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Jianu EM, Pop RM, Gherman LM, Ranga F, Levai AM, Rus V, Bolboacă SD, Ștefan RA, Onofrei MM, Nati ID, Stoia IA, Ștefan PA, Mihu C, Mihu CM. The Effect of Rubus idaeus Polyphenols Extract in Induced Endometriosis in Rats. Molecules 2024; 29:778. [PMID: 38398530 PMCID: PMC10893551 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29040778] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition with a complex physio-pathological background. This study aimed to assess the role of Rubus idaeus leaf extract (RiDE) as a potential therapeutic agent in reducing the size of the endometriotic lesions and modulate the plasma expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TGF-β1. The endometriotic lesions were induced in a rat model by the autologous transplant of endometrium. Thirty-six female rats, Wistar breed, with induced endometriosis, were divided into four groups and underwent treatment for 28 days. The CTRL group received 0.5 mL/day of the vehicle; the DG group received 1 mg/kg b.w./day dienogest; the RiDG group received 0.25 mL/kg b.w./day RiDE and the D+RiDG group received 1 mg/kg b.w./day dienogest and 0.25 mL/kg b.w./day RiDE, respectively. Rats' weight, endometriotic lesion diameter and grade, and plasma levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TGF-β1 were assessed before and after treatment. The administration of RiDE in association with dienogest vs. dienogest determined a lower weight gain and a reduction in diameter of the endometriotic lesions. RiDE administration restored MMP2 and MMP9 plasma levels to initial conditions. Rubus idaeus extract may help in reducing dienogest-associated weight gain, lower the size of endometriotic lesions, and have anti-inflammatory effects through MMP2 and MMP9 reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena-Mihaela Jianu
- Histology, Department of Morphofunctional Sciences, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babeș, No 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (E.-M.J.); (R.-A.Ș.); (M.M.O.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Raluca Maria Pop
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Morphofunctional Sciences, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babeș, No 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Luciana Mădălina Gherman
- Experimental Centre, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Louis Pasteur, No 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Floricuța Ranga
- Food Science and Technology, Department of Food Science, University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur, No 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Antonia-Mihaela Levai
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Mother and Child, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babeș, No 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-M.L.); (I.-D.N.)
| | - Vasile Rus
- Department of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur, No 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Sorana D. Bolboacă
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Louis Pasteur, No 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Roxana-Adelina Ștefan
- Histology, Department of Morphofunctional Sciences, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babeș, No 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (E.-M.J.); (R.-A.Ș.); (M.M.O.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Mădălin Mihai Onofrei
- Histology, Department of Morphofunctional Sciences, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babeș, No 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (E.-M.J.); (R.-A.Ș.); (M.M.O.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Ionel-Daniel Nati
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Mother and Child, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babeș, No 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-M.L.); (I.-D.N.)
| | - Ioana Alexandra Stoia
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department County Emergency Hospital, Clinicilor, No 3-5, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Paul-Andrei Ștefan
- Anatomy and Embryology, Department of Morphological Sciences, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babeș, No 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Carina Mihu
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Morphofunctional Sciences, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babeș, No 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Carmen Mihaela Mihu
- Histology, Department of Morphofunctional Sciences, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babeș, No 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (E.-M.J.); (R.-A.Ș.); (M.M.O.); (C.M.M.)
