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Henlon Y, Panir K, McIntyre I, Hogg C, Dhami P, Cuff AO, Senior A, Moolchandani-Adwani N, Courtois ET, Horne AW, Rosser M, Ott S, Greaves E. Single-cell analysis identifies distinct macrophage phenotypes associated with prodisease and proresolving functions in the endometriotic niche. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2405474121. [PMID: 39255000 PMCID: PMC11420174 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2405474121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis negatively impacts the health-related quality of life of 190 million women worldwide. Novel advances in nonhormonal treatments for this debilitating condition are desperately needed. Macrophages play a vital role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and represent a promising therapeutic target. In the current study, we revealed the full transcriptomic complexity of endometriosis-associated macrophage subpopulations using single-cell analyses in a preclinical mouse model of experimental endometriosis. We have identified two key lesion-resident populations that resemble i) tumor-associated macrophages (characterized by expression of Folr2, Mrc1, Gas6, and Ccl8+) that promoted expression of Col1a1 and Tgfb1 in human endometrial stromal cells and increased angiogenic meshes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and ii) scar-associated macrophages (Mmp12, Cd9, Spp1, Trem2+) that exhibited a phenotype associated with fibrosis and matrix remodeling. We also described a population of proresolving large peritoneal macrophages that align with a lipid-associated macrophage phenotype (Apoe, Saa3, Pid1) concomitant with altered lipid metabolism and cholesterol efflux. Gain of function experiments using an Apoe mimetic resulted in decreased lesion size and fibrosis, and modification of peritoneal macrophage populations in the preclinical model. Using cross-species analysis of mouse and human single-cell datasets, we determined the concordance of peritoneal and lesion-resident macrophage subpopulations, identifying key similarities and differences in transcriptomic phenotypes. Ultimately, we envisage that these findings will inform the design and use of specific macrophage-targeted therapies and open broad avenues for the treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Henlon
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Kavita Panir
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Iona McIntyre
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Chloe Hogg
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, EdinburghEH16 4UU, United Kingdom
| | - Priya Dhami
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Antonia O. Cuff
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Senior
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Niky Moolchandani-Adwani
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Elise T. Courtois
- Single Cell Biology Lab, The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT06032
| | - Andrew W. Horne
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, EdinburghEH16 4UU, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Rosser
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Ott
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Erin Greaves
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, CoventryCV4 7AL, United Kingdom
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Zeng Y, Hang F, Peng C, Zhao L, Ou S, Luo L, Liu B. Research progress in rodent models of endometriosis. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 163:104219. [PMID: 38422807 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104219] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common and frequent disease in gynecology; its etiology and pathogenesis are partially understood and still not clear. The construction of suitable animal models is beneficial for basic research related to the disease. Currently, rodents have the advantages of low cost, fast reproduction, easy rearing, and a similar endometrial structure to humans. Depending on the purpose of the experiment, different molding methods have their advantages. In this paper, we describe the traditional methods of constructing endometriosis rodent models, compare their advantages and disadvantages, and introduce newly developed rodent models, such as cell line injection models, pain models, genetically engineered mouse models, fluorescent tracer models, iron overload models, chemical induction models, and methods of constructing rodent models of different subtypes of endometriosis. Fertility and treatment of endometriosis rodent models are also described. This study provides a reference for researchers in the selection of animal models for pathogenesis and drug treatment studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zeng
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Fu Hang
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Chuyu Peng
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Shanshan Ou
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Liumei Luo
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Guangxi Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.
