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Zhao Y, Wang Y, Gu P, Tuo L, Wang L, Jiang SW. Transgenic mice applications in the study of endometriosis pathogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1376414. [PMID: 38933332 PMCID: PMC11199864 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1376414] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM), characterized by ectopic growth of endometrial tissues and recurrent pelvic pain, is a common disease with severe negative impacts on the life quality of patients. Conventional uterine tissue transplantation-based models have been broadly used to investigate the pathogenic mechanism(s) of EM. Transgenic mice with whole body or uterine/pelvic tissue-specific labelling by the expression of GFP, β-gal or other light-emitting or chromogenic markers enable investigators to analyze the contribution to endometriotic lesions by the donor or recipient side after uterine tissue transplantation. Moreover, when coupled to uterine tissue transplantation, transgenic mice with a specific EM-related gene knocked out or overexpressed make it possible to determine the gene's in vivo role(s) for EM pathogenesis. Furthermore, observations on the rise of de novo endometriotic lesions as well as structural/functional changes in the eutopic endometrium or pelvic tissues after gene manipulation will directly relate the cognate gene to the onset of EM. A major advantage of transgenic EM models is their efficiency for analyzing gene interactions with hormonal, dietetic and/or environmental factors. This review summarizes the features/sources/backgrounds of transgenic mice and their applications to EM studies concerning hormonal regulation, angiogenesis and inflammation. Findings from these studies, the advantages/disadvantages of transgenic EM models, and future expectations are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Zhao
- Center of Prenatal Diagnosis, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pinlang Gu
- Department of Gynecology, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingjin Tuo
- Lianyungang Research Institute for Women’s and Children’s Health, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Leilei Wang
- Center of Prenatal Diagnosis, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shi-Wen Jiang
- Lianyungang Research Institute for Women’s and Children’s Health, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
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Weinzierl A, Harder Y, Schmauss D, Ampofo E, Menger MD, Laschke MW. Improved Vascularization and Survival of White Compared to Brown Adipose Tissue Grafts in the Dorsal Skinfold Chamber. Biomedicines 2021; 10:biomedicines10010023. [PMID: 35052704 PMCID: PMC8772698 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fat grafting is a frequently applied procedure in plastic surgery for volume reconstruction. Moreover, the transplantation of white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) increasingly gains interest in preclinical research for the treatment of obesity-related metabolic defects. Therefore, we herein directly compared the vascularization capacity and survival of WAT and BAT grafts. For this purpose, size-matched grafts isolated from the inguinal WAT pad and the interscapular BAT depot of C57BL/6N donor mice were syngeneically transplanted into the dorsal skinfold chamber of recipient animals. The vascularization and survival of the grafts were analyzed by means of intravital fluorescence microscopy, histology, and immunohistochemistry over an observation period of 14 days. WAT grafts showed an identical microvascular architecture and functional microvessel density as native WAT. In contrast, BAT grafts developed an erratic microvasculature with a significantly lower functional microvessel density when compared to native BAT. Accordingly, they also contained a markedly lower number of CD31-positive microvessels, which was associated with a massive loss of perilipin-positive adipocytes. These findings indicate that in contrast to WAT grafts, BAT grafts exhibit an impaired vascularization capacity and survival, which may be due to their higher metabolic demand. Hence, future studies should focus on the establishment of strategies to improve the engraftment of transplanted BAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Weinzierl
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (E.A.); (M.D.M.); (M.W.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Yves Harder
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland; (Y.H.); (D.S.)
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Schmauss
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland; (Y.H.); (D.S.)
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuel Ampofo
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (E.A.); (M.D.M.); (M.W.L.)
| | - Michael D. Menger
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (E.A.); (M.D.M.); (M.W.L.)
| | - Matthias W. Laschke
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (E.A.); (M.D.M.); (M.W.L.)
