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Bracho GS, Acosta MV, Altamirano GA, Alcaraz MR, Montemurro M, Culzoni MJ, Rossetti MF, Kass L, Luque EH, Bosquiazzo VL. Uterine histopathology and steroid metabolism in a polycystic ovary syndrome rat model. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 585:112198. [PMID: 38467370 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate uterine lesions, uterine endocrine status and expression of genes involved in uterine differentiation in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The possible involvement of the androgen receptor (AR) was also investigated. PCOS rats showed an increased incidence of uterine epithelial and glandular lesions and elevated serum testosterone level, which was not detected in uterine tissue. Uterine 17β-estradiol, estrone and progesterone were detected in 100%, 75% and 50% of the animals, respectively. This was associated with a decrease in Star and an increase in Hsd17b2, Srd5a1 and Cyp19a1, suggesting that uterine steroids are not synthesized de novo in PCOS and that alterations in these enzymes may explain the absence of testosterone and low progesterone. In addition, ESR2 decreased and AR increased, suggesting possible steroid receptor crosstalk. Genes associated with uterine differentiation, PTEN and WNT5a, also showed reduced expression. PCOS rats treated with flutamide, an AR antagonist, were similar to PCOS rats in terms of uterine lesions, serum steroid levels, ESR2, PTEN and WNT5a expression. However, testosterone, AR and aromatase levels were similar to control rats, with decreased expression of ESR1 and HOXA10, suggesting that these expressions are AR dependent. Our results suggest that the primary cause of the observed uterine lesions in the PCOS rat model is the altered endocrine status and consequently changes in genes related to uterine differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Soledad Bracho
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Química General e Inorgánica, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Virginia Acosta
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Anahí Altamirano
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Mirta Raquel Alcaraz
- Laboratorio de Desarrollo Analítico y Quimiometría (LADAQ), Cátedra de Química Analítica I, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Milagros Montemurro
- Laboratorio de Desarrollo Analítico y Quimiometría (LADAQ), Cátedra de Química Analítica I, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Julia Culzoni
- Laboratorio de Desarrollo Analítico y Quimiometría (LADAQ), Cátedra de Química Analítica I, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Florencia Rossetti
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Laura Kass
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Enrique Hugo Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Verónica Lis Bosquiazzo
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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Bragança J, Pinto R, Silva B, Marques N, Leitão HS, Fernandes MT. Charting the Path: Navigating Embryonic Development to Potentially Safeguard against Congenital Heart Defects. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1263. [PMID: 37623513 PMCID: PMC10455635 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13081263] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are structural or functional defects present at birth due to improper heart development. Current therapeutic approaches to treating severe CHDs are primarily palliative surgical interventions during the peri- or prenatal stages, when the heart has fully developed from faulty embryogenesis. However, earlier interventions during embryonic development have the potential for better outcomes, as demonstrated by fetal cardiac interventions performed in utero, which have shown improved neonatal and prenatal survival rates, as well as reduced lifelong morbidity. Extensive research on heart development has identified key steps, cellular players, and the intricate network of signaling pathways and transcription factors governing cardiogenesis. Additionally, some reports have indicated that certain adverse genetic and environmental conditions leading to heart malformations and embryonic death may be amendable through the activation of alternative mechanisms. This review first highlights key molecular and cellular processes involved in heart development. Subsequently, it explores the potential for future therapeutic strategies, targeting early embryonic stages, to prevent CHDs, through the delivery of biomolecules or exosomes to compensate for faulty cardiogenic mechanisms. Implementing such non-surgical interventions during early gestation may offer a prophylactic approach toward reducing the occurrence and severity of CHDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Bragança
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rute Pinto
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Silva
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Nuno Marques
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Helena S. Leitão