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Ochoa Bernal MA, Fazleabas AT. The Known, the Unknown and the Future of the Pathophysiology of Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5815. [PMID: 38892003 PMCID: PMC11172035 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of chronic pelvic pain and infertility, affecting 10% of women of reproductive age. A delay of up to 9 years is estimated between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis of endometriosis. Endometriosis is currently defined as the presence of endometrial epithelial and stromal cells at ectopic sites; however, advances in research on endometriosis have some authors believing that endometriosis should be re-defined as "a fibrotic condition in which endometrial stroma and epithelium can be identified". There are several theories on the etiology of the disease, but the origin of endometriosis remains unclear. This review addresses the role of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are naturally occurring post-transcriptional regulatory molecules, in endometriotic lesion development, the inflammatory environment within the peritoneal cavity, including the role that cytokines play during the development of the disease, and how animal models have helped in our understanding of the pathology of this enigmatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ariadna Ochoa Bernal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA;
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Asgerally T. Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA;
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Burns GW, Fu Z, Vegter EL, Madaj ZB, Greaves E, Flores I, Fazleabas AT. Spatial Transcriptomic Analysis Identifies Epithelium-Macrophage Crosstalk in Endometriotic Lesions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.23.586434. [PMID: 38798560 PMCID: PMC11118356 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.23.586434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of endometriosis, characterized by the presence of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterus, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify cell type-specific gene expression changes in superficial peritoneal endometriotic lesions and elucidate the crosstalk among the stroma, epithelium, and macrophages compared to patient-matched eutopic endometrium. Surprisingly, comparison between lesions and eutopic endometrium revealed transcriptional similarities, indicating minimal alterations in the sub-epithelial stroma and epithelium of lesions. Spatial transcriptomics highlighted increased signaling between the lesion epithelium and macrophages, emphasizing the role of the epithelium in driving lesion inflammation. We propose that the superficial endometriotic lesion epithelium orchestrates inflammatory signaling and promotes a pro-repair phenotype in macrophages, providing a new role for Complement 3 in lesion pathobiology. This study underscores the significance of considering spatial context and cellular interactions in uncovering mechanisms governing disease in endometriotic lesions.
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Alghetaa H, Mohammed A, Singh NP, Bloomquist RF, Chatzistamou I, Nagarkatti M, Nagarkatti P. Estrobolome dysregulation is associated with altered immunometabolism in a mouse model of endometriosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1261781. [PMID: 38144564 PMCID: PMC10748389 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1261781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Endometriosis is a painful disease that affects around 5% of women of reproductive age. In endometriosis, ectopic endometrial cells or seeded endometrial debris grow in abnormal locations including the peritoneal cavity. Common manifestations of endometriosis include dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain and often infertility and symptomatic relief or surgical removal are mainstays of treatment. Endometriosis both promotes and responds to estrogen imbalance, leading to intestinal bacterial estrobolome dysregulation and a subsequent induction of inflammation. Methods In the current study, we investigated the linkage between gut dysbiosis and immune metabolic response in endometriotic mice. Ovariectomized BALB/c mice received intraperitoneal transplantation of endometrial tissue from OVX donors (OVX+END). Control groups included naïve mice (Naïve), naïve mice that received endometrial transplants (Naive+END) and OVX mice that received the vehicle (OVX+VEH). Colonic content was collected 2 weeks post-transplantation for 16s rRNA pyrosequencing and peritoneal fluid was collected to determine the phenotype of inflammatory cells by flow cytometry. Results We noted a significant increase in the number of peritoneal fluid cells, specifically, T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and NKT cells in OVX+END mice. Phylogenetic taxonomy analysis showed significant dysbiosis in OVX+END mice, with an increase in abundance of Phylum Tenericutes, Class Mollicutes, Order Aneroplasmatales, and Genus Aneroplasma, and a decrease in Order Clostridiales, and Genus Dehalobacterium, when compared to OVX+VEH controls. The metabolomic profile showed an increase in some tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA)-related metabolites accompanied by a reduction in short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) such as butyric acid in OVX+END mice. Additionally, the mitochondrial and ATP production of immune cells was enforced to a maximal rate in OVX+END mice when compared to OVX+VEH mice. Conclusion The current study demonstrates that endometriosis alters the gut microbiota and associated immune metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Prakash Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
