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Yazlık MO, Özkan H, Atalay Vural S, Kaya U, Özöner Ö, Mutluer İ, Altınbaş YF, Vural MR. Expression patterns and distribution of aquaporin water channels in cervix as a possible mechanism for cervical patency in bitches affected by pyometra. Theriogenology 2024; 227:138-143. [PMID: 39067211 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.07.022] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Pyometra is a life-threatening disease, the severity of which depends on cervical patency status. This study investigated cervical inflammation status as well as the expression patterns and localization of aquaporin (AQP1, AQP2, AQP3, AQP5, and AQP9), and hormone receptors in cervical tissue that influences canine pyometra. Of the 36 animals enrolled in the study, 24 were diagnosed with pyometra and separated into two groups: open cervix pyometra and close cervix pyometra, while 12 healthy animals presented for elective ovariohysterectomies were allocated into the control group. Surgical treatment was performed for treatment of pyometra. After each operation, cervix samples were collected and analyzed for AQP and hormone receptor expression patterns determined by qPCR and protein expression by means of immunohistochemistry. Blood samples were also collected to determine serum progesterone concentrations. AQP9 expression was downregulated approximately 3-fold while and PGR expression was downregulated more than 2 fold in both pyometra groups compared to the control group. AQP3 and AQP5 gene expression levels were upregulated more than 3 fold in the open-cervix pyometra group than the closed-cervix pyometra group (P < 0.05). This is the first study to describe the expression patterns and immunolocalization of AQPs in canine cervical tissue based on pyometra patency status and to report AQP3 and AQP5 expression in cervical tissue linked to cervical patency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Onur Yazlık
- Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 06070, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Hüseyin Özkan
- Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Genetics, 31060, Hatay, Turkey.
| | - Sevil Atalay Vural
- Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, 06070, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ufuk Kaya
- Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biostatistics, 31060, Hatay, Turkey.
| | - Özgür Özöner
- Siirt University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, 56100, Siirt, Turkey.
| | - İpek Mutluer
- Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 06070, Ankara, Turkey; Ankara University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 06110, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Yunus Furkan Altınbaş
- Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 06070, Ankara, Turkey; Ankara University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 06110, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Rıfat Vural
- Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 06070, Ankara, Turkey.
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Importance of Water Transport in Mammalian Female Reproductive Tract. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10010050. [PMID: 36669051 PMCID: PMC9865491 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are involved in water homeostasis in tissues and are ubiquitous in the reproductive tract. AQPs are classified into classical aquaporins (AQP0, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8), aquaglycerolporins (AQP3, 7, 9, and 10) and superaquaporins (AQP11 and 12). Nine AQPs were described in the mammalian female reproductive tract. Some of their functions are influenced by sexual steroid hormones. The continuous physiological changes that occur throughout the sexual cycle, pregnancy and parturition, modify the expression of AQPs, thus creating at every moment the required water homeostasis. AQPs in the ovary regulate follicular development and ovulation. In the vagina and the cervix, AQPs are involved mainly in lubrication. In the uterus, AQPs are mostly mediated by estradiol and progesterone to prepare the endometrium for possible embryo implantation and fetal development. In the placenta, AQPs are responsible for the fluid support to the fetus to maintain fetal homeostasis that ensures correct fetal development as pregnancy goes on. This review is focused on understanding the role of AQPs in the mammalian female reproductive tract during the sexual cycle of pregnancy and parturition.
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Zhang H, Yang B. Aquaporins in Reproductive System. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1398:179-194. [PMID: 36717494 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7415-1_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
AQP0-12, a total of 13 aquaporins are expressed in the mammalian reproductive system. These aquaporins mediate the transport of water and small solutes across biofilms for maintaining reproductive tract water balance and germ cell water homeostasis. These aquaporins play important roles in the regulation of sperm and egg cell production, maturation, and fertilization processes. Impaired AQP function may lead to diminished male and female fertility. This review focuses on the distribution, function, and regulation of AQPs throughout the male and female reproductive organs and tracts. Their correlation with reproductive success, revealing recent advances in the physiological and pathophysiological roles of aquaporins in the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Baoxue Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Masson LE, O’Brien CM, Gautam R, Thomas G, Slaughter JC, Goldberg M, Bennett K, Herington J, Reese J, Elsamadicy E, Newton JM, Mahadevan-Jansen A. In vivo Raman spectroscopy monitors cervical change during labor. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:275.e1-275.e14. [PMID: 35189092 PMCID: PMC9308703 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biochemical cervical change during labor is not well understood, in part, because of a dearth of technologies capable of safely probing the pregnant cervix in vivo. The need for such a technology is 2-fold: (1) to gain a mechanistic understanding of the cervical ripening and dilation process and (2) to provide an objective method for evaluating the cervical state to guide clinical decision-making. Raman spectroscopy demonstrates the potential to meet this need, as it is a noninvasive optical technique that can sensitively detect alterations in tissue components, such as extracellular matrix proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and blood, which have been previously established to change during the cervical remodeling process. OBJECTIVE We sought to demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy can longitudinally monitor biochemical changes in the laboring cervix to identify spectral markers of impending parturition. STUDY DESIGN Overall, 30 pregnant participants undergoing either spontaneous or induced labor were recruited. The Raman spectra were acquired in vivo at 4-hour intervals throughout labor until rupture of membranes using a Raman system with a fiber-optic probe. Linear mixed-effects models were used to determine significant (P<.05) changes in peak intensities or peak ratios as a function of time to delivery in the study population. A nonnegative least-squares biochemical model was used to extract the changing contributions of specific molecule classes over time. RESULTS We detected multiple biochemical changes during labor, including (1) significant decreases in Raman spectral features associated with collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins (P=.0054) attributed to collagen dispersion, (2) an increase in spectral features associated with blood (P=.0372), and (3) an increase in features indicative of lipid-based molecules (P=.0273). The nonnegative least-squares model revealed a decrease in collagen contribution with time to delivery, an increase in blood contribution, and a change in lipid contribution. CONCLUSION Our findings have demonstrated that in vivo Raman spectroscopy is sensitive to multiple biochemical remodeling changes in the cervix during labor. Furthermore, in vivo Raman spectroscopy may be a valuable noninvasive tool for objectively evaluating the cervix to potentially guide clinical management of labor.
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Jayyosi C, Lee N, Madhukaran SP, Nallasamy S, Mahendroo M, Myers K. The swelling behavior of the mouse cervix: Changing kinetics with osmolarity and the role of hyaluronan in pregnancy. Acta Biomater 2021; 135:414-424. [PMID: 34411755 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The cervical remodeling process during pregnancy is characterized by progressive compositional and structural changes in the tissues extra-cellular matrix (ECM). Appropriately timed remodeling is critical for healthy gestation and prevention of premature cervical softening leading to preterm birth (PTB). Modification of the ECM glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) content with advancing pregnancy, especially the non-sulfated GAG hyaluronan (HA), is a fundamental change associated with cervical remodeling. While GAGs have numerous physiological roles, the mechanical consequence of evolving GAG content on cervical structure-function behavior remains an open question. Additionally, an understanding of cervical swelling properties, postulated to be regulated in part by GAGs, is required for the appropriate definition of a reference configuration for mechanical tests and to enhance biological understanding. To investigate cervical swelling, osmotic loading tests are conducted on isolated wild type mouse cervices throughout pregnancy. These tests are performed in various osmolarity solutions to assess the influence of the media on swelling kinetics. A genetically altered strain of mice with depletion of cervical HA is also tested to elucidate the contribution of HA to tissue swelling. Results show ex vivo cervical swelling is significant with volume changes ranging from 20 to 100% after 3h of free swelling. The swelling kinetics depend highly on osmolarity of the media and is altered with advancing pregnancy. The contribution of HA to swelling is only significant in hypo-osmotic solution when HA cervical content is high at the end of pregnancy. In summary, it is critical to account for swelling deformation mechanisms after excision in mechanical experiments. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The cervical extracellular matrix (ECM) undergoes drastic changes to fulfill the functional change of the cervix during pregnancy. Inappropriate timing for this transformation can result in preterm birth, a severe clinical challenge. One of the fundamental changes of the cervical ECM is the significant modification of the glycosaminoglycan content, especially hyaluronan (HA), which is thought to contribute significantly to the swelling and mechanical properties of the cervix. This study aims to measure the swelling kinetics of cervical tissue during pregnancy and to investigate the role of HA in these swelling tendencies. Results show the significant swelling of cervical tissue, which evolves as pregnancy progresses, highlighting a key material property feature of the remodeled cervix. Using a mouse strain with a cervical HA depletion, this work shows HA contributes to the swelling trends of late-term cervical tissue, in a hypo-osmotic solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Jayyosi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - N Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - S P Madhukaran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biological Science, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - S Nallasamy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biological Science, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - M Mahendroo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biological Science, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - K Myers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
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Yang J, Yu S, Zhang G, Zheng Z, Li P, Mei S, Han X. Different expressions of aquaporin water channels and macrophages infiltration in human cervix remodeling during pregnancy. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:173-184. [PMID: 34664639 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab191] [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: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite aquaporin water channels (AQPs) play a critical role in maintaining water homeostasis in female reproductive tract and prompt a gradual increase in water content in cervical edema as pregnancy progressed, their relationship with macrophage infiltration and collagen content in human cervical remodeling need to be further investigated. This is the first study to examine the expression and localization of AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, AQP8 and macrophages simultaneously in human cervical ripening. The immunoreactivity of these AQPs was 2.6 to 6-fold higher on gestational weeks 26 (GD26W) than that on GD6W and GD15W, but AQP4 expression on GD39W dropped a similar extent on GD15W, other AQPs continued to rise on GD39W. The AQP3, AQP4 and AQP5 intensity seemed more abundant in cervical stroma than in the perivascular area on GD26W; the distribution of AQP3, AQP5 and AQP8 in cervical stroma was equivalent to that in the perivascular area on GD39W. Macrophage numbers were 1.7-fold higher in subepithelium region and 3.0-fold higher in center area on GD26W than that on GD15W; such numbers remained elevated on GD39W. The electron micrographs showed that cervical extensibility increased significantly on GD26W and GD39W accompanied with increased macrophage infiltration, cervical water content and much more space among collagen fibers. These findings suggest that the upregulation of AQPs expression in human cervix is closely related to enhanced macrophage infiltration during pregnancy; there may be a positive feedback mechanism between them to lead the increase of water content and the degradation of collagen.
