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James DW, Quintela M, Lucini L, Alkafri NK, Healey GD, Younas K, Bunkheila A, Margarit L, Francis LW, Gonzalez D, Conlan RS. Homeobox regulator Wilms Tumour 1 is displaced by androgen receptor at cis-regulatory elements in the endometrium of PCOS patients. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1368494. [PMID: 38745948 PMCID: PMC11091321 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1368494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Decidualisation, the process whereby endometrial stromal cells undergo morphological and functional transformation in preparation for trophoblast invasion, is often disrupted in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) resulting in complications with pregnancy and/or infertility. The transcription factor Wilms tumour suppressor 1 (WT1) is a key regulator of the decidualization process, which is reduced in patients with PCOS, a complex condition characterized by increased expression of androgen receptor in endometrial cells and high presence of circulating androgens. Using genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation approaches on primary human endometrial stromal cells, we identify key genes regulated by WT1 during decidualization, including homeobox transcription factors which are important for regulating cell differentiation. Furthermore, we found that AR in PCOS patients binds to the same DNA regions as WT1 in samples from healthy endometrium, suggesting dysregulation of genes important to decidualisation pathways in PCOS endometrium due to competitive binding between WT1 and AR. Integrating RNA-seq and H3K4me3 and H3K27ac ChIP-seq metadata with our WT1/AR data, we identified a number of key genes involved in immune response and angiogenesis pathways that are dysregulated in PCOS patients. This is likely due to epigenetic alterations at distal enhancer regions allowing AR to recruit cofactors such as MAGEA11, and demonstrates the consequences of AR disruption of WT1 in PCOS endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W. James
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lisa Lucini
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Kinza Younas
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
- Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Adnan Bunkheila
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
- Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Lavinia Margarit
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Bridgend, United Kingdom
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Hancock JM, Li Y, Martin TE, Andersen CL, Ye X. Upregulation of FOXA2 in uterine luminal epithelium and vaginal basal epithelium of epiERα-/- (Esr1fl/flWnt7aCre/+) mice†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:359-362. [PMID: 36611017 PMCID: PMC10014416 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2) is a pioneer transcription factor important for epithelial budding and morphogenesis in different organs. It has been used as a specific marker for uterine glandular epithelial cells (GE). FOXA2 has close interactions with estrogen receptor α (ERα). ERα binding to Foxa2 gene in the uterus indicates its regulation of Foxa2. The intimate interactions between ERα and FOXA2 and their essential roles in early pregnancy led us to investigate the expression of FOXA2 in the female reproductive tract of pre-implantation epiERα-/- (Esr1fl/flWnt7aCre/+) mice, in which ERα is conditionally deleted in the epithelium of reproductive tract. In the oviduct, FOXA2 is detected in the ciliated epithelial cells of ampulla but absent in the isthmus of day 3.5 post-coitum (D3.5) Esr1fl/fl control and epiERα-/- mice. In the uterus, FOXA2 expression in the GE appears to be comparable between Esr1fl/fl and epiERα-/- mice. However, FOXA2 is upregulated in the D0.5 and D3.5 but not PND25-28 epiERα-/- uterine luminal epithelial cells (LE). In the vagina, FOXA2 expression is low in the basal layer and increases toward the superficial layer of the D3.5 Esr1fl/fl vaginal epithelium, but FOXA2 is detected in the basal, intermediate, and superficial layers, with the strongest FOXA2 expression in the intermediate layers of the D3.5 epiERα-/- vaginal epithelium. This study demonstrates that loss of ERα in LE and vaginal basal layer upregulates FOXA2 expression in these epithelial cells during early pregnancy. The mechanisms for epithelial cell-type specific regulation of FOXA2 by ERα remain to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Matthew Hancock
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
| | - Yuehuan Li
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
| | - Taylor Elijah Martin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
| | - Christian Lee Andersen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
| | - Xiaoqin Ye
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
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Karpathiou G, Chauleur C, Dal Col P, Peoc'h M. FOXA1 Expression by Immunohistochemistry in Carcinosarcomas of the Endometrium and Ovary/Fallopian Tube. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2021; 40:611-616. [PMID: 33770058 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0000000000000772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
