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Chen P, Hu T, Zheng Z, Garfield RE, Yang J. The cervicovaginal metabolome in women with favorable induction cervix and those unfavorable for induction when delivering at term. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34166. [PMID: 39071700 PMCID: PMC11279265 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cervical ripening is crucial for induction. However, its influencing factors, mechanistic understanding, and effective risk stratification are still challenging. Recent research suggested that microorganisms and their metabolites in vaginal spaces correlate to preterm birth. However, it remains unclear whether the cervicovaginal metabolome is related to the natural physiological process of cervical maturation. Objective We aimed to analyze the cervicovaginal metabolome in women with favorable induction cervix and those unfavorable for induction when delivering at term. Study design Cervicovaginal swabs were collected between 40 and 41 weeks gestation from the following 2 different groups of patients: Ripe group (n = 25) which was favorable for the induction cervix and Unripe group which was unfavorable for the induction cervix (n = 25). Samples were tested using untargeted metabolomics analysis and analyzed by a bioinformatics platform. The correlation analysis between the metabolome and the previously acquired microbiome was also performed. Results A total of 629 metabolites were identified in cervicovaginal fluid. The cervicovaginal metabolome was significantly different between the women with the ripe cervix and those with the unripe cervix, especially within each stratum of the same CST. Metabolites within the amino acid, carbohydrate, and dipeptide pathways may play a role in this distinction. Thirty-four metabolites were significantly upregulated, and the remaining fourteen were significantly downregulated in the Unripe group with an unripe cervix unfavorable for induction. Statistical modeling identified Arachidonic Acid and Nicotinate associated with the risk of cervical maturation disorder (AUC 0.87) in negative ion mode. A combination of Choline and d-Mannose identified a risk of cervical maturation disorder (AUC 0.80) in positive ion mode, improved by Lactobacillus relative abundance (AUC 0.89). Conclusion These data suggested that the cervicovaginal space was metabolically active during pregnancy and significantly altered among the women with the mature and immature cervix. Combining the genera-level phylotypes and metabolites could build better cervix maturity prediction models. By using cervicovaginal fluid samples, we demonstrated the potential of multi-data type integration for developing composite models toward understanding the contribution of the vaginal environment to the remodeling of cervix during term pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, China
| | - Tingting Hu
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Bioland, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zheng Zheng
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, China
| | - Robert E. Garfield
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jinying Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, Longgang Maternity and Child Institute of Shantou University Medical College (Longgang District Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, China
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Pierpoint SC, Goodman LR. Embryos don't care if the sperm is there-intravaginal semen deposition does not increase pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril 2024; 122:76-77. [PMID: 38649109 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara C Pierpoint
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Virginia Fertility and IVF, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Linnea R Goodman
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Virginia Fertility and IVF, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Mitranovici MI, Chiorean DM, Moraru R, Moraru L, Caravia L, Tiron AT, Craina M, Cotoi OS. Understanding the Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia: Exploring the Role of Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Future Directions. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2668. [PMID: 38731197 PMCID: PMC11084819 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092668] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder in pregnancy associated with significant fetal and maternal complications. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired form of thrombophilia characterized by recurrent venous or arterial thrombosis and obstetric complications that significantly increases morbidity and mortality rates. While preeclampsia may not be the most prevalent obstetric complication in APS, it significantly impacts the long-term health of both mother and child. The treatment of preeclampsia in antiphospholipid syndrome is different from the treatment of preeclampsia as an independent disease. Despite current treatments involving anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and antihypertensive drugs, obstetric complications may persist, underscoring the need for cohesive management and effective treatments. The objective of our review is to briefly present knowledge about the physiopathology of preeclampsia and the role of antiphospholipid antibodies in this process. Based on the existing literature, our review aims to identify future directions in molecular pathology toward the discovery of biomarkers and targeted treatments. The application of multidisciplinary approaches and prognostic models, including new biomarkers, could be beneficial in the prediction of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda-Ildiko Mitranovici
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital Hunedoara, 14 Victoriei Street, 331057 Hunedoara, Romania
