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Wu H, Zhang L, He L, Lin W, Yu B, Yu X, Lin Y. Roles and mechanisms of biomechanical-biochemical coupling in pelvic organ prolapse. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1303044. [PMID: 38410754 PMCID: PMC10894963 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1303044] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a significant contributor to hysterectomy among middle-aged and elderly women. However, there are challenges in terms of dedicated pharmaceutical solutions and targeted interventions for POP. The primary characteristics of POP include compromised mechanical properties of uterine ligaments and dysfunction within the vaginal support structure, often resulting from delivery-related injuries. Fibroblasts secrete extracellular matrix, which, along with the cytoskeleton, forms the structural foundation that ensures proper biomechanical function of the fascial system. This system is crucial for maintaining the anatomical position of each pelvic floor organ. By systematically exploring the roles and mechanisms of biomechanical-biochemical transformations in POP, we can understand the impact of forces on the injury and repair of these organs. A comprehensive analysis of the literature revealed that the extracellular matrix produced by fibroblasts, as well as their cytoskeleton, undergoes alterations in patient tissues and cellular models of POP. Additionally, various signaling pathways, including TGF-β1/Smad, Gpx1, PI3K/AKT, p38/MAPK, and Nr4a1, are implicated in the biomechanical-biochemical interplay of fibroblasts. This systematic review of the biomechanical-biochemical interplay in fibroblasts in POP not only enhances our understanding of its underlying causes but also establishes a theoretical foundation for future clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaye Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenyi Lin
- Department of Medical Pathology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Medical Pathology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xia Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yonghong Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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2
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Chen B, Chan WN, Xie F, Mui CW, Liu X, Cheung AHK, Lung RWM, Chow C, Zhang Z, Fang C, Yu P, Shi S, Zhou S, Chen G, Wang Z, Wang S, Ding X, Huang B, Liang L, Dong Y, Wong CC, Wu WKK, Cheng ASL, Wong N, Yu J, Lo KW, Tse GMK, Kang W, To KF. The molecular classification of cancer-associated fibroblasts on a pan-cancer single-cell transcriptional atlas. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1516. [PMID: 38148640 PMCID: PMC10751516 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1516] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), integral to the tumour microenvironment, are pivotal in cancer progression, exhibiting either pro-tumourigenic or anti-tumourigenic functions. Their inherent phenotypic and functional diversity allows for the subdivision of CAFs into various subpopulations. While several classification systems have been suggested for different cancer types, a unified molecular classification of CAFs on a single-cell pan-cancer scale has yet to be established. METHODS We employed a comprehensive single-cell transcriptomic atlas encompassing 12 solid tumour types. Our objective was to establish a novel molecular classification and to elucidate the evolutionary trajectories of CAFs. We investigated the functional profiles of each CAF subtype using Single-Cell Regulatory Network Inference and Clustering and single-cell gene set enrichment analysis. The clinical relevance of these subtypes was assessed through survival curve analysis. Concurrently, we employed multiplex immunofluorescence staining on tumour tissues to determine the dynamic changes of CAF subtypes across different tumour stages. Additionally, we identified the small molecule procyanidin C1 (PCC1) as a target for matrix-producing CAF (matCAF) using molecular docking techniques and further validated these findings through in vitro and in vivo experiments. RESULTS In our investigation of solid tumours, we identified four molecular clusters of CAFs: progenitor CAF (proCAF), inflammatory CAF (iCAF), myofibroblastic CAF (myCAF) and matCAF, each characterised by distinct molecular traits. This classification was consistently applicable across all nine studied solid tumour types. These CAF subtypes displayed unique evolutionary pathways, functional roles and clinical relevance in various solid tumours. Notably, the matCAF subtype was associated with poorer prognoses in several cancer types. The targeting of matCAF using the identified small molecule, PCC1, demonstrated promising antitumour activity. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the various subtypes of CAFs, particularly matCAF, are crucial in the initiation and progression of cancer. Focusing therapeutic strategies on targeting matCAF in solid tumours holds significant potential for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonan Chen
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wai Nok Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fuda Xie
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chun Wai Mui
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Alvin H K Cheung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Raymond W M Lung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chit Chow
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhenhua Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Canbin Fang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Peiyao Yu
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shihua Shi
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shikun Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoming Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhangding Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Shouyu Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofan Ding
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Bing Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yujuan Dong
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Chun Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - William K K Wu
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alfred S L Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nathalie Wong
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwok Wai Lo
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gary M K Tse
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ka Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
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3