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Song WJ, Zhang F, Wang ZY, Wang ZS, Wang BY, Jia JR. Colorectal cancer mouse metastasis model combining bioluminescent and micro-computed tomography imaging for monitoring the effects of 5-fluorouracil treatment. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:2572-2581. [PMID: 37969373 PMCID: PMC10643956 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fifth most fatal cancer with a low probability of surgery and limited treatment options, especially in metastatic CRC. In this study, we investigated whether a mouse model of metastatic CRC mimicked tumor progression and evaluated the effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment. Methods The CT26 mouse derived CRC cancer cell line was inoculated into mice, and the tumor bearing mice were divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. Micro-computed tomography (CT) and in vivo fluorescence were used to monitor the progression of metastatic CRC. A lung metastasis mouse model was employed to determine the effects of 5-FU on metastasis. Results Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and computed tomography (CT), as non-invasive methods, can continuously monitor the growth of tumors in vivo. Thus, imaging techniques can be used to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate tumor growth indicators. 5-FU injected intravenously reduced the viability of metastatic CRC cells and resulted in prolonged survival compared to the control group. Moreover, the 5-FU-treated group had significantly reduced fluorescence of the CT26 cells in the lung. The results observed by BLI and CT are consistent with the tissue morphology and structure presented in pathological examination. Conclusions In summary, a successful mouse model of CRC metastasis for clinical application has been established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jie Song
- Laboratory Animal Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhi-Yong Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhao-Song Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Bi-Yun Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun-Rong Jia
- Laboratory Animal Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
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Mihai IT, Rudzitis-Auth J, Menger MD, Laschke MW. The Presence of Pre-Existing Endometriotic Lesions Promotes the Growth of New Lesions in the Peritoneal Cavity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13858. [PMID: 37762161 PMCID: PMC10531296 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813858] [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] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease which is characterized by endometriotic lesions outside the uterine cavity. In this study, we investigated whether the presence of pre-existing endometriotic lesions promotes the development of new lesions due to the exchange of cells and an altered peritoneal environment. For this purpose, uterine tissue samples from FVB/N wild-type donor mice were transplanted simultaneously or time-delayed with samples from transgenic FVB-Tg(CAG-luc-GFP)L2G85Chco/J donor mice into the abdominal cavity of FVB/N wild-type recipient mice. The formation of endometriotic lesions was analyzed by means of high-resolution ultrasound, bioluminescence imaging, histology and immunohistochemistry. Moreover, immune cells and inflammatory factors in the peritoneal fluid were assessed by flow cytometry and a cytokine array. These analyses revealed that the growth of newly developing endometriotic lesions is promoted by the presence of pre-existing ones. This is not due to an exchange of cells between both lesion types but rather caused by peritoneal inflammation induced by already established lesions. These findings indicate that, among other pathogenic mechanisms, the chronic nature of endometriosis may be driven by a lesion-induced inflammatory milieu in the peritoneal cavity, which creates favorable conditions for the development of new lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Matthias W. Laschke
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (I.T.M.); (J.R.-A.); (M.D.M.)
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Bashir ST, Redden CR, Raj K, Arcanjo RB, Stasiak S, Li Q, Steelman AJ, Nowak RA. Endometriosis leads to central nervous system-wide glial activation in a mouse model of endometriosis. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:59. [PMID: 36879305 PMCID: PMC9987089 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02713-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common symptom of endometriosis. Women with endometriosis are also at a high risk of suffering from anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders. Recent studies indicate that endometriosis can affect the central nervous system (CNS). Changes in the functional activity of neurons, functional magnetic resonance imaging signals, and gene expression have been reported in the brains of rat and mouse models of endometriosis. The majority of the studies thus far have focused on neuronal changes, whereas changes in the glial cells in different brain regions have not been studied. METHODS Endometriosis was induced in female mice (45-day-old; n = 6-11/timepoint) by syngeneic transfer of donor uterine tissue into the peritoneal cavity of recipient animals. Brains, spines, and endometriotic lesions were collected for analysis at 4, 8, 16, and 32 days post-induction. Sham surgery mice were used as controls (n = 6/timepoint). The pain was assessed using behavioral tests. Using immunohistochemistry for microglia marker ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (IBA1) and machine learning "Weka trainable segmentation" plugin in Fiji, we evaluated the morphological changes in microglia in different brain regions. Changes in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) for astrocytes, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin-6 (IL6) were also evaluated. RESULTS We observed an increase in microglial soma size in the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, and hypothalamus of mice with endometriosis compared to sham controls on days 8, 16, and 32. The percentage of IBA1 and GFAP-positive area was increased in the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, and hypothalamus in mice with endometriosis compared to sham controls on day 16. The number of microglia and astrocytes did not differ between endometriosis and sham control groups. We observed increased TNF and IL6 expression when expression levels from all brain regions were combined. Mice with endometriosis displayed reduced burrowing behavior and hyperalgesia in the abdomen and hind-paw. CONCLUSION We believe this is the first report of central nervous system-wide glial activation in a mouse model of endometriosis. These results have significant implications for understanding chronic pain associated with endometriosis and other issues such as anxiety and depression in women with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Tauseef Bashir