FOXA1, a transcription factor essential for the binding of other transcription factors on chromatin, is associated with hormone receptor-associated cancers, such as breast and endometrial cancer. It is also considered an antagonist of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In endometrial cancer, FOXA1 is considered a tumor suppressor; in carcinosarcoma, one of the most aggressive and rare subtypes of endometrial cancer, thought to be derived through an EMT mechanism, FOXA1 has not been studied. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible expression of FOXA1 in carcinosarcomas, and its correlation with clinicopathologic factors. This was a retrospective study of 31 patients diagnosed with carcinosarcomas of the uterus or the adnexa. Histologic and clinical factors were correlated with the immunohistochemical expression of FOXA1. FOXA1 was expressed by 38.7% of the carcinomatous components and 16.1% of the sarcomatous components. FOXA1-positive sarcomatous components were seen only with positive carcinomatous components (P=0.004). FOXA1 expression was not associated with age, primary tumor site, stage, metastases, overall survival, or tumor relapse. FOXA1 expression in the carcinomatous component was associated with an absence of lymphovascular invasion or the presence of heterologous components. FOXA1 expression in the sarcomatous component was associated with rhabdomyosarcoma, rather than the chondrosarcoma heterologous component. Carcinosarcomas harbor FOXA1 expression, although it is in their carcinomatous rather than sarcomatous components, suggesting a possible role of FOXA1 in the EMT of carcinosarcomas. FOXA1 shows no prognostic significance in this tumor group.
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Nørgård BM, Wod M, Larsen MD, Friedman S, Jølving LR, Fedder J. The impact of medical therapies and factors related to treatment procedures in women with rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease receiving assisted reproduction: a nationwide cohort study. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:1492-1500. [PMID: 34433518 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.07.1198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA)/chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or factors related to the assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, impact the success of ART. In women with RA/IBD, initial studies have shown a reduced chance of a live-born child after ART. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING Nationwide Danish health registries. PATIENTS All Danish women with a fresh embryo transfer from January 1, 2006, through 2018. The cohorts comprised 1,824 embryo transfers in women with RA/IBD and 97,191 embryo transfers in women without RA/IBD. INTERVENTIONS Observational, noninterventional study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Live birth per fresh embryo transfer. RESULTS The chance of a live birth in women with RA/IBD receiving ART, compared with other women receiving ART, had an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68-0.91). Prescribed corticosteroids before embryo transfer were positively associated with a live-born child (adjusted OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.12-1.31), while the use of antiinflammatory/immunosuppressive agents did not have significant importance. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was associated with a reduced chance (adjusted OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.90-0.97). Type of hormone treatment protocol did not have significant importance, and transfer at the blastocyst stage was positively associated with a live-born child (adjusted OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.46-1.62). CONCLUSIONS In women with RA and/or IBD, prescribed corticosteroid before embryo transfer and embryo transfer at the blastocyst stage were associated with successful ART. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was associated with a slightly reduced chance. Antiinflammatory/immunosuppressive agents and type of hormone protocols did not have significant importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Mertz Nørgård
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Mette Wod
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Michael Due Larsen
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sonia Friedman
- Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Line Riis Jølving
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jens Fedder
- Centre of Andrology and Fertility Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Research Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Chung YS, Jin HL, Jeong KW. Cell-specific expression of ENACα gene by FOXA1 in the glucocorticoid receptor pathway. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2021; 34:2058738420946192. [PMID: 32838581 PMCID: PMC7450284 DOI: 10.1177/2058738420946192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is one of the most widely studied
ligand-dependent nuclear receptors. The combination of transcriptional
regulatory factors required for the expression of individual genes targeted
by GR varies across cell types; however, the mechanisms underlying this cell
type–specific regulation of gene expression are not yet clear. Methods: Here, we investigated genes regulated by GR in two different cell lines, A549
and ARPE-19, and examined how gene expression varied according to the effect
of pioneer factors using RNA-seq and RT-qPCR. Results: Our RNA-seq results identified 19 and 63 genes regulated by GR that are
ARPE-19-specific and A549-specific, respectively, suggesting that GR induces
the expression of different sets of genes in a cell type–specific manner.