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Zhu C, Li X, Bazer FW, Johnson GA, Burghardt RC, Jiang Z, Wu G. Dietary L-arginine supplementation during days 14-25 of gestation enhances aquaporin expression in the placentae and endometria of gestating gilts. Amino Acids 2021; 53:1287-1295. [PMID: 34241695 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-03038-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that dietary L-arginine (Arg) supplementation to pregnant gilts enhanced the expression of water channel proteins [aquaporins (AQPs)] in their placentae and endometria. Gilts were fed twice daily 1 kg of a corn and soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 0.0%, 0.4%, or 0.8% Arg between Days 14 and 25 of gestation. On Days 25 and 60 of gestation, gilts were hysterectomized to obtain placentae and endometria. On Day 25 of gestation, supplementation with 0.4% Arg increased (P < 0.05) the abundance of placental AQP9 protein, whereas supplementation with 0.8% Arg increased (P < 0.05) placental AQP1 and AQP9 proteins, compared with controls. On Day 60 of gestation, supplementation with 0.4% Arg increased (P < 0.05) endometrial AQP1 protein, whereas supplementation with 0.8% Arg increased (P < 0.05) endometrial AQP5 and AQP9 proteins. Supplementation with 0.8% Arg increased the endometrial expression of AQP1, AQP5, and AQP9 proteins located in the luminal epithelium and glandular epithelium of endometria, and placental transport of 3H2O. Collectively, these results indicate that dietary Arg supplementation stimulates the expression of selective AQPs in porcine placenta and endometria, thereby enhancing water transport from mother to fetus and expanding the chorioallantoic membranes during the period of placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Zhu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Xilong Li
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Gregory A Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Robert C Burghardt
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Zongyong Jiang
- Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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Ribeiro JC, Alves MG, Yeste M, Cho YS, Calamita G, Oliveira PF. Aquaporins and (in)fertility: More than just water transport. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1867:166039. [PMID: 33338597 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.166039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of channel proteins that facilitate the transport of water and small solutes across biological membranes. They are widely distributed throughout the organism, having a number of key functions, some of them unexpected, both in health and disease. Among the various diseases in which AQPs are involved, infertility has been overlooked. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) infertility is a global public health problem with one third of the couples suffering from subfertility or even infertility due to male or female factors alone or combined. Thus, there is an urgent need to unveil the molecular mechanisms that control gametes production, maturation and fertilization-related events, to more specifically determine infertility causes. In addition, as more couples seek for fertility treatment through assisted reproductive technologies (ART), it is pivotal to understand how these techniques can be improved. AQPs are heterogeneously expressed throughout the male and female reproductive tracts, highlighting a possible regulatory role for these proteins in conception. In fact, their function, far beyond water transport, highlights potential intervention points to enhance ART. In this review we discuss AQPs distribution and structural organization, functions, and modulation throughout the male and female reproductive tracts and their relevance to the reproductive success. We also highlight the most recent advances and research trends regarding how the different AQPs are involved and regulated in specific mechanisms underlying (in)fertility. Finally, we discuss the involvement of AQPs in ART-related processes and how their handling can lead to improvement of infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- João C Ribeiro
- Department of Anatomy, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Anatomy, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Yoon S Cho
- Centro di Procreazione Medicalmente Assistita, Ospedale Santa Maria, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Calamita
- Dept. of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal.
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Kordowitzki P, Kranc W, Bryl R, Kempisty B, Skowronska A, Skowronski MT. The Relevance of Aquaporins for the Physiology, Pathology, and Aging of the Female Reproductive System in Mammals. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122570. [PMID: 33271827 PMCID: PMC7760214 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins constitute a group of water channel proteins located in numerous cell types. These are pore-forming transmembrane proteins, which mediate the specific passage of water molecules through membranes. It is well-known that water homeostasis plays a crucial role in different reproductive processes, e.g., oocyte transport, hormonal secretion, completion of successful fertilization, blastocyst formation, pregnancy, and birth. Further, aquaporins are involved in the process of spermatogenesis, and they have been reported to be involved during the storage of spermatozoa. It is noteworthy that aquaporins are relevant for the physiological function of specific parts in the female reproductive system, which will be presented in detail in the first section of this review. Moreover, they are relevant in different pathologies in the female reproductive system. The contribution of aquaporins in selected reproductive disorders and aging will be summarized in the second section of this review, followed by a section dedicated to aquaporin-related proteins. Since the relevance of aquaporins for the male reproductive system has been reviewed several times in the recent past, this review aims to provide an update on the distribution and impact of aquaporins only in the female reproductive system. Therefore, this paper seeks to determine the physiological and patho-physiological relevance of aquaporins on female reproduction, and female reproductive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Kordowitzki
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Institute for Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-243 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Wiesława Kranc
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (W.K.); (R.B.); (B.K.)
| | - Rut Bryl
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (W.K.); (R.B.); (B.K.)
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (W.K.); (R.B.); (B.K.)