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 W. Gregory Drive, Room 314 ASL, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Catherine R Redden
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 W. Gregory Drive, Room 314 ASL, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Kishori Raj
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 W. Gregory Drive, Room 314 ASL, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Rachel B Arcanjo
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 W. Gregory Drive, Room 314 ASL, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Sandra Stasiak
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 W. Gregory Drive, Room 314 ASL, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Quanxi Li
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Andrew J Steelman
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 W. Gregory Drive, Room 314 ASL, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Romana A Nowak
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 W. Gregory Drive, Room 314 ASL, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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Maddern J, Grundy L, Harrington A, Schober G, Castro J, Brierley SM. A syngeneic inoculation mouse model of endometriosis that develops multiple comorbid visceral and cutaneous pain like behaviours. Pain 2022; 163:1622-1635. [PMID: 35050959 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating condition, commonly characterised by chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and infertility. Chronic pelvic pain can be experienced across multiple pelvic organs, with comorbidities commonly effecting the bowel, bladder, and vagina. Despite research efforts into endometriosis pathophysiology, little is known about how endometriosis induces CPP, and as such, therapeutic interventions are lacking. The aim of this study was to characterise a syngeneic mouse model of endometriosis that mimics naturally occurring retrograde menstruation, thought to precede endometriosis development in patients, and determine whether these mice exhibit signs of CPP and altered behaviour. We characterised the development of endometriosis over 10 weeks following uterine tissue inoculation, measured in vivo and ex vivo hypersensitivity to mechanical stimuli across multiple visceral organs, and assessed alterations in animal spontaneous behaviour. We confirmed that inoculated uterine horn tissue formed into endometriosis lesions throughout the peritoneal cavity, with significant growth by 8 to 10 weeks post inoculation. Additionally, we found that mice with fully developed endometriosis displayed hypersensitivity evoked by (1) vaginal distension, (2) colorectal distension, (3) bladder distension, and (4) cutaneous thermal stimulation, compared to their sham counterparts. Moreover, endometriosis mice displayed alterations in spontaneous behaviour indicative of (5) altered bladder function and (6) anxiety. This model creates a foundation for mechanistical studies into the diffuse CPP associated with endometriosis and the development of targeted therapeutic interventions to improve the quality of life of women with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Maddern
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Luke Grundy
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Andrea Harrington
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gudrun Schober
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Joel Castro
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Stuart M Brierley
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Hao M, Liu X, Guo SW. Activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor retards the development of endometriosis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:85. [PMID: 35658970 PMCID: PMC9166516 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00955-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with endometriosis have been shown to have a reduced vagal tone as compared with controls and vagotomy promoted while vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) decelerated the progression of endometriosis in mice. Extensive research also has shown that the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway by VNS activates α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), potently reducing inflammation. Yet whether α7nAChR plays any role in endometriosis is unknown. We evaluated its expression in normal endometrium, ovarian and deep endometriotic lesions, and evaluated its role in the development of endometriosis. METHODS Immunohistochemistry analyses of α7nAChR in endometriotic lesions as well as control endometrium, and quantification of tissue fibrosis by Masson trichrome staining were performed. Mouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of α7nAChR activation or suppression on lesional progression and possible therapeutic effect. Finally, in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of activation of α7nAChR on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT), smooth muscle metaplasia (SMM) and fibrogenesis in an endometriotic epithelial cell line and primary endometriotic stromal cells derived from ovarian endometrioma tissue samples. RESULTS Immunostaining of α7nAChR was significantly reduced in human endometriotic epithelial cells as compared with their counterpart in normal endometrium. Lesional α7nAChR staining levels correlated negatively with lesional fibrosis and the severity of dysmenorrhea. The α7nAChR agonist significantly impeded the development of endometriotic lesions in mouse models possibly through hindrance of EMT and FMT. It also demonstrated therapeutic effects in mice with induced deep endometriosis. Treatment of endometriotic epithelial and stromal cells with an α7nAChR agonist significantly abrogated platelet-induced EMT, FMT and SMM, and suppressed cellular contractility and collagen production. CONCLUSIONS α7nAChR is suppressed in endometriotic lesions, and its activation by pharmacological means can impede EMT, FMT, SMM, and fibrogenesis of endometriotic lesions. As such, α7nAChR can be rightfully viewed as a potential target for therapeutic invention. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihua Hao
