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Dai W, Guo R, Na X, Jiang S, Liang J, Guo C, Fang Y, Na Z, Li D. Hypoxia and the endometrium: An indispensable role for HIF-1α as therapeutic strategies. Redox Biol 2024; 73:103205. [PMID: 38815332 PMCID: PMC11167393 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103205] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) is a major molecular mediator of the hypoxic response. In the endometrium, local hypoxic conditions induced by hormonal fluctuations and endometrial vascular remodeling contribute to the production of HIF-1α, which plays an indispensable role in a series of physiological activities, such as menstruation and metamorphosis. The sensitive regulation of HIF-1α maintains the cellular viability and regenerative capacity of the endometrium against cellular stresses induced by hypoxia and excess reactive oxygen species. In contrast, abnormal HIF-1α levels exacerbate the development of various endometrial pathologies. This knowledge opens important possibilities for the development of promising HIF-1α-centered strategies to ameliorate endometrial disease. Nonetheless, additional efforts are required to elucidate the regulatory network of endometrial HIF-1α and promote the applications of HIF-1α-centered strategies in the human endometrium. Here, we summarize the role of the HIF-1α-mediated pathway in endometrial physiology and pathology, highlight the latest HIF-1α-centered strategies for treating endometrial diseases, and improve endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlin Dai
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Renhao Guo
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinni Na
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shuyi Jiang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Junzhi Liang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Cuishan Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Fang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China.
| | - Zhijing Na
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China.
| | - Da Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Diseases and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.
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Yang R, Yang F, Wei Y, Huang B, Cao T, Tan H, Liu D, Zou Q, Wen J, Wen L, Lu X, Yu C, Cai H, Xie X, Jiang S, Yao S, Liang Y. Hypoxia-induced Semaphorin 3A promotes the development of endometriosis through regulating macrophage polarization. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 138:112559. [PMID: 38955028 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) is a member of neural guidance factor family well-known for inducing the collapse of nerve cell growth cone and regulating nerve redistribution. It also has been characterized as an immunoregulatory and tumor promoting factor. Our previous study showed that Sema3A was involved in the regulation of sympathetic innervation and neuropathic pain of endometriosis. Nevertheless, the role of Sema3A in the development of endometriosis and its potential upstreaming factor are still not clear. METHODS Histology experiments were carried to detect the expression of Sema3A, hypoxia -inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and the distribution of macrophages. Cell experiments were used to explore the effect of Sema3A on the proliferation and migration of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and to confirm the regulatory action of HIF-1α on Sema3A. In vivo experiments were carried out to explore the role of Sema3A on the development of endometriosis. RESULTS Sema3A was highly expressed in endometriotic lesions and could enhanced the proliferation and migration abilities of ESCs. Aberrant macrophage distribution was found in endometriotic lesions. Sema3A also promoted the differentiation of monocytes into anti-inflammatory macrophages, so indirectly mediating the proliferation and migration of ESCs. Hypoxic microenvironment induced Sema3A mRNA and protein expression in ESCs via HIF-1α. Administration of Sema3A promoted the development of endometriosis in a mouse model. CONCLUSIONS Sema3A, which is regulated by HIF-1α, is a promoting factor for the development of endometriosis. Targeting Sema3A may be a potential treatment strategy to control endometriotic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyu Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Yajing Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Biqi Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Tiefeng Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Duo Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiuyu Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinjuan Wen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jieyang People's Hospital (Jieyang Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University), Jieyang 522081, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Wen
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Xi Lu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Changyang Yu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Heng Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jieyang People's Hospital (Jieyang Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University), Jieyang 522081, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaofei Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jieyang People's Hospital (Jieyang Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University), Jieyang 522081, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaoru Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jieyang People's Hospital (Jieyang Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University), Jieyang 522081, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuzhong Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yanchun Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangxi Hospital Division of The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Nanning 530022, Guangxi, China.
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Zhao YQ, Ren YF, Li BB, Wei C, Yu B. The mysterious association between adiponectin and endometriosis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1396616. [PMID: 38813109 PMCID: PMC11133721 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1396616] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Adiponectin is a pleiotropic cytokine predominantly derived from adipose tissue. In addition to its role in regulating energy metabolism, adiponectin may also be related to estrogen-dependent diseases, and many studies have confirmed its involvement in mediating diverse biological processes, including apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis, all of which are related to the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Although many researchers have reported low levels of adiponectin in patients with endometriosis and suggested that it may serve as a protective factor against the development of the disease. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to provide an up-to-date summary of the roles of adiponectin and its downstream cytokines and signaling pathways in the aforementioned biological processes. Further systematic studies on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of action of adiponectin may provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of endometriosis as well as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bing-Bing Li
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
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Zhong Y, Liu F, Zhang X, Guo Q, Wang Z, Wang R. Research progress on reproductive system damage caused by high altitude hypoxia. Endocrine 2024; 83:559-570. [PMID: 38170433 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03643-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The high altitude area is characterized by low pressure and hypoxia, and rapidly entering the high altitude area will cause a series of damage to the body. Some studies have shown that hypoxia can cause damage to the reproductive system. In recent years, researchers have been paying attention to the effects of hypoxia on hormone level, ovarian reserve, embryonic development, testicular development, sperm motility level, and have begun to explore its injury mechanism, but its mechanism is not clear. In this paper, the mechanism of hypoxia on the reproductive system is reviewed, which is expected to provide a new idea for solving the problem of the low fertility rate of humans and animals at high altitudes. METHODS A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted, selecting all relevant peer-reviewed English papers published before January 2022. Other relevant papers were selected from the list of references. RESULTS Studies have shown that the complete fertility rate of people living at low altitudes is 7.7, and the complete fertility rate of people living at high altitudes is 4.77, and the hypoxic environment at high altitudes reduces fertility. At the same time, high-altitude, low-oxygen environments are associated with increased infant mortality and post-neonatal mortality. To date, most studies seem to point to a correlation between anoxic exposure at high altitudes and low fertility in humans and animals. CONCLUSION Although the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood, the effects of hypoxia at high altitude on hormonal level, ovarian reserve, embryonic development, testicular development, and sperm motility and levels require further research to investigate this complex topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhong
- School of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China.
- Pharmacy of the 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Feifei Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Pharmacy of the 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhang
- Pharmacy of the 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Qianwen Guo
- Pharmacy of the 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zihan Wang
- Pharmacy of the 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Pharmacy of the 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, China.
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Talebloo N, Bernal MAO, Kenyon E, Mallett CL, Mondal SK, Fazleabas A, Moore A. Imaging of Endometriotic Lesions Using cRGD-MN Probe in a Mouse Model of Endometriosis. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 14:319. [PMID: 38334590 PMCID: PMC10856945 DOI: 10.3390/nano14030319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Approximately 10% of women suffer from endometriosis during their reproductive years. This disease is a chronic debilitating condition whose etiology for lesion implantation and survival heavily relies on adhesion and angiogenic factors. Currently, there are no clinically approved agents for its detection. In this study, we evaluated cRGD-peptide-conjugated nanoparticles (RGD-Cy5.5-MN) to detect lesions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a mouse model of endometriosis. We utilized a luciferase-expressing murine suture model of endometriosis. Imaging was performed before and after 24 h following the intravenous injection of RGD-Cy5.5-MN or control nanoparticles (Cy5.5-MN). Next, we performed biodistribution of RGD-Cy5.5-MN and correlative fluorescence microscopy of lesions stained for CD34. Tissue iron content was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Our results demonstrated that targeting endometriotic lesions with RGD-Cy5.5-MN resulted in a significantly higher delta T2* upon its accumulation compared to Cy5.5-MN. ICP-OES showed significantly higher iron content in the lesions of the animals in the experimental group compared to the lesions of the animals in the control group. Histology showed colocalization of Cy5.5 signal from RGD-Cy5.5-MN with CD34 in the lesions pointing to the targeted nature of the probe. This work offers initial proof-of-concept for targeting angiogenesis in endometriosis which can be useful for potential clinical diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for treating this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Talebloo
- Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (N.T.); (E.K.); (S.K.M.)
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michigan State University, 578 S Shaw Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - M. Ariadna Ochoa Bernal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, 400 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (M.A.O.B.); (A.F.)