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute for Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Skowronska
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, Warszawska Street 30, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Mariusz T. Skowronski
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Institute for Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-56-611-2231
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Shao H, Gao S, Ying X, Zhu X, Hua Y. Expression and Regulation of Aquaporins in Pregnancy Complications and Reproductive Dysfunctions. DNA Cell Biol 2020; 40:116-125. [PMID: 33226842 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2020.5983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs), small hydrophobic integral membrane proteins, mediate rapid transport of water and small solutes. The abnormal expressions of AQPs are associated with pregnancy complications and reproductive dysfunctions, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, tubal ectopic pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, preterm birth, chorioamnionitis, polyhydramnios, and oligohydramnios, thus resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review explains the alterations of AQPs in pregnancy complications and reproductive dysfunctions and summarizes the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulations of AQPs by drugs such as oxytocin, polychlorinated biphenyls, all-trans-retinoic acid, salvia miltiorrhiza, and insulin, or other factors such as oxygen and osmotic pressure. All the research provides evidence that AQPs could be the new therapeutic targets of pregnancy-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailing Shao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shichu Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinxin Ying
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ying Hua
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Nold C, Jensen T, O'Hara K, Stone J, Yellon SM, Vella AT. Replens prevents preterm birth by decreasing type I interferon strengthening the cervical epithelial barrier. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 83:e13192. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.13192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Nold
- Department of Women's Health Hartford Hospital Hartford CT USA
- Department of Pediatrics University of Connecticut School of Medicine Farmington CT USA
| | - Todd Jensen
- Department of Pediatrics University of Connecticut School of Medicine Farmington CT USA
| | - Kathleen O'Hara
- Department of Pediatrics University of Connecticut School of Medicine Farmington CT USA
| | - Julie Stone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Tufts Medical Center Boston MA USA
| | - Steven M. Yellon
- Longo Center for Perinatal Biology Loma Linda University School of Medicine Loma Linda CA USA
| | - Anthony T. Vella
- Department of Immunology University of Connecticut School of Medicine Farmington CT USA
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12
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Yoshida K, Jayyosi C, Lee N, Mahendroo M, Myers KM. Mechanics of cervical remodelling: insights from rodent models of pregnancy. Interface Focus 2019; 9:20190026. [PMID: 31485313 PMCID: PMC6710664 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2019.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The uterine cervix undergoes a complex remodelling process during pregnancy, characterized by dramatic changes in both extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and mechanical properties. Understanding the cervical remodelling process in a term or preterm birth will aid efforts for the prevention of preterm births (PTBs), which currently affect 14.8 million babies annually worldwide. Animal models of pregnancy, particularly rodents, continue to provide valuable insights into the cervical remodelling process, through the study of changes in ECM structure and mechanical properties at defined gestation time points. Currently, there is a lack of a collective, quantitative framework to relate the complex, nonlinear mechanical behaviour of the rodent cervix to changes in ECM structure. This review aims to fill this gap in knowledge by outlining the current understanding of cervical remodelling during pregnancy in rodent models in the context of solid biomechanics. Here we highlight the collective contribution of multiple mechanical studies which give evidence that cervical softening coincides with known ECM changes throughout pregnancy. Taken together, mechanical tests on tissue from pregnant rodents reveal the cervix's remarkable ability to soften dramatically during gestation to allow for a compliant tissue that can withstand damage and can dissipate mechanical loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Yoshida
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles Jayyosi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mala Mahendroo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kristin M. Myers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Yan Y, Gomez-Lopez N, Basij M, Shahvari AV, Vadillo-Ortega F, Hernandez-Andrade E, Hassan SS, Romero R, MehrMohammadi M. Photoacoustic imaging of the uterine cervix to assess collagen and water content changes in murine pregnancy. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2019; 10:4643-4655. [PMID: 31565515 PMCID: PMC6757472 DOI: 10.1364/boe.10.004643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The uterine cervix plays a central role in the maintenance of pregnancy and in the process of parturition. Cervical remodeling involves dramatic changes in extracellular matrix composition and, in particular, of collagen and water content during cervical ripening (a term that describes the anatomical, biochemical, and physiologic changes in preparation for labor). Untimely cervical ripening in early gestation predisposes to preterm labor and delivery, the leading cause of infant death worldwide. Inadequate ripening of the cervix is associated with failure of induction or prolonged labor. The current approach to evaluate the state of the cervix relies on digital examination and sonographic examination. Herein, we present a novel imaging method that combines ultrasound (US) and photoacoustic (PA) techniques to evaluate cervical remodeling by assessing the relative collagen and water content of this organ. The method was tested in vitro in extracted collagen phantoms and ex vivo in murine cervical tissues that were collected in mid-pregnancy and at term. We report, for the first time, that our imaging approach provides information about the molecular changes in the cervix at different gestational ages. There was a strong correlation between the results of PA imaging and the histological assessment of the uterine cervix over the course of gestation. These findings suggest that PA imaging is a powerful method to assess the biochemical composition of the cervix and open avenues to non-invasively investigate the composition of this organ, which is essential for reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Immunology, and, Microbiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Maryam Basij
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | | | - Felipe Vadillo-Ortega
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Unidad de Vinculación de la Facultad de Medicina,UNAM y Dirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Edgar Hernandez-Andrade
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Sonia S. Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Mohammad MehrMohammadi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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14
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Masson LE, O'Brien CM, Pence IJ, Herington JL, Reese J, van Leeuwen TG, Mahadevan-Jansen A. Dual excitation wavelength system for combined fingerprint and high wavenumber Raman spectroscopy. Analyst 2018; 143:6049-6060. [PMID: 30420993 PMCID: PMC6295447 DOI: 10.1039/c8an01989d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A fiber optic probe-based Raman spectroscopy system using a single laser module with two excitation wavelengths, at 680 and 785 nm, has been developed for measuring the fingerprint and high wavenumber regions using a single detector. This system is simpler and less expensive than previously reported configurations of combined fingerprint and high wavenumber Raman systems, and its probe-based implementation facilitates numerous in vivo applications. The high wavenumber region of the Raman spectrum ranges from 2800-3800 cm-1 and contains valuable information corresponding to the molecular vibrations of proteins, lipids, and water, which is complimentary to the biochemical signatures found in the fingerprint region (800-1800 cm-1), which probes DNA, lipids, and proteins. The efficacy of the system is demonstrated by tracking changes in water content in tissue-mimicking phantoms, where Voigtian decomposition of the high wavenumber water peak revealed a correlation between the water content and type of water-tissue interactions in the samples. This dual wavelength system was then used for in vivo assessment of cervical remodeling during mouse pregnancy, a physiologic process with known changes in tissue hydration. The system shows that Raman spectroscopy is sensitive to changes in collagen content in the fingerprint region and hydration state in the high wavenumber region, which was verified using an ex vivo comparison of wet and dry weight. Simultaneous fingerprint and high wavenumber Raman spectroscopy will allow precise in vivo quantification of tissue water content in the high wavenumber region, paired with the high biochemical specificity of the fingerprint region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Masson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA.
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15
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Qu Y, Hu P, Shi J, Maslov K, Zhao P, Li C, Ma J, Garcia-Uribe A, Meyers K, Diveley E, Pizzella S, Muench L, Punyamurthy N, Goldstein N, Onwumere O, Alisio M, Meyenburg K, Maynard J, Helm K, Altieri E, Slaughter J, Barber S, Burger T, Kramer C, Chubiz J, Anderson M, McCarthy R, England SK, Macones GA, Stout MJ, Tuuli M, Wang LV. In vivo characterization of connective tissue remodeling using infrared photoacoustic spectra. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2018; 23:1-6. [PMID: 30520275 PMCID: PMC6318810 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.23.12.121621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Premature cervical remodeling is a critical precursor of spontaneous preterm birth, and the remodeling process is characterized by an increase in tissue hydration. Nevertheless, current clinical measurements of cervical remodeling are subjective and detect only late events, such as cervical effacement and dilation. Here, we present a photoacoustic endoscope that can quantify tissue hydration by measuring near-infrared cervical spectra. We quantify the water contents of tissue-mimicking hydrogel phantoms as an analog of cervical connective tissue. Applying this method to pregnant women in vivo, we observed an increase in the water content of the cervix throughout pregnancy. The application of this technique in maternal healthcare may advance our understanding of cervical remodeling and provide a sensitive method for predicting preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Qu
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
- Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Biomedical Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Peng Hu
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
- Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Biomedical Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Junhui Shi
- California Institute of Technology, Caltech Optical Imaging Laboratory, Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering and Department of Electrical Engineering, Pasadena, California, United States
| | - Konstantin Maslov
- California Institute of Technology, Caltech Optical Imaging Laboratory, Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering and Department of Electrical Engineering, Pasadena, California, United States
| | - Peinan Zhao
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Chiye Li
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
- Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Biomedical Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Jun Ma
- Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Biomedical Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Alejandro Garcia-Uribe
- Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Biomedical Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Karen Meyers
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Emily Diveley
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Stephanie Pizzella
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Lisa Muench
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Nina Punyamurthy
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Naomi Goldstein
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Oji Onwumere
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Mariana Alisio
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Kaytelyn Meyenburg
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Jennifer Maynard
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Kristi Helm
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Emma Altieri
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Janessia Slaughter
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Sabrina Barber