RT-qPCR confirmed that the epithelial sodium channel
(ENACα) gene is an ARPE-19 cell-specific GR target gene,
whereas the FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) gene was A549
cell-specific. There was a significant decrease in ENACα
expression in FOXA1-deficient ARPE-19 cells, suggesting that FOXA1 might
function as a pioneer factor enabling the selective expression of
ENACα in ARPE-19 cells but not in A549 cells. Conclusion: These findings indicate that ENACα expression in ARPE-19
cells is regulated by FOXA1 and provide insights into the molecular
mechanisms of cell type–specific expression of GR-regulated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Sun Chung
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Lan Jin
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, People's Republic of China
| | - Kwang Won Jeong
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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Ruiz-Conca M, Gardela J, Jauregi-Miguel A, Martinez CA, Rodríguez-Martinez H, López-Béjar M, Alvarez-Rodriguez M. Seminal Plasma Triggers the Differential Expression of the Glucocorticoid Receptor ( NR3C1/GR) in the Rabbit Reproductive Tract. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E2158. [PMID: 33228207 PMCID: PMC7699521 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabbits are interesting as research animal models for reproduction, due to their condition of species of induced ovulation, with the release of endogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) due to coitus. Glucocorticoid (GC) signaling, crucial for physiological homeostasis, is mediated through a yet unclear mechanism, by the GC receptor (NR3C1/GR). After mating, the female reproductive tract undergoes dynamic modifications, triggered by gene transcription, a pre-amble for fertilization and pregnancy. This study tested the hypothesis that when ovulation is induced, the expression of NR3C1 is influenced by sperm-free seminal plasma (SP), similarly to after mating (whole semen), along the different segments of the internal reproductive tract of female rabbits. Semen (mating) was compared to vaginal infusion of sperm-free SP (Experiment 1), and changes over time were also evaluated, i.e., 10, 24, 36, 68, and 72 h post-mating, corresponding to specific stages, i.e., ovulation, fertilization, and the interval of early embryo development up to the morula stage (Experiment 2). All does were treated with GnRH to induce ovulation. Samples were retrieved from seven segments of the reproductive tract (from the cervix to infundibulum), at 20 h post-mating or sperm-free SP infusion (Experiment 1) or at 10, 24, 36, 68, and 72 h post-mating (Experiment 2). Gene expression of NR3C1 was analyzed by qPCR. Results showed an increase in NR3C1 expression in the infundibulum compared to the other anatomical regions in the absence of spermatozoa when sperm-free SP infusion was performed (Experiment 1). Moreover, during the embryo transport through the oviduct, the distal isthmus was time-course upregulated, especially at 72 h, when morulae are retained in this anatomical region, while it was downregulated in the distal uterus at 68 h (Experiment 2). The overall results suggest that NR3C1, the GC receptor gene, assessed in the reproductive tract of does for the first time, shows differential expression changes during the interval of oviductal and uterine embryo transport that may imply a relevant role of the GC action, not only close to the site of ovulation and fertilization, but also in the endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateo Ruiz-Conca
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Children’s and Women Health (BKH), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain or
| | - Jaume Gardela
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Children’s and Women Health (BKH), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain or
| | - Amaia Jauregi-Miguel
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology (MMV), Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Cristina A. Martinez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Children’s and Women Health (BKH), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
| | - Heriberto Rodríguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Children’s and Women Health (BKH), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
| | - Manel López-Béjar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain or
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Manuel Alvarez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Children’s and Women Health (BKH), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain or
