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Raso C, Galietta V, Eleni C, Innocenti M, Fonti N, Palmerini T, Grillo M, Calderini P, Borgogni E. Ectopic Pregnancy and T-Cell Lymphoma in a Eurasian Red Squirrel ( Sciurus vulgaris): Possible Comorbidity and a Comparative Pathology Perspective. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:731. [PMID: 38473116 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050731] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a life-threatening disease that affects humans and other mammals. Tumors causing ruptures of the reproductive tract have been identified as possible predisposing factors in human and veterinary medicine. We here describe a case of concomitant ectopic pregnancy and lymphoma in a Eurasian red squirrel found deceased in Italy and submitted to the public health laboratory Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana (IZSLT) for post-mortem examination. A full-term partially mummified ectopic fetus in the abdomen and a large fibrinonecrotic tubal scar adjacent to the right ovary were observed at necropsy. The tubal scar is likely the point of tubal rupture through which the fetus displaced. Histology revealed the presence of neoplastic cells referable to lymphoma infiltrating the ovary, spleen, small intestine, heart and peripancreatic adipose tissue. The lymphoma was further characterized as T-cell-type using immunohistochemistry. We suggest that the lymphoma, by involving the ovary, played a pathogenetic role in the development of a secondary EP by altering the genital tract at the structural and hormonal levels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of concomitant ovarian lymphoma and EP in animals and humans in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Raso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Valentina Galietta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Claudia Eleni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Roma, Italy
| | | | - Niccolò Fonti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tiziana Palmerini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Mauro Grillo
- UOC Igiene e Sanità Animale, ASL Rieti, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Pietro Calderini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Elena Borgogni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 02100 Rieti, Italy
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2
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Reshi QUA, Godakumara K, Ord J, Dissanayake K, Hasan MM, Andronowska A, Heath P, Fazeli A. Spermatozoa, acts as an external cue and alters the cargo and production of the extracellular vesicles derived from oviductal epithelial cells in vitro. J Cell Commun Signal 2023; 17:737-755. [PMID: 36469292 PMCID: PMC10409707 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00715-w] [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: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The oviduct provides optimum physiological and biochemical milieu essential for successful fertilization, early embryo development and facilitates functional maturation of spermatozoa. A study has revealed that spermatozoa alters the gene expression in bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOECs) remotely via bio-active particles, thus acting as a cue to the oviduct prior to their arrival. However, very little attention has been paid to the question of whether spermatozoa could alter the cargo of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from BOECs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the alterations in small non-coding RNAs in EVs cargo derived from BOECs when incubated with spermatozoa in contact and non-contact co-culture models. After 4 h of incubation the EVs were isolated from the conditioned media, followed by small non-coding sequencing of the BOEC derived EVs. Our results revealed that EVs from both co-culture models contained distinct cargo in form of miRNA, fragmented mRNA versus control. The pathway enrichment analysis revealed that EV miRNA from direct co-culture were involved in the biological processes associated with phagocytosis, macroautophagy, placenta development, cellular responses to TNF and FGF. The mRNA fragments also varied within the different groups and mapped to the exonic regions of the transcriptome providing vital insights regarding the changes in cellular transcriptome on the arrival of spermatozoa. The findings of this study suggest that spermatozoa, in contact as well as remotely, alter the EV cargo of female reproductive tract epithelial cells which might be playing an essential role in pre and post-fertilization events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qurat Ul Ain Reshi
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kasun Godakumara
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - James Ord
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, Längassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Keerthie Dissanayake
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
- Institute for Women's Health, Maternal and Fetal Medicine Department, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Aneta Andronowska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima St. 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Paul Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience SITraN, University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Rd, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006, Tartu, Estonia.
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2SF, UK.
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3
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Aljassim F, Georgopoulou N, Rigby CH, Powell SG, Wyatt JNR, Hapangama DK, Hill CJ. Exploring the presence of markers of decidualization in the fallopian tubes: a systematic review. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:125-136. [PMID: 37265359 PMCID: PMC10427808 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad062] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The fallopian tubes (FTs) are part of the female upper genital tract. The healthy FT provides the biological environment for successful fertilization and facilitates the subsequent movement of the conceptus to the endometrial cavity. However, when the FT is damaged, as with salpingitis, pyosalpinx, and hydrosalpinx, it may increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, a life-threatening condition. Decidualization refers to a multifactorial process by which the endometrium changes to permit blastocyst implantation. The decidualization reaction is vital for endometrial receptivity during the window of implantation. To date, no comprehensive review that collates evidence on decidualization in the human FT has been conducted. Therefore, the aim of this review is to compile the current evidence on cellular decidualization occurring in the healthy and pathological FT in women of reproductive age. A literature search was conducted using five databases and identified 746 articles, 24 of which were analyzed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The available evidence indicates that the FT are able to undergo decidual changes under specific circumstances; however, the exact mechanism by which this occurs is poorly understood. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism by which decidualization can occur in the FT.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Aljassim
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
| | - N Georgopoulou
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
| | - C H Rigby
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
| | - S G Powell
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
| | - J N R Wyatt
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
| | - D K Hapangama
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
| | - C J Hill
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
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Mamnoon B, Moses AS, Sundaram S, Raitmayr CJ, Morgan T, Baldwin MK, Myatt L, Taratula O, Taratula OR. Glutathione-Responsive Methotrexate Polymersomes for Potential Management of Ectopic Pregnancy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2302969. [PMID: 37452511 PMCID: PMC10787806 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202302969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The first-line treatment for ectopic pregnancy (EP), the chemotherapeutic methotrexate (MTX), has a failure rate of more than 10%, which can lead to severe complications or death. Inadequate accumulation of administered MTX at the ectopic implantation site significantly contributes to therapeutic failure. This study reports the first glutathione-responsive polymersomes for efficient delivery of MTX to the implantation site and its triggered release in placental cells. Fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging have confirmed that the developed polymersomes preferentially accumulate after systemic administration in the implantation site of pregnant mice at early gestational stages. The high concentrations of intracellular glutathione (GSH) reduce an incorporated disulfide bond within polymersomes upon internalization into placental cells, resulting in their disintegration and efficient drug release. Consequently, MTX delivered by polymersomes induces pregnancy demise in mice, as opposed to free MTX at the same dose regimen. To achieve the same therapeutic efficacy with free MTX, a sixfold increase in dosage is required. In addition, mice successfully conceive and birth healthy pups following a prior complete pregnancy demise induced by methotrexate polymersomes. Therefore, the developed MTX nanomedicine can potentially improve EP management and reduce associated mortality rates and related cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Mamnoon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97201, USA
| | - Abraham S Moses
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97201, USA
| | - Subisha Sundaram
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97201, USA
| | - Constanze J Raitmayr
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97201, USA
| | - Terry Morgan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and the Center for Developmental Health, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Maureen K Baldwin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Leslie Myatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Oleh Taratula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97201, USA
| | - Olena R Taratula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97201, USA
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5
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Zhao X, Zhang Z, Zhu Q, Luo Y, Ye Q, Shi S, He X, Zhu J, Zhang D, Xia W, Zhang Y, Jiang L, Cui L, Ye Y, Xiang Y, Hu J, Zhang J, Lin CP. Modeling human ectopic pregnancies with trophoblast and vascular organoids. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112546. [PMID: 37224015 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112546] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ruptured ectopic pregnancy (REP), a pregnancy complication caused by aberrant implantation, deep invasion, and overgrowth of embryos in fallopian tubes, could lead to rupture of fallopian tubes and accounts for 4%-10% of pregnancy-related deaths. The lack of ectopic pregnancy phenotypes in rodents hampers our understanding of its pathological mechanisms. Here, we employed cell culture and organoid models to investigate the crosstalk between human trophoblast development and intravillous vascularization in the REP condition. Compared with abortive ectopic pregnancy (AEP), the size of REP placental villi and the depth of trophoblast invasion are correlated with the extent of intravillous vascularization. We identified a key pro-angiogenic factor secreted by trophoblasts, WNT2B, that promotes villous vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and vascular network expansion in the REP condition. Our results reveal the important role of WNT-mediated angiogenesis and an organoid co-culture model for investigating intricate communications between trophoblasts and endothelial/endothelial progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 910, Hengshan Road, Shanghai 200030, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenwu Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qian Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 910, Hengshan Road, Shanghai 200030, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Yurui Luo