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Gudde AN, van Velthoven MJJ, Roovers JPWR, Kouwer PHJ, Guler Z. Polyisocyanides as a substrate to trigger vaginal fibroblast functioning in an in vitro model for prolapse repair. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 141:213104. [PMID: 36116187 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the descent of the bladder, uterus, and/or rectum into the vagina. POP is associated with altered vaginal fibroblast functionality and connective tissue composition in the vaginal wall. The results of surgical intervention are poor, which may be related to the lack of true restoration of the connective tissue. An innovative treatment addresses tissue repair after surgery by the introduction of a bioactive supplement that enhances the healing process through collagen and elastin deposition. As a novel strategy, we first studied the effects in an in vitro model. Here, we investigate how the presence of cell binding GRGDS (RGD) peptides on the highly biomimetic polyisocyanide (PIC) gel facilitates and promotes the function of primary vaginal fibroblasts isolated from a POP patient. Fibroblast function was analyzed in terms of morphology, proliferation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and remodeling. RGD modification of the gel facilitated cell spread and proliferation. Quantitative outcomes of the ECM content indicated increased production of collagen and elastin by fibroblasts on gels with the highest RGD density. The in vitro results suggest that PIC-RGD hydrogel application may translate into improved connective tissue healing in the pelvic floor, which is essential for its use as a regeneration promoting additive in surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aksel N Gudde
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center-location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Center-location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Melissa J J van Velthoven
- Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 28, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525, AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan-Paul W R Roovers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center-location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Center-location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Paul H J Kouwer
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525, AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Zeliha Guler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center-location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Center-location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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4
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Lucci G, Preziosi L. A nonlinear elastic description of cell preferential orientations over a stretched substrate. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2021; 20:631-649. [PMID: 33449274 PMCID: PMC7979636 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-020-01406-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The active response of cells to mechanical cues due to their interaction with the environment has been of increasing interest, since it is involved in many physiological phenomena, pathologies, and in tissue engineering. In particular, several experiments have shown that, if a substrate with overlying cells is cyclically stretched, they will reorient to reach a well-defined angle between their major axis and the main stretching direction. Recent experimental findings, also supported by a linear elastic model, indicated that the minimization of an elastic energy might drive this reorientation process. Motivated by the fact that a similar behaviour is observed even for high strains, in this paper we address the problem in the framework of finite elasticity, in order to study the presence of nonlinear effects. We find that, for a very large class of constitutive orthotropic models and with very general assumptions, there is a single linear relationship between a parameter describing the biaxial deformation and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\cos ^2\theta _{\mathrm{eq}}$$\end{document}cos2θeq, where \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\theta _{\mathrm{eq}}$$\end{document}θeq is the orientation angle of the cell, with the slope of the line depending on a specific combination of four parameters that characterize the nonlinear constitutive equation. We also study the effect of introducing a further dependence of the energy on the anisotropic invariants related to the square of the Cauchy–Green strain tensor. This leads to departures from the linear relationship mentioned above, that are again critically compared with experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Lucci
- Department of Mathematical Sciences “G.L. Lagrange”, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
- Department of Mathematics “G. Peano”, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Carlo Alberto 10, 10123 Turin, Italy
| | - Luigi Preziosi
- Department of Mathematical Sciences “G.L. Lagrange” Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
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Fully absorbable poly-4-hydroxybutyrate implants exhibit more favorable cell-matrix interactions than polypropylene. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 120:111702. [PMID: 33545861 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a multifactorial condition characterized by the descent of the pelvic organs due to the loss of supportive tissue strength. This is presumably caused by the decreased fibroblast function and the subsequent change in the quality of the extracellular matrix. The correction of POP using an implant intends to provide mechanical support to the pelvic organs and to stimulate a moderate host response. Synthetic polypropylene (PP) implants were commonly used for the correction of prolapse. Although they were successful in providing support, these implants have been associated with clinical complications in the long term due to substantial foreign body response and inappropriate tissue integration. The complications can be avoided or minimized by engineering a biocompatible and fully absorbable implant with optimized mechanical and structural characteristics that favor more appropriate cellular interactions with the implant. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated implants comprised of poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB), a fully absorbable material with high mechanical strength, as an alternative to PP. The P4HB implants were knitted in four unique designs with different pore shapes ranging from a more rectangular geometry- as it is in PP implant- to a rounded geometry, to determine the effect of the implant structure on the textural and mechanical properties and subsequent cell-matrix interaction. The cellular response was investigated by seeding primary vaginal fibroblasts isolated from patients with POP. P4HB favored cellular functions more than PP, as indicated by greater cell attachment and proliferation (P < 0.01), and significantly more collagen deposition (P4HB vs PP, 11.19 μg vs 6.67 μg) at 28 days culture (P < 0.05). All P4HB implants had higher strength and lower stiffness than the PP scaffold. The material and the design of the implant also influenced the behavior of vaginal fibroblasts. The aspect ratio of the vaginal POP fibroblasts cultured on the PP implant (1.61 ± 0.75) was significantly (P < 0.005) smaller than those cultured on P4HB implants (average 2.31 ± 0.09). The P4HB structure with rounded pores showed the lowest stiffness and highest fibroblast attachment and proliferation (P < 0.01). Overall, P4HB induces more matrix deposition compared to PP and knit design can further optimize cell behavior.
