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Yang G, Deng Y, Cao G, Liu C. Galectin-3 promotes fibrosis in ovarian endometriosis. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16922. [PMID: 38371379 PMCID: PMC10874174 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the potential role of galectin-3 (Gal-3) in the pathogenesis of fibrotic alterations in ovarian endometriosis (OVE). Methods In this study, we collected the ectopic endometrial tissues and eutopic endometrial tissues from 31 OVE patients treated by laparoscopy, and the eutopic endometrial tissues from 23 non-OVE patients with leiomyoma or other benign diseases were used as control. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining were utilized for histopathological assessment. The primary normal endometrial stromal cells (NESC), ectopic endometrial stromal cells (ECSC), and eutopic endometrial stromal cells (EUSC) were isolated. Gal-3 overexpression plasmids (Gal-OE) and short hairpin RNA targeting Gal-3 (Gal-3-shRNA) were transfected into the immortalized human endometriotic cell line 12Z, respectively. RT-qPCR, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of Gal-3, type I collagen (COL-1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), respectively. Results H&E and Masson staining showed that ovarian ectopic endometrium exhibited glandular hyperplasia, high columnar glandular epithelium, apical plasma secretion, more subnuclear vacuoles, and obvious fibrosis, compared with normal endometrium. The mRNA and protein levels of Gal-3 , CTGF, α-SMA, and COL-1 were all upregulated in the ectopic endometrial tissues of OVE patients compared to the eutopic endometrial tissues from OVE patients and non-OVE patients. Moreover, ECSC expressed higher levels of Gal-3, CTGF, α-SMA, and COL-1 than EUSC and NESC. Follow-up investigations demonstrated that the Gal-3 overexpression substantially increased fibrosis-related markers including CTGF, α-SMA, and COL-1 within the 12Z cell line. Conversely, Gal-3 knockdown showed the opposite effects. Conclusion Gal-3 promotes fibrosis in OVE, positioning it as a prospective therapeutic target for mitigating fibrosis in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guimin Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yupeng Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangming Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chongdong Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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2
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Brulport A, Bourdon M, Vaiman D, Drouet C, Pocate-Cheriet K, Bouzid K, Marcellin L, Santulli P, Abo C, Jeljeli M, Chouzenoux S, Chapron C, Batteux F, Berthelot C, Doridot L. An integrated multi-tissue approach for endometriosis candidate biomarkers: a systematic review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:21. [PMID: 38341605 PMCID: PMC10858544 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01181-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomarker identification could help in deciphering endometriosis pathophysiology in addition to their use in the development of non invasive diagnostic and prognostic approaches, that are essential to greatly improve patient care. Despite extensive efforts, no single potential biomarker or combination has been clinically validated for endometriosis.Many studies have investigated endometriosis-associated biological markers in specific tissues, but an integrative approach across tissues is lacking. The aim of this review is to propose a comprehensive overview of identified biomarkers based on tissue or biological compartment, while taking into account endometriosis phenotypes (superficial, ovarian or deep, or rASRM stages), menstrual cycle phases, treatments and symptoms.We searched PubMed and Embase databases for articles matching the following criteria: 'endometriosis' present in the title and the associated term 'biomarkers' found as Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms or in all fields. We restricted to publications in English and on human populations. Relevant articles published between 01 January 2005 (when endometriosis phenotypes start to be described in papers) and 01 September 2022 were critically analysed and discussed.Four hundred forty seven articles on endometriosis biomarkers that included a control group without endometriosis and provided specific information on endometriosis phenotypes are included in this review. Presence of information or adjustment controlling for menstrual cycle phase, symptoms and treatments is highlighted, and the results are further summarized by biological compartment. The 9 biological compartments studied for endometriosis biomarker research are in order of frequency: peripheral blood, eutopic endometrium, peritoneal fluid, ovaries, urine, menstrual blood, saliva, feces and cervical mucus. Adjustments of results on disease phenotypes, cycle phases, treatments and symptoms are present in 70%, 29%, 3% and 6% of selected articles, respectively. A total of 1107 biomarkers were identified in these biological compartments. Of these, 74 were found in several biological compartments by at least two independent research teams and only 4 (TNF-a, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and miR-451) are detected in at least 3 tissues with cohorts of 30 women or more.Integrative analysis is a crucial step to highlight potential pitfalls behind the lack of success in the search for clinically relevant endometriosis biomarkers, and to illuminate the physiopathology of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axelle Brulport
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3525, INSERM UA12, Comparative Functional Genomics Group, Paris, 75015, France.