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Mónica T. Fernandes
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- School of Health, University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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Thomas H, McCloskey E, Rider V. Pregnancy preparation: redistribution of CCR7-positive cells in the rat uterus. Reproduction 2022; 164:183-193. [PMID: 35960551 PMCID: PMC10531295 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0074] [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: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief Changes in the endometrium prior to implantation may be critical in predicting pregnancy outcomes. This study shows that the endocrine system directs positional changes in CCR7+ cells before implantation, which may be critical for developing maternal tolerance. Abstract Suppression of the maternal immune system is vital for the implantation of the semi-allogeneic embryo. Although progress in understanding the dialogue between mother and embryo has been made, key interactions between maternal immune cells, hormones, and chemokines remain elusive. Uterine expression of the C-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7) could recruit T regulatory cells and facilitate localized immune suppression. To test this concept, Ccr7 mRNA and protein were assessed in uterine tissue. Ccr7 mRNA expression peaked at day 4 in pregnant rat uteri and then declined at days 5 and 6. CCR7 protein showed similar quantitative changes. To test if female sex steroids affected the spatial distribution of CCR7-expressing cells, uteri from ovariectomized rats, progesterone-pretreated rats (2 mg daily), and progesterone-pretreated rats injected with estradiol (0.2 µg) were analyzed. Progesterone increased CCR7-positive (+) cells in the antimesometrial stroma. Progesterone and estradiol increased CCR7+ cells in the mesometrial stroma. Estradiol increased the density of cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) positive cells in the mesometrial stromal region over progesterone alone. The density of cells expressing the T regulatory cell marker, forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3), increased in the antimesometrial stroma in response to progesterone alone. Progesterone and estradiol increased FOXP3+ cells in the antimesometrial region of the stroma. Co-localization of CCR7, CD4, and FOXP3 in the stroma suggests CCR7+ cells are T regulatory cells. Polarization of CCR7+ cells in the endometrial stroma was an intrinsic response regulated by sex steroids and did not require the presence of an embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Thomas
- 1Department of Biology, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, USA
| | - Erick McCloskey
- 1Department of Biology, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, USA
| | - Virginia Rider
- 1Department of Biology, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, USA
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The effect of progesterone administration on the expression of metastasis tumor antigens (MTA1 and MTA3) in placentas of normal and dexamethasone-treated rats. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:1935-1943. [PMID: 35037193 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-07005-5] [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: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dexamethasone (DEX) induces intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in pregnant rats. IUGR can occur due to apoptosis of trophoblasts, which is believed to be inhibited by progesterone (P4). A group of genes called MTAs play a role in proliferation and apoptosis. MTA1 upregulates trophoblasts proliferation and differentiation, while MTA3 downregulates proliferation and induces apoptosis. Hence, we hypothesized that during IUGR, placental MTA1 decreases and MTA3 increases and this is reversed by P4 treatment. METHODS Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups based on daily intraperitoneal injections: control (C, saline), DEX (DEX, 0.2 mg/kg/day), DEX and P4 (DEX + P4, DEX: 0.2 mg/kg/day, P4: 5 mg/kg/day) and P4-treated (P4, 5 mg/kg/day) groups. Injections were started on 15 dg until the day of dissection (19 or 21 dg). Gene and protein expressions of MTA1 and MTA3 were studied in the labyrinth (LZ) and basal (BZ) zones using real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS DEX treatment induced 18% reduction in fetal body weight (p < 0.001) and 30% reduction in placental weight (p < 0.01). Maternal P4 level was also significantly lower in DEX treated groups (p < 0.05). MTA1 expression was decreased in the LZ (gene, p < 0.001) and BZ (protein p < 0.01), while MTA3 protein expression was upregulated in the LZ with DEX treatment (p < 0.001). These changes were reversed with P4 treatment. CONCLUSION The findings of the present study indicate that DEX induces IUGR through changing the expression of placental MTA1 and MTA3 antigens and P4 improved pregnancy outcome by preventing the changes in MTAs expression.