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qinying Ye
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Shuxiang Shi
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xueyang He
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Duo Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 910, Hengshan Road, Shanghai 200030, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 910, Hengshan Road, Shanghai 200030, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiqin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 910, Hengshan Road, Shanghai 200030, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Linlin Jiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Long Cui
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Yinghui Ye
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Yangfei Xiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Junhao Hu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 910, Hengshan Road, Shanghai 200030, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chao-Po Lin
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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6
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Wang S, Larina IV. Dynamics of gametes and embryos in the oviduct: what can in vivo imaging reveal? Reproduction 2023; 165:R25-R37. [PMID: 36318634 PMCID: PMC9827618 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In brief In vivo imaging of gametes and embryos in the oviduct enables new studies of the native processes that lead to fertilization and pregnancy. This review article discusses recent advancements in the in vivo imaging methods and insights which contribute to understanding the oviductal function. Abstract Understanding the physiological dynamics of gametes and embryos in the fallopian tube (oviduct) has significant implications for managing reproductive disorders and improving assisted reproductive technologies. Recent advancements in imaging of the mouse oviduct in vivo uncovered fascinating dynamics of gametes and embryos in their native states. These new imaging approaches and observations are bringing exciting momentum to uncover the otherwise-hidden processes orchestrating fertilization and pregnancy. For mechanistic investigations, in vivo imaging in genetic mouse models enables dynamic phenotyping of gene functions in the reproductive process. Here, we review these imaging methods, discuss insights recently revealed by in vivo imaging, and comment on emerging directions, aiming to stimulate new in vivo studies of reproductive dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, U.S.A
| | - Irina V. Larina
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, U.S.A
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7
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Moses AS, Kadam L, St Lorenz A, Baldwin MK, Morgan T, Hebert J, Park Y, Lee H, Demessie AA, Korzun T, Mamnoon B, Alani AWG, Taratula O, Myatt L, Taratula OR. Nano-Theranostic Modality for Visualization of the Placenta and Photo-Hyperthermia for Potential Management of Ectopic Pregnancy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2202343. [PMID: 36394151 PMCID: PMC9839489 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202202343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is the leading cause of maternity-related death in the first trimester of pregnancy. Approximately 98% of ectopic implantations occur in the fallopian tube, and expedient management is crucial for preventing hemorrhage and maternal death in the event of tubal rupture. Current ultrasound strategies misdiagnose EP in up to 40% of cases, and the failure rate of methotrexate treatment for confirmed EP exceeds 10%. Here the first theranostic strategy for potential management of EP is reported using a near-infrared naphthalocyanine dye encapsulated within polymeric nanoparticles. These nanoparticles preferentially accumulate in the developing murine placenta within 24 h following systemic administration, and enable visualization of implantation sites at various gestational stages via fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging. These nanoparticles do not traverse the placental barrier to the fetus or impact fetal development. However, excitation of nanoparticles localized in specific placentas with focused NIR light generates heat (>43 °C) sufficient for disruption of placental function, resulting in the demise of targeted fetuses with no effect on adjacent fetuses. This novel approach would enable diagnostic confirmation of EP when current imaging strategies are unsuccessful, and elimination of EP could subsequently be achieved using the same nano-agent to generate localized hyperthermia resulting in targeted placental impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham S Moses
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Leena Kadam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Anna St Lorenz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Maureen K Baldwin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Terry Morgan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Jessica Hebert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Youngrong Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Hyelim Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Ananiya A Demessie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Tetiana Korzun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Babak Mamnoon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Adam W G Alani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Oleh Taratula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Leslie Myatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Olena R Taratula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
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8
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Dela Justina V, Dos Passos Júnior RR, Lima VV, Giachini FR. Evidence of Nitric Oxide Impairment During Hypertensive Pregnancies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:99-125. [PMID: 37466771 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate up to 10% of pregnancies worldwide, and they can be classified into (1) gestational hypertension, (2) preeclampsia, (3) chronic hypertension and (4) chronic hypertension with preeclampsia. Nitric oxide (NO) plays an essential role in the haemodynamic adaptations observed during pregnancy. It has been shown that the nitric oxide pathway's dysfunction during pregnancy is associated with placental- and vascular-related diseases such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. This review aims to present a brief definition of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and physiological maternal cardiovascular adaptations during pregnancy. We also detail how NO signalling is altered in the (a) systemic vasculature, (b) uterine artery/spiral arteries, (c) implantation and (d) placenta of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. We conclude by summarizing the anti-hypertensive therapy of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as a specific management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Dela Justina
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rinaldo Rodrigues Dos Passos Júnior
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Universidad Federal De Mato Grosso, Barra do Garcas, Brazil
| | - Victor Vitorino Lima
- Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Universidad Federal De Mato Grosso, Barra do Garcas, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Regina Giachini
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Universidad Federal De Mato Grosso, Barra do Garcas, Brazil
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9
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Mika K, Whittington CM, McAllan BM, Lynch VJ. Gene expression phylogenies and ancestral transcriptome reconstruction resolves major transitions in the origins of pregnancy. eLife 2022; 11:e74297. [PMID: 35770963 PMCID: PMC9275820 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural and physiological changes in the female reproductive system underlie the origins of pregnancy in multiple vertebrate lineages. In mammals, the glandular portion of the lower reproductive tract has transformed into a structure specialized for supporting fetal development. These specializations range from relatively simple maternal nutrient provisioning in egg-laying monotremes to an elaborate suite of traits that support intimate maternal-fetal interactions in Eutherians. Among these traits are the maternal decidua and fetal component of the placenta, but there is considerable uncertainty about how these structures evolved. Previously, we showed that changes in uterine gene expression contributes to several evolutionary innovations during the origins of pregnancy (Mika et al., 2021b). Here, we reconstruct the evolution of entire transcriptomes ('ancestral transcriptome reconstruction') and show that maternal gene expression profiles are correlated with degree of placental invasion. These results indicate that an epitheliochorial-like placenta evolved early in the mammalian stem-lineage and that the ancestor of Eutherians had a hemochorial placenta, and suggest maternal control of placental invasiveness. These data resolve major transitions in the evolution of pregnancy and indicate that ancestral transcriptome reconstruction can be used to study the function of ancestral cell, tissue, and organ systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Mika
- Department of Human Genetics, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | | | | | - Vincent J Lynch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New YorkBuffalo,NewyorkUnited States
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10
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Foley AJ, Ragsdale BD. Unusual teeth in unusual places: Criteria for identifying teratomatous dental elements in archeological contexts. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2022; 37:53-59. [PMID: 35489279 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper describes the dental elements (i.e., teeth and incomplete tooth-like structures) formed by mature cystic teratomas and provide some diagnostic criteria to aid in their paleopathological identification and analysis. MATERIALS Hard tissue structures from 13 clinically-derived mature cystic teratomas excised between 2003 and 2007. All are from female patients (N = 13) between the ages of 17 and 56. METHODS A dental and osteological inventory identified number of teeth and tooth types present in each specimen. RESULTS Of the 13 specimens, nine contained dental elements. The number per teratoma ranged from one to seven. A wide variety of tooth types were present in the teratomas with some teeth independent of, and others embedded within, bony matrices. CONCLUSIONS While some teratoma teeth exhibit distinguishable types and laterality, the majority will exhibit some degree of abnormality in size, form, developmental completion, or association with other irregular bony elements. SIGNIFICANCE Give the modern clinical prevalence and yet relatively few paleopathological cases reported, it is likely that mature teratomas are under-identified in the archeological record. The diagnostic criteria presented in this paper can aid paleopathologists in their identification and analysis of these neoplasms. LIMITATIONS Precise paleopathological identification of teratoma elements can be difficult; particularly when they are no longer constrained or contextualized by unmineralized neoplastic borders. As such, there is a risk that such remnants may be mistaken for fetal parts or disassociated elements. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH Application of these criteria, paired with careful excavation techniques, is advised.