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Blum M, Koehler J, Yangdon T, Chatterjea D. Generating primary murine vaginal fibroblast cell lines. MethodsX 2020; 7:101100. [PMID: 33134098 PMCID: PMC7586127 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2020.101100] [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: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary human vulvovaginal fibroblast cell lines are useful for studying biological mechanisms underlying genital pain, pelvic organ prolapse, and the spread of sexually transmitted infections. However, the vaginal biopsies necessary for establishing these cell lines are invasive and relatively difficult to obtain. Primary mouse fibroblast cell lines derived from pre-clinical animal models of these conditions can be used for better controlled experiments that can help us dissect disease mechanisms. To our knowledge, there are no published protocols for establishing primary murine vaginal fibroblast cell lines to date. Here, we describe a protocol for the establishment of murine vaginal fibroblast cell lines via enzymatic digestion of vaginal canal tissue. Cell lines generated using this method can be used for in vitro studies of these important structural cells in a variety of pre-clinical mouse models; such studies are required to identify and characterize relevant regulatory and therapeutic targets in a wide array of diseases of interest. As shown in our representative data, this protocol yields viable cell lines from ND4 Swiss outbred mice. These cells bear surface markers characteristic of fibroblasts and are capable of producing inflammatory cytokines in response to treatment with bacterial and yeast antigens in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Blum
- Biology Department, Macalester College, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | | | - Tenzin Yangdon
- Biology Department, Macalester College, Saint Paul, MN, USA
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7
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Zhang L, Dai F, Chen G, Wang Y, Liu S, Zhang L, Xian S, Yuan M, Yang D, Zheng Y, Deng Z, Cheng Y, Yang X. Molecular mechanism of extracellular matrix disorder in pelvic organ prolapses. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:4611-4618. [PMID: 33173982 PMCID: PMC7646844 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pelvic organ prolapses (POP) notably reduces the quality of life in elderly populations due to bladder and bowel dysfunction, incontinence, and coital problems. Extracellular matrix (ECM) disorder is a pivotal event in the progression of POP, but to date, its specific underlying mechanism remains unclear. The ligaments of patients with POP and healthy controls were collected to compare the expression of Homeobox11 (HOXA11) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β1) via immunohistochemical analysis. HOXA11 and TGF-β1 were overexpressed or knocked down in fibroblast cells to explore their effects on the expression of collagen and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). HOXA11 and TGF-β1 were greatly reduced in the ligaments of patients with POP. The overexpression and downregulation of HOXA11 and TGF-β1 can mediate ECM disorder via regulating expression of collagen (Col) and MMPs. In addition, HOXA11 and TGF-β1 exerted synergistic effect on the expression of Col and MMPs. The present study identified that HOXA11 and TGF-β1 serve critical roles in mediating ECM disorders, which may be of clinical significance for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with POP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Fangfang Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Gantao Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Third People's Hospital of Xiantao in Hubei Province, Xiantao, Hubei 433000, P.R. China
| | - Yanqing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Shiyi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Shu Xian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Mengqin Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Dongyong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Yajing Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Zhimin Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Yanxiang Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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Ruiz-Zapata AM, Heinz A, Kerkhof MH, van de Westerlo-van Rijt C, Schmelzer CEH, Stoop R, Kluivers KB, Oosterwijk E. Extracellular Matrix Stiffness and Composition Regulate the Myofibroblast Differentiation of Vaginal Fibroblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134762. [PMID: 32635512 PMCID: PMC7369731 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation is a key feature of wound-healing in soft tissues, including the vagina. Vaginal fibroblasts maintain the integrity of the vaginal wall tissues, essential to keep pelvic organs in place and avoid pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The micro-environment of vaginal tissues in POP patients is stiffer and has different extracellular matrix (ECM) composition than healthy vaginal tissues. In this study, we employed a series of matrices with known stiffnesses, as well as vaginal ECMs, in combination with vaginal fibroblasts from POP and healthy tissues to investigate how matrix stiffness and composition regulate myofibroblast differentiation in vaginal fibroblasts. Stiffness was positively correlated to production of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Vaginal ECMs induced myofibroblast differentiation as both α-SMA and collagen gene expressions were increased. This differentiation was more pronounced in cells seeded on POP-ECMs that were stiffer than those derived from healthy tissues and had higher collagen and elastin protein content. We showed that stiffness and ECM content regulate vaginal myofibroblast differentiation. We provide preliminary evidence that vaginal fibroblasts might recognize POP-ECMs as scar tissues that need to be remodeled. This is fundamentally important for tissue repair, and provides a rational basis for POP disease modelling and therapeutic innovations in vaginal reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra M. Ruiz-Zapata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.v.d.W.-v.R.); (K.B.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea Heinz
- Department of Pharmacy, LEO Foundation Center for Cutaneous Drug Delivery, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Manon H. Kerkhof
- Curilion, Women’s Health Centre, 2015 BJ Haarlem, The Netherlands;
| | - Cindy van de Westerlo-van Rijt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.v.d.W.-v.R.); (K.B.K.)