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Tracy Burger
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Christine Kramer
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Jessica Chubiz
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Monica Anderson
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Ronald McCarthy
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Sarah K. England
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - George A. Macones
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Molly J. Stout
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Methodius Tuuli
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Lihong V. Wang
- California Institute of Technology, Caltech Optical Imaging Laboratory, Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering and Department of Electrical Engineering, Pasadena, California, United States
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16
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Csányi A, Hajagos-Tóth J, Kothencz A, Gaspar R, Ducza E. Effects of different antibiotics on the uterine contraction and the expression of aquaporin 5 in term pregnant rat. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 81:64-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.07.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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17
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Bracho GS, Altamirano GA, Kass L, Luque EH, Bosquiazzo VL. Hyperandrogenism Induces Histo-Architectural Changes in the Rat Uterus. Reprod Sci 2018; 26:657-668. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719118783881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Soledad Bracho
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Anahí Altamirano
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Laura Kass
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Enrique Hugo Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Verónica Lis Bosquiazzo
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
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18
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Kikuchi K, Kozai K, Hojo T, Sakatani M, Okuda K, Bai H, Kawahara M, Takahashi M. Evaluating the electrical impedance and mucus-related gene expression of uterine endometrial tissues in mares. J Reprod Dev 2018; 64:193-197. [PMID: 29311525 PMCID: PMC5902908 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the electrical impedance of the reproductive tracts (vagina and uterine endometrial tissues) and the expression of mucus-related genes to identify the stage of the estrous
cycle in mares. We first examined vaginal impedance in native Hokkaido mares during their estrous cycle and found no significant differences. However, impedance levels tended to decrease
towards ovulation. Furthermore, we investigated the estrous cycle by measuring the electrical impedance of the uterine endometrial tissues obtained from carcasses of mares. We found that
impedance levels in the endometrial tissues decreased in the regressed phase of the corpus luteum (CL). Expression of mucus-related genes (ATP1A1, CFTR,
AQP3, and AQP5) varied at different stages of the estrous cycle. Among them, AQP3 expression was consistent with previous reports. We
concluded that electrical impedance in the uterine endometrial tissues of mares could be potentially used to verify the presence of active CL in horses for experimental purposes. However,
further studies are needed to determine the reference value and to identify the day of the estrous cycle in mares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohta Kikuchi
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-8589, Japan
| | - Keisuke Kozai
- Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Physiology, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.,Present: Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Takuo Hojo
- Livestock and Grassland Research Division, Kyushu Okinawa Agricultural Research Center, NARO, Kumamoto 861-1192, Japan
| | - Miki Sakatani
- Livestock and Grassland Research Division, Kyushu Okinawa Agricultural Research Center, NARO, Kumamoto 861-1192, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Okuda
- Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Physiology, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.,Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Hanako Bai
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-8589, Japan
| | - Manabu Kawahara
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-8589, Japan
| | - Masashi Takahashi
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-8589, Japan
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19
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Barnum CE, Fey JL, Weiss SN, Barila G, Brown AG, Connizzo BK, Shetye SS, Elovitz MA, Soslowsky LJ. Tensile Mechanical Properties and Dynamic Collagen Fiber Re-Alignment of the Murine Cervix are Dramatically Altered Throughout Pregnancy. J Biomech Eng 2017; 139:2621587. [PMID: 28418563 DOI: 10.1115/1.4036473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The cervix is a unique organ able to dramatically change its shape and function by serving as a physical barrier for the growing fetus and then undergoing dramatic dilation allowing for delivery of a term infant. As a result, the cervix endures changing mechanical forces from the growing fetus. There is an emerging concept that the cervix may change or remodel "early" in many cases of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). However, the mechanical role of the cervix in both normal and preterm birth remains unclear. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to determine the mechanical and structural responses of murine cervical tissue throughout a normal gestational time course. In this study, both tissue structural and material properties were determined via a quasi-static tensile load-to-failure test, while simultaneously obtaining dynamic collagen fiber re-alignment via cross-polarization imaging. This study demonstrated that the majority of the mechanical properties evaluated decreased at midgestation and not just at term, while collagen fiber re-alignment occurred earlier in the loading curve for cervices at term. This suggests that although structural changes in the cervix occur throughout gestation, the differences in material properties function in combination with collagen fiber re-alignment as mechanical precursors to regulate term gestation. This work lays a foundation for investigating cervical biomechanics and the role of the cervix in preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie E Barnum
- McKay Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Jennifer L Fey
- McKay Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Stephanie N Weiss
- McKay Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Guillermo Barila
- Maternal and Child Health Research Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Amy G Brown
- Maternal and Child Health Research Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Brianne K Connizzo
- McKay Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104;Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Snehal S Shetye
- McKay Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Michal A Elovitz
- Maternal and Child Health Research Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Louis J Soslowsky
- McKay Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 e-mail:
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20
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Aquaporins during Pregnancy: Their Function and Significance. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122593. [PMID: 29194396 PMCID: PMC5751196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Water is the major component of cells and tissues, and the movement of water across the cell membrane is a fundamental property of life. Until the discovery of the first water channel, aquaporin, it was long assumed that the transport of water was due to simple diffusion through the lipid bilayer membrane that encloses cells. Aquaporin (AQP) molecules were first discovered in the human uterus in 1994, and since then several studies have investigated these channels in the female reproductive system. The expressions of AQPs have been proven in the reproductive system. Their levels are altered during the implantation process, both in the uterus and the fetal cells, and participate in the control of the flow of amniotic fluid. They seem to be very important for the normal placental functions. AQPs are present during parturition, participating in the control of pregnant myometrial contractions and cervical ripening. However, most of the physiological and regulatory roles of AQPs are not clarified in the reproductive tract. Furthermore, no satisfactory knowledge is available about their sensitivities to different drugs. AQP-selective ligands may contribute to the development of new drug candidates and the therapy of several reproductive disorders.
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21
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O'Brien CM, Herington JL, Brown N, Pence IJ, Paria BC, Slaughter JC, Reese J, Mahadevan-Jansen A. In vivo Raman spectral analysis of impaired cervical remodeling in a mouse model of delayed parturition. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6835. [PMID: 28754971 PMCID: PMC5533720 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07047-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring cervical structure and composition during pregnancy has high potential for prediction of preterm birth (PTB), a problem affecting 15 million newborns annually. We use in vivo Raman spectroscopy, a label-free, light-based method that provides a molecular fingerprint to non-invasively investigate normal and impaired cervical remodeling. Prostaglandins stimulate uterine contractions and are clinically used for cervical ripening during pregnancy. Deletion of cyclooxygenase-1 (Cox-1), an enzyme involved in production of these prostaglandins, results in delayed parturition in mice. Contrary to expectation, Cox-1 null mice displayed normal uterine contractility; therefore, this study sought to determine whether cervical changes could explain the parturition differences in Cox-1 null mice and gestation-matched wild type (WT) controls. Raman spectral changes related to extracellular matrix proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids were tracked over pregnancy and found to be significantly delayed in Cox-1 null mice at term. A cervical basis for the parturition delay was confirmed by other ex vivo tests including decreased tissue distensibility, hydration, and elevated progesterone levels in the Cox-1 null mice at term. In conclusion, in vivo Raman spectroscopy non-invasively detected abnormal remodeling in the Cox-1 null mouse, and clearly demonstrated that the cervix plays a key role in their delayed parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M O'Brien
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Biophotonics Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Jennifer L Herington
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Naoko Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Isaac J Pence
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Biophotonics Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Bibhash C Paria
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - James C Slaughter
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Jeff Reese
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Biophotonics Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Anita Mahadevan-Jansen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA. .,Biophotonics Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
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22
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miR-143 and miR-145 disrupt the cervical epithelial barrier through dysregulation of cell adhesion, apoptosis and proliferation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3020. [PMID: 28596604 PMCID: PMC5465080 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03217-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular mechanisms regulating preterm birth (PTB)-associated cervical remodeling remain unclear. Prior work demonstrated an altered miRNA profile, with significant increases in miR-143 and miR-145, in cervical cells of women destined to have a PTB. The study objective was to determine the effect of miR-143 and miR-145 on the cervical epithelial barrier and to elucidate the mechanisms by which these miRNAs modify cervical epithelial cell function. Ectocervical and endocervical cells transfected with miR-negative control, miR-143 or miR-145 were used in cell permeability and flow cytometry assays for apoptosis and proliferation. miR-143 and miR-145 target genes associated with cell adhesion, apoptosis and proliferation were measured. Epithelial cell permeability was increased in miR-143 and miR-145 transfected cervical epithelial cells. Cell adhesion genes, JAM-A and FSCN1, were downregulated with overexpression of miR-143 and miR-145. miR-143 and miR-145 transfection decreased cervical cell number by increasing apoptosis and decreasing cell proliferation through initiation of cell cycle arrest. Apoptosis genes, BCL2 and BIRC5, and proliferation genes, CDK1 and CCND2, were repressed by miR-143 and miR-145. These findings suggest that miR-143 and miR-145 play a significant role in cervical epithelial barrier breakdown through diverse mechanisms and could contribute to premature cervical remodeling associated with PTB.