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, 474 S Shaw Ln #1290, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Elizabeth Kenyon
- Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (N.T.); (E.K.); (S.K.M.)
- Department of Radiology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - Christiane L. Mallett
- Department of Radiology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, 775 Woodlot Drive, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Sujan Kumar Mondal
- Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (N.T.); (E.K.); (S.K.M.)
- Department of Radiology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - Asgerally Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, 400 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (M.A.O.B.); (A.F.)
| | - Anna Moore
- Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (N.T.); (E.K.); (S.K.M.)
- Department of Radiology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
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Lin X, Dai Y, Gu W, Zhang Y, Zhuo F, Zhao F, Jin X, Li C, Huang D, Tong X, Zhang S. The involvement of RNA N6-methyladenosine and histone methylation modification in decidualization and endometriosis-associated infertility. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1564. [PMID: 38344897 PMCID: PMC10859880 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Defective decidualization of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) in endometriosis (EM) patients leads to inadequate endometrial receptivity and EM-associated infertility. Hypoxia is an inevitable pathological process of EM and participates in deficient decidualization of the eutopic secretory endometrium. Enhancer of zeste homology 2 (EZH2) is a methyltransferase which catalyses H3K27Me3, leading to decreased expression levels of target genes. Although EZH2 expression is low under normal decidualization, it is abundantly increased in the eutopic secretory endometrium of EM and is induced by hypoxia. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR results revealed that decidua marker IGFBP1 is a direct target of EZH2, partially explaining the increased levels of histone methylation modification in defected decidualization of EM. To mechanism controlling this, we examined the effects of hypoxia on EZH2 and decidualization. EZH2 mRNA showed decreased m6 A modification and increased expression levels under hypoxia and decidualization combined treatment. Increased EZH2 expression was due to the increased expression of m6 A demethylase ALKBH5 and decreased expression of the m6 A reader protein YTHDF2. YTHDF2 directly bind to the m6 A modification site of EZH2 to promote EZH2 mRNA degradation in ESCs. Moreover, selective Ezh2 depletion in mouse ESCs increased endometrial receptivity and improved mouse fertility by up-regulating decidua marker IGFBP1 expression. This is the first report showing that YTHDF2 can act as a m6 A reader to promote decidualization by decreasing the stability of EZH2 mRNA and further increasing the expression of IGFBP1 in ESCs. Taken together, our findings highlight the critical role of EZH2/H3K27Me3 in decidualization and reveal a novel epigenetic mechanism by which hypoxia can suppress EM decidualization by decreasing the m6 A modification of EZH2 mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Lin
- Assisted Reproduction UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologySir Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Yongdong Dai
- Assisted Reproduction UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologySir Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Weijia Gu
- Assisted Reproduction UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologySir Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Yi Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologySir Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Feng Zhuo
- Assisted Reproduction UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologySir Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Fanxuan Zhao
- Assisted Reproduction UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologySir Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Xiaoying Jin
- Assisted Reproduction UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologySir Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Chao Li
- Assisted Reproduction UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologySir Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Dong Huang
- Assisted Reproduction UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologySir Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Xiaomei Tong
- Assisted Reproduction UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologySir Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologySir Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
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Dong Y, Wang X, Xu L, Li X, Dai H, Mao X, Chu Y, Yuan X, Liu H. Development of a Chimeric Protein BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII for Improving the Anti-Fibrotic Activity in Vivo by Targeting Fibrotic Liver and Dual Inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathway. Protein J 2023; 42:753-765. [PMID: 37690089 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-023-10147-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Excessive production of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) promotes liver fibrosis by activating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Thus, specifically inhibiting the pro-fibrotic activity of TGF-β1 in aHSCs is an ideal strategy for treating liver fibrosis. Overexpression of platelet-derived growth factor β receptor (PDGFβR) has been demonstrated on the surface of aHSCs relative to normal cells in liver fibrosis. Interferon-gamma peptidomimetic (mIFNγ) and truncated TGF-β receptor type II (tTβRII) inhibit the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway by different mechanisms. In this study, we designed a chimeric protein by the conjugation of (1) mIFNγ and tTβRII coupled via plasma protease-cleavable linker sequences (FNPKTP) to (2) PDGFβR-recognizing peptide (BiPPB), namely BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII. This novel protein BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII was effectively prepared using Escherichia coli expression system. The active components BiPPB-mIFNγ and tTβRII were slowly released from BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII by hydrolysis using the plasma protease thrombin in vitro. Moreover, BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII highly targeted to fibrotic liver tissues, markedly ameliorated liver morphology and fibrotic responses in chronic liver fibrosis mice by both inhibiting the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and inducing the expression of Smad7. Meanwhile, BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII markedly reduced the deposition of collagen fibrils and expression of fibrosis-related proteins in acute liver fibrosis mice. Furthermore, BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII showed a good safety performance in both liver fibrosis mice. Taken together, BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII improved the in vivo anti-liver fibrotic activity due to its high fibrotic liver-targeting potential and the dual inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, which may be a potential candidate for targeting therapy on liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Dong
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China
| | - Liming Xu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Hongqi Hospital Affiliated to Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China
| | - Haibing Dai
- Department of Biology, Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China
| | - Xu Mao
- Department of Pharmacology, Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China
| | - Yanhui Chu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China
| | - Xiaohuan Yuan
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China.
| | - Haifeng Liu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China.
- Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China.
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8
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Ye C, Chen P, Xu B, Jin Y, Pan Y, Wu T, Du Y, Mao J, Wu R. Abnormal expression of fission and fusion genes and the morphology of mitochondria in eutopic and ectopic endometrium. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:209. [PMID: 37393390 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01180-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria play a pivotal role in physiological and metabolic function of the cell. Mitochondrial dynamics orchestrate mitochondrial function and morphology, involving fission and fusion as well as ultrastructural remodeling. Mounting evidence unravels the close link between mitochondria and endometriosis. However, how mitochondrial architecture changes through fission and fusion in eutopic and ectopic tissues of women with ovarian endometriosis remains unknown. We detected the expression of fission and fusion genes and the morphology of mitochondria in eutopic and ectopic endometrium in ovarian endometriosis. The results showed that the expression of DRP1 and LCLAT1 was upregulated in eutopic endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), and the expression of DRP1, OPA1, MFN1, MFN2, and LCLAT1 was significantly downregulated in ectopic ESCs, and reduced number of mitochondria, wider cristae width and narrower cristae junction width was observed, but there was no difference in cell survival rate. The altered mitochondrial dynamics and morphology might, respectively, provide an advantage for migration and adhesion in eutopic ESCs and be the adaptive response in ectopic endometrial cells to survive under hypoxic and oxidative stress environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoshuang Ye
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Pei Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Bingning Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yang Jin
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yongchao Pan
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Tianyu Wu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yongjiang Du
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Jingxia Mao
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Ruijin Wu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
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9
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Zhang F, Lu Y. The Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Axis: an Emerging Therapeutic Opportunity for Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2040-2059. [PMID: 36662421 PMCID: PMC9857924 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01167-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common condition in women of reproductive age, but its current interventions are unsatisfactory. Recent research discovered a dysregulation of the sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) signaling pathway in endometriosis and showed a positive outcome by targeting it. The S1P axis participates in a series of fundamental pathophysiological processes. This narrative review is trying to expound the reported and putative (due to limited reports in this area for now) interactions between the S1P axis and endometriosis in those pathophysiological processes, to provide some perspectives for future research. In short, S1P signaling pathway is highly activated in the endometriotic lesion. The S1P concentration has a surge in the endometriotic cyst fluid and the peritoneal fluid, with the downstream dysregulation of its receptors. The S1P axis plays an essential role in the migration and activation of the immune cells, fibrosis, angiogenesis, pain-related hyperalgesia, and innervation. S1P receptor (S1PR) modulators showed an impressive therapeutic effect by targeting the different S1P receptors in the endometriosis model, and many other conditions resemble endometriosis. And several of them already got approval for clinical application in many diseases, which means a drug repurposing direction and a rapid clinical translation for endometriosis treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengrui Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Rd, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Department of Gynecology, The Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Rd, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Zubrzycka A, Migdalska-Sęk M, Jędrzejczyk S, Brzeziańska-Lasota E. The Expression of TGF-β1, SMAD3, ILK and miRNA-21 in the Ectopic and Eutopic Endometrium of Women with Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032453. [PMID: 36768775 PMCID: PMC9917033 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular pathogenesis of endometriosis has been associated with pathological alterations of protein expression via disturbances in homeostatic genes, miRNA expression profiles, and signaling pathways that play an essential role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. TGF-β1 has been hypothesized to play a key role in the development and progression of endometriosis, but the activation of a specific mechanism via the TGF-β-SMAD-ILK axis in the formation of endometriotic lesions is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of EMT markers (TGF-β1, SMAD3, ILK) and miR-21 in ectopic endometrium (ECE), in its eutopic (EUE) counterpart, and in the endometrium of healthy women. The expression level of the tested genes and miRNA was also evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in women with and without endometriosis. Fifty-four patients (n = 54; with endometriosis, n = 29, and without endometriosis, n = 25) were enrolled in the study. The expression levels (RQ) of the studied genes and miRNA were evaluated using qPCR. Endometriosis patients manifested higher TGF-β1, SMAD3, and ILK expression levels in the eutopic endometrium and a decreased expression level in the ectopic lesions in relation to control tissue. Compared to the endometrium of healthy participants, miR-21 expression levels did not change in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis, but the RQ was higher in their endometrial implants. In PBMC, negative correlations were found between the expression level of miR-21 and the studied genes, with the strongest statistically significant correlation observed between miR-21 and TGF-β1. Our results suggest the loss of the endometrial epithelial phenotype defined by the differential expression of the TGF-β1, SMAD3 and ILK genes in the eutopic and ectopic endometrium. We concluded that the TGF-β1-SMAD3-ILK signaling pathway, probably via a mechanism related to the EMT, may be important in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. We also identified miR-21 as a possible inhibitor of this TGF-β1-SMAD3-ILK axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zubrzycka
- Department of Biomedicine and Genetics, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland
- Operative and Conservative Gynecology Ward, Dr K. Jonscher Municipal Medical Centre, 93-113 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.Z.); (M.M.-S.)