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Abdolmaleki A, Jalili C, Mansouri K, Bakhtiari M. New rat to mouse xenograft transplantation of endometrium as a model of human endometriosis. Animal Model Exp Med 2021; 4:268-277. [PMID: 34557653 PMCID: PMC8446700 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis can lead to infertility. Since there is no definitive treatment for endometriosis, animal modelling seems necessary to examine the possible treatments. Mouse endometrium cannot be separated for endometriosis induction. In addition, transplantation of uterus into the abdominal viscera to induce endometriosis causes organ damage. In this study, we defined a new model of endometriosis leading to separability of endometrium and a safe anatomical region for transplantation. Methods Forty female mice were allocated to 5 groups: 1, sham; 2, allograft uterus transplantation of mice to anterior abdominal wall of mice; 3, allograft uterus transplantation of mice to mesentery of mice; 4, xenograft endometrial transplantation of rat to anterior abdominal wall of mice; 5, xenograft endometrial transplantation of rat to mesentery of mice. Adult female rats with a previous pregnancy experience were selected and placed in the vicinity of male rats for 2 weeks to induce estrogen secretion and increase endometrial thickness. Results In the 4th group of animals, compared to sham, the peritoneal concentrations of VEGF-A, TNF-α, NO, MDA, and serum levels of CA-125 and IL-37 were increased and total body weight was decreased, while weight and size of endometrial lesions were increased significantly (P < .05). Genes expression of HOXA10 and HOXA11 were decreased significantly (P < .05) in groups 2 and 4 compared to sham. Conclusions Xenograft transplantation of endometrium from rat to anterior abdominal wall of mice can potentially mimic human endometriosis morphologically, histologically, and genetically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abdolmaleki
- Department of Anatomical SciencesFaculty of MedicineKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Cyrus Jalili
- Medical Biology Research CenterHealth Technology InstituteKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Kamran Mansouri
- Medical Biology Research CenterHealth Technology InstituteKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Mitra Bakhtiari
- Department of Anatomical SciencesFaculty of MedicineKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
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Santorelli S, Fischer DP, Harte MK, Laru J, Marshall KM. In vivo effects of AZD4547, a novel fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor, in a mouse model of endometriosis. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00759. [PMID: 33811484 PMCID: PMC8019068 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic disease, characterized by the growth of endometrial-like cells outside the uterine cavity. Due to its complex pathophysiology, a totally resolving cure is yet to be found. The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of AZD4547, a novel fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor (FGFRI), with a well-characterized progestin, etonogestrel (ENG) using a validated in vivo mouse model of endometriosis. Endometriosis was induced by transplanting uterine fragments from donor mice in proestrus into the peritoneal cavity of recipient mice, which then developed into cyst-like lesions. AZD4547 and ENG were administered systemically either from the day of endometriosis induction or 2-weeks post-surgery. After 20 days of treatment, the lesions were harvested; their size and weight were measured and analyzed histologically or by qRT-PCR. Stage of estrous cycle was monitored throughout. Compared to vehicle, AZD4547 (25 mg/kg) was most effective in counteracting lesion growth when treating from day of surgery and 2 weeks after; ENG (0.8 mg/kg) was similarly effective in reducing lesion growth but only when administered from day of surgery. Each downregulated FGFR gene expression (p < 0.05). AZD4547 at all doses and ENG (0.008 mg/kg) caused no disturbance to the estrous cycle. ENG at 0.08 and 0.8 mg/kg was associated with partial or complete estrous cycle disruption and hyperemia of the uteri. AZD4547 and ENG both attenuated endometriotic lesion size, but only AZD4547 did not disrupt the estrous cycle, suggesting that targeting of FGFR is worthy of further investigation as a novel treatment for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Santorelli
- NorthWest Centre for Advanced Drug Delivery (NoWCADD), School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.,AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Deborah P Fischer
- NorthWest Centre for Advanced Drug Delivery (NoWCADD), School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Michael K Harte
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Johanna Laru
- Early Product Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, iMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Kay M Marshall
- NorthWest Centre for Advanced Drug Delivery (NoWCADD), School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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Effects of Camellia Sinensis Extract on Repeated Restraint Stress-Induced Ovariectomized Female Rats. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:1926352. [PMID: 31428628 PMCID: PMC6681582 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1926352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The mortality of individuals suffering from depression has been increasing, noticeably of postmenopausal women; consequently, their care and treatment are significant to retain a high quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Camellia sinensis (CS) on repeated stress-induced changes of the depression related function on the tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST) in ovariectomized female rats. After behavioral test, we evaluated the changes in the neurotransmitter by measuring the level of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NaC) and the serum levels of estrogen and oxytocin. We used 18F-2-fluoro-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) to examine the effects of CS on glucose metabolism in ovariectomized rats. Female rats were randomly segregated into three groups. Nor group was considered as nonoperated and nonstressed group, while the control was the ovariectomized and stressed group (OVX+ST), and CS was the ovariectomized, stressed and CS treated group. The rats were exposed to immobilization stress (IMO) for 14 d (2 h/d), and CS (300 mg/kg, i.p.) was treated 30 min before IMO stress. Significant reduction of immobility in the TST and FST was indicated in rats treatment with CS compared to the control group (OVX+ST). The levels of estrogen in the serum of the Nor and CS groups were significantly elevated compared to the OVX+ST group. Also, CS activated brain glucose metabolism in the cortex. The present findings suggested that CS had antidepressant effectiveness in a menopausal depression animal model. These findings suggest evidence that CS plays a crucial role in stressful situation, providing that CS might be a dependable antidepressant medicine to treat menopausal depression.