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El Sabeh M, Saha SK, Afrin S, Islam MS, Borahay MA. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in uterine leiomyoma: role in tumor biology and targeting opportunities. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:3513-3536. [PMID: 33999334 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04174-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Uterine leiomyoma is the most common tumor of the female reproductive system and originates from a single transformed myometrial smooth muscle cell. Despite the immense medical, psychosocial, and financial impact, the exact underlying mechanisms of leiomyoma pathobiology are poorly understood. Alterations of signaling pathways are thought to be instrumental in leiomyoma biology. Wnt/β-catenin pathway appears to be involved in several aspects of the genesis of leiomyomas. For example, Wnt5b is overexpressed in leiomyoma, and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway appears to mediate the role of MED12 mutations, the most common mutations in leiomyoma, in tumorigenesis. Moreover, Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a paracrine role where estrogen/progesterone treatment of mature myometrial or leiomyoma cells leads to increased expression of Wnt11 and Wnt16, which induces proliferation of leiomyoma stem cells and tumor growth. Constitutive activation of β-catenin leads to myometrial hyperplasia and leiomyoma-like lesions in animal models. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is also closely involved in mechanotransduction and extracellular matrix regulation and relevant alterations in leiomyoma, and crosstalk is noted between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and other pathways known to regulate leiomyoma development and growth such as estrogen, progesterone, TGFβ, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, IGF, Hippo, and Notch signaling. Finally, evidence suggests that inhibition of the canonical Wnt pathway using β-catenin inhibitors inhibits leiomyoma cell proliferation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of leiomyoma development is essential for effective treatment. The specific Wnt/β-catenin pathway molecules discussed in this review constitute compelling candidates for therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malak El Sabeh
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Subbroto Kumar Saha
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sadia Afrin
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Md Soriful Islam
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Mostafa A Borahay
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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Kaloğlu C, Bulut HE, Hamutoğlu R, Korkmaz EM, Önder O, Dağdeviren T, Aydemir MN. Wingless ligands and beta-catenin expression in the rat endometrium: The role of Wnt3 and Wnt7a/beta-catenin pathway at the embryo-uterine interface. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:1159-1172. [PMID: 32949181 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Wnt/beta-catenin signaling may play an essential role in endometrial decidualization, placentation, and the establishment of pregnancy. We investigate here the possible roles, immunolocalizations, and synthesis of the Wnt3, Wnt7a, and beta-catenin proteins in the rat endometrium during the estrous cycle and early postimplantation period. Wnt3 and Wnt7a had a similar localization and dynamic expression relative to the endometrial stages. Wnt7a immunostaining was not limited only to the luminal epithelial cells, but also to strong stainings in the stromal and endothelial cells. Wnt3, Wnt7a, and beta-catenin were highly synthesized and colocalized at the trophoblast-decidual interface; and were more obvious in the primary decidual zone, the GTCs, and the ectoplacental cone. Beta-catenin was strongly localized at the borders of the mature decidual cells; however, Wnt3 and Wnt7a immunolocalizations were decreased in those cells. As such, the immunolocalization of Wnt3, Wnt7a, and beta-catenin shifted with decidualization and placentation. The expression level of Wnt3, Wnt7a, and beta-catenin messenger RNAs increased in early pregnancy, and especially between Days 8.5 and 9.5. The dramatic changes in the expression of Wnt3, Wnt7a, and beta-catenin observed during the early days of pregnancy and the estrous cycle may indicate their roles in decidualization, stromal cell proliferation, and trophoblast invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celal Kaloğlu
- Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) Center, Faculty of Medicine, Sivas-Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Sivas-Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin E Bulut
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Sivas-Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Rasim Hamutoğlu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Sivas-Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Ertan M Korkmaz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Sivas-Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Ozan Önder
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Sivas-Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Tuğba Dağdeviren
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Sivas-Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Merve N Aydemir
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Sivas-Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
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Yi T, Liu M, Li X, Liu X, Ding Y, He J, Xu H, Gao R, Mu X, Geng Y, Wang Y, Chen X. Benzo(a)pyrene inhibits endometrial cell apoptosis in early pregnant mice via the WNT5A pathway. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:11119-11129. [PMID: 30443902 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is an endocrine-disrupting pollutant present in various aspects of daily life, and studies have demonstrated that BaP exerts reproductive toxicity. We previously showed that BaP damages endometrial morphology and decreases the number of implantation sites in early pregnant mice, but the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. The endometrial function is crucial for implantation, which is associated with endometrial cell apoptosis. In this study, we focused on the effect of BaP on endometrial cell apoptosis and the role of WNT signaling during this process. Pregnant mice were gavaged with corn oil (control group) or 0.2 mg·kg-1 ·day -1 BaP (treatment group) from Days 1 to 6 of pregnancy. BaP impaired endometrial function by decreasing the expression of HOXA10 and BMP2, two markers of receptivity and decidualization. WNT5A and β-catenin were activated in the BaP group. BaP affected the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and inhibited the apoptosis of endometrial stromal cells. In vitro, human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) were treated with different concentrations of BaP (dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); 5, 10 µM). WNT5A and β-catenin were also upregulated in the BaP treatment group. HESC apoptosis was restrained by BaP. Inhibiting WNT5A by SFRP5 partially restored the effect of BaP on apoptosis. In summary, these results suggested that BaP exposure during early pregnancy activates WNT5A/β-catenin signaling pathway, which inhibits the endometrial cell apoptosis and potentially destroys endometrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yi
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Liu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xueyan Li
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xueqing Liu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yubin Ding
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junlin He
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hanting Xu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rufei Gao
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyi Mu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanqing Geng
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yingxiong Wang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Latifi Z, Fattahi A, Hamdi K, Ghasemzadeh A, Karimi P, Nejabati HR, Novin MG, Roshangar L, Nouri M. Wnt Signaling Pathway in Uterus of Normal and Seminal Vesicle Excised Mated Mice during Pre-implantation Window. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2018; 78:412-422. [PMID: 29720747 PMCID: PMC5925692 DOI: 10.1055/a-0589-1513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
The importance of seminal vesicle secretion and uterine Wnt signaling for uterus preparation and embryo implantation has been described.