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11
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Załęcka J, Pankiewicz K, Issat T, Laudański P. Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Association between Endometriosis and Ectopic Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073490. [PMID: 35408850 PMCID: PMC8998627 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of endometrial cells outside the uterine cavity. It is estimated that it affects 10% of women of reproductive age. Its pathogenesis covers a wide range of abnormalities, including adhesion, proliferation, and cell signaling disturbances. It is associated with a significant deterioration in quality of life as a result of chronic pelvic pain and may also lead to infertility. One of the most serious complications of endometriosis is an ectopic pregnancy (EP). Currently, the exact mechanism explaining this phenomenon is unknown; therefore, there are no effective methods of prevention. It is assumed that the pathogenesis of EP is influenced by abnormalities in the contraction of the fallopian tube muscles, the mobility of the cilia, and in the fallopian microenvironment. Endometriosis can disrupt function on all three levels and thus contribute to the implantation of the embryo beyond the physiological site. This review takes into account aspects of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and EP, with particular emphasis on the similarities between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Załęcka
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicza 1/3, 02-015 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Pankiewicz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw, Kasprzaka 17a, 01-211 Warsaw, Poland; (K.P.); (T.I.)
| | - Tadeusz Issat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw, Kasprzaka 17a, 01-211 Warsaw, Poland; (K.P.); (T.I.)
| | - Piotr Laudański
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicza 1/3, 02-015 Warsaw, Poland;
- OVIklinika Infertility Center, Połczyńska 31, 01-377 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
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12
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Yanagimachi R. Mysteries and unsolved problems of mammalian fertilization and related topics. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:644-675. [PMID: 35292804 PMCID: PMC9040664 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization is a fascinating process that leads to the formation of a new individual. Eggs and sperm are complex cells that must meet at the appropriate time and position within the female reproductive tract for successful fertilization. I have been studying various aspects of mammalian fertilization over 60 years. In this review, I discuss many different aspects of mammalian fertilization, some of my laboratory's contribution to the field, and discuss enigmas and mysteries that remain to be solved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuzo Yanagimachi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii Medical School, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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13
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Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed Post Caesarean Surgery in a Three Year Old Boerboel Bitch. FOLIA VETERINARIA 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/fv-2021-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
A three year old nulliparous Boerboel bitch presented with complaints of fever and inappetence six weeks after an elective caesarean section was diagnosed with an extrauterine foetus. A per-cutaneous abdominal ultrasound revealed a foetal sac showing a well-developed skeletal structure and the absence of foetal movement or heartbeat. During laparotomy, a foetal sac containing a dead foetus was located between the spleen and the stomach. The foetal sac was excised following ligation of its mesenteric attachment to the spleen. The previously operated uterus was observed to have involuted but revealed a small bud observed on the middle portion of the left uterine horn. The histological findings of the foetal sac revealed fibro-adipose tissue with numerous congested vessels. It was concluded that the Boerboel bitch had a secondary abdominal ectopic pregnancy and recommended that owing to the difficulty of diagnosing the condition before or during routine elective caesarean surgery, post-operative abdominal ultrasound would have been instructive.
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14
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Yenilmez K, Dogan H. A case of secondary abdominal ectopic pregnancy in a bitch. VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/vrc2.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kudret Yenilmez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Tekirdag Namik Kemal University Tekirdag Turkey
| | - Halef Dogan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Tekirdag Namik Kemal University Tekirdag Turkey
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15
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Benammar A, Derisoud E, Vialard F, Palmer E, Ayoubi JM, Poulain M, Chavatte-Palmer P. The Mare: A Pertinent Model for Human Assisted Reproductive Technologies? Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2304. [PMID: 34438761 PMCID: PMC8388489 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there are large differences between horses and humans for reproductive anatomy, follicular dynamics, mono-ovulation, and embryo development kinetics until the blastocyst stage are similar. In contrast to humans, however, horses are seasonal animals and do not have a menstrual cycle. Moreover, horse implantation takes place 30 days later than in humans. In terms of artificial reproduction techniques (ART), oocytes are generally matured in vitro in horses because ovarian stimulation remains inefficient. This allows the collection of oocytes without hormonal treatments. In humans, in vivo matured oocytes are collected after ovarian stimulation. Subsequently, only intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is performed in horses to produce embryos, whereas both in vitro fertilization and ICSI are applied in humans. Embryos are transferred only as blastocysts in horses. In contrast, four cells to blastocyst stage embryos are transferred in humans. Embryo and oocyte cryopreservation has been mastered in humans, but not completely in horses. Finally, both species share infertility concerns due to ageing and obesity. Thus, reciprocal knowledge could be gained through the comparative study of ART and infertility treatments both in woman and mare, even though the horse could not be used as a single model for human ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achraf Benammar
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Emilie Derisoud
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - François Vialard
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eric Palmer
- Académie d’Agriculture de France, 75007 Paris, France;
| | - Jean Marc Ayoubi
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Marine Poulain
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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16
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Sun MA, Wolf G, Wang Y, Senft AD, Ralls S, Jin J, Dunn-Fletcher CE, Muglia LJ, Macfarlan TS. Endogenous retroviruses drive lineage-specific regulatory evolution across primate and rodent placentae. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:4992-5004. [PMID: 34320657 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the placenta mediates maternal-fetal nutrient and waste exchange and acts in an immunomodulatory way to facilitate maternal-fetal tolerance. The placenta is highly diverse across mammalian species, yet the molecular mechanisms that distinguish the placenta of human from other mammals are not fully understood. Using an interspecies transcriptomic comparison of human, macaque, and mouse late-gestation placentae, we identified hundreds of genes with lineage-specific expression-including dozens that are placentally-enriched and potentially related to pregnancy. We further annotated the enhancers for different human tissues using epigenomic data and demonstrate that the placenta and chorion are unique in that their enhancers display the least conservation. We identified numerous lineage-specific human placental enhancers and found they highly overlap with specific families of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), including MER21A, MER41A/B and MER39B that were previously linked to immune response and placental function. Among these ERV families, we further demonstrate that MER41A/B insertions create dozens of lineage-specific Serum Response Factor (SRF) binding loci in human, including one adjacent to FBN2, a placenta-specific gene with increased expression in humans that produces the peptide hormone placensin to stimulate glucose secretion and trophoblast invasion. Overall, our results demonstrate the prevalence of lineage-specific placental enhancers which are frequently associated with ERV insertions and likely facilitate the lineage-specific evolution of the mammalian placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-An Sun
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.,Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gernot Wolf
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Yejun Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Anna D Senft
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Sherry Ralls
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jinpu Jin
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Caitlin E Dunn-Fletcher
- Division of Human Genetics, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Physician-Scientist Training Program in Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Louis J Muglia
- Division of Human Genetics, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Todd S Macfarlan
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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17
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Bianchi E, Sun Y, Almansa-Ordonez A, Woods M, Goulding D, Martinez-Martin N, Wright GJ. Control of oviductal fluid flow by the G-protein coupled receptor Adgrd1 is essential for murine embryo transit. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1251. [PMID: 33623007 PMCID: PMC7902839 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21512-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of embryo transport causes ectopic pregnancy which affects approximately 2% of conceptions in the US and Europe, and is the most common cause of pregnancy-related death in the first trimester. Embryo transit involves a valve-like tubal-locking phenomenon that temporarily arrests oocytes at the ampullary-isthmic junction (AIJ) where fertilisation occurs, but the mechanisms involved are unknown. Here we show that female mice lacking the orphan adhesion G-protein coupled receptor Adgrd1 are sterile because they do not relieve the AIJ restraining mechanism, inappropriately retaining embryos within the oviduct. Adgrd1 is expressed on the oviductal epithelium and the post-ovulatory attenuation of tubal fluid flow is dysregulated in Adgrd1-deficient mice. Using a large-scale extracellular protein interaction screen, we identified Plxdc2 as an activating ligand for Adgrd1 displayed on cumulus cells. Our findings demonstrate that regulating oviductal fluid flow by Adgrd1 controls embryo transit and we present a model where embryo arrest at the AIJ is due to the balance of abovarial ciliary action and the force of adovarial tubal fluid flow, and in wild-type oviducts, fluid flow is gradually attenuated through Adgrd1 activation to enable embryo release. Our findings provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in embryo transport in mice. Lack of correct embryo transport can cause ectopic pregnancy. Here, the authors show that female mice lacking the adhesion G-protein coupled receptor Adgrd1 are infertile, due to embryos being trapped in the ampulla as the result of dysregulated oviductal fluid flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Bianchi
- Cell Surface Signalling Laboratory, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yi Sun
- Receptor Discovery Group, Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics Department, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Michael Woods
- Mouse Production Team, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Goulding
- Electron and Advanced Light Microscopy Suite, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nadia Martinez-Martin
- Receptor Discovery Group, Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics Department, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gavin J Wright
- Cell Surface Signalling Laboratory, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK. .,Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, UK.