| | - Diana Maria Chiorean
- Department of Pathology, County Clinical Hospital of Targu Mures, 540072 Targu Mures, Romania;
- Department of Pathophysiology, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Raluca Moraru
- Faculty of Medicine, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania;
| | - Liviu Moraru
- Department of Anatomy, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania;
| | - Laura Caravia
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Andreea Taisia Tiron
- Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Marius Craina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, 300001 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu Simion Cotoi
- Department of Pathology, County Clinical Hospital of Targu Mures, 540072 Targu Mures, Romania;
- Department of Pathophysiology, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
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4
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Gomez RA, Dallai R, Sims-West DJ, Mercati D, Sinka R, Ahmed-Braimah Y, Pitnick S, Dorus S. Proteomic diversification of spermatostyles among six species of whirligig beetles. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23745. [PMID: 38785179 PMCID: PMC11246569 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23745] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Seminal fluid protein composition is complex and commonly assumed to be rapidly divergent due to functional interactions with both sperm and the female reproductive tract (FRT), both of which evolve rapidly. In addition to sperm, seminal fluid may contain structures, such as mating plugs and spermatophores. Here, we investigate the evolutionary diversification of a lesser-known ejaculate structure: the spermatostyle, which has independently arisen in several families of beetles and true bugs. We characterized the spermatostyle proteome, in addition to spermatostyle and FRT morphology, in six species of whirligig beetles (family Gyrinidae). Spermatostyles were enriched for proteolytic enzymes, and assays confirmed they possess proteolytic activity. Sperm-leucylaminopeptidases (S-LAPs) were particularly abundant, and their localization to spermatostyles was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Although there was evidence for functional conservation of spermatostyle proteomes across species, phylogenetic regressions suggest evolutionary covariation between protein composition and the morphology of both spermatostyles and FRTs. We postulate that S-LAPs (and other proteases) have evolved a novel structural role in spermatostyles and discuss spermatostyles as adaptations for delivering male-derived materials to females.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Antonio Gomez
- Department of Biology, Center for Reproductive Evolution, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Romano Dallai
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Dylan J. Sims-West
- Department of Biology, Center for Reproductive Evolution, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - David Mercati
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Rita Sinka
- Department of Genetics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Yasir Ahmed-Braimah
- Department of Biology, Center for Reproductive Evolution, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Scott Pitnick
- Department of Biology, Center for Reproductive Evolution, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Steve Dorus
- Department of Biology, Center for Reproductive Evolution, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
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5
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Hashem NM, Essawi WM, El-Raghi AA. Ovarian activity, hormone profile, pro-inflammatory cytokines and reproductive performance of buffalo cows fed diets with different estrogenicity. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2024; 108:1-12. [PMID: 37377415 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13854] [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: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Buffalo cows play a vital role in milk and meat production; however, they are characterised by several reproductive disorders. Feeding diets with high oestrogenic activity may be a disrupting factor. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding roughages with different oestrogenic activity on the reproductive performance of early postpartum buffalo cows. A total of 30 buffalo cows were equally stratified into two experimental groups and fed either Trifolium alexandrinum (Berseem clover, phytoestrogenic roughage) or corn silage (nonoestrogenic roughage) for 90 consecutive days. After 35 days from the beginning of the feeding treatments, buffalo cows in both groups were synchronized for oestrus using a double i.m. injection of 2 mL prostaglandin F2α , 11 days apart, subsequently, overt signs of oestrus were observed and recorded. Moreover, ovarian structures, numbers and sizes of follicles and corpora lutea, were ultrasonography examined at day-12 (represents Day 35 of feeding treatment), Day 0 (day of oestrus) and Day 11 after oestrous synchronization (mid-luteal phase). Pregnancy was diagnosed 35 days postinsemination. Blood serum samples were analysed for progesterone (P4 ), estradiol (E2 ), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interlukein-1β (IL-1β) and nitric oxide (NO). The high performance liquid chromatography-analysis of roughages showed the abundance of isoflavones in Berseem clover, with about 58 times higher concentration than that in corn silage group. During the experimental period, the numbers of ovarian follicles of all size categories were higher in the Berseem clover group than that in the corn silage group. No