or invasion. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to detect mRNA and protein levels. RESULTS The results showed that knockdown of E-cadherin expression can increase cell migration and invasion, and up-regulate mRNA and protein levels of β-catenin, cyclinD1, and c-myc. CONCLUSIONS Down-regulation of E-cadherin expression may activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in endometrial cells, which may together participate in the occurrence of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiong Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Street 12, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Yan Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hebei Cancer Institute, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Rongmiao Zhou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hebei Cancer Institute, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Na Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hebei Cancer Institute, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shan Kang
- Department of Gynecology, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Street 12, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China.
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29
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Abdel-Rasheed M, Nour Eldeen G, Mahmoud M, ElHefnawi M, Abu-Shahba N, Reda M, Elsetohy K, Nabil M, Elnoury A, Taha T, Azmy O. MicroRNA expression analysis in endometriotic serum treated mesenchymal stem cells. EXCLI JOURNAL 2017; 16:852-867. [PMID: 28828000 PMCID: PMC5547388 DOI: 10.17179/excli2017-101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is defined by presence of endometrial-like-tissue outside the uterus. Recently, ectopic endometriotic lesions have been suggested to originate by abnormal differentiation of endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. Through a PCR array approach, we aimed to assess the differential expression of microRNAs in human eMSC treated in culture with sera derived from women with severe endometriosis. Sera were collected from five patients with severe endometriosis and three control women and added individually in the culture medium to conduct experimental and control eMSC sets, respectively. Regular microscopic follow-up for cell morphology was performed. SYBR Green based real-time PCR array was used to assess the expression of 84 miRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis was done to predict the target genes of the significantly dysregulated miRNAs and their enriched biological processes and pathways. Thirty-two miRNAs were found significantly dysregulated in experimental cultures. Functional enrichment analysis revealed several endometriosis associated biological processes and pathways were enriched by target genes of these miRNAs. In conclusion, treatment of human eMSCs with sera of severe endometriosis cases affects the expression of certain miRNAs and their target genes. This may result in altering cell functions and consequently, endometriosis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazen Abdel-Rasheed
- Department of Reproductive Health Research, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
- Stem Cell Research group, Medical Research Centre of Excellence, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ghada Nour Eldeen
- Stem Cell Research group, Medical Research Centre of Excellence, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Enzymology, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa Mahmoud
- Stem Cell Research group, Medical Research Centre of Excellence, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Medical Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud ElHefnawi
- Biomedical Informatics and Chemo-informatics group, Informatics and Systems Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nourhan Abu-Shahba
- Stem Cell Research group, Medical Research Centre of Excellence, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Medical Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Reda
- Department of Reproductive Health Research, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
- Stem Cell Research group, Medical Research Centre of Excellence, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled Elsetohy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Michael Nabil
- Department of Molecular Genetics, CliniLab, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amr Elnoury
- Department of Medical Applications of Laser, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Tamer Taha
- Department of Reproductive Health Research, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Osama Azmy
- Department of Reproductive Health Research, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
- Stem Cell Research group, Medical Research Centre of Excellence, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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30
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Zhang L, Xiong W, Xiong Y, Liu H, Li N, Du Y, Liu Y. Intracellular Wnt/Beta-Catenin Signaling Underlying 17beta-Estradiol-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Expression in Human Endometriosis. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:70. [PMID: 26888969 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.135574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix remodeling is necessary for ectopic endometrium implantation. Many studies have shown an increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in the ectopic endometrium of endometriosis. However, the signaling pathways and cellular effects related to this process remain incompletely elucidated. The objective of our study was to investigate the association between MMP9 and the Wnt signaling pathway under the regulation of 17beta-estradiol (E2) in endometrial stromal cells. We found that MMP9 was elevated in tissues from women with endometriosis compared with normal women. Furthermore, MMP9 and beta-catenin increased concurrently in a time- and dose-dependent manner after E2 treatment. To clarify the relationship between MMP9 and beta-catenin, we performed luciferase promoter reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. A beta-catenin/TCF3/LEF1 complex bound to a specific site on the MMP9 promoter that promoted MMP9 gene and protein expression. The promotion of MMP9 by the Wnt signaling pathway under the regulation of E2 may contribute to the pathophysiology of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenqian Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yao Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hengwei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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