| | - Mathilde Bourdon
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
- Département de Gynécologie, Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, AP-HP, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Daniel Vaiman
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Christian Drouet
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Faculté de Santé, Faculté de Médecine Paris Centre, Paris, France, Service de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, AP-HP, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Paris, 75014, France
| | - Khaled Pocate-Cheriet
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Faculté de Santé, Faculté de Médecine Paris Centre, Paris, France, Service de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, AP-HP, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Paris, 75014, France
| | - Kheira Bouzid
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Louis Marcellin
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
- Département de Gynécologie, Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, AP-HP, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Pietro Santulli
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
- Département de Gynécologie, Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, AP-HP, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Carole Abo
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
- Département de Gynécologie, Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, AP-HP, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Jeljeli
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
- Service d'Immunologie Biologique, AP-HP, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Paris, F-75014, France
| | - Sandrine Chouzenoux
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Charles Chapron
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
- Département de Gynécologie, Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, AP-HP, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Batteux
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
- Service d'Immunologie Biologique, AP-HP, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Paris, F-75014, France
| | - Camille Berthelot
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3525, INSERM UA12, Comparative Functional Genomics Group, Paris, 75015, France
| | - Ludivine Doridot
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
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Zhou Z, Feng Z, Sun X, Wang Y, Dou G. The Role of Galectin-3 in Retinal Degeneration and Other Ocular Diseases: A Potential Novel Biomarker and Therapeutic Target. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15516. [PMID: 37958500 PMCID: PMC10649114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115516] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Galectin-3 is the most studied member of the Galectin family, with a large range of mediation in biological activities such as cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, cell adhesion, and tissue repair, as well as in pathological processes such as inflammation, tissue fibrosis, and angiogenesis. As is known to all, inflammation, aberrant cell apoptosis, and neovascularization are the main pathophysiological processes in retinal degeneration and many ocular diseases. Therefore, the review aims to conclude the role of Gal3 in the retinal degeneration of various diseases as well as the occurrence and development of the diseases and discuss its molecular mechanisms according to research in systemic diseases. At the same time, we summarized the predictive role of Gal3 as a biomarker and the clinical application of its inhibitors to discuss the possibility of Gal3 as a novel target for the treatment of ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yusheng Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Z.Z.); (Z.F.); (X.S.)
| | - Guorui Dou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Z.Z.); (Z.F.); (X.S.)
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Ahmed R, Anam K, Ahmed H. Development of Galectin-3 Targeting Drugs for Therapeutic Applications in Various Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8116. [PMID: 37175823 PMCID: PMC10179732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Galectin-3 (Gal3) is one of the most studied members of the galectin family that mediate various biological processes such as growth regulation, immune function, cancer metastasis, and apoptosis. Since Gal3 is pro-inflammatory, it is involved in many diseases that are associated with chronic inflammation such as cancer, organ fibrosis, and type 2 diabetes. As a multifunctional protein involved in multiple pathways of many diseases, Gal3 has generated significant interest in pharmaceutical industries. As a result, several Gal3-targeting therapeutic drugs are being developed to address unmet medical needs. Based on the PubMed search of Gal3 to date (1987-2023), here, we briefly describe its structure, carbohydrate-binding properties, endogenous ligands, and roles in various diseases. We also discuss its potential antagonists that are currently being investigated clinically or pre-clinically by the public and private companies. The updated knowledge on Gal3 function in various diseases could initiate new clinical or pre-clinical investigations to test therapeutic strategies, and some of these strategies could be successful and recognized as novel therapeutics for unmet medical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hafiz Ahmed
- GlycoMantra Inc., Biotechnology Center, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
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5