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18
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Hughes K. Comparative mammary gland postnatal development and tumourigenesis in the sheep, cow, cat and rabbit: Exploring the menagerie. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 114:186-195. [PMID: 33082118 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sheep, cows, cats, and rabbits are kept by humans for agricultural purposes and as companion animals. Much of the mammary research in these species has focussed on mastitis in the case of ruminants and rabbits, and mammary tumourigenesis in cats and rabbits. However, similarities with the human breast suggest that these species may be currently underutilised as valuable comparative models of breast development and disease. The mammary gland undergoes cyclical postnatal development that will be considered here in the context of these non-traditional model species, with a focus on the mammary microenvironment at different postnatal developmental stages. The second part of this review will consider mammary tumour development. Ruminants are thought to be relatively 'resistant' to mammary tumourigenesis, likely due to multiple factors including functional properties of ruminant mammary stem/progenitor cells, diet, and/or the fact that production animals undergo a first parity soon after puberty. By contrast, unneutered female cats and rabbits have a propensity to develop mammary neoplasms, and subsets of these may constitute valuable comparative models of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Hughes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, United Kingdom.
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19
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Adrenomedullin insufficiency alters macrophage activities in fallopian tube: a pathophysiologic explanation of tubal ectopic pregnancy. Mucosal Immunol 2020; 13:743-752. [PMID: 32203061 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-020-0278-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Ectopic pregnancy is the major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the first trimester of pregnancy. Tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP) accounts for nearly 98% of all ectopic pregnancies. TEP is usually associated with salpingitis but the underlying mechanism in salpingitis leading to TEP remains unclear. Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a peptide hormone abundantly expressed in the fallopian tube with potent anti-inflammatory activities. Its expression peaks at the early luteal phase when the developing embryo is being transported through the fallopian tube. In the present study, we demonstrated reduced expression of ADM in fallopian tubes of patients with salpingitis and TEP. Using macrophages isolated from the fallopian tubes of these women, our data revealed that the salpingistis-associated ADM reduction contributed to aggravated pro-inflammatory responses of the tubal macrophages resulting in production of pro-inflammatory and pro-implantation cytokines IL-6 and IL-8. These cytokines activated the expression of implantation-associated molecules and Wnt signaling pathway predisposing the tubal epithelium to an adhesive and receptive state for embryo implantation. In conclusion, this study provided evidence for the role of ADM in the pathogenesis of TEP through regulating the functions of tubal macrophages.
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20
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Herrera GGB, Lierz SL, Harris EA, Donoghue LJ, Hewitt SC, Rodriguez KF, Jefferson WN, Lydon JP, DeMayo FJ, Williams CJ, Korach KS, Winuthayanon W. Oviductal Retention of Embryos in Female Mice Lacking Estrogen Receptor α in the Isthmus and the Uterus. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5688715. [PMID: 31883000 PMCID: PMC7295936 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqz033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ESR1; encoded by Esr1) is a crucial nuclear transcription factor for female reproduction and is expressed throughout the female reproductive tract. To assess the function of ESR1 in reproductive tissues without confounding effects from a potential developmental defect arising from global deletion of ESR1, we generated a mouse model in which Esr1 was specifically ablated during postnatal development. To accomplish this, a progesterone receptor Cre line (PgrCre) was bred with Esr1f/f mice to create conditional knockout of Esr1 in reproductive tissues (called PgrCreEsr1KO mice) beginning around 6 days after birth. In the PgrCreEsr1KO oviduct, ESR1 was most efficiently ablated in the isthmic region. We found that at 3.5 days post coitus (dpc), embryos were retrieved from the uterus in control littermates while all embryos were retained in the PgrCreEsr1KO oviduct. Additionally, serum progesterone (P4) levels were significantly lower in PgrCreEsr1KO compared to controls at 3.5 dpc. This finding suggests that expression of ESR1 in the isthmus and normal P4 levels allow for successful embryo transport from the oviduct to the uterus. Therefore, alterations in oviductal isthmus ESR1 signaling and circulating P4 levels could be related to female infertility conditions such as tubal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo G B Herrera
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, US
| | - Sydney L Lierz
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US
| | - Emily A Harris
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, US
| | - Lauren J Donoghue
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US
| | - Sylvia C Hewitt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US
| | - Karina F Rodriguez
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US
| | - Wendy N Jefferson
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, US
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US
| | - Carmen J Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US
| | - Kenneth S Korach
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US
| | - Wipawee Winuthayanon
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, US
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US
- Correspondence: Wipawee Winuthayanon, Biotechnology/Life Science Building, 1770 Stadium Way, Pullman, WA, US 99164. E-mail:
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21
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Hughes K. Abdominal Ectopic Pregnancy and Impaired Postnatal Mammary Gland Development, Consistent With Physiologic Agalactia, in a Wild European Rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:254. [PMID: 31440520 PMCID: PMC6692872 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A wild European rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, was diagnosed with an abdominal pregnancy due to the presence of a single abdominal lithopedion attached by a thin fibrovascular stalk to the left uterine horn, which was distorted by the tension of the adhesion. Evidence of mineralized remnants, chronic inflammation, and fibrosis in the left uterine endometrium and myometrium suggested that the lithopedion had arisen as a secondary abdominal pregnancy. The right uterine horn contained two macroscopically normal fetuses. The mammary gland exhibited notably retarded development in relation to the size of the fetuses. Histologically, mammary alveoli lacked evidence of intraluminal secretory product, and ducts lacked prominence and contained clusters of small numbers of macrophages. The doe also exhibited mild granulomatous and heterophilic pneumonia with rare intralesional adiaspores, suggesting infection with Emmonsia spp. as an incidental finding. This case documents secondary abdominal pregnancy in a wild lagomorph not subjected to artificial insemination procedures suggested to increase the occurrence of this condition in farmed rabbits. An abdominal pregnancy is one of a number of factors that should be considered as a potential factor in the etiology of impaired postnatal mammary development or reduced milk yield in a breeding doe, although no causative association is demonstrated in this case. Abdominal ectopic pregnancy is one possible differential diagnosis in the investigation of the presence of a palpable abdominal mass or masses in O. cuniculus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Hughes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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22
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Xu J, Luo X, Qu S, Yang G, Shen N. B cell activation factor (BAFF) induces inflammation in the human fallopian tube leading to tubal pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:169. [PMID: 31088412 PMCID: PMC6518762 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2324-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tubal pregnancy is recognized as one of the most common ectopic pregnancy types. Salpingitis may result in tubal pregnancy by causing fallopian tube occlusion and hydrosalpinx. B cell activation factor (BAFF) is a proinflammatory cytokine that helps regulate both innate and adaptive immune responses. Our previous study firstly showed that BAFF immunostaining appeared on the cellular membrane and in the cytoplasm of tubal epithelial cells, and both BAFF protein and mRNA in human inflamed fallopian tubes had higher expression levels than those in normal fallopian tubes. This study aimed to elucidate the association between the expression of BAFF gene and the inflammation in the human fallopian tube leading to tubal pregnancy. Methods We examined 70 patients undergoing salpingectomy for salpingitis (n = 35) and tubal pregnancy (n = 35). Twenty patients with benign uterine diseases undergoing complete hysterectomy and salpingectomy were recruited into control group. BAFF mRNA and protein in tissue samples were detected by qPCR and Western blotting methods. Furthermore, serum levels of BAFF, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured using ELISA kits. Results We found statistically significantly elevated expressions of BAFF mRNA or protein in whole tissue samples, and serum levels of BAFF, TNF-α and IL-6 in whole blood samples from patients with salpingitis and tubal pregnancy, in comparison to the control group. Conclusion Based on the results, high expression of BAFF gene might induce inflammation in the human fallopian tube, suggesting its possible role in the tubal pregnancy process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianying Xu
