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Guan CY, Zhang D, Sun XC, Ma X, Xia HF. Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined with Dehydroepiandrosterone Inhibits Inflammation-Induced Uterine Aging in Mice. Stem Cells Dev 2024; 33:419-431. [PMID: 38770820 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2023.0290] [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] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
With the postponement of the reproductive age of women, the difficulty of embryo implantation caused by uterine aging has become a key factor restricting fertility. However, there are few studies on protective interventions for naturally aging uteri. Although many factors cause uterine aging, such as oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and fibrosis, their impact on uterine function manifests as reduced endometrial receptivity. This study aimed to use a combination of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to delay uterine aging. The results showed that the combined treatment of hUC-MSCs + DHEA increased the number of uterine glandular bodies and the thickness of the endometrium while inhibiting the senescence of endometrial epithelial cells. This combined treatment alleviates the expression of OS (reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase, and GSH-PX) and proinflammatory factors (interleukin [IL]-1, IL6, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in the uterus, delaying the aging process. The combined treatment of hUC-MSCs + DHEA alleviated the abnormal hormone response of the endometrium, inhibited excessive accumulation and fibrosis of uterine collagen, and upregulated uterine estrogen and progesterone receptors through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. This study suggests that uterine aging can be delayed through hUC-MSCs + DHEA combination therapy, providing a new treatment method for uterine aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yi Guan
- Reproductive and Genetic Center, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Cheng Sun
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Ma
- Reproductive and Genetic Center, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Fei Xia
- Reproductive and Genetic Center, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Yuan L, Huang W, Bi Y, Chen S, Wang X, Li T, Wei P, Du J, Zhao L, Liu B, Yang Y. G-CSF-mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells combined with platelet-rich plasma restored the ovarian function of aged rats. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 158:103953. [PMID: 37209460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regenerative medicine with peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) transplantation sheds light on the issue of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). However, the efficiency of PBMC treatment in natural ovarian aging (NOA) remains unclear. METHODS Thirteen-month-old female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used to verify the NOA model. Seventy-two NOA rats were randomly divided into three groups: the NOA control group, PBMC group, and PBMC+platelet-rich plasma (PRP) group. PBMCs and PRP were transplanted by intraovarian injection. The effects on ovarian function and fertility were measured after transplantation. RESULTS Transplantation of PBMCs could restore the normal estrous cycle, consistent with the recovery of serum sex hormone levels, increased follicle numbers at all stages, and restoration of fertility by facilitating pregnancy and live birth. Moreover, when combined with PRP injection, these effects were more significant. The male-specific SRY gene was detected in the ovary at all four time points, suggesting that PBMCs continuously survived and functioned in NOA rats. In addition, after PBMC treatment, the expression of angiogenesis-related and glycolysis-related markers in the ovaries was upregulated, which indicated that these effects were associated with angiogenesis and glycolysis. CONCLUSIONS PBMC transplantation restores the ovarian functions and fertility of NOA rats, and PRP could enhance the efficiency. Increased ovarian vascularization, follicle production, and glycolysis are likely the major mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Yuan
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Weiyu Huang
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Yin Bi
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Saiqiong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi 545005, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Ting Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Peiru Wei
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Jiebing Du
- Guangxi Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530002, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China.
| | - Yihua Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China.
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Wu Y, Li M, Zhang J, Wang S. Unveiling uterine aging: Much more to learn. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 86:101879. [PMID: 36764360 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Uterine aging is an important factor that impacts fertility, reproductive health, and uterus-related diseases; however, it remains poorly explored. Functionally, these disturbances have been associated with an abnormal hormonal response in the endometrium and decreased endometrial receptivity. Based on emerging evidence, these alterations are mediated via the senescence of endometrial stem cells and impaired decidualization of endometrial stromal cells. Multiple molecular activities may participate in uterine aging, including oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, DNA damage response, and cellular senescence. Over the past decade, several protective strategies targeting these biological processes have afforded promising results, including stem cell therapy, anti-aging drugs, and herbal medicines. However, the currently available evidence is fragmented and scattered. Here, we summarize the most recent findings regarding uterine aging, including functional and structural alterations and potential cellular and molecular mechanisms, and discuss potential protective interventions against uterine aging. Thereby, we hope to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiological processes and underlying mechanisms associated with uterine aging, as well as improve fecundity and reproductive outcomes in females of advanced reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Milu Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinjin Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Shixuan Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Liu Y, Gao J. Reproductive aging: biological pathways and potential interventive strategies. J Genet Genomics 2023; 50:141-150. [PMID: 35840100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2022.07.002] [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: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive aging is a natural process conserved across species and is well-known in females. It shows age-related follicle depletion and reduction of oocyte quality, eventually causing reproductive senescence and menopause. Although reproductive aging in males is not well noticed as in females, it also causes infertility and has deleterious consequences on the offspring. Various factors have been suggested to contribute to reproductive aging, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial defects, telomere shortening, meiotic chromosome segregation errors and genetic alterations. With the increasing trend of pregnancy age, it is particularly crucial to find interventions to preserve or extend human fertility. Studies in humans and model organisms have provided insights into the biological pathways associated with reproductive aging, and a series of potential interventive strategies have been tested. Here, we review factors affecting reproductive aging in females and males and summarize interventive strategies that may help delay or rescue the aging phenotypes of reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Liu
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
| | - Jinmin Gao
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China.
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