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Shen Q, Lin W, Luo H, Zhao C, Cheng H, Jiang W, Zhu X. Differential Expression of Aquaporins in Cervical Precursor Lesions and Invasive Cervical Cancer. Reprod Sci 2016; 23:1551-1558. [PMID: 27140907 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116646202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aquaporins (AQPs) are highly expressed in tumor cells of different origins, particularly the aggressive tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of AQP isoforms during progression of squamous cervical cancer (SCC) and explore their associations with clinicopathologic variables of SCC. METHODS Expression of AQP isoforms (1, 3, 4, 5, and 8) was detected by immunohistochemistry in 47 SCCs, 37 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and 16 normal cervical tissues. Specific expression of AQP protein in SCC was detected by Western blot. Double immunohistochemistry was used to examine whether AQPs and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are coexpressed in SCC. RESULTS Aquaporin 1 showed higher positivity rate in CIN than in SCC and normal cervical tissues (P < .05). The expression intensity of AQP3, 4, 5, and 8 was higher in SCC than that in normal cervical tissues, respectively (P < .05). The expression of AQP3 and 8 was higher in SCC than that in CIN, respectively (P < .05). The AQP4 expression was higher in CIN than in normal cervical tissues (P < .05). The expression of AQP3 in CIN III was higher than that in CIN I and II (P < .05). There was a significant increase in the expression of AQP1 in stage I than that in stage II (P < .05). Aquaporin 3 showed lower positivity in moderately and well-differentiated tumors compared to that in poorly differentiated tumors (P < .05). Finally, double immunohistochemistry illustrated that AQP1/AQP3/AQP8 and VEGF were coexpressed in SCC. CONCLUSIONS Different AQP isoforms display specific expression patterns in normal cervical, CIN, and SCC tissues. This and the significant association with the clinicopathologic variables of SCC suggest that AQP isoforms might play different roles in the development of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenjing Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chuchu Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huihui Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenxiao Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Romero R, Miranda J, Chaiworapongsa T, Chaemsaithong P, Gotsch F, Dong Z, Ahmed AI, Yoon BH, Hassan SS, Kim CJ, Korzeniewski SJ, Yeo L, Kim YM. Sterile intra-amniotic inflammation in asymptomatic patients with a sonographic short cervix: prevalence and clinical significance. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2015; 28:1343-1359. [PMID: 25123515 PMCID: PMC4372495 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2014.954243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency and clinical significance of sterile and microbial-associated intra-amniotic inflammation in asymptomatic patients with a sonographic short cervix. METHODS Amniotic fluid (AF) samples obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis from 231 asymptomatic women with a sonographic short cervix [cervical length (CL) ≤25 mm] were analyzed using cultivation techniques (for aerobic and anaerobic as well as genital mycoplasmas) and broad-range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS). The frequency and magnitude of intra-amniotic inflammation [defined as an AF interleukin (IL)-6 concentration ≥2.6 ng/mL], acute histologic placental inflammation, spontaneous preterm delivery (sPTD), and the amniocentesis-to-delivery interval were examined according to the results of AF cultures, PCR/ESI-MS and AF IL-6 concentrations. RESULTS Ten percent (24/231) of patients with a sonographic short cervix had sterile intra-amniotic inflammation (an elevated AF IL-6 concentration without evidence of microorganisms using cultivation and molecular methods). Sterile intra-amniotic inflammation was significantly more frequent than microbial-associated intra-amniotic inflammation [10.4% (24/231) versus 2.2% (5/231); p < 0.001]. Patients with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation had a significantly higher rate of sPTD <34 weeks of gestation [70.8% (17/24) versus 31.6% (55/174); p < 0.001] and a significantly shorter amniocentesis-to-delivery interval than patients without intra-amniotic inflammation [median 35, (IQR: 10-70) versus median 71, (IQR: 47-98) days, (p < 0.0001)]. CONCLUSION Sterile intra-amniotic inflammation is more common than microbial-associated intra-amniotic inflammation in asymptomatic women with a sonographic short cervix, and is associated with increased risk of sPTD (<34 weeks). Further investigation is required to determine the causes of sterile intra-amniotic inflammation and the mechanisms whereby this condition is associated with a short cervix and sPTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Jezid Miranda
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Piya Chaemsaithong
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Francesca Gotsch
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA
- Integrata Verona, Ostetricia Ginecologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Verona, Italy
| | - Zhong Dong
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ahmed I. Ahmed
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Bo Hyun Yoon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sonia S. Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Chong J. Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine Inje University, Haeundae Paik Hospital
| | - Steven J. Korzeniewski
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Lami Yeo
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yeon Mee Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine Inje University, Haeundae Paik Hospital
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Ramírez A, Hinojosa LM, Gonzales JDJ, Montante-Montes D, Martínez-Benítez B, Aguilar-Guadarrama R, Gamboa-Domínguez A, Morales F, Carrillo-García A, Lizano M, García-Becerra R, Díaz L, Vázquez-Sánchez AY, Camacho J. KCNH1 potassium channels are expressed in cervical cytologies from pregnant patients and are regulated by progesterone. Reproduction 2013; 146:615-23. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Potassium voltage-gated channel, subfamily H (eag-related), member 1 (KCNH1) potassium channels are potential tumour markers and cancer therapeutic targets and are up-regulated by oestrogens and human papilloma virus (HPV) oncogenes. However, the role of KCNH1 in normal tissues is poorly understood, and its expression in pregnancy is unknown. We wondered whether KCNH1 channels are expressed in cervical cells from pregnant patients and whether progesterone (P4) regulates KCNH1. The association with HPV was also investigated. KCNH1 protein expression was studied by immunocytochemistry in liquid-based cervical cytologies; 93 samples were obtained from pregnant patients at different trimesters, and 15 samples were obtained from non-pregnant women (controls). The presence ofHPVwas studied by PCR with direct sequencing and nested multiplex PCR. HeLa cervical cancer cells were transfected with human progesterone receptor-B (PR-B) and treated with P4.KCNH1mRNA expression in these cultures was studied by real-time PCR. KCNH1 protein was detected in 100% of the pregnancy samples and in 26% of the controls. We found 18 pregnant patients infected with HPV and detected 14 types ofHPV. There was no association between the percentage of cells expressing KCNH1 and either the presence or type of HPV. P4induced KCNH1 mRNA and protein expression in cells transfected with human PR-B. No regulation of KCNH1 by P4was observed in non-transfected cells. We show for the first time the expression of an ion channel during human pregnancy at different trimesters and KCNH1 regulation by P4in human cells. These data raise a new research field for KCNH1 channels in human tissues.
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Pluta K, McGettigan PA, Reid CJ, Browne JA, Irwin JA, Tharmalingam T, Corfield A, Baird A, Loftus BJ, Evans ACO, Carrington SD. Molecular aspects of mucin biosynthesis and mucus formation in the bovine cervix during the periestrous period. Physiol Genomics 2012; 44:1165-78. [DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00088.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucus within the cervical canal represents a hormonally regulated barrier that reconciles the need to exclude the vaginal microflora from the uterus during progesterone dominance, while permitting sperm transport at estrus. Its characteristics change during the estrous cycle to facilitate these competing functional requirements. Hydrated mucin glycoproteins synthesized by the endocervical epithelium form the molecular scaffold of this mucus. This study uses the bovine cervix as a model to examine functional groups of genes related to mucin biosynthesis and mucus production over the periestrous period when functional changes in cervical barrier function are most prominent. Cervical tissue samples were collected from 30 estrus synchronized beef heifers. Animals were slaughtered in groups starting 12 h after the withdrawal of intravaginal progesterone releasing devices (controlled internal drug releases) until 7 days postonset of estrus (luteal phase). Subsequent groupings represented proestrus, early estrus, late estrus, metestrus, and finally the early luteal phase. Tissues were submitted to next generation RNA-seq transcriptome analysis. We identified 114 genes associated with biosynthesis and intracellular transport of mucins, and postsecretory modifications of cervical; 53 of these genes showed at least a twofold change in one or more experimental group in relation to onset of estrus, and the differences between groups were significant ( P < 0.05). The majority of these genes showed the greatest alteration in their expression in the 48 h postestrus and luteal phase groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Pluta
- Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul A. McGettigan
- Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Colm J. Reid
- Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John A. Browne
- Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jane A. Irwin
- Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tharmala Tharmalingam
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland; and
| | | | - Alan Baird
- Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brendan J. Loftus
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland; and
| | - Alexander C. O. Evans
- Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland; and