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Ruiz D, Padmanabhan V, Sargis RM. Stress, Sex, and Sugar: Glucocorticoids and Sex-Steroid Crosstalk in the Sex-Specific Misprogramming of Metabolism. J Endocr Soc 2020; 4:bvaa087. [PMID: 32734132 PMCID: PMC7382384 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life exposures to environmental insults can misprogram development and increase metabolic disease risk in a sex-dependent manner by mechanisms that remain poorly characterized. Modifiable factors of increasing public health relevance, such as diet, psychological stress, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, can affect glucocorticoid receptor signaling during gestation and lead to sex-specific postnatal metabolic derangements. Evidence from humans and animal studies indicate that glucocorticoids crosstalk with sex steroids by several mechanisms in multiple tissues and can affect sex-steroid-dependent developmental processes. Nonetheless, glucocorticoid sex-steroid crosstalk has not been considered in the glucocorticoid-induced misprogramming of metabolism. Herein we review what is known about the mechanisms by which glucocorticoids crosstalk with estrogen, androgen, and progestogen action. We propose that glucocorticoid sex-steroid crosstalk is an understudied mechanism of action that requires consideration when examining the developmental misprogramming of metabolism, especially when assessing sex-specific outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ruiz
- Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Robert M Sargis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; Department of Medicine; University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Chicago Center for Health and Environment, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Kroon J, Pereira AM, Meijer OC. Glucocorticoid Sexual Dimorphism in Metabolism: Dissecting the Role of Sex Hormones. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2020; 31:357-367. [PMID: 32037025 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones that are of pivotal importance in human physiology. Glucocorticoid signaling is complex in nature and dependent on many interacting factors. As glucocorticoids exhibit sexually dimorphic effects on several key processes including in metabolism, crosstalk with the sex steroid hormones (androgens and estrogens) is relevant. In this review, we highlight the state-of-the-art knowledge on glucocorticoid sexual dimorphism and sex hormone crosstalk. We include current insight in the molecular mechanisms that underlie nuclear steroid receptor crosstalk, and sex hormone effects on glucocorticoid metabolism. Finally, we show how these findings translate to humans exposed to excess glucocorticoid signaling, and we propose future avenues in the emerging field of steroid hormone crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Kroon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Alberto M Pereira
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Nørgård BM, Larsen MD, Friedman S, Fedder J. Corticosteroids Prior to Embryo Transfer in Assisted Reproduction in Women with Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis - A Nationwide Cohort Study. Clin Epidemiol 2020; 12:317-326. [PMID: 32256120 PMCID: PMC7101064 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s234996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Former studies have suggested that women with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) have a decreased chance of a live born child after assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. It is debated whether corticosteroids before ART may improve outcomes, either by decreasing inflammatory bowel disease-related inflammation or increasing endometrial receptivity. We examined the efficacy of corticosteroids before embryo transfer in women with CD and UC. PATIENTS AND METHODS Our cohort study is based on nationwide Danish health registries, comprising women with CD and UC receiving an embryo transfer (1 January 2006 through 2017). Exposed cohorts constituted women with CD and UC who had received corticosteroids within three months before embryo transfer, and the unexposed cohorts women with CD and UC who did not receive corticosteroids. Our primary outcome was live birth. We controlled for multiple covariates in the analyses. RESULTS We examined 2408 embryo transfers. In patients with CD, 114 embryo transfers were preceded by a corticosteroid prescription, and 964 were not. The corresponding numbers in UC were 122 and 1208, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for live birth in women with CD receiving corticosteroids before embryo transfer, relative to women with CD not receiving corticosteroids, was 0.89 (95% CI 0.49-1.63). The corresponding aOR in UC was 0.98 (95% CI 0.55-1.74). CONCLUSION Corticosteroids prior to ART in women with CD and UC did not increase the chance of a live born child. The exact impact of corticosteroids prior to embryo transfer in patients with CD and UC still remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Mertz Nørgård
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Crohn’s and Colitis Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Due Larsen
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sonia Friedman
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Crohn’s and Colitis Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jens Fedder