significant difference in the numbers of corpora lutea was observed between both experimental groups, but lower (p < 0.05) diameter of corpus luteum was observed in the Berseem clover group than that in the corn silage group. The Berseem clover group had higher (p < 0.05) overall concentrations of blood serum E2 , IL-1β and TNF-α, but lower (p < 0.05) overall concentrations of blood serum P4 than those recorded in the corn silage group. Oestrous rate, onset of oestrus time and oestrous duration were not significantly affected by the treatment. The conception rate was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the Berseem clover group compared with that in the corn silage group. In conclusion, feeding roughage with a high oestrogenic activity such as Berseem clover can negatively affect the conception rate of buffalo cows. This reproductive loss seems to be associated with inadequate luteal function and P4 concentration during early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrein M Hashem
- Department of Animal and Fish Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Walaa M Essawi
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Ali A El-Raghi
- Department of Animal, Poultry and Fish Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt
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6
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Hao K, Liu X, Chen Y, Zeng W, Chen L, Wang J, Hu G. PPARγ regulates lipid metabolism and viability of sheep trophoblast cells. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:1559-1568. [PMID: 37712626 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14471] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is highly expressed in trophoblast tissues in pregnancy during which the protein participates in diverse events, including embryo implantation and placental formation. However, little is known about the role of PPARγ in embryonic development. This study investigated the function of PPARγ in sheep trophoblast cells. The coding sequence of sheep PPARγ encoded 475 amino acids and included one synonymou mutation compared with the sheep reference sequence for PPARγ. The PPARγ protein was localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm of sheep trophoblasts. The relative expression of PPARγ was elevated in cells treated with rosiglitazone and reduced following administration of GW9662. Activation of PPARγ promoted cell proliferation and mobility, but inhibited apoptosis. In addition, stimulation of PPARγ promoted the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes FABP4 and PLIN2. The expression of prostaglandin metabolism-related genes PLA2G4A, PTGS2 and PTGES also was upregulated significantly in trophoblast cells when PPARγ was activated. In contrast, activation of PPARγ did not impact expression of the prostaglandin-related genes PGFS and SLCO2A1. At the same time, activation of PPARγ activity increased the ratio of PGE2 to PGF2α. Furthermore, fluorescence labelling showed that the numbers of cell lipid droplets increased after stimulation of PPARγ activity, but decreased when PPARγ was inhibited. In conclusion, PPARγ is critical for the regulation of lipid metabolism and prostaglandin synthesis and secretion in sheep trophoblast cells and also has a potent effect on cell proliferation and viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexing Hao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Xiuxia Liu
- Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Yan Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Weibin Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Lei Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Guangdong Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
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7
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Lin PY, Lee CI, Chen YC, Cheng EH, Huang CC, Chen CI, Lee TH, Lee YJ, Lee MS. Factors Affecting the Potential Efficacy of Intrauterine Platelet-Rich Plasma Infusion on Thin Endometrium in Women with Recurrent Implantation Failure. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1419. [PMID: 37763186 PMCID: PMC10532920 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091419] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimizing endometrial thickness (EMT) is crucial for successful embryo implantation, but enhancing thin endometrium remains a significant challenge. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-derived therapies have emerged as a promising approach in reproductive medicine due to their capacity to facilitate tissue repair and regeneration. This study aims to identify the risk factors associated with the failure of intrauterine PRP infusion for thin endometrium in women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). We retrospectively reviewed data from 77 women with RIF, all exhibiting an EMT of <7 mm. These women underwent programmed hormone therapy for frozen embryo transfer (FET) and received two autologous intrauterine PRP infusions. Following intrauterine PRP-lysate (PL) infusions, the mean increase in EMT was 1.9 ± 1.2 mm, with EMT reaching 7 mm in 86% of the cases (66/77; average EMT, 8.3 mm). We identified an exceedingly thin EMT as a risk factor impacting the therapeutic efficacy in increasing EMT (p = 0.04, OR: 3.16; 95% CI: 1.03-9.67). Additionally, the number of previous uterine surgeries emerged as a prognostic factor for pregnancy failure following PL infusion (p = 0.02, OR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.12-3.64). Our findings suggest that an extremely thin EMT and a history of numerous uterine surgeries can impede successful pregnancy, even when an optimal EMT is achieved following PRP infusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin-Yao Lin
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan; (P.-Y.L.)