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Soh YM, Tiwari A, Mahendroo M, Conrad KP, Parry LJ. Relaxin regulates hyaluronan synthesis and aquaporins in the cervix of late pregnant mice. Endocrinology 2012; 153:6054-64. [PMID: 23087172 PMCID: PMC3512066 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cervical ripening is associated with loss of structural integrity and tensile strength, thus enabling the cervix to dilate at term. It is characterized by changes in glycosaminoglycan composition, increased water content, and a progressive reorganization of the collagen network. The peptide hormone relaxin via interaction with its receptor, relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1), promotes tissue hydration and increases cervical hyaluronan (HA) concentrations, but the mechanisms that regulate these effects are not known. This study in relaxin mutant (Rln(-/-)) mice tested the hypothesis that relaxin regulates HA synthase and aquaporin (AQP) expression in the cervix. We also assessed expression of the RXFP1 protein by immunohistochemistry. Pregnant Rln(-/-) mice had lower Has2 and Aqp3 expression on d 18.5 of pregnancy and decreased cervical HA compared with wild-type Rln(+/+) mice. Chronic infusion of relaxin for 4 or 6 d in pregnant Rln(-/-) mice reversed these phenotypes and increased Has2 and Aqp3 compared with placebo controls. Relaxin-treated mice also had lower Has1 and Aqp5. Changes in gene expression were paralleled by increases in cervical HA and variations in AQP3 and AQP5 protein localization in epithelial cells of Rln(-/-) cervices. Our findings demonstrate that relaxin alters AQP expression in the cervix and initiates changes in glycosaminoglycan composition through increased HA synthesis. These effects are likely mediated through RXFP1 localized to subepithelial stromal cells and epithelial cells. We suggest these actions of relaxin collectively promote water recruitment into the extracellular matrix to loosen the dense collagen fiber network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu May Soh
- Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Functions of water channels in male and female reproductive systems. Mol Aspects Med 2012; 33:676-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2012.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Ghulé VV, Gray C, Galimberti A, Anumba DOC. Prostaglandin-induced cervical remodelling in humans in the first trimester is associated with increased expression of specific tight junction, but not gap junction proteins. J Transl Med 2012; 10:40. [PMID: 22397627 PMCID: PMC3358244 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-10-40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prostaglandins (PG) are widely employed to induce cervical remodelling (CR) in pregnancy. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Tight junctions (TJ) and gap junctions (GJ) regulate paracellular and intercellular solute transport respectively but their role in the process of CR remains unexplored. We hypothesized that the synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue Misoprostol (M), widely used in clinical practice to induce CR, may alter TJ and GJ expression as part of the changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) associated with remodelling. We investigated the effects of Misoprostol exposure on the expression of cervical TJ (claudins 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and occludin) and GJ (connexins 43, 30 and 26) in the 1st trimester. Methods Cervical biopsies were obtained from pregnant women and comparisons of TJ and GJ protein expression (by western blotting) and immunolocalisation (laser scanning confocal microscopy) made between those who were administered vaginal Misoprostol (n = 10) and those who were not (n = 5). Results We found that Misoprostol-treated tissue (M+) had higher expression of Claudins 1,2,4,7 and occludin (p < 0.05) than untreated (M-) tissue. Expression levels of Claudins 1, 2 and 4 were positively correlated to interval from Misoprostol treatment to biopsy, whilst occludin was negatively correlated. Misoprostol-treated cervical tissue demonstrated more endothelial claudin-5 and occludin, whilst expression of GJs were unchanged. Conclusion Our observations suggest, for the first time, that increased expression of tight junction proteins may be one of the mechanisms by which Misoprostol induces CR in humans. Further studies are needed to explore if TJ proteins may be therapeutic targets to alter timing of CR in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidita V Ghulé
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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Nold C, Anton L, Brown A, Elovitz M. Inflammation promotes a cytokine response and disrupts the cervical epithelial barrier: a possible mechanism of premature cervical remodeling and preterm birth. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2012; 206:208.e1-7. [PMID: 22285171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2011.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Revised: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 12/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An inflammatory challenge disrupts the cervical epithelial barrier and promotes cervical remodeling. STUDY DESIGN Immortalized ectocervical and endocervical cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and soluble E-cadherin (SECAD) were assessed. Cells were then pretreated with dexamethasone prior to LPS exposure, and IL-6, IL-8, and SECAD levels were again assessed. The integrity of the epithelial cell barrier was determined using a permeability assay. RESULTS LPS significantly increased IL-6 and IL-8 levels, and SECAD was significantly increased at 24 hours. LPS induced inflammation increased permeability for both cell lines. Dexamethasone pretreatment prior to LPS exposure significantly decreased IL-6 and IL-8 levels in both cell lines. There was no reduction in SECAD levels with dexamethasone pretreatment. Permeability decreased in the presence of dexamethasone for ectocervical cells only. CONCLUSION These studies demonstrate an inflammatory challenge to cervical epithelial cells promotes a cytokine release and functionally alters the cervical epithelial barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Nold
- Maternal and Child Health Research Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Mahendroo M. Cervical remodeling in term and preterm birth: insights from an animal model. Reproduction 2012; 143:429-38. [PMID: 22344465 DOI: 10.1530/rep-11-0466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Proper cervical function is essential for a normal pregnancy and birth to occur. Understanding the mechanisms that take place in normal pregnancy will allow a better comprehension of the complications involved in premature cervical remodeling and lead to better methods of diagnostics and prevention for preterm birth. Unfortunately, human samples are not easily available, and samples that are collected are often confounded by variations in timing and region of cervix from which sample is collected. Animal models, specifically the mouse, have facilitated a great deal of exploration into the mechanisms of cervical function and pathways of preterm birth. This review highlights some of the groundbreaking discoveries that have arisen from murine research including 1) the identification of early pregnancy changes in collagen fibril processing and assembly that result in progressive modifications to collagen architecture with subsequent loss of tissue stiffness during pregnancy, 2) the determination that immune cells are not key to cervical ripening at term but have diverse phenotypes and functions in postpartum repair, and 3) the finding that the process of preterm cervical ripening can differ from term ripening and is dependent on the etiology of prematurity. These findings, which are relevant to human cervical biology, provide new insights that will allow targeted studies on the human cervix as well as identify potential biomarkers for early detection of premature cervical ripening and development of improved therapies to prevent premature ripening of the cervix and subsequent preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mala Mahendroo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and The Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235, USA.
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Sha XY, Xiong ZF, Liu HS, Zheng Z, Ma TH. Pregnant phenotype in aquaporin 8-deficient mice. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2011; 32:840-4. [PMID: 21602842 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2011.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Aquaporin 8 (AQP8) is expressed within the female reproductive system but its physiological function reminds to be elucidated. This study investigates the role of AQP8 during pregnancy using AQP8-knockout (AQP8-KO) mice. METHODS Homozygous AQP8-KO mice were mated, and the conception rate was recorded. AQP8-KO pregnant mice or their offspring were divided into 5 subgroups according to fetal gestational day (7, 13, 16, 18 GD) and newborn. Wild type C57 pregnant mice served as the control group. The number of pregnant mice, total embryos and atrophic embryos, as well as fetal weight, placental weight and placental area were recorded for each subgroup. The amount of amniotic fluid in each sac at 13, 16, and 18 GD was calculated. Statistical significance was determined by analysis of variance of factorial design and chi-square tests. RESULTS Conception rates did not differ significantly between AQP8-KO and wild type mice. AQP8-KO pregnant mice had a significantly higher number of embryos compared to wild type controls. Fetal/neonatal weight was also significantly greater in the AQP8-KO group compared to age-matched wild type controls. The amount of amniotic fluid was greater in AQP8-KO pregnant mice than wild type controls, although the FM/AFA (fetal weight/amniotic fluid amount) did not differ. While AQP8-KO placental weight was significantly larger than wild type controls, there was no evidence of placental pathology in either group. CONCLUSION The results suggest that AQP8 deficiency plays an important role in pregnancy outcome.
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Maternal-fetal fluid balance and aquaporins: from molecule to physiology. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2011; 32:716-20. [PMID: 21602839 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2011.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal-fetal fluid balance is critical during pregnancy, and amniotic fluid is essential for fetal growth and development. The placenta plays a key role in a successful pregnancy as the interface between the mother and her fetus. Aquaporins (AQPs) form specific water channels that allow the rapid transcellular movement of water in response to osmotic/hydrostatic pressure gradients. AQPs expression in the placenta and fetal membranes may play important roles in the maternal-fetal fluid balance.