- Centre of Andrology and Fertility Clinic, Department D, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit of Human Reproduction, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Alofe O, Kisanga E, Inayat-Hussain SH, Fukumura M, Garcia-Milian R, Perera L, Vasiliou V, Whirledge S. Determining the endocrine disruption potential of industrial chemicals using an integrative approach: Public databases, in vitro exposure, and modeling receptor interactions. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 131:104969. [PMID: 31310931 PMCID: PMC6728168 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.104969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental and occupational exposure to industrial chemicals has been linked to toxic and carcinogenic effects in animal models and human studies. However, current toxicology testing does not thoroughly explore the endocrine disrupting effects of industrial chemicals, which may have low dose effects not predicted when determining the limit of toxicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the endocrine disrupting potential of a broad range of chemicals used in the petrochemical sector. Therefore, 139 chemicals were classified for reproductive toxicity based on the United Nations Globally Harmonized System for hazard classification. These chemicals were evaluated in PubMed for reported endocrine disrupting activity, and their endocrine disrupting potential was estimated by identifying chemicals with active nuclear receptor endpoints publicly available databases. Evaluation of ToxCast data suggested that these chemicals preferentially alter the activity of the estrogen receptor (ER). Four chemicals were prioritized for in vitro testing using the ER-positive, immortalized human uterine Ishikawa cell line and a range of concentrations below the reported limit of toxicity in humans. We found that 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol (BHT) and diethanolamine (DEA) repressed the basal expression of estrogen-responsive genes PGR, NPPC, and GREB1 in Ishikawa cells, while tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and 2,2'-methyliminodiethanol (MDEA) induced the expression of these genes. Furthermore, low-dose combinations of PCE and MDEA produced additive effects. All four chemicals interfered with estradiol-mediated induction of PGR, NPPC, and GREB1. Molecular docking demonstrated that these chemicals could bind to the ligand binding site of ERα, suggesting the potential for direct stimulatory or inhibitory effects. We found that these chemicals altered rates of proliferation and regulated the expression of cell proliferation associated genes. These findings demonstrate previously unappreciated endocrine disrupting effects and underscore the importance of testing the endocrine disrupting potential of chemicals in the future to better understand their potential to impact public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olubusayo Alofe
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Edwina Kisanga
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Salmaan H Inayat-Hussain
- Department of Product Stewardship and Toxicology, Group Health, Safety, Security and Environment, Petroliam Nasional Berhad, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Masao Fukumura
- Department of Product Stewardship and Toxicology, Group Health, Safety, Security and Environment, Petroliam Nasional Berhad, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rolando Garcia-Milian
- Bioinformatics Support Program, Cushing/Whitney Medical Library, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lalith Perera
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Vasilis Vasiliou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shannon Whirledge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Dinh DT, Breen J, Akison LK, DeMayo FJ, Brown HM, Robker RL, Russell DL. Tissue-specific progesterone receptor-chromatin binding and the regulation of progesterone-dependent gene expression. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11966. [PMID: 31427604 PMCID: PMC6700090 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48333-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Progesterone receptor (PGR) co-ordinately regulates ovulation, fertilisation and embryo implantation through tissue-specific actions, but the mechanisms for divergent PGR action are poorly understood. Here we characterised PGR activity in mouse granulosa cells using combined ChIP-seq for PGR and H3K27ac and gene expression microarray. Comparison of granulosa, uterus and oviduct PGR-dependent genes showed almost complete tissue specificity in PGR target gene profiles. In granulosa cells 82% of identified PGR-regulated genes bound PGR within 3 kb of the gene and PGR binding sites were highly enriched in proximal promoter regions in close proximity to H3K27ac-modified active chromatin. Motif analysis showed highly enriched PGR binding to the PGR response element (GnACAnnnTGTnC), but PGR also interacted significantly with other transcription factor binding motifs. In uterus PGR showed far more tendency to bind intergenic chromatin regions and low evidence of interaction with other transcription factors. This is the first genome-wide description of PGR action in granulosa cells and systematic comparison of diverse PGR action in different reproductive tissues. It clarifies finely-tuned contextual PGR-chromatin interactions with implications for more targeted reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- D T Dinh
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - J Breen
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,University of Adelaide Bioinformatics Hub, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - L K Akison
- Child Health Research Centre, Centre for Children's Health Research, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Qld, 4101, Australia
| | - F J DeMayo
- Pregnancy and Female Reproduction Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - H M Brown