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women’s Hospital, No. 30-6, Sec. 1, Changping Road, Beitun District, Taichung City 406, Taiwan (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Chun-I Lee
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan; (P.-Y.L.)
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women’s Hospital, No. 30-6, Sec. 1, Changping Road, Beitun District, Taichung City 406, Taiwan (Y.-J.L.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Chen
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women’s Hospital, No. 30-6, Sec. 1, Changping Road, Beitun District, Taichung City 406, Taiwan (Y.-J.L.)
| | - En-Hui Cheng
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women’s Hospital, No. 30-6, Sec. 1, Changping Road, Beitun District, Taichung City 406, Taiwan (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Chun-Chia Huang
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women’s Hospital, No. 30-6, Sec. 1, Changping Road, Beitun District, Taichung City 406, Taiwan (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Chung-I Chen
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women’s Hospital, No. 30-6, Sec. 1, Changping Road, Beitun District, Taichung City 406, Taiwan (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Tsung-Hsien Lee
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan; (P.-Y.L.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Lee
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women’s Hospital, No. 30-6, Sec. 1, Changping Road, Beitun District, Taichung City 406, Taiwan (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Maw-Sheng Lee
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan; (P.-Y.L.)
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women’s Hospital, No. 30-6, Sec. 1, Changping Road, Beitun District, Taichung City 406, Taiwan (Y.-J.L.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan
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8
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Liu T, Zhou N, Bai Z, Cao Y, Zhang J, Wang Y, Zheng X, Feng W. A comparative metabolomics study on dried and processed Rehmannia Radix. Biomed Chromatogr 2023; 37:e5654. [PMID: 37070162 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5654] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of Rehmannia Radix changes after processing. However, the precise effect of processing on the properties of Rehmannia Radix is an intricate topic, as this effect cannot be explained by traditional methods. The purpose of this study was to investigate how processing methods influence the properties of Rehmannia Radix, as well as the changes in body function after administering dried Rehmannia Radix (RR) and processed Rehmannia Radix (PR) using a metabolomics approach. In addition, principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis models were generated using SIMCA-P 14.0 to evaluate the properties of RR and PR. Potential biomarkers were identified, and associated metabolic networks were established to clarify differences in the properties and efficacies of RR and PR. The results showed that RR and PR have cold and hot properties, respectively. RR can exert a hypolipidaemic effect by regulating nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism. PR exerts a tonic effect and regulates the body's reproductive function through the regulation of alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, arachidonic acid, pentose and glucuronate metabolism, respectively. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based metabolomics is a promising approach to determine the cold/hot properties of traditional Chinese medicine formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ning Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhiyao Bai
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yumin Cao
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinying Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongxiang Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoke Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weisheng Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
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9
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Parthasarathy S, Shen Z, Carrillo-Salinas FJ, Iyer V, Vogell A, Illanes D, Wira CR, Rodriguez-Garcia M. Aging modifies endometrial dendritic cell function and unconventional double negative T cells in the human genital mucosa. Immun Ageing 2023; 20:34. [PMID: 37452337 PMCID: PMC10347869 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-023-00360-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune function in the genital mucosa balances reproduction with protection against pathogens. As women age, genital infections, and gynecological cancer risk increase, however, the mechanisms that regulate cell-mediated immune protection in the female genital tract and how they change with aging remain poorly understood. Unconventional double negative (DN) T cells (TCRαβ + CD4-CD8-) are thought to play important roles in reproduction in mice but have yet to be characterized in the human female genital tract. Using genital tissues from women (27-77 years old), here we investigated the impact of aging on the induction, distribution, and function of DN T cells throughout the female genital tract. RESULTS We discovered a novel site-specific regulation of dendritic cells (DCs) and unconventional DN T cells in the genital tract that changes with age. Human genital DCs, particularly CD1a + DCs, induced proliferation of DN T cells in a TFGβ dependent manner. Importantly, induction of DN T cell proliferation, as well as specific changes in cytokine production, was enhanced in DCs from older women, indicating subset-specific regulation of DC function with increasing age. In human genital tissues, DN T cells represented a discrete T cell subset with distinct phenotypical and transcriptional profiles compared to CD4 + and CD8 + T cells. Single-cell RNA and oligo-tag antibody sequencing studies revealed that DN T cells represented a heterogeneous population with unique homeostatic, regulatory, cytotoxic, and antiviral functions. DN T cells showed relative to CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, enhanced expression of inhibitory checkpoint molecules and genes related to immune regulatory as well as innate-like anti-viral pathways. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that DN T cells express tissue residency markers and intracellular content of cytotoxic molecules. Interestingly, we demonstrate age-dependent and site-dependent redistribution and functional changes of genital DN T cells, with increased cytotoxic potential of endometrial DN T cells, but decreased cytotoxicity in the ectocervix as women age, with implications for reproductive failure and enhanced susceptibility to infections respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our deep characterization of DN T cell induction and function in the female genital tract provides novel mechanistic avenues to improve reproductive outcomes, protection against infections and gynecological cancers as women age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zheng Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - Vidya Iyer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alison Vogell