| | - Monika Migdalska-Sęk
- Department of Biomedicine and Genetics, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.Z.); (M.M.-S.)
| | - Sławomir Jędrzejczyk
- Operative and Conservative Gynecology Ward, Dr K. Jonscher Municipal Medical Centre, 93-113 Lodz, Poland
- Institute of Medical Expertises, 91-205 Lodz, Poland
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11
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Lu C, Qiao P, Fu R, Wang Y, Lu J, Ling X, Liu L, Sun Y, Ren C, Yu Z. Phosphorylation of PFKFB4 by PIM2 promotes anaerobic glycolysis and cell proliferation in endometriosis. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:790. [PMID: 36109523 PMCID: PMC9477845 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05241-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is one of the vanquished wonted causes of chronic pelvic sting in women and is closely associated with infertility. The long-term, complex, systemic, and post-treatment recurrence of EM wreaks havoc on women's quality of life. Extensive metabolic reprogramming (aerobic glycolysis, glucose overweening intake, and high lactate production) and cancer-like changes have been found in EM, which bears striking similarities to tumorigenesis. The key glycolysis regulator PFKFB4 is overexpressed in EM. However, the mechanism of PFKFB4 in EM remains unknown. We found that PFKFB4 was upregulated and was closely related to the progression of EM. We identified focus PIM2 as a new pioneering adjoin protein of PFKFB4. Vigorous biochemical methods were used to confirm that PIM2 phosphorylated site Thr140 of PFKFB4. PIM2 also could enhance PFKFB4 protein expression through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Moreover, PIM2 expression was really corresponding prevalent with PFKFB4 in endometriosis in vivo. Importantly, phosphorylation of PFKFB4 on Thr140 by PIM2 promoted EM glycolysis and cell growth. Our study demonstrates that PIM2 mediates PFKFB4 Thr140 phosphorylation thus regulating glycolysis and EM progression. We illustrated a new mechanism that PIM2 simulated a central upstream partnership in the regulation of PFKFB4, and reveal a novel means of PIM2-PFKFB4 setting EM growth. Our research provided new theoretical support for further clarifying the reprogramming of EM glucose metabolism, and provided new clues for exploring non-contraceptive treatments for EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Lu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P. R. China.
| | - Pengyun Qiao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Ruihai Fu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Yadi Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Jiayi Lu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Xi Ling
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Yujun Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Chune Ren
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P. R. China.
| | - Zhenhai Yu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P. R. China.
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12
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Hou S, Lei S, Peng H, Weng L, Lv S, Li M, Zhao D. Down-regulating HK2 inhibits proliferation of endometrial stromal cells through a noncanonical pathway involving phosphorylation of STAT1 in endometriosis. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:488-499. [PMID: 35470850 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac081] [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: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a benign gynecologic disease that causes chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea and infertility and shares several characteristics with malignant tumors, afflicting women of reproductive age. Hexokinase 2 (HK2) plays an essential role as the first rate-limiting enzyme in the metabolic glycolysis pathway, and its abnormal elevation in tumors is associated with tumor genesis and metastasis. However, the expression and role of HK2 in endometriosis remain unclear. METHODS We sequenced the primary endometrial stromal cells from patients with endometrioma and utilized immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR and western blot to determine the expression of HK2. Then wound healing assays, cell invasion assays, cell proliferation assays were performed to explore the functions of HK2 in endometrial stromal cells. Furthermore, mice models of endometriosis were used to observe the effects of HK2 inhibitors in vivo. Lastly, glycolysis metabolism detection and transcriptome sequencing were carried out in HK2-knockdown endometrial stromal cells to analyze the mechanism of HK2 affecting cell function. RESULTS Endometrial stromal cells of endometrioma displayed active glycolysis metabolism and elevated expression of HK2. Downregulating HK2 reduced the migration, invasion and proliferation capacity of endometrial stromal cells. Knockdown of HK2 induced upregulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and their phosphorylation to attenuate the proliferation of endometrial stromal cells. CONCLUSIONS HK2 is associated with the migration, invasion and proliferation of endometrial stromal cells, which might provide new insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China.,Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Shating Lei
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Peng
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Lichun Weng
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Siji Lv
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingqing Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
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13
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Maksym RB, Hoffmann-Młodzianowska M, Skibińska M, Rabijewski M, Mackiewicz A, Kieda C. Immunology and Immunotherapy of Endometriosis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10245879. [PMID: 34945174 PMCID: PMC8708975 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10245879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological and systemic diseases, with a remarkable immune background. Patients suffer from pain and fertility reduction. Due to the distinct immune component, an immunotherapeutic approach may gain importance in the future. In endometriosis, shifts in the cell fractions of the immune system are well known. Moreover, hypoxia concomitant with inflammation causes a disturbed immune response. The removal of endometriosis has a therapeutic effect, normalizes the immune disorders, and remains the most effective causative treatment in terms of pain and infertility. A key issue is whether a similar effect can be achieved for fertility with non-invasive immunotherapy where surgery is inadvisable or cannot be performed for various reasons. Numerous immunotherapy trials, including vaccines, were conducted on animals only, although the research is encouraging. Among the promising methods of non-specific immunotherapy is the administration of an ethiodized oil contrast. Moreover, due to the significant successes of immunotherapy in oncology, the possibility of immunotherapy affecting NK cells has been postulated. NK cells are responsible for the surveillance and apoptosis of ectopic cells. Expanding the arsenal of endometriosis treatment by immunotherapy is promising due to the significant contribution of immunological factors and the limitations of current treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radosław B. Maksym
- Department of Reproductive Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-004 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Marta Hoffmann-Młodzianowska
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Department of Oncology, Military Institute of Medicine, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland; (M.H.-M.); (C.K.)
| | - Milena Skibińska
- Doctoral Studies, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Michał Rabijewski
- Department of Reproductive Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-004 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Andrzej Mackiewicz
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-806 Poznan, Poland;
- Department of Diagnostics & Cancer Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, 61-866 Poznań, Poland
| | - Claudine Kieda
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Department of Oncology, Military Institute of Medicine, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland; (M.H.-M.); (C.K.)