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Yamashita S, Hashimoto K, Sawada I, Ogawa M, Nakatsuka E, Kawano M, Kinose Y, Kodama M, Sawada K, Kimura T. Endometrial galectin-3 causes endometriosis by supporting eutopic endometrial cell survival and engraftment in the peritoneal cavity. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 87:e13533. [PMID: 35366371 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13533] [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: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The pathogenesis of endometriosis remains unclear. Endometrial cells in retrograde menstruation are considered the source of endometriosis; therefore, we hypothesized that the eutopic endometrium may provide clues regarding the pathogenesis. We aimed to clarify the role of eutopic endometrial cells in endometriosis development. METHOD OF STUDY Eutopic endometrial tissues were obtained from patients with or without endometriosis, and expression of cell surface molecules in eutopic endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) was evaluated via iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis. Based on the results, we focused on galectin-3. Galectin-3 expression in clinical samples was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The concentration of secreted galectin-3 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Adhesion and migration of ESCs were evaluated by in vitro adhesion and wound healing assays. The cytotoxicity of natural killer cells was measured via calcein release assays. Cell proliferation was measured using the CyQUANT Cell Proliferation Assay Kit. RESULTS iTRAQ analysis revealed that galectin-3 expression was specifically elevated in the ESCs from endometriosis patients. Immunohistochemistry confirmed galectin-3 overexpression in the eutopic endometrium of endometriosis, irrespective of the menstrual phase. Galectin-3 was overexpressed and secreted by the eutopic ESCs from patients with endometriosis compared to that from patients without endometriosis. Galectin-3 expression in ESCs increased adhesion and migration, whereas galectin-3 inhibitors impaired these processes. Galectin-3 reduced the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells toward ESCs, while not affecting cell proliferation. CONCLUSION Galectin-3 promotes peritoneal engraftment of ESCs due to impaired immune surveillance in the peritoneal cavity and increases ESCs adhesion and migration to the peritoneum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saya Yamashita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kae Hashimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ikuko Sawada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Minori Ogawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Erika Nakatsuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mahiru Kawano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuto Kinose
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Michiko Kodama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kenjiro Sawada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tadashi Kimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Mattos RMD, Machado DE, Perini JA, Alessandra-Perini J, Meireles da Costa NDO, Wiecikowski AFDRDO, Cabral KMDS, Takiya CM, Carvalho RS, Nasciutti LE. Galectin-3 plays an important role in endometriosis development and is a target to endometriosis treatment. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 486:1-10. [PMID: 30753853 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze galectin-3 importance in endometriotic lesions development and the effect of recombinant Gal-3 carbohydrate recognition domain (Gal3C) in experimental endometriosis treatment. Experimental endometriosis was induced in WT and Gal-3-/- mice. Initially developed lesions were macroscopically and histologically analyzed, including immunohistochemical analysis. Then, WT mice were treated with Gal3C for 15 days. Gal-3 deficiency and Gal3C treatment significantly impaired endometriosis development. A significant decrease in lesions implantation and size, VEGF and VEGFR-2 expression, vascular density and macrophage distribution were observed in Gal-3 absence or inhibition. A greater presence of iNOS positive cells was observed in knockout mice lesions, while the presence of Arginase positive cells was higher in the WT animal lesions. In addition, COX-2 and TGFb1 were reduced by Gal3C treatment. Data showed here indicate a relevant role of Gal-3 in endometriosis development and highlight a target of endometriosis treatment using Gal-3 inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rômulo Medina de Mattos
- Morphological Sciences Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; University Center IBMR, Laureate Universities, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Daniel Escorsim Machado
- Morphological Sciences Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Research Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Zone State University - UEZO, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jamila Alessandra Perini
- Research Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Zone State University - UEZO, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Program of Post-graduation in Public Health and Environment, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Alessandra-Perini
- Morphological Sciences Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Research Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Zone State University - UEZO, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | - Katia Maria Dos Santos Cabral
- National Center of Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Christina Maeda Takiya
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Renato Sampaio Carvalho
- Laboratory of Molecular Targets, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luiz Eurico Nasciutti
- Morphological Sciences Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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7
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Zhang T, De Carolis C, Man GCW, Wang CC. The link between immunity, autoimmunity and endometriosis: a literature update. Autoimmun Rev 2018; 17:945-955. [PMID: 30107265 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMS), an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disorder affects approximately 5-10% of the general female population of reproductive age and 20-90% of women with pelvic pain and infertility. Many immunological factors are known to contribute significantly to the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of EMS, and both chronic local inflammation and autoantibodies in EMS shares many similarities with autoimmune diseases (AD). However, the autoimmune etiology in EMS remains controversial, and its evidence on autoimmune basis may be limited. Here we aim to review the current understanding between autoimmunity and EMS to provide important knowledge to develop future potential immunomodulatory therapy for the treatment of EMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong; Shenzhen Youshare Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Caterina De Carolis