- Zhuhai Municipal Maternal and Children's Health Hospital, 543 Ningxi Road, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xingguang Luo
- Division of human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shihao Qu
- Zhuhai Municipal Maternal and Children's Health Hospital, 543 Ningxi Road, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Guiyan Yang
- Zhuhai Municipal Maternal and Children's Health Hospital, 543 Ningxi Road, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Nianchun Shen
- Zhuhai Municipal Maternal and Children's Health Hospital, 543 Ningxi Road, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
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Li C, Zhang HY, Liang Y, Xia W, Zhu Q, Zhang D, Huang Z, Liang GL, Xue RH, Qi H, He XQ, Yuan JJ, Tan YJ, Huang HF, Zhang J. Effects of Levonorgestrel and progesterone on Oviductal physiology in mammals. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:59. [PMID: 29925391 PMCID: PMC6011509 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0377-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous study indicated that emergency contraception, including levonorgestrel and progesterone, could lead to ectopic pregnancy following contraception failure. However, our understanding of the effects of levonorgestrel and progesterone on oviductal physiology is limited. METHODS The receptivity of the fallopian tubal epithelium after levonorgestrel and progesterone treatment was examined through western blots for receptivity markers and JAr-spheroid-fallopian tubal epithelial cell attachment assays. The ciliary beat frequency was analyzed using an inverted bright-field microscope. Furthermore, an in vivo animal model of embryo-tubal transplantation was also studied to determine the effects of levonorgestrel- and progesterone-induced ciliary beat reduction. RESULTS Our results showed that levonorgestrel and progesterone did not change the levels of fallopian tubal epithelial cell receptive markers, including LIF, STAT3, IGFBP1, ITGB3, MUC1, and ACVR1B, or affect JAr-spheroid implantation. However, levonorgestrel and progesterone reduced the ciliary beat frequency in fallopian tubes in a dose-dependent manner. An in vivo model also showed that levonorgestrel and progesterone could lead to embryo retention in the oviducts. CONCLUSIONS These findings show that levonorgestrel and progesterone can reduce the ciliary beat frequency without altering receptivity, indicating a possible mechanism for progesterone- or levonorgestrel-induced tubal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Li
- Department of Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 910, Hengshan Rd, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Hui-Yu Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Duo Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- Department of Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gui-Lin Liang
- Department of Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui-Hong Xue
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 910, Hengshan Rd, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Hang Qi
- Department of Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Qing He
- Department of Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang-Jing Yuan
- Department of Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Jing Tan
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 910, Hengshan Rd, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - He-Feng Huang
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 910, Hengshan Rd, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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Fravel VA, Lowenstine LJ, Koehne A. Ectopic pregnancy with associated gestational choriocarcinoma in a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2016; 120:159-164. [PMID: 27409239 DOI: 10.3354/dao03014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A wild-born, captive-reared, 14 yr old, primiparous female California sea lion Zalophus californianus presented for anorexia of 14 d duration and abdominal distention. Routine complete blood cell count revealed leukocytosis with a neutrophilia, and serum chemistry revealed hypoalbumenemia and hyponatremia. Treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories were started, but the animal continued to decline. Abdominal radiographs revealed a mature mineralized fetal skull and spine in the caudal abdomen and abdominal ultrasound revealed ascites but could not confirm the fetus. The patient was taken to surgery where a full term fetus was found outside of the uterus but within the fetal membranes, representing a secondary ectopic pregnancy. The patient passed away during surgery and was taken to necropsy. Gross necropsy revealed a diffuse peritonitis with yellow deposits over the serosal surfaces of the abdominal organs. The uterus appeared intact grossly and the ovaries appeared abnormal. The mesenteric, renal, and sub-lumbar nodes were enlarged and edematous. Histopathology revealed choriocarcinoma in the right uterine horn with evidence of chronic uterine rupture and protrusion of the placental tissue into the abdomen. The choriocarcinoma had metastasized locally as well as to the liver, spleen and lung. Choriocarcinoma is a highly malignant trophoblastic neoplasm that is rare in domestic animals. This case represents, to the authors' knowledge, the first report of gestational choriocarcinoma causing secondary ectopic pregnancy in a California sea lion and presents questions regarding pregnancy monitoring and management in a population of captive, minimally trained California sea lions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa A Fravel
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, 1001 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo, CA 94589, USA
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Liu JL, Zhao M. Prioritization of Susceptibility Genes for Ectopic Pregnancy by Gene Network Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17020191. [PMID: 26840308 PMCID: PMC4783925 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17020191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ectopic pregnancy is a very dangerous complication of pregnancy, affecting 1%–2% of all reported pregnancies. Due to ethical constraints on human biopsies and the lack of suitable animal models, there has been little success in identifying functionally important genes in the pathogenesis of ectopic pregnancy. In the present study, we developed a random walk–based computational method named TM-rank to prioritize ectopic pregnancy–related genes based on text mining data and gene network information. Using a defined threshold value, we identified five top-ranked genes: VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor A), IL8 (interleukin 8), IL6 (interleukin 6), ESR1 (estrogen receptor 1) and EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor). These genes are promising candidate genes that can serve as useful diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Our approach represents a novel strategy for prioritizing disease susceptibility genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Long Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Miao Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Zhao W, Zhu Q, Yan M, Li C, Yuan J, Qin G, Zhang J. Levonorgestrel decreases cilia beat frequency of human fallopian tubes and rat oviducts without changing morphological structure. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2015; 42:171-8. [PMID: 25399777 PMCID: PMC6680194 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2014] [Revised: 10/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Levonorgestrel, a derivative of progesterone, effectively protects women against unwanted pregnancy as an emergency contraceptive. Previous studies have not been successful in determining the mechanism by which levonorgestrel acts. In the present study we analysed cilia beat action and cilia morphology following levonorgestrel exposure in vitro and in vivo using both light and electron microscopy. There was a significant decrease in the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of human fallopian tubes between mucosal explants bathed in 5 μmol/L levonorgestrel and those bathed in medium alone (P < 0.05). There was a tendency for CBF to decrease more in the ampulla than in isthmus, but there were no differences between the proliferative and secretory phases. In rat oviducts, levonorgestrel produced a similar reduction in CBF (~ 10%) compared with the saline control group (P < 0.05). Histological and ultrastructural analysis demonstrated no changes in the percentage of ciliated cells or in the classic '9 + 2' structure of cilia following levonorgestrel treatment in either system. Thus, levonorgestrel reduces CBF without damaging cilia morphology. Decreases in CBF may indicate a pathological role for levonorgestrel in the transportation of the ovum and zygote in the fallopian tube.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital/School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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ABDOMINAL PREGNANCY IN A SERVAL (LEPTAILURUS SERVAL) SECONDARY TO UTERINE RUPTURE. J Zoo Wildl Med 2015; 46:405-8. [PMID: 26056905 DOI: 10.1638/2014-0203r.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A 14-yr-old female serval (Leptailurus serval) died unexpectedly after 2 wk of inappetence and lethargy. Necropsy revealed a pyoabdomen with a full-term, well-developed fetus in the caudal abdomen covered by a mesenteric sac. The mesenteric sac communicated with a tear in the wall of the right uterine horn, supporting a diagnosis of secondary abdominal pregnancy. The uterine wall had evidence of adenomyosis at the rupture site with no evidence of pyometra. The fetus, supporting mesentery, and peritoneum were coated with mixed bacteria, which may have ascended through an open cervix to the site of uterine rupture. This is the first case of abdominal pregnancy related to uterine rupture reported in a large felid species.