- Centre for Molecular Biophysics, UPR CNRS 4301, CEDEX 2, 45071 Orléans, France
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14
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Sun SG, Guo JJ, Qu XY, Tang XY, Lin YY, Hua KQ, Qiu JJ. The extracellular vesicular pseudogene LGMNP1 induces M2-like macrophage polarization by upregulating LGMN and serves as a novel promising predictive biomarker for ovarian endometriosis recurrence. Hum Reprod 2021; 37:447-465. [PMID: 34893848 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How does ectopic endometrial stromal cell (Ecto-ESC)-derived extracellular vesicular Legumain pseudogene 1 (EV-LGMNP1), a newly identified pseudogene of Legumain (LGMN), contribute to M2-phenotype macrophage polarization, and does it predict recurrence in patients with ovarian endometriosis (EMs)? SUMMARY ANSWER EV-LGMNP1, which is abundant in Ecto-ESCs and serum from ovarian EMs, can direct macrophages towards an M2 phenotype by upregulating LGMN expression and is a promising biomarker for predicting ovarian EMs recurrence. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can mediate cell-to-cell crosstalk to promote disease progression via cargo molecule transport. Recently, LGMNP1, a newly identified pseudogene of LGMN, has been reported to promote cancer progression by upregulating LGMN. LGMN is a well-studied protein that can induce M2-like polarization. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION An in vitro study was conducted with Ecto-ESCs isolated from ectopic endometrial samples, collected from two patients with ovarian EMs (diagnosed by laparoscopy and histological analysis). A clinical retrospective cohort study of 52 ovarian EMs patients and 21 controls with available preoperative serum samples was carried out (2013-2017). The follow-up period ended either at the time of recurrence or on 31 December 2018. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Ecto-ESC-derived EVs (EV/Ecto-ESCs) were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy and western blotting. EV internalization by THP-1 cells, which are the most widely used primary human macrophages model, was detected by fluorescence labelling. After EV treatment, THP-1 cell polarization was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot analyses of CD86 (M1-related marker) and CD206 (M2-related marker). LGMNP1 mRNA expression level in EVs from both primary ectopic endometrioc stromal cells and serum was examined using qRT-PCR. Additionally, the expression of LGMN, the downstream target gene of LGMNP1, in THP-1 cells was evaluated using qRT-PCR and western blotting. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to evaluate the independent predictive factors of EMs recurrence-free survival. A novel nomogram model based on serum EV-LGMNP1 was then formulated to predict EMs recurrence. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In vitro assays demonstrated that EV/Ecto-ESCs drove macrophages towards an M2-like phenotype. Moreover, LGMNP1 contributed to EV/Ecto-ESC-induced M2 macrophage polarization by upregulating LGMN mRNA expression levels. Clinically, serum EV-LGMNP1 was more highly expressed in recurrent EMs patients than in controls and EMs patients without recurrence. Survival analysis and our novel nomogram reconfirmed that serum EV-LGMNP1 was a novel promising and meaningful non-invasive biomarker for predicting EMs recurrence. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In vitro experiments were only performed on samples from two patients with ovarian endometriosis, and a larger sample size is needed. ESCs isolated from the eutopic endometrium of EMs and non-EMs patients should be studied in the future. Additionally, in vitro experiments should be performed using endometrial epithelium cells and further in vivo experiments, such as using mice endometriotic models to investigate whether EV/Ecto could induce M2 macrophage polarization, should be conducted. Moreover, multicentre, large-sample data are needed to validate our predictive nomogram model. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study provides novel insights into the mechanism of M2 polarization involved in ovarian EMs progression mediated by an 'EV-shuttled pseudogene LGMNP1' mode. In addition, serum EV-LGMNP1 may serve as a novel non-invasive biomarker for predicting recurrence, providing a new therapeutic target for ovarian EMs. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This project was supported by funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81971361), the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai Science and Technology (19ZR1406900), the Shanghai 'Rising Stars of Medical Talent' Youth Development Program (AB83030002019004), the Clinical Research Plan of SHDC (SHDC2020CR4087), the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission (202040498), the Research and Innovation Project of the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (2019-01-07-00-07-E00050) and the Clinical Research Plan of SHDC (SHDC2020CR1045B). There are no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Sun
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - J J Guo
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - X Y Qu
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - X Y Tang
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Y Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
| | - K Q Hua
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - J J Qiu
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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15
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Circulating miRNAs Related to Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions (EMT) as the New Molecular Markers in Endometriosis. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 43:900-916. [PMID: 34449536 PMCID: PMC8929046 DOI: 10.3390/cimb43020064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue found outside the uterus, most commonly in the peritoneal cavity. Endometriosis lesions are heterogenous but usually contain endometrial stromal cells and epithelial glands, immune cell infiltrates and are vascularized and innervated by nerves. The complex etiopathogenesis and heterogenity of the clinical symptoms, as well as the lack of a specific non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers, underline the need for more advanced diagnostic tools. Unfortunately, the contribution of environmental, hormonal and immunological factors in the disease etiology is insufficient, and the contribution of genetic/epigenetic factors is still fragmentary. Therefore, there is a need for more focused study on the molecular mechanisms of endometriosis and non-invasive diagnostic monitoring systems. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) demonstrate high stability and tissue specificity and play a significant role in modulating a range of molecular pathways, and hence may be suitable diagnostic biomarkers for the origin and development of endometriosis. Of these, the most frequently studied are those related to endometriosis, including those involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), whose expression is altered in plasma or endometriotic lesion biopsies; however, the results are ambiguous. Specific miRNAs expressed in endometriosis may serve as diagnostics markers with prognostic value, and they have been proposed as molecular targets for treatment. The aim of this review is to present selected miRNAs associated with EMT known to have experimentally confirmed significance, and discuss their utility as biomarkers in endometriosis.
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16
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Gu C, Meng Y, Meng Q, Fan W, Ye M, Zhang Q, Zhang N, Li L. Exploring the Potential Key IncRNAs with Endometriosis by Construction of a ceRNA Network. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:4161-4170. [PMID: 34385836 PMCID: PMC8352637 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s321648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The etiology and pathophysiology of endometriosis remain unclear. Current research indicates long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) may play an important role in the pathogenesis and development of endometriosis. However, the molecular mechanism of lncRNA in endometriosis is far from clear. Patients and Methods The lncRNA and mRNA expression of 8 patients with ovarian endometriosis were determined by high-throughput RNA sequencing (8 ectopic endometria samples vs 8 eutopic endometria samples), and miRNA expression profiles were obtained from our previous study. Then a lncRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed by combining the regulatory interaction and negative co-expression interaction between the differentially expressed lncRNAs/mRNAs and miRNAs by different rules. Results The constructed lncRNA-related ceRNA network was composed of two separate networks, network 1 including 14,137 dysregulated lncRNA–mRNA interactions, referring to 242 lncRNAs, 55 miRNAs and 1600 mRNAs, network 2 including 4459 dysregulated lncRNA–mRNA interactions, referring to 111 lncRNAs, 39 miRNAs and 1151 mRNAs. The top six hub lncRNAs (LINC01140, MSC-AS1, HAGLR, CKMT2-AS1, JAKMIP2-AS1, AL365361.1) in the significant ternary relationship of mRNA–miRNA–lncRNA in network 1, and the top six hub lncRNAs (PAX8-AS1, MIR17HC, PART1, HOXA-AS3, PLAC4, LINC00511) in the significant ternary relationship of mRNA–miRNA–lncRNA in network 2 were selected. Functional enrichment analysis of these lncRNA-related mRNAs indicated that the lncRNAs in network 1 mainly take part in positive regulation of phagocytosis, myeloid leukocyte activation, and tissue remodeling, while the lncRNAs in network 2 mainly take part in negative regulation of cell proliferation, blood vessel development and regulation of epithelial cell differentiation, which is consistent with the results obtained from the different rules to construct the networks. Conclusion lncRNA-related ceRNA network analysis recognized key lncRNAs related to the development of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglei Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanguang Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingqing Meng
- Health Care Office, Agency for Offices Administration of Central Military Commission of People's Republic of China, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wensheng Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingxia Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Nina Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lian Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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17