Materials and Methods
In this study, we evaluated the gene expression of Wnt ligands (Wnt4 and Wnt5a) and their corresponding receptors (Fzd2 and Fzd6) using qRT-PCR and active β-catenin protein levels using western blotting in the uterine tissue of female mice mated with intact and seminal vesicle-excised (SVX) males during the pre-implantation window. We evaluated the association between these factors and implantation rates and embryo spacing.
Results
mRNA expression of Wnt4 and Wnt5a and active β-catenin protein levels decreased from Day 1 to Day 4, but reached a peak on the fifth day of pregnancy. Fzd2 also reached its highest level on Day 5. Fzd6 expression showed a decreasing trend towards the day of implantation. Lack of seminal vesicle secretion decreased Wnt4 and Wnt5a expression on Days 1 and 5 and β-catenin levels on Day 5. There were almost no significant differences in expression levels of the Fzd2 and Fzd6 receptors between groups. There were positive and negative correlations, respectively, between implantation rates and embryo spacing and Wnt4, Wnt5a and active β-catenin in the control group, but such correlations were not observed in the SVX-mated mice.
Conclusions
Significant changes occurred in the expression of several Wnt signaling members and there was a significant association between Wnt signaling and embryo implantation. Seminal vesicle secretion affects Wnt signaling in mice and consequently also affects murine embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Latifi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Fattahi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kobra Hamdi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aliye Ghasemzadeh
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Pouran Karimi
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Nejabati
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Roshangar
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Ingaramo PI, Varayoud J, Milesi MM, Guerrero Schimpf M, Alarcón R, Muñoz-de-Toro M, Luque EH. Neonatal exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide alters uterine decidualization in rats. Reprod Toxicol 2017; 73:87-95. [PMID: 28780397 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We investigated whether defective modulation of uterine signaling may cause decidualization failure in rats neonatally exposed to a glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH). Female pups received vehicle or 2mg/kg of GBH from postnatal day (PND) 1 to PND7. On PND8 and PND21, Wnt5a and β-catenin expression was evaluated in uterine samples. On gestational day (GD) 9, Wnt5a, Wnt7a and β-catenin expression and Dkk1 and sFRP4 mRNA were evaluated on implantation sites. On PND8, GBH-exposed rats showed increased Wnt5a and β-catenin expression in luminal epithelium (LE), whereas on PND21, they showed increased Wnt5a and β-catenin expression in subepithelial stroma but decreased β-catenin expression in glandular epithelium. On GD9, GBH-exposed rats showed decreased Wnt5a and Wnt7a expression in the antimesometrial zone and LE respectively, without changes in β-catenin expression, while Dkk1 and sFRP4 were up- and down-regulated respectively. We concluded that neonatal GBH exposure may lead to embryo losses by disturbing uterine signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola I Ingaramo
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María M Milesi
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Marlise Guerrero Schimpf
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Ramiro Alarcón
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Mónica Muñoz-de-Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Enrique H Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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