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Development of Some Organs Derived from the Three Embryonic Germ Layer in a Degus Ectopic Pregnancy and Presence of a Cytotrophoblast That Mimics Human Chorionic Placenta. Case Rep Vet Med 2014. [DOI: 10.1155/2014/797986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This report describes a case of abdominal pregnancy in an adult female degu from which we recovered two large tissular masses from the peritoneal cavity. The bigger one showed a number of thin vascular connections to the serosa layer of the small intestine. It was also directly connected to the smaller mass by a thin membranous process. The surface of the bigger mass facing the small intestine wall showed the presence of chorionic villous that resembled a villous human chorionic placenta, rather than the hemomonochorial labyrinthine placenta, characteristic of this species. This unusual finding leads us to postulate that in the degu’s uterus the cytotrophoblast is exposed to a number of factors that will activate cascades of cellular and molecular events that ultimately will be signaling the cytotrophoblast to develop into a labyrinthine hemomonochorial placenta. In absence of the proper uterine environment, as is the case of the abdominal pregnancy in the peritoneal cavity reported here, the lack of signaling will lead the cytotrophoblast to develop into a villous chorionic placenta, similar to that observed in human.
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Abstract
This paper describes a 7-year-old extrauterine pregnancy in a spayed cat. Three extrauterine fetuses were accidentally found in the abdomen of a 12-year-old domestic short hair cat that had ovariohysterectomy about 7 years before. The animal was under evaluation for a recent history of increased thirst, urination, and poor appetite. Biochemical analysis revealed high plasmatic levels of urea, creatinine, and phosphorus consistent with renal insufficiency. X-ray plates showed three calcified fetuses in the abdomen, apparently unrelated to the reported clinical signs. Despite intensive therapy, the cat died one day later. At necropsy, ovaries and uterus were not found but the presence of three well-developed, mummified, and mineralized fetuses loosely attached to the omentum was evident. Careful dissection of fetuses confirmed the diagnosis of extrauterine pregnancy. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a 7-year lasting ectopic pregnancy in an ovariohysterectomized cat. The absence of related clinical signs seems to confirm that such conditions are compatible with a normal healthy life.
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Brozos C, Karagiannis I, Kiossis E, Giadinis ND, Boscos C. Ectopic pregnancy through a caesarean scar in a ewe. N Z Vet J 2013; 61:373-5. [PMID: 23768170 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2013.800443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
CASE HISTORY A routine ultrasonographic examination for pregnancy diagnosis in a 3-year-old ewe revealed a normal embryo located in the uterine cavity and an abnormal mass located in the abdomen. At the time of examination, the ewe was 4.5 months pregnant, but 10 months previously she had undergone a caesarean section due to dystocia. CLINICAL FINDINGS The abnormal mass (12 cm × 8 cm) was located outside the uterine cavity; it was anechoic at the periphery, and in the centre there was an echogenic embryo-like structure. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, which revealed an ectopic pregnancy through the caesarean scar. TREATMENT The ectopic foetus was excised and the caesarean scar was repaired. The ewe made a complete recovery and the intrauterine pregnancy was completed to full-term, resulting in the birth of a healthy female lamb 35 days after the removal of the ectopic foetus. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Ectopic pregnancies have previously been described in ewes. As far as the authors are aware, this is the first report of an ectopic pregnancy through a caesarean scar in sheep or any other farm animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Brozos
- a Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Aristotle University , 546 27 Thessaloniki , Greece
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31
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Griffith O, Van Dyke J, Thompson M. No implantation in an extra-uterine pregnancy of a placentotrophic reptile. Placenta 2013; 34:510-1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Revised: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Shaw JLV, Horne AW. The paracrinology of tubal ectopic pregnancy. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 358:216-22. [PMID: 21827822 PMCID: PMC3276879 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2011] [Revised: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
As part of successful human reproduction, the Fallopian tube must provide a suitable environment for pre-implantation development of the embryo and for efficient transport of the embryo to the uterus for implantation. These functions are coordinated by paracrine interactions between tubal epithelial, smooth muscle and immune cells and the cells of the developing embryo. Alterations in these signals can lead to a tubal microenvironment encouraging of embryo implantation and to dysregulated tubal motility, ultimately resulting in inappropriate and early implantation of the embryo in the Fallopian tube. Here, we highlight novel and emerging concepts in tubal physiology and pathobiology, such as the induction of a receptive phenotype within the Fallopian tube, leading to ectopic implantation. Chlamydia trachomatis infection is a risk factor for tubal ectopic pregnancy. Activation of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) in the Fallopian tube epithelium, by C. trachomatis has recently been demonstrated, leading to the dysregulation of factors involved in implantation and smooth muscle contractility, such as prokineticins (PROK), activin A and interleukin 1 (IL-1). The Fallopian tube has also recently been shown to harbour a unique population of immune cells, compared to the endometrium. In addition, the complement of immune cells in the Fallopian tube has been reported to be altered in Fallopian tube from women with ectopic pregnancy. There are increasing data suggesting that vascularisation of the Fallopian tube, by the embryo during ectopic pregnancy, differs from that initiated in the uterus during normal pregnancy. This too, is likely the result of paracrine signals between the embryo and the tubal microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie L. V. Shaw
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 1A8
| | - Andrew W. Horne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH16 4TJ
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Increased expression of the von Hippel-Lindau gene in the implantation site of human tubal pregnancy. Mol Cell Biochem 2012; 368:173-9. [PMID: 22714833 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-012-1357-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene in tissues of human fallopian tube and tubal pregnancy. Twenty patients undergoing salpingectomy for tubal pregnancy were recruited into the study group. Tissues of tubal pregnancy were separated into both the implantation and non-implantation sites as the implantation group and the non-implantation group, respectively. Samples of ampullary fallopian tube during mid-secretory phase were collected from twenty patients with benign uterine disease as the control group. Immunohistochemistry, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting analysis were performed to detect expressions of VHL mRNA and protein. The results showed that VHL immunostaining appeared in the cytoplasm of tubal epithelial cells. Expression of VHL mRNA in the implantation group was higher than that in the non-implantation group or the control group (P < 0.01). Intensity of VHL protein in the implantation group was increased compared with that in the non-implantation group (P < 0.05) or in the control group (P < 0.01). There was no difference on expressions of VHL mRNA and protein between the non-implantation group and the control group (P > 0.05). In conclusion, VHL mRNA and protein are present in human tubal tissues. The VHL gene expression is increased in the implantation site of tubal pregnancy, and locally elevated expression of the VHL gene might be associated with human tubal pregnancy.