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Diego Illanes
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charles R Wira
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
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10
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Crawford MA, Sinclair AJ, Hall B, Ogundipe E, Wang Y, Bitsanis D, Djahanbakhch OB, Harbige L, Ghebremeskel K, Golfetto I, Moodley T, Hassam A, Sassine A, Johnson MR. The imperative of arachidonic acid in early human development. Prog Lipid Res 2023; 91:101222. [PMID: 36746351 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2023.101222] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This review is about the role of arachidonic acid (ArA) in foetal and early growth and development. In 1975 and '76, we reported the preferential incorporation of ArA into the developing brain of rat pups, its conservation as a principal component in the brains of 32 mammalian species and the high proportion delivered by the human placenta for foetal nutrition, compared to its parent linoleic acid (LA). ArA is quantitatively the principal acyl component of membrane lipids from foetal red cells, mononuclear cells, astrocytes, endothelium, and placenta. Functionally, we present evidence that ArA, but not DHA, relaxes the foetal mesenteric arteries. The placenta biomagnifies ArA, doubling the proportion of the maternal level in cord blood. The proportions of ArA and its allies (di-homo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), adrenic acid and ω6 docosapentaenoic acid) are similar or higher than the total of ω3 fatty acids in human milk, maintaining the abundant supply to the developing infant. Despite the evidence of the importance of ArA, the European Food Standard Agency, in 2014 rejected the joint FAO and WHO recommendation on the inclusion of ArA in infant formula, although they recommended DHA. The almost universal dominance of ArA in the membrane phosphoglycerides during human organogenesis and prenatal growth suggests that the importance of ArA and its allies in reproductive biology needs to be re-evaluated urgently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Crawford
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus of Imperial College, London, UK; The Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition, SW10 9NH, UK.
| | - Andrew J Sinclair
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Barbara Hall
- The Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition, SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Enitan Ogundipe
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus of Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Yiqun Wang
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus of Imperial College, London, UK; The Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition, SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Dimitrios Bitsanis
- The Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition, SW10 9NH, UK; EvexiaDiet dietetic practise, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Laurence Harbige
- The Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition, SW10 9NH, UK; School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, UK
| | | | - Ivan Golfetto
- The Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition, SW10 9NH, UK; Department of General Pathology and Physiopathology, Central University of Venezuela, Venezuela
| | - Therishnee Moodley
- The Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition, SW10 9NH, UK; Centre for Reproductive Medicine, St Bartholomew's, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - AnnieBelle Sassine
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus of Imperial College, London, UK; The Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition, SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Mark R Johnson
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus of Imperial College, London, UK
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11
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Geisert RD, Johns DN, Pfeiffer CA, Sullivan RM, Lucas CG, Simintiras CA, Redel BK, Wells KD, Spencer TE, Prather RS. Gene editing provides a tool to investigate genes involved in reproduction of pigs. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:459-468. [PMID: 35736243 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23620] [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: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology provides a method to generate loss-of-function studies to investigate, in vivo, the specific role of specific genes in regulation of reproduction. With proper design and selection of guide RNAs (gRNA) designed to specifically target genes, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing allows investigation of factors proposed to regulate biological pathways involved with establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. The advantages and disadvantages of using the current gene editing technology in a large farm species is discussed. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing of porcine conceptuses has generated new perspectives for the regulation of endometrial function during the establishment of pregnancy. The delicate orchestration of conceptus factors facilitates an endometrial proinflammatory response while regulating maternal immune cell migration and expansion at the implantation site is essential for establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Recent developments and use of endometrial epithelial "organoids" to study endometrial function in vitro provides a future method to screen and target specific endometrial genes as an alternative to generating a gene edited animal model. With continuing improvements in gene editing technology, future researchers will be able to design studies to enhance our knowledge of mechanisms essential for early development and survival of the conceptus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney D Geisert