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Zheng J, Dai Y, Lin X, Huang Q, Shi L, Jin X, Liu N, Zhou F, Zhang S. Hypoxia‑induced lactate dehydrogenase A protects cells from apoptosis in endometriosis. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:637. [PMID: 34278456 PMCID: PMC8281285 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathological expression and function of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), a key enzyme that converts pyruvate into lactic acid during glycolysis, remains unknown in endometriosis. In the present study, LDHA expression in tissue samples was determined by immunohistochemistry. To examine whether LDHA was induced by hypoxia, primary cultured endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and glandular epithelial Ishikawa cells were exposed to 1% O2 (hypoxia) or 21% O2 (normoxia). Cellular functions were assessed by flow cytometry, Transwell and Cell Counting Kit-8 assays in LDHA-silenced ESCs and Ishikawa cells. Mitochondrial functions were evaluated using mitochondrial membrane potential JC-1 staining, reactive oxygen species flow cytometric analysis and ATP detection. Additionally, lactic acid production was examined and western blotting was used to evaluate the expression levels of proteins associated with apoptosis, cell cycle and glycolysis, as well as regulatory proteins involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and glycolytic pathways. LDHA was localized to endometrial glandular cells and stromal cells. However, LDHA protein expression was higher in endometriotic lesions compared with that in normal and eutopic endometria. LDHA expression levels in ectopic glandular cells were higher during the proliferative stage compared with during the secretory stage. Hypoxia treatment of Ishikawa cells and ESCs markedly induced the mRNA and protein expression of LDHA. Silencing of LDHA expression in Ishikawa cells and THESC cells significantly promoted impaired mitochondrial function and apoptosis while inhibiting migration and glycolysis. However, it had no obvious effect on proliferation. In conclusion, the present study revealed that LDHA was highly expressed in endometriotic tissues, where it may serve a notable role in the occurrence and development of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Zheng
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Yongdong Dai
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Lin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Qianmeng Huang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Libing Shi
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoying Jin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Na Liu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
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18
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Ma J, Zhang L, Zhan H, Mo Y, Ren Z, Shao A, Lin J. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of endometriosis provides insights into fibroblast fates and immune cell heterogeneity. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:125. [PMID: 34233737 PMCID: PMC8261960 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00637-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis is an oestrogen-dependent disease with an unclear aetiology and pathogenesis affecting 6–10% of the global female population, predominantly those of reproductive age. Herein, we profile the transcriptomes of approximately 55,000 single cells from three groups including ectopic endometrium, eutopic endometrium from women with endometriosis, and eutopic endometrium from healthy women to create a single-cell transcriptome atlas of endometriosis. Results We have identified 9 cell types and performed single-cell analysis of fibroblasts, and determined a potential developmental trajectory associated with endometriosis. We also identified fibroblast subpopulations related to endometriosis development and found that StAR played an important role in this process. Moreover, T cells in endometriosis were less activated or inflammatory with decreased effector CD8 + T cells, while the composition ratio of natural killer cells decreased and the percentage of monocytes/macrophages increased in endometriosis cysts. In addition, the effectiveness of immune cells in endometriosis lesions, eutopic endometrium from women with endometriosis, and eutopic endometrium from healthy women was distinct. Cell–cell interaction analyses highlighted the imbalanced immune environment in endometriosis lesions and immune cells in endometriosis could promote the development of the disease. Conclusion Our study provided a systematic characterisation of endometriosis and insights into the aetiology and pathology of endometriosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-021-00637-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health Research of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liqi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yun Mo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zuanjie Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Anwen Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Lin
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health Research of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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Multi-omics analysis reveals the interaction between the complement system and the coagulation cascade in the development of endometriosis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11926. [PMID: 34099740 PMCID: PMC8185094 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90112-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMS) is a disease that shows immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation characteristics, suggesting a role of complement system in its pathophysiology. To find out the hub genes and pathways involved in the pathogenesis of EMs, three raw microarray datasets were recruited from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO). Then, a series of bioinformatics technologies including gene ontology (GO), Hallmark pathway enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and gene co-expression correlation analysis were performed to identify hub genes. The hub genes were further verified by the Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western Blot (WB). We identified 129 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in EMs, of which 78 were up-regulated and 51 were down-regulated. Through GO functional enrichment analysis, we found that the DEGs are mainly enriched in cell adhesion, extracellular matrix remodeling, chemokine regulation, angiogenesis regulation, epithelial cell proliferation, et al. In Hallmark pathway enrichment analysis, coagulation pathway showed great significance and the terms in which included the central complement factors. Moreover, the genes were dominating in PPI network. Combined co-expression analysis with experimental verification, we found that the up-regulated expression of complement (C1S, C1QA, C1R, and C3) was positively related to tissue factor (TF) in EMs. In this study, we discovered the over expression complement and the positive correlation between complement and TF in EMs, which suggested that interaction of complement and coagulation system may play a role within the pathophysiology of EMS.
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Liu H, He H, Zhang Z, Wang L, Zhang L, Liu Y, Xiong W. Upregulation of the long noncoding RNA UBOX5 antisense RNA 1 (UBOX5-AS1) under hypoxic conditions promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in endometriosis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:790. [PMID: 34268403 PMCID: PMC8246194 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a debilitating gynecological condition that manifests many common malignant features, including migration and invasion. Hypoxia is a hallmark of endometriosis, characterized by endometrial cell metastasis via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) UBOX antisense RNA 1 (UBOX5-AS1) has been shown to be upregulated in ovarian endometriosis. However, the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of lncRNA UBOX5-AS1 in hypoxia-induced endometriosis EMT remain to be explored. METHODS Normal, eutopic, and ectopic endometrium from ovarian endometriosis tissues were collected, and the expressions of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α, lncRNA UBOX5-AS1, E-cadherin, and vimentin were analyzed by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting analysis. Primary human endometrial epithelial cells and human endometrial epithelial adenocarcinoma Ishikawa cell lines were cultured under hypoxic conditions, and western blotting analysis and immunocytochemistry were performed to investigate hypoxia-induced EMT. Moreover, HIF-1α and lncRNA UBOX5-AS1 were overexpressed and knocked down in endometrial epithelial cells to explore the role and mechanisms of lncRNA UBOX5-AS1 in hypoxia-triggered EMT. The migration and invasion potential of human endometrial epithelial cells was detected by Transwell migration/invasion assays. RESULTS In ovarian endometriosis, the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and lncRNA UBOX5-AS1 were significantly increased, and this was accompanied by EMT. Furthermore, endometrial epithelial cells cultured under hypoxic conditions exhibited elevated lncRNA UBOX5-AS1 expression, as well as migration, invasion, and an EMT-like phenotype. This data indicated that HIF-1α signaling was crucial for hypoxia-induced lncRNA UBOX5-AS1 upregulation and the EMT process. Moreover, downregulation of lncRNA UBOX5-AS1 inhibited the hypoxia-induced EMT and attenuated cell migration and invasion. CONCLUSIONS The present research demonstrated that hypoxia upregulated the expression of lncRNA UBOX5-AS1 via HIF-1α-dependent signaling. The increased expression of lncRNA UBOX5-AS1 plays a vital role in mediating the hypoxia-regulated EMT and invasiveness of endometriosis, suggesting that lncRNA UBOX5-AS1 may be an important potential therapeutic target for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengwei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haitang He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wuhan Pu-Ai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenqian Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Wang H, Zhou G, Zhuang M, Wang W, Fu X. Utilizing network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the underlying mechanism of Guizhi Fuling Wan in treating endometriosis. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11087. [PMID: 33859874 PMCID: PMC8020871 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Guizhi Fuling Wan (GZFLW) is a widely used classical Chinese herbal formulae prescribed for the treatment of endometriosis (EMs). This study aimed to predict the key targets and mechanisms of GZFLW in the treatment of EMs by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods Firstly, related compounds and targets of GZFLW were identified through the TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM and CASC database. Then, the EMs target database was built by GeneCards. The overlapping targets between GZFLW and EMs were screened out, and then data of the PPI network was obtained by the STRING Database to analyze the interrelationship of these targets. Furthermore, a topological analysis was performed to screen the hub targets. After that, molecular docking technology was used to confirm the binding degree of the main active compounds and hub targets. Finally, the DAVID database and Metascape database were used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. Results A total of 89 GZFLW compounds and 284 targets were collected. One hundred one matching targets were picked out as the correlative targets of GZFLW in treating EMs. Among these, 25 significant hub targets were recognized by the PPI network. Coincidently, molecular docking simulation indicated that the hub targets had a good bonding activity with most active compounds (69.71%). Furthermore, 116 items, including the inflammatory reaction, RNA polymerase, DNA transcription, growth factor activity, and steroid-binding, were selected by GO enrichment analysis. Moreover, the KEGG enrichment analysis results included 100 pathways focused on the AGE-RAGE pathway, HIF pathway, PI3K Akt pathway, MAPK pathway, and TP53 pathway, which exposed the potential mechanisms of GZFLW in treating EMs. Also, the MTT colorimetric assay indicated that the cell proliferation could be inhibited by GZFLW. Compared with the control group, the protein levels of P53, BAX, and caspase3 in the drug groups were all increased in Western blotting results. The results of flow cytometry showed that the percentage of apoptotic cells in the GZFLW group was significantly higher than that in the control group. Conclusion Through the exploration of network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, GZFLW has a therapeutic effect on EMs through multi-target mechanism. This study provided a good foundation for further experimental research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxian Wang