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Shao R, Zou S, Wang X, Feng Y, Brännström M, Stener-Victorin E, Billig H. Revealing the hidden mechanisms of smoke-induced fallopian tubal implantation. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:131. [PMID: 22357544 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.098822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is an enigmatic reproductive disorder. Although tubal EP is difficult to predict, several hypotheses about its etiology have been proposed. In retrospective case-control studies, smoking is associated with an increased rate of EPs in the fallopian tube. Studies of experimental animals in vivo and human fallopian tubal tissues in vitro have suggested mechanisms of fallopian tubal damage and dysfunction induced by nicotine and other smoking-related chemicals that may explain this association. However, the pathogenesis of smoking-induced modulation of implantation leading to tubal EP is largely unknown. Because cigarette/tobacco smoke adversely affects the success of intrauterine implantation, there is a great need to determine how embryo implantation occurs in the fallopian tube in female smokers of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijin Shao
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Abstract
This case describes an extrauterine fetus that was discovered in an apparently healthy bitch 5 mo after whelping. The extrauterine fetus was surgically removed, and the bitch made a complete recovery. The topic of canine ectopic pregnancy is discussed, and a review of previously reported cases is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip D Eddey
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Understanding the cause of tubal ectopic pregnancy (tEP) remains incomplete. We aim to summarize the latest advances in laboratory models of tEP that we believe will, ultimately, contribute to improving the diagnosis and management of the condition. RECENT FINDINGS Progress in proteome prefractionation and multidimensional protein identification technology has proved particularly effective in identifying novel biomarkers of tEP. These, and related global proteomic and genomic approaches, have as yet to be fully exploited in this context but do have substantial potential to inform future hypothesis-driven studies. The majority of data generated since 2009 to explain the cause of tEP continues to derive from descriptive human ex-vivo studies. In-vitro models of fallopian tube ciliary and smooth muscle function have improved to a limited degree, on the back of continuing advances in imaging and data acquisition. We believe that the recent development of a primary human fallopian tube epithelium culture system represents the most significant recent advance in laboratory models for studying ectopic pregnancy. There remain no good animal models of tEP. SUMMARY The establishment of a viable animal model of tEP remains the key obstacle to a complete understanding of the cause of the condition.
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Ectopic pregnancy as a model to identify endometrial genes and signaling pathways important in decidualization and regulated by local trophoblast. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23595. [PMID: 21858178 PMCID: PMC3157392 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The endometrium in early pregnancy undergoes decidualization and functional changes induced by local trophoblast, which are not fully understood. We hypothesized that endometrium from tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP) could be interrogated to identify novel genes and pathways involved in these processes. Gestation-matched endometrium was collected from women with EP (n = 11) and intrauterine pregnancies (IUP) (n = 13). RNA was extracted from the tissue. In addition, tissues were prepared for histological analysis for degree of decidualization. We compared a) the samples from EP that were decidualized (n = 6) with non-decidualized samples (n = 5), and b) the decidualized EP (n = 6) with decidualization-matched IUP (n = 6) samples using an Affymetrix gene array platform, with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, combined with quantitative RT-PCR. Expression of PRL and IGFBP1 was used to confirm the degree of decidualization in each group. There were no differences in PRL or IGFBP1 expression in the decidualization-matched samples but a marked reduction (P<0.001) in the non-decidualized samples. Decidualization was associated with increased expression of 428 genes including SCARA5 (181-fold), DKK1 (71-fold) and PROK1 (32-fold), and decreased expression of 230 genes including MMP-7 (35-fold) and SFRP4 (21-fold). The top canonical pathways associated with these differentially expressed genes were Natural Killer Cell and Wnt/b-Catenin signaling. Local trophoblast was associated with much less alteration of endometrial gene expression with an increase in 56 genes, including CSH1 (8-fold), and a reduction in 29 genes including CRISP3 (8-fold). The top associated canonical pathway was Antigen Presentation. The study of endometrium from tubal EP may promote novel insights into genes involved in decidualization and those influenced by factors from neighboring trophoblast. This has afforded unique information not highlighted by previous studies and adds to our understanding of the endometrium in early pregnancy.
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Sivalingam VN, Duncan WC, Kirk E, Shephard LA, Horne AW. Diagnosis and management of ectopic pregnancy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 37:231-40. [PMID: 21727242 DOI: 10.1136/jfprhc-2011-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vanitha N Sivalingam
- Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Rosset E, Galet C, Buff S. A case report of an ectopic fetus in a cat. J Feline Med Surg 2011; 13:610-3. [PMID: 21641255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfms.2011.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2011] [Revised: 04/12/2011] [Accepted: 04/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
An ectopic fetus was discovered in an 18-month-old uniparous queen that was admitted for an elective ovariectomy. Six months prior she had delivered three healthy kittens. During the preoperative examination, a mass similar in size to a full-term fetus was detected in the abdominal cavity. Ultrasound examination revealed the mass to be an ectopic fetus in the mid-abdominal region. A mummified fetus was removed by laparotomy. No rupture of the uterine wall was visible, but a small necrotic area was present on the left uterine horn, adjacent to the very proximal portion of the uterine horn. The fetus, which was fully developed and covered by a thin membrane, was carefully dissected. Histological examination did not enable us to definitively prove the extra-uterine development of the fetus; however, the ectopic development of the conceptus secondarily expelled into the peritoneal cavity could be assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Rosset
- University Lyon 1, Pathology of Reproduction, VetAgro-Sup, Veterinary Campus of Lyon, Marcy l'Etoile F-69280, France.
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Kataoka A, Hirakawa S, Iwamoto M, Sakumura Y, Yoshinaga R. Ectopic pregnancy occurred after oocyte intrauterine transfer (OUT)--a case report. Kurume Med J 2011; 58:91-4. [PMID: 22531124 DOI: 10.2739/kurumemedj.58.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Although still an experimental procedure, it is hoped that oocyte intrauterine transfer (OUT) could become a convenient technique for initiating pregnancy. A 33-year old woman received OUT treatment after a period of infertility lasting for 3 years. Two weeks later the result of pregnancy test was positive, but shortly thereafter she complained of vaginal bleeding. Ultrasonography revealed a cystic lesion in her right adnexal area without any ascites. At laparotomy, a right side tubal pregnancy was confirmed. This is the first case report of ectopic pregnancy occurring after OUT. It was speculated that the OUT may have caused the tubal pregnancy. However, since the precise mechanism for embryonic implantation to the tubal epithelium is unknown, the causal relationship between OUT and tubal pregnancy remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akio Kataoka
- Clinic of obstetrics and gynecology, Kataoka Ladies Clinic, Yatsushiro, Japan
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Duncan WC, McDonald SE, Dickinson RE, Shaw JLV, Lourenco PC, Wheelhouse N, Lee KF, Critchley HOD, Horne AW. Expression of the repulsive SLIT/ROBO pathway in the human endometrium and Fallopian tube. Mol Hum Reprod 2010; 16:950-9. [PMID: 20651036 PMCID: PMC2992050 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaq055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated whether the repulsive SLIT/ROBO pathway is expressed in the endometrium and is negatively regulated during implantation. We also examined whether deficient expression in the Fallopian tube (FT) may predispose to ectopic pregnancy (EP). Endometrium (n = 21) and FT (n = 17) were collected across the menstrual cycle from fertile women with regular cycles. Decidualized endometrium (n = 6) was obtained from women undergoing termination, and FT (n = 6) was obtained from women with EP. SLIT/ROBO expression was quantified by reverse transcription-PCR and protein localized by immunohistochemistry. The regulation of SLIT/ROBO expression in vitro, by sex steroids and hCG, was assessed in endometrial (hTERT-EEpC) epithelial cells, and the effects of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and smoking were studied in oviductal (OE-E6/E7) epithelial cells. Endometrial SLIT3 was highest in the mid-secretory phase (P = 0.0003) and SLIT1,2 and ROBO1 showed a similar trend. ROBO2 was highest in proliferative phase (P = 0.027) and ROBO3,4 showed a similar trend. SLIT2,3 and ROBO1, 4 were lower in decidua compared with mid-secretory endometrium (P < 0.05). SLITs and ROBOs, excepting ROBO2, were expressed in FT but there were no differences across the cycle or in EP. SLIT/ROBO proteins were localized to endometrial and FT epithelium. Treatment of hTERT-EEpC with a combination of estradiol and medroxyprogesterone acetate inhibited ROBO1 expression (P < 0.01) but hCG had no effect. Acute treatment of OE-E6/E7 with smoking metabolite, cotinine, and C. trachomatis had no effect. These findings imply a regulated role for the endometrial SLIT/ROBO interaction during normal development and pregnancy but that it may not be important in the aetiology of EP.