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Regelin N, Heyder S, Laschke MW, Hadizamani Y, Borgmann M, Moehrlen U, Schramm R, Bals R, Menger MD, Hamacher J. A murine model to study vasoreactivity and intravascular flow in lung isograft microvessels. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5170. [PMID: 30914786 PMCID: PMC6435642 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41590-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Intravital microscopy of orthotopic lung tissue is technically demanding, especially for repeated investigations. Therefore, we have established a novel approach, which allows non-invasive repetitive in vivo microscopy of ectopic lung tissue in dorsal skinfold chambers. Syngeneic subpleural peripheral lung tissue and autologous endometrium (control) were transplanted onto the striated muscle within dorsal skinfold chambers of C57BL/6 mice. Grafts were analysed by intravital fluorescence microscopy over 14 days. Angiogenesis occurred in the grafts on day 3, as indicated by sinusoidal microvessels on the grafts’ edges with very slow blood flow, perifocal oedema, and haemorrhage. By day 10, lung transplants were completely revascularized, exhibited a dense network of microvessels with irregular diameters, chaotic angioarchitecture, and high blood flow. Compared to lung tissue, endometrial grafts contained a structured, glomerulus-like vessel architecture with lower blood flow. Despite missing ventilation, hypoxic vasoconstriction of the lung tissue arterioles occurred. In contrast, endometrium tissue arterioles dilated during hypoxia and constricted in hyperoxia. This demonstrates that ectopic lung grafts keep their ability for organ-specific hypoxic vasoconstriction. These findings indicate that our approach is suitable for repetitive in vivo pulmonary microcirculation analyses. The high blood flow and hypoxia-induced vasoconstriction in lung grafts suggest a physiological intrinsic vasoregulation independent of the recipient tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Regelin
- Department of Internal Medicine V - Pulmonology, Allergology, Respiratory Intensive Care Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, 66424, Homburg, Germany.,Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saarland University, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Heyder
- Department of Internal Medicine V - Pulmonology, Allergology, Respiratory Intensive Care Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, 66424, Homburg, Germany.,Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saarland University, 66421, Homburg, Germany.,Mediclin Albert Schweitzer Clinic, Pneumology, 78126, Königsfeld, Germany
| | - Matthias W Laschke
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saarland University, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Yalda Hadizamani
- Pneumology, Clinic for General Internal Medicine, Lindenhofspital Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.,Lungen-und Atmungsstiftung, Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michèle Borgmann
- Pneumology, Clinic for General Internal Medicine, Lindenhofspital Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.,Lungen-und Atmungsstiftung, Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ueli Moehrlen
- Lungen-und Atmungsstiftung, Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.,Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - René Schramm
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saarland University, 66421, Homburg, Germany.,Heart and Diabetes Centre North Rhine-Westphalia, University Hospital of the Ruhr University of Bochum, 32545, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Robert Bals
- Department of Internal Medicine V - Pulmonology, Allergology, Respiratory Intensive Care Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, 66424, Homburg, Germany
| | - Michael D Menger
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saarland University, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Jürg Hamacher
- Department of Internal Medicine V - Pulmonology, Allergology, Respiratory Intensive Care Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, 66424, Homburg, Germany. .,Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saarland University, 66421, Homburg, Germany. .,Pneumology, Clinic for General Internal Medicine, Lindenhofspital Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland. .,Lungen-und Atmungsstiftung, Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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Laschke MW, Menger MD. Basic mechanisms of vascularization in endometriosis and their clinical implications. Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:207-224. [PMID: 29377994 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascularization is a major hallmark in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. An increasing number of studies suggests that multiple mechanisms contribute to the vascularization of endometriotic lesions, including angiogenesis, vasculogenesis and inosculation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In this review, we provide an overview of the basic mechanisms of vascularization in endometriosis and give special emphasis on their future clinical implications in the diagnosis and therapy of the disease. SEARCH METHODS Literature searches were performed in PubMed for English articles with the key words 'endometriosis', 'endometriotic lesions', 'angiogenesis', 'vascularization', 'vasculogenesis', 'endothelial progenitor cells' and 'inosculation'. The searches included both animal and human studies. No restriction was set for the publication date. OUTCOMES The engraftment of endometriotic lesions is typically associated with angiogenesis, i.e. the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. This angiogenic process underlies the complex regulation by angiogenic growth factors and hormones, which activate intracellular pathways and associated signaling molecules. In addition, circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are mobilized from the bone marrow and recruited into endometriotic lesions, where they are incorporated into the endothelium of newly developing microvessels, referred to as vasculogenesis. Finally, preformed microvessels in shed endometrial fragments inosculate with the surrounding host microvasculature, resulting in a rapid blood supply to the ectopic tissue. These vascularization modes offer different possibilities for the establishment of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Angiogenic growth factors and EPCs may serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis and classification of endometriosis. Blood vessel formation and mature microvessels in endometriotic lesions may be targeted by means of anti-angiogenic compounds and vascular-disrupting agents. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The establishment of vascularization-based approaches in the management of endometriosis still represents a major challenge. For diagnostic purposes, reliable angiogenic and vasculogenic biomarker panels exhibiting a high sensitivity and specificity must be identified. For therapeutic purposes, novel compounds selectively targeting the vascularization of endometriotic lesions without inducing severe side effects are required. Recent progress in the field of endometriosis research indicates that these goals may be achieved in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias W Laschke
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Michael D Menger
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Notch signaling controls sprouting angiogenesis of endometriotic lesions. Angiogenesis 2017; 21:37-46. [PMID: 28993956 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-017-9580-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is essential for the engraftment and growth of endometriotic lesions. In this study, we analyzed whether this process is regulated by Notch signaling. Endometriotic lesions were induced by endometrial tissue transplantation into dorsal skinfold chambers of C57BL/6 mice, which were treated with the γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT or vehicle. Vascularization, morphology, and proliferation of the newly developing lesions were analyzed using intravital fluorescence microscopy, histology, and immunohistochemistry over 14 days. Inhibition of Notch signaling by DAPT significantly increased the number of angiogenic sprouts within the endometrial grafts during the first days after transplantation when compared to vehicle-treated controls. This was associated with an accelerated vascularization, as indicated by a higher functional microvessel density of DAPT-treated lesions on day 6. However, inhibition of Notch signaling did not affect the morphology and proliferating activity of the lesions, as previously described for tumors. Both DAPT- and vehicle-treated lesions finally consisted of cyst-like dilated glands, which were surrounded by a well-vascularized stroma and contained comparable numbers of proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells. These findings demonstrate that sprouting angiogenesis in endometriotic lesions is controlled by Notch signaling. However, inhibition of Notch signaling does not have beneficial therapeutic effects on lesion development.
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Olivares CN, Alaniz LD, Menger MD, Barañao RI, Laschke MW, Meresman GF. Inhibition of Hyaluronic Acid Synthesis Suppresses Angiogenesis in Developing Endometriotic Lesions. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152302. [PMID: 27018976 PMCID: PMC4809563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The development and long-term survival of endometriotic lesions is crucially dependent on an adequate vascularization. Hyaluronic acid (HA) through its receptor CD44 has been described to be involved in the process of angiogenesis. Objective To study the effect of HA synthesis inhibition using non-toxic doses of 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) on endometriosis-related angiogenesis. Materials and Methods The cytotoxicity of different in vitro doses of 4-MU on endothelial cells was firstly tested by means of a lactate dehydrogenase assay. The anti-angiogenic action of non-cytotoxic doses of 4-MU was then assessed by a rat aortic ring assay. In addition, endometriotic lesions were induced in dorsal skinfold chambers of female BALB/c mice, which were daily treated with an intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% NaCl (vehicle group; n = 6), 20mg/kg 4-MU (n = 8) or 80mg/kg 4-MU (n = 7) throughout an observation period of 14 days. The effect of 4-MU on their vascularization, survival and growth were studied by intravital fluorescence microscopy, histology and immunohistochemistry. Main Results Non-cytotoxic doses of 4-MU effectively inhibited vascular sprout formation in the rat aortic ring assay. Endometriotic lesions in dorsal skinfold chambers of 4-MU-treated mice dose-dependently exhibited a significantly smaller vascularized area and lower functional microvessel density when compared to vehicle-treated controls. Histological analyses revealed a downregulation of HA expression in 4-MU-treated lesions. This was associated with a reduced density of CD31-positive microvessels within the lesions. In contrast, numbers of PCNA-positive proliferating and cleaved caspase-3-positive apoptotic cells did not differ between 4-MU-treated and control lesions. Conclusions The present study demonstrates for the first time that targeting the synthesis of HA suppresses angiogenesis in developing endometriotic lesions. Further studies have to clarify now whether in the future this anti-angiogenic effect can be used beneficially for the treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla N. Olivares
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
| | - Laura D. Alaniz
- CIT NOBA, Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CONICET-UNNOBA), Junín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Michael D. Menger
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, University of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Rosa I. Barañao
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matthias W. Laschke
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, University of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Gabriela F. Meresman
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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