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Destiny N Johns
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Caroline A Pfeiffer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Riley M Sullivan
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Caroline G Lucas
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Bethany K Redel
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Kevin D Wells
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Randall S Prather
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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12
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Acquisition of Immune Privilege in GBM Tumors: Role of Prostaglandins and Bile Salts. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043198. [PMID: 36834607 PMCID: PMC9958596 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on the postulate that glioblastoma (GBM) tumors generate anti-inflammatory prostaglandins and bile salts to gain immune privilege, we analyzed 712 tumors in-silico from three GBM transcriptome databases for prostaglandin and bile synthesis/signaling enzyme-transcript markers. A pan-database correlation analysis was performed to identify cell-specific signal generation and downstream effects. The tumors were stratified by their ability to generate prostaglandins, their competency in bile salt synthesis, and the presence of bile acid receptors nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group H, member 4 (NR1H4) and G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1). The survival analysis indicates that tumors capable of prostaglandin and/or bile salt synthesis are linked to poor outcomes. Tumor prostaglandin D2 and F2 syntheses are derived from infiltrating microglia, whereas prostaglandin E2 synthesis is derived from neutrophils. GBMs drive the microglial synthesis of PGD2/F2 by releasing/activating complement system component C3a. GBM expression of sperm-associated heat-shock proteins appears to stimulate neutrophilic PGE2 synthesis. The tumors that generate bile and express high levels of bile receptor NR1H4 have a fetal liver phenotype and a RORC-Treg infiltration signature. The bile-generating tumors that express high levels of GPBAR1 are infiltrated with immunosuppressive microglia/macrophage/myeloid-derived suppressor cells. These findings provide insight into how GBMs generate immune privilege and may explain the failure of checkpoint inhibitor therapy and provide novel targets for treatment.
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13
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Martinez CA, Rodriguez‐Martinez H. Context is key: Maternal immune responses to pig allogeneic embryos. Mol Reprod Dev 2022. [PMCID: PMC9542102 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Successful establishment of pregnancy includes the achievement of a state of immune tolerance toward the embryos (and placenta), where the well‐coordinated maternal immune system is capable of recognizing conceptus antigens while maintaining maternal defense against pathogens. In physiological pregnancies, following natural mating or artificial insemination (AI), the maternal immune system is exposed to the presence of hemi‐allogeneic embryos, that is, embryos containing maternal self‐antigens and foreign antigens from the paternal side. In this scenario, the hemi‐allogeneic embryo is recognized by the mother, but the immune system is locally modified to facilitate embryo implantation and pregnancy progression. Pig allogeneic pregnancies (with embryos containing both paternal and maternal material foreign to the recipient female), occur during embryo transfer (ET), with conspicuously high rates of embryonic death. Mortality mainly occurs during the peri‐attachment phase, suggesting that immune responses to allogeneic embryos are more complex and less efficient, hindering the conceptuses to survive to term. Reaching a similar maternal tolerance as in conventional breeding would render ET successful. The present review critically summarizes mechanisms of maternal immune recognition of pregnancy and factors associated with impaired maternal immune response to the presence of allogeneic embryos in the porcine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina A. Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez‐Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden
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14
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Preimplantation Endometrial Transcriptomics in Natural Conception Cycle of the Rhesus Monkey. REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/reprodmed3010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is no report on preimplantation phase endometrial transcriptomics in natural conception cycles of primates. In the present study, the whole-genome expression array of endometrium on Days 2, 4, and 6 post-ovulation (pov) in proven natural conception (Group 1; n = 12) and non-mated, ovulatory (Group 2; n = 12) cycles of rhesus monkeys was examined, compared, and validated. Of fifteen (15) genes showing differential expression (>2-fold; pFDR < 0.05), six genes (CHRND, FOXD3, GJD4, MAPK8IP3, MKS1, and NUP50) were upregulated, while eight genes (ADCY5, ADIPOR1, NNMT, PATL1, PIGV, TGFBR2, TOX2, and VWA5B1) were down regulated on Day 6 pov as compared to Day 2 pov in conception cycles. On Day 6 pov, four genes (ADCY5, NNMT, TOX2, and VWA5B1) were down regulated, and AVEN was upregulated in conception cycles compared with the non-conception cycle. These observations were orthogonally validated at protein expression level. Group-specifically expressed unique genes in conception cycles influence the process of induction of immune-tolerance, while the genes expressed in both groups influence processes of protein targeting and metabolism. A triad of timed-actions of progesterone, seminal plasma, and preimplantation embryo putatively regulate several input molecules to CREB, NF-kB, and STAT regulatory networks during secretory phase towards evolution of endometrial receptivity in the rhesus monkey.