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Kiani K, Rudzitis-Auth J, Scheuer C, Movahedin M, Sadati Lamardi SN, Malekafzali Ardakani H, Becker V, Moini A, Aflatoonian R, Ostad SN, Menger MD, Laschke MW. Calligonum comosum (Escanbil) extract exerts anti-angiogenic, anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects on endometriotic lesions. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 239:111918. [PMID: 31034955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.111918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Calligonum comosum is a desert plant that is applied in traditional folkloric medicine for the treatment of abnormally heavy or prolonged menstruation and menstrual cramps. Moreover, it has been suggested for the treatment of infertility-causing conditions. Its bioactive chemical constituents inhibit multiple processes, such as angiogenesis, inflammation and invasive tissue growth, which may be beneficial in the therapy of endometriosis. AIM OF THE STUDY We investigated the effects of Calligonum comosum on the development of endometriotic lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated the anti-angiogenic activity of Calligonum comosum ethyl acetate fraction (CCEAF) in different in vitro angiogenesis assays. Moreover, we surgically induced endometriotic lesions in BALB/c mice, which received 50 mg/kg Calligonum comosum total extract (CCTE) or vehicle (control) over 4 weeks. The growth, cyst formation, vascularization and immune cell infiltration of the lesions were assessed with high-resolution ultrasound imaging, caliper measurements, histology and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS CCEAF doses of up to 10 μg/mL did not impair the viability of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC), but dose-dependently suppressed their migration, tube formation and sprouting, indicating a substantial anti-angiogenic effect of CCEAF. Furthermore, CCTE significantly inhibited the growth and cyst formation of developing murine endometriotic lesions when compared to vehicle-treated controls. This was associated with a reduced vascularization, cell proliferation and immune cell infiltration. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that Calligonum comosum targets multiple, fundamental processes in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, which may be beneficial for the treatment of this common gynecological disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiandokht Kiani
- Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Jeannette Rudzitis-Auth
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Claudia Scheuer
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Mansoureh Movahedin
- Anatomical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Hossein Malekafzali Ardakani
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vivien Becker
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Ashraf Moini
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Arash Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Aflatoonian
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Nasser Ostad
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Michael D Menger
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Matthias W Laschke
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
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Ghersa F, Delsouc MB, Goyeneche AA, Vallcaneras SS, Meresman G, Telleria CM, Casais M. Reduced inflammatory state promotes reinnervation of endometriotic-like lesions in TNFRp55 deficient mice. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 25:385-396. [PMID: 31070761 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease, characterized by growth of endometrial tissue in ectopic sites due to alteration of peritoneal homeostasis and deregulation of apoptosis. Here we have examined whether TNFRp55 deficiency modulates the pro-inflammatory state and the reinnervation of endometriotic-like lesions in mice. Two-month-old female C57BL/6 mice, eight wild type (WT) and eight TNFRp55-/- (KO) were used in the study. Endometriotic-like lesions were induced experimentally. The right uterine horn was removed from the animal, divided longitudinally, cut in three square pieces and sutured to the intestine mesentery. After 4 weeks, the lesions and the peritoneal fluid were collected. The level of TNFα in the peritoneal fluid was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (EIA). The expressions of COX2, GRα and GRβ were evaluated in the lesions by western blot and immunohistochemistry. β-III TUBULIN, BDNF and NGF protein concentrations were evaluated in the lesions by western blot. Gene expression of Pgp 9.5, SP and Th was analyzed by RT-PCR, whereas relative concentrations of TRKA, NTRp75, phosphorylated NFκB (pNFκB) and total NFκB in lesions were measured by EIA. Compared with the WT group, the KO mice showed lower TNFα levels in the peritoneal fluid and lower numbers of COX2 immunoreactive cells along with increased expression of GRα, β-III TUBULIN, Pgp 9.5, SP, Th, BDNF, NGF, NTRp75 and pNFκB in the lesions. Future histological studies will be necessary to confirm the sensory/sympathetic imbalance in the endometriotic-like lesions of the KO mice. Our results suggest that a reduced inflammatory state promotes reinnervation of endometriotic-like lesions in TNFRp55-/- mice. Chronic deregulation of TNF receptors can have serious consequences for women with advanced endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ghersa
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción (LABIR), Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis (IMIBIO-SL-CONICET), Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW, San Luis, Argentina
| | - M B Delsouc