| | - Christian E. H. Schmelzer
- Department of Biological and Macromolecular Materials, Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure Materials and Systems IMWS, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Reinout Stoop
- TNO Metabolic Health Research, 2301 DA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Kirsten B. Kluivers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.v.d.W.-v.R.); (K.B.K.)
| | - Egbert Oosterwijk
- Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
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Gomi T, Imamura T. Comprehensive histological investigation of age-related changes in dermal extracellular matrix and muscle fibers in the upper lip vermilion. Int J Cosmet Sci 2020; 42:359-368. [PMID: 32274802 PMCID: PMC7496161 DOI: 10.1111/ics.12622] [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: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Few histological studies have directly examined age-related changes within the lips, although non-invasive investigations of such changes are increasing. Therefore, this study aimed to provide histological and molecular data on age-dependent alterations in the vermilion. METHODS Upper vermilion specimens from 15 female Caucasian cadavers (age range, 27-78 years) were investigated histologically or immunohistochemically. RESULTS Histologically, age-dependent decreases in areas occupied by hyaluronan and collagenous fibres in the dermis of upper vermilion were demonstrated. Elastic fibre content varied widely between individuals. The area occupied by muscle fibres in the orbicularis oris muscle region within the vermilion also correlated negatively with age. Immunohistochemically, signals of four proteins were attenuated in vermilion from older individuals compared with young individuals: procollagen type I, hyaluronan synthase (HAS)1, myosin heavy chain (MYH)2 (a component of fast-twitch oxidative muscle fibres) and MYH7 (a component of slow-twitch muscle fibres). In contrast, signals of cell migration inducing hyaluronidase 1 (CEMIP) were intensified in vermilion from older individuals. No marked differences between young and older individuals were seen in procollagen type III, HAS2, HAS3, hyaluronidase (HYAL)1, HYAL2, MYH1 or MYH4. CONCLUSION Age-dependent decreases of hyaluronan in the dermis of vermilion were prominent, possibly due to both the decrease in synthesis (HAS1) and the increase in degradation (CEMIP). Furthermore, age-dependent decreases in collagenous fibres and two types of muscle fibre in the vermilion were also identified histologically. Type I collagen, MYH2 and MYH7 appear to represent the molecules responsible for these respective decrements.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Gomi
- Cell Regulation Laboratory, Bionics Program, Tokyo University of Technology, Graduate School of Bionics, Computer and Media Science, 1404-1 Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan.,Frontier Research Center, POLA Chemical Industries Inc, 560 Kashio-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 244-0812, Japan
| | - T Imamura
- Cell Regulation Laboratory, Bionics Program, Tokyo University of Technology, Graduate School of Bionics, Computer and Media Science, 1404-1 Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan
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Fede C, Pirri C, Fan C, Albertin G, Porzionato A, Macchi V, De Caro R, Stecco C. Sensitivity of the fasciae to sex hormone levels: Modulation of collagen-I, collagen-III and fibrillin production. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223195. [PMID: 31557257 PMCID: PMC6762168 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it is now recognized that women suffer from myofascial pain to a greater extent than men, and that the muscular fasciae can respond to hormonal stimuli, thanks to the expression of sex hormone receptors, how the fasciae can modify their structure under hormonal stimulation is not clear. In this work, an immunocytochemical analysis of collagen-I, collagen-III and fibrillin were carried out on fibroblasts isolated from human fascia lata after in vitro treatment with various levels of sex hormones β-estradiol and/or relaxin-1, according to the phases of a woman's period (follicular, periovulatory, luteal, post-menopausal phases and pregnancy). This study demonstrates for the first time that fascial cells can modulate the production of some components of the extracellular matrix according to hormone levels, when treated with β-estradiol: collagen-I falls from 6% of positivity in the follicular phase to 1.9 in the periovulatory phase. However, after the addition of relaxin-1 to the cell culture, the production of extracellular matrix decreased and remained at the same level (1.7% of collagen-I, at both follicular and periovulatory levels of hormones). These results confirm the antifibrotic function of relaxin-1, thanks to its ability to reduce matrix synthesis. They are also a first step in our understanding of how some hormonal dysfunctions in women can cause a dysregulation of extracellular matrix production in fasciae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Fede
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carmelo Pirri
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italy
| | - Chenglei Fan
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giovanna Albertin
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Porzionato
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Veronica Macchi
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Raffaele De Caro
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carla Stecco
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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