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Insight on Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Endometrial Receptivity. Biomolecules 2021; 12:biom12010036. [PMID: 35053184 PMCID: PMC8773570 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity plays a crucial role in fertilization as well as pregnancy outcome in patients faced with fertility challenges. The optimization of endometrial receptivity may help with normal implantation of the embryo, and endometrial receptivity may be affected by numerous factors. Recently, the role of lipids in pregnancy has been increasingly recognized. Fatty acids and their metabolites may be involved in all stages of pregnancy and play a role in supporting cell proliferation and development, participating in cell signaling and regulating cell function. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular, are essential fatty acids for the human body that can affect the receptivity of the endometrium through in a variety of methods, such as producing prostaglandins, estrogen and progesterone, among others. Additionally, polyunsaturated fatty acids are also involved in immunity and the regulation of endometrial decidualization. Fatty acids are essential for fetal placental growth and development. The interrelationship of polyunsaturated fatty acids with these substances and how they may affect endometrial receptivity will be reviewed in this article.
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16
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Sun Y, Wu S, Zhou Q, Li X. Trophoblast-derived interleukin 9 mediates immune cell conversion and contributes to maternal-fetal tolerance. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 148:103379. [PMID: 34534877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the maternal-fetal crosstalk, fetal derived trophoblast cells can secret several molecules to regulate immune tolerance such as cytokines and chemokines, besides human leukocyte antigens (HLA) providing. However, the mechanism of these factors in pregnancy is still unknown. Our previous study showed that IL9 could be secreted by trophoblasts and exerted a positive effect on trophoblasts themselves through autocrine signaling. Given the immunoregulatory function of IL9 and its expression in trophoblasts, we hypothesize that IL9 contributes to maternal-fetal tolerance by regulating immune cells, especially CD14+ dendritic cells (DCs) and naïve CD4 + T cells who have essential roles in maternal-fetal immune tolerance. We performed a series of experiments, finding that HTR8/SVneo cells could secrete IL9 in vitro, and this secretion was decreased under hypoxia; both CD14 + DCs and naïve CD4 + T cells expressed IL9 receptors, indicating potential interactions among these cells. In CD14 + DCs, trophoblast-derived IL9 promoted the immature differentiation, and induced the secretion of Th2 cytokines, including IL4 and IL10, shifting the Th1/Th2 ratio to Th2. In naïve CD4 + T cells, IL9 also increased Foxp3 expression and promoted the secretion of Treg cytokines, including TGFβ and IL10, inhibiting pro-inflammatory Th17. Therefore, trophoblasts may act as fetal-derived immune cells to maintain maternal-fetal tolerance by secreting IL9. Given that trophoblast derived IL9 is decreased in preeclampsia, our study provides a new insight into maternal-fetal immunology and immunological disorders in abnormal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Sun
- Obstetric Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suwen Wu
- Obstetric Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiongjie Zhou
- Obstetric Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaotian Li
- Obstetric Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Obstetric Department, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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