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción (LABIR), Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis (IMIBIO-SL-CONICET), Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW, San Luis, Argentina
| | - A A Goyeneche
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - S S Vallcaneras
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción (LABIR), Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis (IMIBIO-SL-CONICET), Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW, San Luis, Argentina
| | - G Meresman
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Endometrial, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, CP C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C M Telleria
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - M Casais
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción (LABIR), Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis (IMIBIO-SL-CONICET), Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW, San Luis, Argentina
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Chadchan SB, Cheng M, Parnell LA, Yin Y, Schriefer A, Mysorekar IU, Kommagani R. Antibiotic therapy with metronidazole reduces endometriosis disease progression in mice: a potential role for gut microbiota. Hum Reprod 2019; 34:1106-1116. [PMID: 31037294 PMCID: PMC6554192 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does altering gut microbiota with antibiotic treatment have any impact on endometriosis progression? SUMMARY ANSWER Antibiotic therapy reduces endometriosis progression in mice, possibly by reducing specific gut bacteria. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Endometriosis, a chronic condition causing abdominal pain and infertility, afflicts up to 10% of women between the ages of 25 and 40, ~5 million women in the USA. Current treatment strategies, including hormone therapy and surgery, have significant side effects and do not prevent recurrences. We have little understanding of why some women develop endometriosis and others do not. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Mice were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics or metronidazole, subjected to surgically-induced endometriosis and assayed after 21 days. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The volumes and weights of endometriotic lesions and histological signatures were analysed. Proliferation and inflammation in lesions were assessed by counting cells that were positive for the proliferation marker Ki-67 and the macrophage marker Iba1, respectively. Differences in faecal bacterial composition were assessed in mice with and without endometriosis, and faecal microbiota transfer studies were performed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In mice treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics (vancomycin, neomycin, metronidazole and ampicillin), endometriotic lesions were significantly smaller (~ 5-fold; P < 0.01) with fewer proliferating cells (P < 0.001) than those in mice treated with vehicle. Additionally, inflammatory responses, as measured by the macrophage marker Iba1 in lesions and IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and TGF-β1 in peritoneal fluid, were significantly reduced in mice treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics (P < 0.05). In mice treated with metronidazole only, but not in those treated with neomycin, ectopic lesions were significantly (P < 0.001) smaller in volume than those from vehicle-treated mice. Finally, oral gavage of faeces from mice with endometriosis restored the endometriotic lesion growth and inflammation (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) in metronidazole-treated mice. LARGE-SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION These findings are from a mouse model of surgically-induced endometriosis. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanism by which gut bacteria promote inflammation, identify bacterial genera or species that promote disease progression and assess the translatability of these findings to humans. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings suggest that gut bacteria promote endometriosis progression in mice. This finding if translated to humans, could aid in the development of improved diagnostic tools and personalised treatment strategies. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded, in part, by: a National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) grant (R00HD080742) to RK; Washington University School of Medicine start-up funds to RK; an Endometriosis Foundation of America Research Award to R.K.; and an NIH/NICHD grant (R01HD091218) to IUM. The authors report no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangappa B Chadchan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis MO 63110, USA
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis MO 63110, USA
| | - Meng Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis MO 63110, USA
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis MO 63110, USA
| | - Lindsay A Parnell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis MO 63110, USA
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis MO 63110, USA
| | - Yin Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis MO 63110, USA
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis MO 63110, USA
| | - Andrew Schriefer
- Genome Technology Access Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis MO 63110, USA
| | - Indira U Mysorekar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis MO 63110, USA
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis MO 63110, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis MO 63110, USA
| | - Ramakrishna Kommagani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis MO 63110, USA
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis MO 63110, USA
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