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Marquardt RM, Nafiujjaman M, Kim TH, Chung SJ, Hadrick K, Kim T, Jeong JW. A Mouse Model of Endometriosis with Nanoparticle Labeling for In Vivo Photoacoustic Imaging. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:2947-2959. [PMID: 35641854 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00980-5] [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: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a condition of the female reproductive tract characterized by endometrium-like tissue growing outside the uterus. Though it is a common cause of pelvic pain and infertility, there is currently no reliable noninvasive method to diagnose the presence of endometriosis without surgery, and the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to the occurrence of symptoms require further inquiry. Due to patient heterogeneity and delayed diagnosis, animal models are commonly used to study the development of endometriosis, but these are costly due to the large number of animals needed to test various treatments and experimental conditions at multiple endpoints. Here, we describe a method for synthesis of multimodal imaging gold-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) nanoparticles with preclinical application via induction of nanoparticle-labeled endometriosis-like lesions in mice. Labeling donor endometrial tissue fragments with gold-FITC nanoparticles prior to induction of endometriosis in recipients enables in vivo detection of the gold-labeled lesions with photoacoustic imaging. The same imaging method can be used to visualize embryos noninvasively in pregnant mice. Furthermore, the conjugated FITC dye on the gold nanoparticles allows easy isolation of labeled lesion tissue under a fluorescence dissection microscope. After dissection, the presence of gold-FITC nanoparticles and endometrium-like histology of lesions can be verified through fluorescence imaging, gold enhancement, and immunostaining. This method for in vivo imaging of endometriosis-like lesions and fluorescence-guided dissection will permit new experimental possibilities for the longitudinal study of endometriosis development and progression as well as endometriosis-related infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Marquardt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.,Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University, College of Natural Science, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Md Nafiujjaman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Seock-Jin Chung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Kay Hadrick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Taeho Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
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12
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Tejada MA, Santos-Llamas AI, Escriva L, Tarin JJ, Cano A, Fernández-Ramírez MJ, Nunez-Badinez P, De Leo B, Saunders PTK, Vidal V, Barthas F, Vincent K, Sweeney PJ, Sillito RR, Armstrong JD, Nagel J, Gomez R. Identification of Altered Evoked and Non-Evoked Responses in a Heterologous Mouse Model of Endometriosis-Associated Pain. Biomedicines 2022; 10:501. [PMID: 35203710 PMCID: PMC8962432 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop and refine a heterologous mouse model of endometriosis-associated pain in which non-evoked responses, more relevant to the patient experience, were evaluated. Immunodeficient female mice (N = 24) were each implanted with four endometriotic human lesions (N = 12) or control tissue fat (N = 12) on the abdominal wall using tissue glue. Evoked pain responses were measured biweekly using von Frey filaments. Non-evoked responses were recorded weekly for 8 weeks using a home cage analysis (HCA). Endpoints were distance traveled, social proximity, time spent in the center vs. outer areas of the cage, drinking, and climbing. Significant differences between groups for von Frey response, climbing, and drinking were detected on days 14, 21, and 35 post implanting surgery, respectively, and sustained for the duration of the experiment. In conclusion, a heterologous mouse model of endometriosis-associated evoked a non-evoked pain was developed to improve the relevance of preclinical models to patient experience as a platform for drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Tejada
- Research Unit on Women’s Health-INCLIVA, Institute of Health Research, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.T.); (A.I.S.-L.); (L.E.); (J.J.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Ana I. Santos-Llamas
- Research Unit on Women’s Health-INCLIVA, Institute of Health Research, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.T.); (A.I.S.-L.); (L.E.); (J.J.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Lesley Escriva
- Research Unit on Women’s Health-INCLIVA, Institute of Health Research, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.T.); (A.I.S.-L.); (L.E.); (J.J.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Juan J. Tarin
- Research Unit on Women’s Health-INCLIVA, Institute of Health Research, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.T.); (A.I.S.-L.); (L.E.); (J.J.T.); (A.C.)