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Gang Zhou
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Three Gorges University & Yichang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yichang, China
| | - Mingyan Zhuang
- Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Three Gorges University & Yichang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yichang, China
| | - Xianyun Fu
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
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22
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Wu YT, Ma SY, Sun WQ, Shen WW, Zhu HT, Zhang Q, Chen HF. TRIM65 Promotes Invasion of Endometrial Stromal Cells by Activating ERK1/2/C-myc Signaling via Ubiquitination of DUSP6. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:526-538. [PMID: 33146694 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis (EM) is a benign gynecological disease that shares some characteristics with malignancy, such as proliferation and invasion. So far, the pathogenesis of EM is still unclear. In this study, we investigated whether TRIM65 can play a role in the development of EM. METHODS TRIM65 expression levels in eutopic, ectopic, and normal endometrium were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot. Cell proliferation and invasion of primary endometrial stromal (EMS) cells were detected by CCK-8 and Transwell analysis. The interaction between TRIM65 and DUSP6 or C-myc was measured by coimmunoprecipitation, ubiquitylation, dual luciferase, and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis. RESULTS We found that TRIM65 was identified as an up-regulated gene in ectopic endometrial tissues and EMS cells compared with control groups without EM. TRIM65 expression was positively correlated with the levels of p-ERK1/2, C-myc, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and integrin β1 in ectopic endometrial tissues in patients and mice. TRIM65 promoted the cell proliferation and invasion of EMS cells via the ERK1/2/C-myc pathway through ubiquitination of DUSP6. C-myc promoted TRIM65 expression through inducing TRIM65 promoter activity. Additionally, the increased expression of TRIM65, C-myc, matrix metalloproteinase-2, integrin β1, and p-ERK1/2 and the decreased expression of DUSP6 in ectopic endometrial tissues were significantly suppressed by inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling pathway in ectopic endometrial tissues in experimental mice model. CONCLUSION In conclusion, TRIM65 promotes invasion of ectopic EMS cells by activating a feedback loop with the ERK1/2/C-myc signaling pathway and may be a potential therapeutic target for EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ting Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Yu Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Qin Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Wei Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Ting Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease of Tongren Hospital, Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Fen Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Filby CE, Rombauts L, Montgomery GW, Giudice LC, Gargett CE. Cellular Origins of Endometriosis: Towards Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Semin Reprod Med 2020; 38:201-215. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1713429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractEndometriosis remains an enigmatic disease of unknown etiology, with delayed diagnosis and poor therapeutic options. This review will discuss the cellular, physiological, and genomic evidence of Sampson's hypothesis of retrograde menstruation as a cause of pelvic endometriosis and as the basis of phenotypic heterogeneity of the disease. We postulate that collaborative research at the single cell level focused on unlocking the cellular, physiological, and genomic mechanisms of endometriosis will be accompanied by advances in personalized diagnosis and therapies that target unique subtypes of endometriosis disease. These advances will address the clinical conundrums of endometriosis clinical care—including diagnostic delay, suboptimal treatments, disease recurrence, infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and quality of life. There is an urgent need to improve outcomes for women with endometriosis. To achieve this, it is imperative that we understand which cells form the lesions, how they arrive at distant sites, and what factors govern their ability to survive and invade at ectopic locations. This review proposes new research avenues to address these basic questions of endometriosis pathobiology that will lay the foundations for new diagnostic tools and treatment pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E. Filby
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luk Rombauts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Reproductive Medicine at Women's Health, Monash Health, Monash IVF, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Grant W. Montgomery
- UQ Genome Innovation Hub, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Linda C. Giudice
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Caroline E. Gargett
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Ke JY, Yang J, Li J, Xu Z, Li MQ, Zhu ZL. Baicalein inhibits FURIN-MT1-MMP-mediated invasion of ectopic endometrial stromal cells in endometriosis possibly by reducing the secretion of TGFB1. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13344. [PMID: 32910833 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Endometriosis (EMs) is characterized by the presence of endometrial stroma and glands outside the uterus. Our previous study showed that baicalein inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in EMs. However, the effects of baicalein on the invasiveness of ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EcESCs) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the potential anti-invasive effect of baicalein and determine the underlying mechanism. METHODS The invasive and migratory properties of EcESCs were assessed in vitro using Transwell and wound healing assays. The expression of functional markers of EcESCs, including matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), FURIN, and TGFB1, was analyzed using WB and ELISA. Additionally, a mouse model of EMs was treated with baicalein (10 mg/kg/d and 35 mg/kg/d) for 4 weeks. The weight and number of ectopic lesions were determined, and the expression of markers was assessed using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Baicalein inhibited the invasion of EcESCs and the expression of certain invasion-related proteins, including MMP9, MMP2, and MT1-MMP. Exposure to baicalein reduced the extracellular levels of TGFB1 in EcESCs and the reduced expression of TGFB1, resulting in decreased expression of FURIN in EcESCs, which serves a pivotal role in the transformation of pro-MT1-MMP to activated MT1-MMP. In the mouse model of EMs, intraperitoneal injection of baicalein inhibited the growth of ectopic lesions and reduced MT1-MMP, FURIN, and TGFB1 expression. CONCLUSIONS Baicalein reduced the invasion of EMs, potentially by restricting the FURIN-MT1-MMP-mediated cell invasion of EcESCs maybe through reduction of the autocrine of TGFB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ya Ke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Integrated Traditional & Western Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Integrated Traditional & Western Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Ling Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Integrated Traditional & Western Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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De Conto E, Matte U, Cunha-Filho JS. BMP-6 and SMAD4 gene expression is altered in cumulus cells from women with endometriosis-associated infertility. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2020; 100:868-875. [PMID: 32524577 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oocyte competence and quality depend on communication between the oocyte and the cumulus and theca cells. In the preantral phase, the members of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily are responsible for this communication and play an important role in folliculogenesis. Members of the TGF-β superfamily are related to endometriosis (overexpression in the ectopic endometrium); however, few studies have explored these proteins as influencing fertility in endometriosis. Considering endometriosis-related infertility and to better understand the role of the TGF-β superfamily members in the antral phase in women with endometriosis, this research investigated the gene expression of the genes for ligands AMH, BMP-6, GDF-9, INHA, INHBB, and TGFβ3; receptors AMHR2, BMPR2, and TGFβR3; and intracellular signalling: SMAD3 and SMAD4. MATERIAL AND METHODS The gene expression of AMH, BMP-6, GDF-9, INHA, INHBB, TGFβ3, AMHR2, BMPR2, TGFβR3, SMAD3, and SMAD4 in cumulus cells was investigated through quantitative real-time PCR in a case-control study including infertile women with and without peritoneal endometriosis undergoing in vitro fertilization. RESULTS Age and outcomes of assisted reproduction were similar between the groups (P > .05). However, women with endometriosis showed reduced expression of BMP-6 and SMAD4 (P < .05) in cumulus cells compared with the control group, other genes did not present altered gene expression in women with endometriosis (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS The reduced expression of BMP-6 and SMAD4 in women with peritoneal endometriosis compared with the control group indicates that granulosa (cumulus) cell function could be altered in these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily De Conto