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Su W, Qiao Y, Yi F, Guan X, Zhang D, Zhang S, Hao F, Xiao Y, Zhang H, Guo L, Yang L, Feng X, Ma T. Increased female fertility in aquaporin 8-deficient mice. IUBMB Life 2011; 62:852-7. [PMID: 21117174 DOI: 10.1002/iub.398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporin-8 (AQP8) is a water channel expressed extensively in male and female reproductive systems. But its physiological functions are largely unknown. In the present study, we first found significantly increased number of offspring delivered by AQP8(-/-) mothers compared with wild-type mothers in cross-mating experiments. Comparison of ovulation in the two genotypes demonstrated that AQP8(-/-) ovaries released more oocytes (9.5 ± 1.9 vs. 7.1 ± 2.1 in normal ovulation and 37.8 ± 6.7 vs. 27.9 ± 5.7 in superovulation). Histological analysis showed increased number of corpus luteums in mature AQP8(-/-) ovaries, suggesting increased maturation and ovulation of follicles. By RT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses, we determined the expression of AQP8 in mouse ovarian granulosa cells. Granulosa cells isolated from AQP8(-/-) mice showed 45% of decreased membrane water permeability than wild-type mice. As the atresia of ovarian follicles is primarily due to apoptosis of granulosa cells, we analyzed the apoptosis of isolated granulosa cells from wild-type and AQP8(-/-) mice. The results indicated significantly lower apoptosis rate in AQP8(-/-) granulosa cells (21.3 ± 3.6% vs. 32.6 ± 4.3% in AQP8(+/+) granulosa cells). Taken together, we conclude that AQP8 deficiency increases the number of mature follicles by reducing the apoptosis of granulosa cells, thus increasing the fertility of female mice. This discovery may offer new insight of improving female fertility by reducing granulosa cell apoptosis through AQP8 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiheng Su
- Membrane Channel Research Laboratory, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
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Xu X, Akgul Y, Mahendroo M, Jerschow A. Ex vivo assessment of mouse cervical remodeling through pregnancy via 23Na MRS. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2010; 23:907-912. [PMID: 20878968 PMCID: PMC3965669 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.1507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth occurs in 12.5% of births in the United States and can lead to risk of infant death or to lifelong serious health complications. A greater understanding by which the two main processes, uterine contraction and cervical remodeling are regulated is required to reduce rates of preterm birth. The cervix must undergo extensive remodeling through pregnancy in preparation for parturition, the process of labor and delivery of young. One key aspect of this dynamic process is a change in the composition and abundance of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans within the extracellular matrix, which influences the loss of tensile strength or stiffness of the cervix during labor. 23Na NMR spectroscopy has previously been validated as a method to quantify GAGs in tissues. In the current study, the Na+ concentration was measured at several time points through pregnancy in mouse cervices using 23Na NMR spectroscopy. The Na+ concentration increased progressively during pregnancy and peaked one day before birth followed by a rapid decline after birth. The same trend was seen in GAGs as measured by a biochemical assay using independent cervix samples over the course of pregnancy. We suggest that monitoring the Na+ concentration via 23Na NMR spectroscopy can serve as an informative physiological marker in evaluating the stages of cervical remodeling ex vivo and warrants further investigation to determine its utility as a diagnostic tool for the identification of women at risk for impending preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Xu
- Chemistry Department, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003
| | - Yucel Akgul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235-9032
| | - Mala Mahendroo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235-9032
| | - Alexej Jerschow
- Chemistry Department, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003
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Chauvigné F, Cerdà J. Expression of Functional Aquaporins in Oocytes and Embryos and the Impact on Cryopreservation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.3109/9780203092873.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
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Timmons B, Akins M, Mahendroo M. Cervical remodeling during pregnancy and parturition. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2010; 21:353-61. [PMID: 20172738 PMCID: PMC2880223 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2010.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2009] [Revised: 01/26/2010] [Accepted: 01/28/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Appropriate and timely cervical remodeling is key for successful birth. Premature cervical opening can result in preterm birth which occurs in 12.5% of pregnancies. Research focused on the mechanisms of term and preterm cervical remodeling is essential to prevent prematurity. This review highlights recent findings that better define molecular processes driving progressive disorganization of the cervical extracellular matrix. This includes studies that redefine the role of immune cells and identify diverse functions of the cervical epithelia and hyaluronan in remodeling. New investigations proposing that infection-induced premature cervical remodeling is distinct from the normal process are presented. Recent advances in our understanding of term and preterm cervical remodeling provide new directions for investigation and compel investigators to reevaluate currently accepted models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Timmons
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235-9032, USA
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Larsen HS, Ruus AK, Schreurs O, Galtung HK. Aquaporin 11 in the developing mouse submandibular gland. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118:9-13. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0722.2009.00708.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Mittal P, Romero R, Mazaki-Tovi S, Tromp G, Tarca AL, Kim YM, Chaiworapongsa T, Kusanovic JP, Erez O, Than NG, Hassan SS. Fetal membranes as an interface between inflammation and metabolism: Increased Aquaporin 9 expression in the presence of spontaneous labor at term and chorioamnionitis. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2009; 22:1167-75. [DOI: 10.3109/14767050903019692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Sun XL, Zhang J, Fan Y, Ding JH, Sha JH, Hu G. Aquaporin-4 deficiency induces subfertility in female mice. Fertil Steril 2009; 92:1736-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.07.1785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2008] [Revised: 06/28/2008] [Accepted: 07/30/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Aralla M, Borromeo V, Groppetti D, Secchi C, Cremonesi F, Arrighi S. A collaboration of aquaporins handles water transport in relation to the estrous cycle in the bitch uterus. Theriogenology 2009; 72:310-21. [PMID: 19395011 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2008] [Revised: 12/29/2008] [Accepted: 01/31/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Fluid movement through uterine cell membranes is crucial, as it can modulate the tissue imbibition pattern in the different phases of the estrous cycle. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying steroid-controlled water handling, the presence and distribution of aquaporins (AQPs), integral membrane channel proteins permitting rapid passive water movement, was explored in bitch uterine tissues. Immunohistochemistry and Western immunoblot analysis were used to study the presence of AQP1, AQP2, and AQP5 in the layers of the bitch uterine wall during the different estrous phases. Presence of endothelial nitric oxide-generating enzyme NO synthase (NOS3) was also investigated, as it is known that the vasodilator NOS3 might be involved in the development of uterine edema. The results demonstrated the following: (1) AQP1, AQP2, and AQP5 were present in the uterus of cycling bitches. (2) AQP1 was localized within uterine mesometrial, myometrial, and endometrial blood vessels and in the circular and longitudinal layers of myometrium. AQP1 localization and expression were unaffected by the estrous cycle. (3) The estrogenic milieu was probably at the basis of AQP2 expression in the glandular and luminal epithelium of the endometrium. (4) AQP5 water channels were present in the apical plasma membrane of uterine epithelial cells in coincidence with plasma progesterone increase. (5) NOS3 was localized in the myometrial and epithelial tissues as well as in blood vessels indicating a contribution of this vasoactive peptide to the uterine imbibition processes. Thus, we can hypothesize that a functional and distinctive collaboration exists among diverse AQPs in water handling during the different functional uterine phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Aralla
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Technologies for Food Safety, Laboratory of Anatomy, University of Milan, I-20134 Milan, Italy
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Mowa CN, Li T, Jesmin S, Folkesson HG, Usip SE, Papka RE, Hou G. Delineation of VEGF-regulated genes and functions in the cervix of pregnant rodents by DNA microarray analysis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2008; 6:64. [PMID: 19087268 PMCID: PMC2628666 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-6-64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2008] [Accepted: 12/16/2008] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND VEGF-regulated genes in the cervices of pregnant and non-pregnant rodents (rats and mice) were delineated by DNA microarray and Real Time PCR, after locally altering levels of or action of VEGF using VEGF agents, namely siRNA, VEGF receptor antagonist and mouse VEGF recombinant protein. METHODS Tissues were analyzed by genome-wide DNA microarray analysis, Real-time and gel-based PCR, and SEM, to decipher VEGF function during cervical remodeling. Data were analyzed by EASE score (microarray) and ANOVA (Real Time PCR) followed by Scheffe's F-test for multiple comparisons. RESULTS Of the 30,000 genes analyzed, about 4,200 genes were altered in expression by VEGF, i.e., expression of about 2,400 and 1,700 genes were down- and up-regulated, respectively. Based on EASE score, i.e., grouping of genes according to their biological process, cell component and molecular functions, a number of vascular- and non-vascular-related processes were found to be regulated by VEGF in the cervix, including immune response (including inflammatory), cell proliferation, protein kinase activity, and cell adhesion molecule activity. Of interest, mRNA levels of a select group of genes, known to or with potential to influence cervical remodeling were altered. For example, real time PCR analysis showed that levels of VCAM-1, a key molecule in leukocyte recruitment, endothelial adhesion, and subsequent trans-endothelial migration, were elevated about 10 folds by VEGF. Further, VEGF agents also altered mRNA levels of decorin, which is involved in cervical collagen fibrillogenesis, and expression of eNO, PLC and PKC mRNA, critical downstream mediators of VEGF. Of note, we show that VEGF may regulate cervical epithelial proliferation, as revealed by SEM. CONCLUSION These data are important in that they shed new insights in VEGF's possible roles and mechanisms in cervical events near-term, including cervical remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chishimba N Mowa
- Appalachian State University, Department of Biology, Rankin Science North Building N219, 572 River Street, Boone, NC 28608, USA
| | - Tianbo Li
- Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Departments of Integrative Medical Sciences, 4209 St. Rt. 44, PO Box 95, Rootstown, Ohio 44272, USA
| | - Subrina Jesmin
- Department of Gene Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Research Institute, International Medical Center of Japan, Tokyo, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, 162-8655, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hans G Folkesson
- Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Departments of Integrative Medical Sciences, 4209 St. Rt. 44, PO Box 95, Rootstown, Ohio 44272, USA
| | - Sharon E Usip
- Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Departments of Neurobiology and Anatomy, 4209 St. Rt. 44, PO Box 95, Rootstown, Ohio 44272, USA
| | - Raymond E Papka
- Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Departments of Neurobiology and Anatomy, 4209 St. Rt. 44, PO Box 95, Rootstown, Ohio 44272, USA
| | - Guichuan Hou
- Appalachian State University, Department of Biology, Rankin Science North Building N219, 572 River Street, Boone, NC 28608, USA
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Abstract
With the growing frequency of preterm birth, increased effort has been made to elucidate the physiology of normal and aberrant parturition. As with many developmental processes, the study of genetically altered mice has led to an increased understanding of mechanisms controlling the maintenance and resolution of pregnancy. Studies in genetically altered mice have implicated critical roles for both prostaglandin synthesis and degradation in luteolysis and the progression of labor. The importance of local modulation of progesterone activity to cervical ripening has also been demonstrated. Although a decline in levels of serum progesterone is a part of normal labor initiation in mice but not humans, murine labor without progesterone withdrawal has been reported in some cases. These findings emphasize the importance of other components of the parturition cascade that are shared in mice and humans and highlights the importance of an increased understanding of the physiology of mouse parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine K Ratajczak
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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Liu H, Zheng Z, Wintour E. Aquaporins and Fetal Fluid Balance. Placenta 2008; 29:840-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2008] [Revised: 07/20/2008] [Accepted: 07/24/2008] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Rojek A, Praetorius J, Frøkiaer J, Nielsen S, Fenton RA. A Current View of the Mammalian Aquaglyceroporins. Annu Rev Physiol 2008; 70:301-27. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev.physiol.70.113006.100452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Rojek
- The Water and Salt Research Center, Institute of Anatomy, University of Aarhus, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark;
| | - Jeppe Praetorius
- The Water and Salt Research Center, Institute of Anatomy, University of Aarhus, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark;
| | - Jørgen Frøkiaer
- The Water and Salt Research Center, Institute of Anatomy, University of Aarhus, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark;
| | - Søren Nielsen
- The Water and Salt Research Center, Institute of Anatomy, University of Aarhus, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark;
| | - Robert A. Fenton
- The Water and Salt Research Center, Institute of Anatomy, University of Aarhus, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark;
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Read CP, Word RA, Ruscheinsky MA, Timmons BC, Mahendroo MS. Cervical remodeling during pregnancy and parturition: molecular characterization of the softening phase in mice. Reproduction 2007; 134:327-40. [PMID: 17660242 DOI: 10.1530/rep-07-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cervical remodeling during pregnancy and parturition is a single progressive process that can be loosely divided into four overlapping phases termed softening, ripening, dilation/labor, and post partum repair. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms that facilitate all phases of cervical remodeling is critical for an understanding of parturition and for identifying processes that are misregulated in preterm labor, a significant cause of perinatal morbidity. In the present study, biomechanical measurements indicate that softening was initiated between gestation days 10 and 12 of mouse pregnancy, and in contrast to cervical ripening on day 18, the softened cervix maintains tissue strength. Although preceded by increased collagen solubility, cervical softening is not characterized by significant increases in cell proliferation, tissue hydration or changes in the distribution of inflammatory cells. Gene expression studies reveal a potentially important role of cervical epithelia during softening and ripening in maintenance of an immunomucosal barrier that protects the stromal compartment during matrix remodeling. Expression of two genes involved in repair and protection of the epithelial permeability barrier in the gut (trefoil factor 1) and skin (serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 5) were increased during softening and/or ripening. Another gene whose function remains to be elucidated, purkinje cell protein 4, declines in expression as remodeling progressed. Collectively, these results indicate that cervical softening during pregnancy is a unique phase of the tissue remodeling process characterized by increased collagen solubility, maintenance of tissue strength, and upregulation of genes involved in mucosal protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles P Read
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390-9032, USA
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Timmons BC, Mitchell SM, Gilpin C, Mahendroo MS. Dynamic changes in the cervical epithelial tight junction complex and differentiation occur during cervical ripening and parturition. Endocrinology 2007; 148:1278-87. [PMID: 17138657 DOI: 10.1210/en.2006-0851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cervical epithelia have numerous functions that include proliferation, differentiation, maintenance of fluid balance, protection from environmental hazards, and paracellular transport of solutes via tight junctions (TJs). Epithelial functions must be tightly regulated during pregnancy and parturition as the cervix undergoes extensive growth and remodeling. This study evaluated TJ proteins, as well as markers of epithelial cell differentiation in normal and cervical ripening defective mice to gain insights into how the permeability barrier is regulated during pregnancy and parturition. Although numerous TJ proteins are expressed in the nonpregnant cervix, claudins 1 and 2 are temporally regulated in pregnancy. Claudin 1 mRNA expression is increased, whereas claudin 2 expression declines. The cellular localization of claudin 1 shifts at the end of pregnancy (gestation d 18.75) to the plasma membrane in a lattice pattern, consistent with TJs in the apical cells. The timing of claudin 1-enriched TJs coincides with initiation of terminal differentiation of cervical squamous epithelia as evidenced by the increased expression of genes by differentiated epithelia late on gestation d 18. The cervical ripening defective steroid 5alpha-reductase type 1 deficient mouse, which has an elevated local progesterone concentration, also has aberrant claudin 1 and 2 expressions, fails to form claudin 1-enriched TJs, and lacks normal expression of genes involved in epithelial terminal differentiation. These data suggest that changes in permeability barrier properties during cervical ripening are, in part, negatively regulated by progesterone, and that dynamic changes in barrier properties of the cervix occur during pregnancy and parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda C Timmons
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9032, USA
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Pates JA, Zaretsky MV, Alexander JM, Babcock EE, McIntire DD, Twickler DM. Determining Cervical Ripeness and Labor Outcome. Obstet Gynecol 2007; 109:326-30. [PMID: 17267832 DOI: 10.1097/01.aog.0000252711.30867.a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the magnetic resonance assessment of cervical water content using the T2 relaxation time correlated with cervical ripening, as evidenced by the time to onset of spontaneous labor, need for induction, and the incidence of cesarean delivery in women whose pregnancy reached 41 weeks of gestation. METHODS The cervical T2 relaxation time was calculated from magnetic resonance data obtained in a previous study of magnetic resonance pelvimetry. After consent was obtained, the patients underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol consisting of a dual fast spin echo T2-weighted scan. From images of a single slice, the cervical T2 relaxation time was calculated from two different regions of interest (anterior and posterior) on the cervix. The average cervical T2 relaxation time was then correlated to obstetric outcomes linked with cervical ripening. RESULTS A total of 119 patients gave their consent for the study. Of these patients, 93 had optimal imaging of the cervical stroma and were included in the analysis. There was no significant correlation between the cervical T2 relaxation time and any individual component of the Bishop score or the total score. The cervical T2 relaxation time did not predict whether labor was spontaneous or induced and whether or not a woman underwent cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION Cervical magnetic resonance T2 relaxation times did not correlate with the clinical Bishop score or predict labor outcome in our series of women whose pregnancies reached 41 weeks of gestation. Quantifying the magnetic resonance T2 relaxation time does not appear to be useful in the assessment of cervical ripening. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A Pates
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75235, USA.
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Kobayashi M, Takahashi E, Miyagawa SI, Watanabe H, Iguchi T. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-mediated target identification proved aquaporin 5 is regulated directly by estrogen in the uterus. Genes Cells 2006; 11:1133-43. [PMID: 16999734 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2443.2006.01009.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens play a central role in the reproduction of vertebrates and affect a variety of biological processes. The major target molecules of estrogens are nuclear estrogen receptors (ERs), which have been studied extensively at the molecular level. In contrast, our knowledge of the genes that are regulated directly by ERs remains limited, especially at the level of the whole organism rather than cultured cells. In order to identify genes that are regulated directly by ERs in vivo, we used estrogen treated mouse uterus and performed chromatin immunoprecipitation. Sequence analysis of a precipitated DNA fragment enabled alignment with the mouse genomic sequence and revealed that the promoter region of the gene encoding aquaporin 5 (AQP5) was precipitated with antibody against ER alpha. Quantitative PCR and DNA microarray analyses confirmed that AQP5 is activated soon after administration of estrogen. In addition, the promoter region of AQP5 contained a functional estrogen response element that was activated directly by estrogen. Although several AQP genes are expressed in the uterus, only direct activation of AQP5 could be detected following treatment with estrogen. This chromatin immunoprecipitation-mediated target identification may be applicable to the study of other transcription factor networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika Kobayashi
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, 444-8787, Japan
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Huang HF, He RH, Sun CC, Zhang Y, Meng QX, Ma YY. Function of aquaporins in female and male reproductive systems. Hum Reprod Update 2006; 12:785-95. [PMID: 16840793 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dml035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The flow of water and some other small molecules across cell membranes is important in many of the processes underlying reproduction. The fluid movement is strongly associated with the presence of aquaporins (AQPs) in the female and male reproductive systems. It has been suggested that AQPs mediate water movement into the antral follicle and play important roles in follicle development. AQPs are known to be involved in the early stage of spermatogenesis, in the secretion of tubule liquid and in the concentration and storage of spermatozoa. Fluid reabsorption in some regions of the male reproductive tract is under steroid hormone control and could be mediated by various AQPs. Also AQPs take part in the processes of fertilization, blastocyst formation (as the pathway for transtrophoectodermal water movement during cavitation) and implantation. Alterations in the expression and function or regulation of AQPs have already been demonstrated in disorders of the male reproductive system, such as abnormal sperm motility, the abnormal epididymis and infertility seen in cystic fibrosis, and varicocele. This article extensively reviews the distribution of AQPs in mammalian reproductive tissues and discusses their possible physiological and pathophysiological roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- He-Feng Huang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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