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Antonio Cano
- Research Unit on Women’s Health-INCLIVA, Institute of Health Research, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.T.); (A.I.S.-L.); (L.E.); (J.J.T.); (A.C.)
- Department of Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Maria J. Fernández-Ramírez
- Department of Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínico Universitario, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Paulina Nunez-Badinez
- Bayer AG. Research & Early Development, Pharmaceuticals, Reproductive Health, Müllerstr. 178, 13342 Berlin, Germany; (P.N.-B.); (B.D.L.)
| | - Bianca De Leo
- Bayer AG. Research & Early Development, Pharmaceuticals, Reproductive Health, Müllerstr. 178, 13342 Berlin, Germany; (P.N.-B.); (B.D.L.)
| | - Philippa T. K. Saunders
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK;
| | - Victor Vidal
- Faculty of Science, International University of La Rioja, Avda de la paz 137, 26006 Logrono, Spain;
| | | | - Katy Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK;
| | - Patrick J. Sweeney
- Actual Analytics, 99 Giles Street, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ, UK; (P.J.S.); (R.R.S.); (J.D.A.)
| | - Rowland R. Sillito
- Actual Analytics, 99 Giles Street, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ, UK; (P.J.S.); (R.R.S.); (J.D.A.)
| | - James Douglas Armstrong
- Actual Analytics, 99 Giles Street, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ, UK; (P.J.S.); (R.R.S.); (J.D.A.)
- School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, 10 Crichton Street, Edinburgh EH8 9AB, UK
| | - Jens Nagel
- Bayer AG. Research & Early Development, Pharmaceuticals, Exploratory Pathobiology, Aprather Weg 18a, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany;
| | - Raúl Gomez
- Research Unit on Women’s Health-INCLIVA, Institute of Health Research, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.T.); (A.I.S.-L.); (L.E.); (J.J.T.); (A.C.)
- Department of Pathology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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13
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Burns KA, Pearson AM, Slack JL, Por ED, Scribner AN, Eti NA, Burney RO. Endometriosis in the Mouse: Challenges and Progress Toward a ‘Best Fit’ Murine Model. Front Physiol 2022; 12:806574. [PMID: 35095566 PMCID: PMC8794744 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.806574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a prevalent gynecologic condition associated with pelvic pain and infertility characterized by the implantation and growth of endometrial tissue displaced into the pelvis via retrograde menstruation. The mouse is a molecularly well-annotated and cost-efficient species for modeling human disease in the therapeutic discovery pipeline. However, as a non-menstrual species with a closed tubo-ovarian junction, the mouse poses inherent challenges as a preclinical model for endometriosis research. Over the past three decades, numerous murine models of endometriosis have been described with varying degrees of fidelity in recapitulating the essential pathophysiologic features of the human disease. We conducted a search of the peer-reviewed literature to identify publications describing preclinical research using a murine model of endometriosis. Each model was reviewed according to a panel of ideal model parameters founded on the current understanding of endometriosis pathophysiology. Evaluated parameters included method of transplantation, cycle phase and type of tissue transplanted, recipient immune/ovarian status, iterative schedule of transplantation, and option for longitudinal lesion assessment. Though challenges remain, more recent models have incorporated innovative technical approaches such as in vivo fluorescence imaging and novel hormonal preparations to overcome the unique challenges posed by murine anatomy and physiology. These models offer significant advantages in lesion development and readout toward a high-fidelity mouse model for translational research in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A. Burns
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Katherine A. Burns,
| | - Amelia M. Pearson
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Jessica L. Slack
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, United States
| | - Elaine D. Por
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, United States
| | - Alicia N. Scribner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, United States
| | - Nazmin A. Eti
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Richard O. Burney
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, United States
- Richard O. Burney,
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