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ursula Matte
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - João Sabino Cunha-Filho
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Chen PS, Chiu WT, Hsu PL, Lin SC, Peng IC, Wang CY, Tsai SJ. Pathophysiological implications of hypoxia in human diseases. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:63. [PMID: 32389123 PMCID: PMC7212687 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-00658-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxygen is essentially required by most eukaryotic organisms as a scavenger to remove harmful electron and hydrogen ions or as a critical substrate to ensure the proper execution of enzymatic reactions. All nucleated cells can sense oxygen concentration and respond to reduced oxygen availability (hypoxia). When oxygen delivery is disrupted or reduced, the organisms will develop numerous adaptive mechanisms to facilitate cells survived in the hypoxic condition. Normally, such hypoxic response will cease when oxygen level is restored. However, the situation becomes complicated if hypoxic stress persists (chronic hypoxia) or cyclic normoxia-hypoxia phenomenon occurs (intermittent hypoxia). A series of chain reaction-like gene expression cascade, termed hypoxia-mediated gene regulatory network, will be initiated under such prolonged or intermittent hypoxic conditions and subsequently leads to alteration of cellular function and/or behaviors. As a result, irreversible processes occur that may cause physiological disorder or even pathological consequences. A growing body of evidence implicates that hypoxia plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of major causes of mortality including cancer, myocardial ischemia, metabolic diseases, and chronic heart and kidney diseases, and in reproductive diseases such as preeclampsia and endometriosis. This review article will summarize current understandings regarding the molecular mechanism of hypoxia in these common and important diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pai-Sheng Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Wen-Tai Chiu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Pei-Ling Hsu
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shih-Chieh Lin
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - I-Chen Peng
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chia-Yih Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shaw-Jenq Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China. .,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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27
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Shen L, Hong X, Zhou W, Zhang Y. Expression profiles of tRNA-derived fragments and their potential roles in ovarian endometriosis. Epigenomics 2019; 12:183-197. [PMID: 31845823 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2019-0277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Transfer RNA-derived fragments have been reported to play a vital role in disease progression, but their role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis remains unknown. Materials & methods: Small RNA sequencing was conducted in three paired ovarian endometriomas and eutopic endometria. The data from 22 paired samples were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and bioinformatic analysis was performed to establish the roles of these fragments in endometriosis pathogenesis. Results: We identified 19 upregulated and five downregulated tRNA-derived fragments, of which tiRNA-5 was the most common. Gene Ontology and pathway analyses revealed that these molecules could have roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Conclusion: tRNA-derived fragments are dysregulated and could be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of ovarian endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Licong Shen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, PR China
| | - Xiaxia Hong
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, PR China
| | - Wenjun Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, PR China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, PR China
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Satapathy S, Kumar C, Singh RK. MicroRNAs as Key Regulators of Ovarian Cancers. CELL MEDICINE 2019; 11:2155179019873849. [PMID: 32634196 PMCID: PMC6732848 DOI: 10.1177/2155179019873849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment can be realistically viewed as an active battle ground between
the host immune system and the growing tumor cells. This reactive space surrounding the
tumor possesses several possibilities and facilitates the progression of a tumor from a
neoplastic stage to that of metastasis. The contemporary approach of understanding the
cancer biology from a “within the cell” perspective has been largely challenged with
complex and intricate “outside the cell” events. Thus understanding the biology of the
tumor microenvironment has been of scientific and clinical interest. Small non-coding
microRNAs with a pleotropic and wide range of cellular gene targets can be reasonably
hypothesized to regulate the events of carcinogenesis and progression. MicroRNAs have been
investigated in different cancer models, and evidence of their involvement in the
regulation of the tumor microenvironment has been of much interest. In particular, a major
interest has been exploring the role of the tumor microenvironment in regulating the
interaction of cancer cells with surrounding stromal components and the effect of such
interactions on the cancer cells. Fine-tuned regulation by these microRNAs extends our
contemporary understanding of these small biomolecules in epigenetic regulations. This
review focuses on microRNAs that are dysregulated in ovarian carcinomas, their effect on
the components of the tumor microenvironment, and the correlation of their heterogeneous
expression profiles with disease severity and prognosis in patients. In addition, this
paper also discusses the differential expression of exosomal microRNAs that are known to
link the cancer cell with its microenvironment, facilitating the development of an
improved prognostic/diagnostic marker and effective therapeutic regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Satapathy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, India
| | - Chanchal Kumar
- Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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Zhou WJ, Yang HL, Shao J, Mei J, Chang KK, Zhu R, Li MQ. Anti-inflammatory cytokines in endometriosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:2111-2132. [PMID: 30826860 PMCID: PMC11105498 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03056-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although the pathogenesis of endometriosis is not fully understood, it is often considered to be an inflammatory disease. An increasing number of studies suggest that differential expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukin-4 and -10, and transforming growth factor-β1) occurs in women with endometriosis, including in serum, peritoneal fluid and ectopic lesions. These anti-inflammatory cytokines also have indispensable roles in the progression of endometriosis, including by promoting survival, growth, invasion, differentiation, angiogenesis, and immune escape of the endometriotic lesions. In this review, we provide an overview of the expression, origin, function and regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines in endometriosis, with brief discussion and perspectives on their future clinical implications in the diagnosis and therapy of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jie Zhou
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Hui-Li Yang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Shao
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Mei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medicine School, Nanjing, 210000, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai-Kai Chang
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Zhu
- Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, 215008, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
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Pro-endometriotic niche in endometriosis. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 38:549-559. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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MiR-210-3p protects endometriotic cells from oxidative stress-induced cell cycle arrest by targeting BARD1. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:144. [PMID: 30760709 PMCID: PMC6374490 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1395-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is associated with benign but adversely developed cysts in the extrauterine environment. The oxidative imbalanced environment induces DNA damage and affects cell cycle progression of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and endometrial epithelial cells, but how endometriotic cells maintain proliferation in the presence of oxidative stress is not clear. Growing evidence has indicated that the ectopic hypoxic microenvironment and oxidative stress can stimulate the growth of endometriotic cells, which is mainly due to the increase of HIF-1α. We found that the master hypoxia-associated miRNA miR-210-3p was increased in stromal and glandular cells of ectopic lesions compared with that of eutopic and normal endometria and was consistent with the expression of HIF-1α and the local oxidative stress-induced DNA damage predictor 8-OHdG. Moreover, miR-210-3p was upregulated in ESCs and Ishikawa cells under hypoxic conditions but not in normoxic culture. Knockdown of miR-210-3p induced a G2/M arrest of ESCs and Ishikawa cells under hypoxia, while no effect was found under normoxia. BARD1 was identified as a target of miR-210-3p. BARD1 expression was decreased in endometriotic tissues compared with eutopic and normal endometria and negatively correlated with the expression of miR-210-3p. Multivariate regression analysis showed that BARD1 downregulation could serve as an indicator for endometriotic severity. Our results suggest that miR-210-3p attenuates the G2/M cell cycle checkpoint by inactivating BRCA1 complex function in response to DNA damage under hypoxia via targeting the 3′ untranslated region of BARD1 mRNA. Endometriotic mouse model experiments showed that intraperitoneal injection of the miR-210-3p inhibitor or vitamin C suppressed the growth of endometriotic lesions. Together, our results demonstrate that endometriotic cells inhibit BARD1/BRCA1 function by upregulating miR-210-3p, which might be the underlying mechanism for endometriotic cell maintenance of growth in oxidative stress. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-210-3p and administration of vitamin C are promising approaches for the treatment of endometriosis.