- Polymedical Center for Prevention of Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gene Chi Wai Man
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong; Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Chi Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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8
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Sciacchitano S, Lavra L, Morgante A, Ulivieri A, Magi F, De Francesco GP, Bellotti C, Salehi LB, Ricci A. Galectin-3: One Molecule for an Alphabet of Diseases, from A to Z. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020379. [PMID: 29373564 PMCID: PMC5855601 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Galectin-3 (Gal-3) regulates basic cellular functions such as cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, growth, proliferation, differentiation, and inflammation. It is not surprising, therefore, that this protein is involved in the pathogenesis of many relevant human diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, chronic inflammation and scarring affecting many different tissues. The papers published in the literature have progressively increased in number during the last decades, testifying the great interest given to this protein by numerous researchers involved in many different clinical contexts. Considering the crucial role exerted by Gal-3 in many different clinical conditions, Gal-3 is emerging as a new diagnostic, prognostic biomarker and as a new promising therapeutic target. The current review aims to extensively examine the studies published so far on the role of Gal-3 in all the clinical conditions and diseases, listed in alphabetical order, where it was analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Sciacchitano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy.
- Laboratory of Biomedical Research, Niccolò Cusano University Foundation, Via Don Carlo Gnocchi 3, 00166 Rome, Italy.
| | - Luca Lavra
- Laboratory of Biomedical Research, Niccolò Cusano University Foundation, Via Don Carlo Gnocchi 3, 00166 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Morgante
- Laboratory of Biomedical Research, Niccolò Cusano University Foundation, Via Don Carlo Gnocchi 3, 00166 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Ulivieri
- Laboratory of Biomedical Research, Niccolò Cusano University Foundation, Via Don Carlo Gnocchi 3, 00166 Rome, Italy.
| | - Fiorenza Magi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Research, Niccolò Cusano University Foundation, Via Don Carlo Gnocchi 3, 00166 Rome, Italy.
| | - Gian Paolo De Francesco
- Department of Oncological Science, Breast Unit, St Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035/39, 00189 Rome, Italy.
| | - Carlo Bellotti
- Operative Unit Surgery of Thyroid and Parathyroid, Sapienza University of Rome, S. Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035/39, 00189 Rome, Italy.
| | - Leila B Salehi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Research, Niccolò Cusano University Foundation, Via Don Carlo Gnocchi 3, 00166 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Biopathology and Diagnostic Imaging, Tor Vergata University, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alberto Ricci
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Brubel R, Bokor A, Pohl A, Schilli GK, Szereday L, Bacher-Szamuel R, Rigo J, Polgar B. Serum galectin-9 as a noninvasive biomarker for the detection of endometriosis and pelvic pain or infertility-related gynecologic disorders. Fertil Steril 2017; 108:1016-1025.e2. [PMID: 29202955 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the usefulness of soluble galectin-9 (Gal-9) in the noninvasive laboratory diagnosis of endometriosis and various gynecologic disorders. DESIGN Prospective case-control study. SETTING University medical centers. PATIENT(S) A total of 135 women of reproductive age were involved in the study, 77 endometriosis patients, 28 gynecologic controls, and 30 healthy women. INTERVENTION(S) Diagnostic laparoscopy and collection of tissue biopsies, peritoneal cells, and native peripheral blood from different case groups of gynecology patients and healthy women. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The expression of mRNA and serum concentration of Gal-9. RESULT(S) Semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis and serum soluble Gal-9 ELISA were performed on three different cohorts of patients: those with endometriosis, those with benign gynecologic disorders, and healthy controls. Differences in the Gal-9 concentrations between the investigated groups and the stability of Gal-9 in the serum and diagnostic characteristics of Gal-9 ELISA were determined by statistical evaluation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Significantly elevated Gal-9 levels were found in both minimal-mild (I-II) and moderate-severe (III-IV) stages of endometriosis in comparison with healthy controls. At a cutoff of 132 pg/mL, ROC analysis revealed an excellent diagnostic value of Gal-9 ELISA in endometriosis (area under the curve = 0.973) with a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 93.75%, indicating better diagnostic potential than that of other endometriosis biomarkers. Furthermore, various pelvic pain or infertility-associated benign gynecologic conditions were also associated with increased serum Gal-9 levels. CONCLUSION(S) Our results suggest that Gal-9 could be a promising noninvasive biomarker of endometriosis and a predictor of various infertility or pelvic pain-related gynecologic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reka Brubel
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Bokor
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Akos Pohl
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Krisztina Schilli
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary; Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Szereday
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary; Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Reka Bacher-Szamuel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary; Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Janos Rigo
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beata Polgar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary; Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs, Hungary.