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Affiliation(s)
- W C Duncan
- Centre for Reproductive Biology, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK.
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McIntyre RL, Levy JK, Roberts JF, Reep RL. Developmental uterine anomalies in cats and dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2010; 237:542-6. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.237.5.542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Shao R, Zhang SX, Weijdegård B, Zou S, Egecioglu E, Norström A, Brännström M, Billig H. Nitric oxide synthases and tubal ectopic pregnancies induced by Chlamydia infection: basic and clinical insights. Mol Hum Reprod 2010; 16:907-15. [PMID: 20647263 PMCID: PMC2989829 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaq063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human ectopic pregnancy (EP) remains a common cause of pregnancy-related first trimester death. Nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized from L-arginine by three NO synthases (NOS) in different tissues, including the Fallopian tube. Studies of knockout mouse models have improved our understanding of the function of NOS isoforms in reproduction, but their roles and specific mechanisms in infection-induced tubal dysfunction have not been fully elucidated. Here, we provide an overview of the expression, regulation and possible function of NOS isoforms in the Fallopian tube, highlighting the effects of infection-induced changes in the tubal cellular microenvironment (imbalance of NO production) on tubal dysfunction and the potential involvement of NOS isoforms in tubal EP after Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection. The non-equivalent regulation of tubal NOS isoforms during the menstrual cycle suggests that endogenous ovarian steroid hormones regulate NOS in an isoform-specific manner. The current literature suggests that infection with C. trachomatis induces an inflammatory response that eventually leads to tubal epithelial destruction and functional impairment, caused by a high NO output mediated by inducible NOS (iNOS). Therefore, tissue-specific therapeutic approaches to suppress iNOS expression may help to prevent ectopic implantation in patients with prior C. trachomatis infection of the Fallopian tube.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijin Shao
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Arikan DC, Kiran G, Coskun A, Kostu B. Unilateral tubal twin ectopic pregnancy treated with single-dose methotrexate. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2010; 283:397-9. [PMID: 20376673 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-010-1449-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2009] [Accepted: 03/16/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spontaneous tubal twin pregnancy is a rare condition with an incidence of 1 in every 125,000 pregnancies. We present the case of a unilateral tubal twin ectopic pregnancy treated with single-dose methotrexate. CASE A 26-year-old nulliparous woman was admitted to our clinic with a complaint of vaginal bleeding and leftside pelvic pain. Her serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level was 18,780 mIU/mL and ultrasound revealed tubal twin pregnancy of 7 weeks' gestation. Because her vital signs were stable and no sign of tubal rupture was present, we performed single-dose (100 mg) methotrexate intramuscularly. In the follow-up, serum β-hCG levels were found to be 7,600 mIU/ml on day 7, 948 mIU/ml on day 20, 126 mIU/ml on day 26 and <10 mIU/ml on day 42. CONCLUSION Methotrexate theraphy may be preferred in tubal twin ectopic pregnancies when the vital signs of the patient are stable and the fetal cardiac activities are negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Cemgil Arikan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey.
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Shaw JLV, Dey SK, Critchley HOD, Horne AW. Current knowledge of the aetiology of human tubal ectopic pregnancy. Hum Reprod Update 2010; 16:432-44. [PMID: 20071358 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmp057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy which occurs outside of the uterine cavity, and over 98% implant in the Fallopian tube. Tubal ectopic pregnancy remains the most common cause of maternal mortality in the first trimester of pregnancy. The epidemiological risk factors for tubal ectopic pregnancy are well established and include: tubal damage as a result of surgery or infection (particularly Chlamydia trachomatis), smoking and in vitro fertilization. This review appraises the data to date researching the aetiology of tubal ectopic pregnancy. METHODS Scientific literature was searched for studies investigating the underlying aetiology of tubal ectopic pregnancy. RESULTS Existing data addressing the underlying cause of tubal ectopic pregnancy are mostly descriptive. There are currently few good animal models of tubal ectopic pregnancy. There are limited data explaining the link between risk factors and tubal implantation. CONCLUSIONS Current evidence supports the hypothesis that tubal ectopic pregnancy is caused by a combination of retention of the embryo within the Fallopian tube due to impaired embryo-tubal transport and alterations in the tubal environment allowing early implantation to occur. Future studies are needed that address the functional consequences of infection and smoking on Fallopian tube physiology. A greater understanding of the aetiology of tubal ectopic pregnancy is critical for the development of improved preventative measures, the advancement of diagnostic screening methods and the development of novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L V Shaw
- Centre for Reproductive Biology, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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Shao R. Understanding the mechanisms of human tubal ectopic pregnancies: new evidence from knockout mouse models. Hum Reprod 2009; 25:584-7. [PMID: 20023297 PMCID: PMC2817566 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dep438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ectopic pregnancy, a worldwide health problem, is potentially life-threatening and occurs in approximately 1.5–2% of all pregnancies in the western world; however, the precise mechanisms underlying the initiation and development of tubal ectopic pregnancy are unknown. Tubal abnormalities and dysfunction, such as altered contractility or abnormal ciliary activity, have been speculated to lead to tubal ectopic pregnancy. To elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the tubal transport process, several knockout (KO) mouse models have been developed. This review summarizes what has been learned from studies of the Fallopian tube in caspase-1, cannabinoid receptor and Dicer1 KO mice. Our understanding of the mechanisms which contribute to tubal ectopic pregnancy in humans may be enhanced through further study of these KO mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijin Shao
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Extending the knowledge in histochemistry and cell biology. Histochem Cell Biol 2009; 133:1-40. [PMID: 19946696 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-009-0665-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Central to modern Histochemistry and Cell Biology stands the need for visualization of cellular and molecular processes. In the past several years, a variety of techniques has been achieved bridging traditional light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy with powerful software-based post-processing and computer modeling. Researchers now have various tools available to investigate problems of interest from bird's- up to worm's-eye of view, focusing on tissues, cells, proteins or finally single molecules. Applications of new approaches in combination with well-established traditional techniques of mRNA, DNA or protein analysis have led to enlightening and prudent studies which have paved the way toward a better understanding of not only physiological but also pathological processes in the field of cell biology. This review is intended to summarize articles standing for the progress made in "histo-biochemical" techniques and their manifold applications.
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Eutopic or Ectopic Pregnancy: A Competition between Signals Derived from the Endometrium and the Fallopian Tube for Blastocyst Implantation. Placenta 2009; 30:835-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2009.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2009] [Revised: 07/30/2009] [Accepted: 07/31/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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The expression of receptivity markers in the fallopian tube epithelium. Histochem Cell Biol 2009; 132:159-67. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-009-0593-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2009] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Fukuda MN, Sugihara K. An integrated view of L-selectin and trophinin function in human embryo implantation. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2008; 34:129-36. [PMID: 18412772 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2008.00776.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Determining molecular mechanisms of human embryo implantation is an extremely challenging task due to the limitation of materials and significant differences underlying this process among mammalian species. Recently, L-selectin and its ligand carbohydrate have been proposed as a system that mediates initial adhesion of human blastocysts to the uterine epithelia. We have also identified trophinin as a unique apical cell adhesion molecule potentially involved in the initial adhesion of trophectoderm of the human blastocyst to endometrial surface epithelia. In the mouse, the binding between ErbB4 on the blastocyst and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor on the endometrial surface enables the initial step of the blastocyst implantation. The evidence suggests that L-selectin and trophinin are included in human embryo implantation. This review summarizes findings relevant to the functions of L-selectin and trophinin in human embryo implantation, and proposes a model that reconciles these cell adhesion mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko N Fukuda
- Glycobiology Unit, Tumor Microenvironment Program, NCI Cancer Center, Burnham Institute for Medical Research, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
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