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre for Nanoscale Biophotonics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - R L Robker
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - D L Russell
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
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12
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Kelleher AM, Behura SK, Burns GW, Young SL, DeMayo FJ, Spencer TE. Integrative analysis of the forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) cistrome for the human endometrium. FASEB J 2019; 33:8543-8554. [PMID: 30951376 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900013r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The pioneer forkhead box (FOX)A2 transcription factor is specifically expressed in the glands of the uterus, which are central to endometrial function and fertility. In mice, FOXA2 is a critical regulator of uterine gland development in the neonate and gland function in the adult. An integrative approach was used here to define the FOXA2 cistrome in the human endometrium. Genome-wide mapping of FOXA2 binding intervals by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing was performed using proliferative (P)- and midsecretory (MS)-phase endometrium and integrated with the transcriptome determined by RNA sequencing. Distinctive FOXA2 binding intervals, enriched for different transcription factor binding site motifs, were detected in the P and MS endometrium. Pathway analysis revealed different biologic processes regulated by genes with FOXA2 binding intervals in the P and MS endometrium. Thus, FOXA2 is postulated to regulate gene expression in concert with other transcription factors and impact uterine gland development and function in a cycle phase-dependent manner. Analyses also identified potential FOXA2-regulated genes that influence uterine receptivity, blastocyst implantation, and stromal cell decidualization, which are key events in pregnancy establishment.-Kelleher, A. M., Behura, S. K., Burns, G. W., Young, S. L., DeMayo, F. J., Spencer, T. E. Integrative analysis of the forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) cistrome for the human endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Kelleher
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Susanta K Behura
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Gregory W Burns
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Steven L Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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13
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Vasquez YM. Estrogen-regulated transcription: Mammary gland and uterus. Steroids 2018; 133:82-86. [PMID: 29289754 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen (E2) plays a central role in the developmental, metabolic and reproductive functions of both males and females. E2 acts via the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) to regulate the transcription of genes involved in numerous cellular functions. The E2-dependent engagement of ERα across regulatory regions of the genome, termed "enhancers", exhibits a high degree of complexity and plasticity. The E2-transcriptional response is defined by pioneer factors, transcription co-factors, posttranslational modifications of ERα, the chromatin environment, and cross talk with other signaling pathways. These inputs collectively define the normal functions of tissues like the mammary gland and the uterus. This mechanism can also provide a selective and aberrant growth advantage in pathological conditions, such as cancer. E2-regulated transcription continues to be an area of great interest in the fields of reproduction and cancer. The goal of these field is to decipher the molecular mechanisms governing ERα transcription to design effective therapeutic strategies for the improvement of clinical care and control of fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin M Vasquez
- The Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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14
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Stress and the HPA Axis: Balancing Homeostasis and Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18102224. [PMID: 29064426 PMCID: PMC5666903 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
An organism’s reproductive fitness is sensitive to the environment, integrating cues of resource availability, ecological factors, and hazards within its habitat. Events that challenge the environment of an organism activate the central stress response system, which is primarily mediated by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. The regulatory functions of the HPA axis govern the cardiovascular and metabolic system, immune functions, behavior, and reproduction. Activation of the HPA axis by various stressors primarily inhibits reproductive function and is able to alter fetal development, imparting a biological record of stress experienced in utero. Clinical studies and experimental data indicate that stress signaling can mediate these effects through direct actions in the brain, gonads, and embryonic tissues. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which stress activation of the HPA axis impacts fertility and fetal development.
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