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10
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Yang H, Yin J, Ficarrotta K, Hsu SH, Zhang W, Cheng C. Aberrant expression and hormonal regulation of Galectin-3 in endometriosis women with infertility. J Endocrinol Invest 2016; 39:785-91. [PMID: 26886939 PMCID: PMC4906070 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-016-0435-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role and potential molecular mechanism of Galectin-3 (Gal-3) in the etiology of endometriosis-associated infertility. METHODS We detected Gal-3 expression in eutopic endometrium from women with endometriosis-associated infertility and healthy women without endometriosis or infertility. We then evaluated Gal-3 expression in endometrial glandular epithelial cells (EECs) and endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and investigated its response to hormone stimulation in EECs and ESCs from both groups of women. RESULTS Results of real-time PCR and western blot analysis showed Gal-3 expression in both proliferative and secretory stages of the menstrual cycle decreased significantly in women with endometriosis-associated infertility compared to healthy women. The changes in expression of Gal-3 were more dramatic in EECs than ESCs. Moreover, estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) induced Gal-3 expression in EECs of healthy groups, and P4 was more significant than E2 and combined E2 and P4 (E2P4). However, in the endometriosis group, P4 failed to induce a similar increase in Gal-3 expression. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that aberrant expression of Gal-3 might contribute to infertility in patients with endometriosis due to progesterone resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Yang
- />Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 413 Zhaozhou Road, Shanghai, 200011 China
| | - J. Yin
- />Department of Gynecology, Chongqing Ninth People’s Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - K. Ficarrotta
- />Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620 USA
| | - S. H. Hsu
- />Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, New York, NY USA
| | - W. Zhang
- />Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 413 Zhaozhou Road, Shanghai, 200011 China
| | - C. Cheng
- />Department of Genetics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH USA
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11
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Than NG, Romero R, Balogh A, Karpati E, Mastrolia SA, Staretz-Chacham O, Hahn S, Erez O, Papp Z, Kim CJ. Galectins: Double-edged Swords in the Cross-roads of Pregnancy Complications and Female Reproductive Tract Inflammation and Neoplasia. J Pathol Transl Med 2015; 49:181-208. [PMID: 26018511 PMCID: PMC4440931 DOI: 10.4132/jptm.2015.02.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Galectins are an evolutionarily ancient and widely expressed family of lectins that have unique glycan-binding characteristics. They are pleiotropic regulators of key biological processes, such as cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, signal transduction, and pre-mRNA splicing, as well as homo- and heterotypic cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Galectins are also pivotal in immune responses since they regulate host-pathogen interactions, innate and adaptive immune responses, acute and chronic inflammation, and immune tolerance. Some galectins are also central to the regulation of angiogenesis, cell migration and invasion. Expression and functional data provide convincing evidence that, due to these functions, galectins play key roles in shared and unique pathways of normal embryonic and placental development as well as oncodevelopmental processes in tumorigenesis. Therefore, galectins may sometimes act as double-edged swords since they have beneficial but also harmful effects for the organism. Recent advances facilitate the use of galectins as biomarkers in obstetrical syndromes and in various malignancies, and their therapeutic applications are also under investigation. This review provides a general overview of galectins and a focused review of this lectin subfamily in the context of inflammation, infection and tumors of the female reproductive tract as well as in normal pregnancies and those complicated by the great obstetrical syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandor Gabor Than
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
- Maternity Private Department, Kutvolgyi Clinical Block, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hangary
- First Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Andrea Balogh
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Immunology, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eva Karpati
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Immunology, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Salvatore Andrea Mastrolia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Sinuhe Hahn
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Offer Erez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Zoltan Papp
- Maternity Private Department, Kutvolgyi Clinical Block, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hangary
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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