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Maignien C, Santulli P, Chouzenoux S, Gonzalez-Foruria I, Marcellin L, Doridot L, Jeljeli M, Grange P, Reis FM, Chapron C, Batteux F. Reduced α-2,6 sialylation regulates cell migration in endometriosis. Hum Reprod 2019; 34:479-490. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Maignien
- Département ‘Développement, Reproduction et Cancer’, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016 (Professeur Batteux), Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 22 Rue Méchain, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Département de Gynécologie Obstétrique II et Médecine de la Reproduction (Professeur Chapron), 53 Avenue de l'Observatoire, Paris, France
| | - Pietro Santulli
- Département ‘Développement, Reproduction et Cancer’, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016 (Professeur Batteux), Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 22 Rue Méchain, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Département de Gynécologie Obstétrique II et Médecine de la Reproduction (Professeur Chapron), 53 Avenue de l'Observatoire, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Chouzenoux
- Département ‘Développement, Reproduction et Cancer’, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016 (Professeur Batteux), Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 22 Rue Méchain, Paris, France
| | - Iñaki Gonzalez-Foruria
- Département ‘Développement, Reproduction et Cancer’, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016 (Professeur Batteux), Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 22 Rue Méchain, Paris, France
- Clinical Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Carrer de Villarroel, 170, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Louis Marcellin
- Département ‘Développement, Reproduction et Cancer’, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016 (Professeur Batteux), Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 22 Rue Méchain, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Département de Gynécologie Obstétrique II et Médecine de la Reproduction (Professeur Chapron), 53 Avenue de l'Observatoire, Paris, France
- Département ‘Development, Reproduction and Cancer’, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016 (Doctor Vaiman), Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 22 Rue Méchain, Paris, France
| | - Ludivine Doridot
- Département ‘Développement, Reproduction et Cancer’, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016 (Professeur Batteux), Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 22 Rue Méchain, Paris, France
| | - Mohammed Jeljeli
- Département ‘Développement, Reproduction et Cancer’, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016 (Professeur Batteux), Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 22 Rue Méchain, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris (AP–HP), Hôpital Universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Service d’immunologie Biologique (Professeur Batteux), 27 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Grange
- Département ‘Développement, Reproduction et Cancer’, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016 (Professeur Batteux), Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 22 Rue Méchain, Paris, France
| | - Fernando M Reis
- Département ‘Développement, Reproduction et Cancer’, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016 (Professeur Batteux), Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 22 Rue Méchain, Paris, France
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Charles Chapron
- Département ‘Développement, Reproduction et Cancer’, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016 (Professeur Batteux), Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 22 Rue Méchain, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Département de Gynécologie Obstétrique II et Médecine de la Reproduction (Professeur Chapron), 53 Avenue de l'Observatoire, Paris, France
- Département ‘Development, Reproduction and Cancer’, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016 (Doctor Vaiman), Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 22 Rue Méchain, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Batteux
- Département ‘Développement, Reproduction et Cancer’, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016 (Professeur Batteux), Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 22 Rue Méchain, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris (AP–HP), Hôpital Universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Service d’immunologie Biologique (Professeur Batteux), 27 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, Paris, France
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Lin SC, Lee HC, Hsu CT, Huang YH, Li WN, Hsu PL, Wu MH, Tsai SJ. Targeting Anthrax Toxin Receptor 2 Ameliorates Endometriosis Progression. Theranostics 2019; 9:620-632. [PMID: 30809297 PMCID: PMC6376465 DOI: 10.7150/thno.30655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Endometriosis is a highly prevalent gynecological disease in women of reproductive age that markedly reduces life quality and fertility. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease, which highlights that more efforts are needed to investigate the underlying mechanism for designing novel therapeutic regimens. This study aims to investigate druggable membrane receptors distinctively expressed in endometriotic cells. Methods: Bioinformatic analysis of public databases was employed to identify potential druggable candidates. Normal endometrial tissues and ectopic endometriotic lesions were obtained for the determination of target genes. Primary endometrial and endometriotic stromal cells as well as two different mouse models of endometriosis were used to characterize molecular mechanisms and therapeutic outcomes of endometriosis, respectively. Results: Anthrax toxin receptor 2 (ANTXR2) mRNA and protein are upregulated in the endometriotic specimens. Elevation of ANTXR2 promotes endometriotic cell adhesion, proliferation, and angiogenesis. Furthermore, hypoxia is the driving force for ANTXR2 upregulation via altering histone modification of ANTXR2 promoter by reducing the repressive mark, histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) trimethylation, and increasing the active mark, H3K4 trimethylation. Activation of ANTXR2 signaling leads to increased Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity, which contributes to numerous pathological processes of endometriosis. Pharmacological blocking of ANTXR2 signaling not only prevents endometriotic lesion development but also causes the regression of established lesion. Conclusion: Taken together, we have identified a novel target that contributes to the disease pathogenesis of endometriosis and provided a potential therapeutic regimen to treat it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chieh Lin
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Chi Lee
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ting Hsu
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Han Huang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ning Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ling Hsu
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Hsing Wu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University and Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shaw-Jenq Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Zhang M, Ren C, Xiao Y, Xia X, Fang X. Expression Profile Analysis of Circular RNAs in Ovarian Endometriosis by Microarray and Bioinformatics. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:9240-9250. [PMID: 30566420 PMCID: PMC6320645 DOI: 10.12659/msm.913885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disorder with enigmatic etiopathogenesis and is characterized by tumor-like biological behaviors. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have attracted considerable attention because they exert very important functions in the progression of human cancers. However, little is known about the functions and molecular mechanism of circRNAs in endometriosis. Material/Methods A total of 20 patients with ovarian endometriosis and 4 normal endometrium from women free of endometriosis were included in this study. Ectopic endometrium tissues and paired eutopic endometrium tissues were collected from ovarian endometriosis patients. We assessed the expression profiles of circRNAs in endometriosis by microarray analysis. Expression of selected circRNAs in those tissues was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Based on the target prediction, we constructed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and elucidated circRNAs through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analyses. Results We detected 2237 circRNAs, differentially expressed among 3 groups, and then found 8 circRNAs that may be involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. The qRT-PCR validation suggested that circ_103470 and circ_101102 matched the microarray results. The functional analysis revealed 17 pathways, such as the mTOR signaling pathway, the Hippo signaling pathway, and the HIF-1 signaling pathway, which may be associated with the pathogenesis and development of endometriosis. Conclusions In general, our results suggest that 2 downregulated circRNAs (circ_103470 and circ_101102) may regulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in endometriosis via miR-141-5p, which may be a promising therapeutic target in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Chutong Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Yinan Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaomeng Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaoling Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
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Wendel JRH, Wang X, Hawkins SM. The Endometriotic Tumor Microenvironment in Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10080261. [PMID: 30087267 PMCID: PMC6115869 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10080261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Women with endometriosis are at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, specifically ovarian endometrioid, low-grade serous, and clear-cell adenocarcinoma. An important clinical caveat to the association of endometriosis with ovarian cancer is the improved prognosis for women with endometriosis at time of ovarian cancer staging. Whether endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers develop from the molecular transformation of endometriosis or develop because of the endometriotic tumor microenvironment remain unknown. Additionally, how the presence of endometriosis improves prognosis is also undefined, but likely relies on the endometriotic microenvironment. The unique tumor microenvironment of endometriosis is composed of epithelial, stromal, and immune cells, which adapt to survive in hypoxic conditions with high levels of iron, estrogen, and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Understanding the unique molecular features of the endometriotic tumor microenvironment may lead to impactful precision therapies and/or modalities for prevention. A challenge to this important study is the rarity of well-characterized clinical samples and the limited model systems. In this review, we will describe the unique molecular features of endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers, the endometriotic tumor microenvironment, and available model systems for endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers. Continued research on these unique ovarian cancers may lead to improved prevention and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian R Hufgard Wendel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Xiyin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Shannon M Hawkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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36
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Rutherford EJ, Hill ADK, Hopkins AM. Adhesion in Physiological, Benign and Malignant Proliferative States of the Endometrium: Microenvironment and the Clinical Big Picture. Cells 2018; 7:E43. [PMID: 29772648 PMCID: PMC5981267 DOI: 10.3390/cells7050043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the developments in cellular and molecular biology over the last few decades have significantly advanced our understanding of the processes and players that regulate invasive disease, many areas of uncertainty remain. This review will discuss the contribution of dysregulated cell⁻cell and cell⁻matrix adhesion to the invasion in both benign and malignant contexts. Using the endometrium as an illustrative tissue that undergoes clinically significant invasion in both contexts, the adhesion considerations in the cells ("seed") and their microenvironment ("soil") will be discussed. We hope to orientate this discussion towards translational relevance for the diagnosis and treatment of endometrial conditions, which are currently associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Rutherford
- Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI Smurfit Building, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Arnold D K Hill
- Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI Smurfit Building, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Ann M Hopkins
- Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI Smurfit Building, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.
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