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Afzal A, Khan M, Gul Z, Asif R, Shahzaman S, Parveen A, Imran M, Khawar MB. Extracellular Vesicles: the Next Frontier in Pregnancy Research. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1204-1214. [PMID: 38151656 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01434-2] [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: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vehicles (EVs) have been involved in several aspects of pregnancy, including endometrial receptivity, embryo implantation, and embryo-maternal communication showing them associated with pregnancy disorders, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preterm birth. Further research is warranted to fully comprehend the exact pathophysiological roles of EVs and to develop new therapies targeting EVs thereby improving pregnancy outcomes. Herein, we review the recent knowledge on the multifaceted roles of EVs during pregnancy and address the majority of the molecular interactions between EVs, maternal, and fetal cells with an emphasis on disorders of pregnancy under the influence of EVs. Moreover, we also discuss its applications in clinical trials followed by prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Afzal
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Madeeha Khan
- College of Allied Health Sciences, Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zaman Gul
- Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rameen Asif
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sara Shahzaman
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Asia Parveen
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Center for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
- Applied Molecular Biology & Biomedicine Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal, Pakistan.
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2
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Ucar EH, Hitit M, Kose M, Atli MO. Expression of circulating oar-miR-485-5p and oar-miR-493-5p during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in ovine plasma. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20230115. [PMID: 38510567 PMCID: PMC10954234 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
In the current study, we aimed to assess the expression levels of two circulating microRNAs (miRNA) (oar-miR-485-5p and oar-miR-493-5p) in the ovine plasma during the peri-implantation. After mating, we collected the plasma samples from a total of 8 ewes on day 22 of pregnancy (P22; n = 4) and day 22 of the estrous cycle (C22; n=4). We used mature miRNA sequences for oar-miR-485-5p and oar-miR-493-5p out of one hundred fifty, which were retrieved from our microarray results of previous study. We showed that the miRNA expression of oar-miR-485-5p and oar-miR-493-5p were upregulated in P22 (P<0.05) when compared to C22. Those two miRNAs targeted 311 target genes in the peri-implantation period of pregnancy. Furthermore, we revealed 151 GO/pathway terms in biological process (BP) and 25 GO/pathway terms in molecular function (MF), while we demonstrated 13 GO/pathway terms in cellular component (CC). We revealed three hub genes as interleukin 2 (IL2), interleukin 18 (IL18), and C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 10 (CXCL10). In conclusion, both miR-485-5p and oar-miR-493-5p have the potential to be a biomarker to understand peri-implantation of the ovine pregnancy in the aspect of pregnancy-reflected changes in maternal plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyyup Hakan Ucar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Hitit
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
- College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Prairie View University, Prairie View, TX, USA
| | - Mehmet Kose
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Osman Atli
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey
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3
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Dehghan Z, Rezaee D, Noori E, Pilehchi T, Saberi F, Taheri Z, Darya G, Mehdinejadiani S. Exosomes as modulators of embryo implantation. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:284. [PMID: 38324178 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09282-2] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Exosomes, known as extracellular vehicles (EVs), are found in biological fluids. They have the capability to carry and transfer signaling molecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, facilitating intercellular communication and regulating the gene expression profile in target cells. EVs have the potential to be used as biomarkers in diagnosis, prognosis and also as feasible therapeutic targets. The available evidence suggests that exosomes play critical roles in the reproductive system, particularly during implantation, which is widely recognized as a crucial step in early pregnancy. A proper molecular dialogue between a high-quality embryo and a receptive endometrium is essential for the establishment of a normal pregnancy. This review focuses on the key role of exosomes originated from various sources, including the embryo, seminal fluid, and uterus fluid, based on the available evidence. It explores their potential applications as a novel approach in assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Dehghan
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Delsuz Rezaee
- School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Effat Noori
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tayyebeh Pilehchi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Saberi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Taheri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Pavia University, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gholamhossein Darya
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shayesteh Mehdinejadiani
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Segura-Benítez M, Bas-Rivas A, Juárez-Barber E, Carbajo-García MC, Faus A, De Los Santos MJ, Pellicer A, Ferrero H. Human blastocysts uptake extracellular vesicles secreted by endometrial cells containing miRNAs related to implantation. Hum Reprod 2023:dead138. [PMID: 37407281 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead138] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are the extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by the maternal endometrium uptaken by human embryos and is their miRNA cargo involved in implantation and embryo development? SUMMARY ANSWER Data suggest that EVs secreted by human endometrial epithelial cells are internalized by human blastocysts, and transport miRNAs to modulate biological processes related to implantation events and early embryo development. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Successful implantation is dependent on coordination between maternal endometrium and embryo, and EVs role in the required cell-to-cell crosstalk has recently been established. In this regard, our group previously showed that protein cargo of EVs secreted by primary human endometrial epithelial cells (pHEECs) is implicated in biological processes related to endometrial receptivity, embryo implantation, and early embryo development. However, little is known about the regulation of these biological processes through EVs secreted by the endometrium at a transcriptomic level. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective descriptive study was performed. Endometrial biopsies were collected from healthy oocyte donors with confirmed fertility on the day of oocyte retrieval, 36 h after the LH surge. pHEECs were isolated from endometrial biopsies (n = 8 in each pool) and cultured in vitro. Subsequently, conditioned medium was collected and EVs were isolated and characterized. Uptake of EVs by human blastocysts and miRNA cargo of these EVs (n = 3 pools) was analyzed. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS EVs were isolated from the conditioned culture media using ultracentrifugation, and characterization was performed using western blotting, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. EVs were fluorescently labeled with Bodipy-TR ceramide, and their uptake by human blastocysts was analyzed using confocal microscopy. Analysis of the miRNA cargo of EVs was performed using miRNA sequencing, target genes of the most expressed miRNA were annotated, and functional enrichment analysis was performed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE EVs measured 100-300 nm in diameter, a concentration of 1.78 × 1011 ± 4.12 × 1010 (SD) particles/ml and expressed intraluminal protein markers Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and Tumor Susceptibility Gene 101 (TSG101), in addition to CD9 and CD81 transmembrane proteins. Human blastocysts efficiently internalized fluorescent EVs within 1-2 h, and more pronounced internalization was observed in the hatched pole of the embryos. miRNA-seq analysis featured 149 annotated miRNAs, of which 37 were deemed most relevant. The latter had 6592 reported gene targets, that in turn, have functional implications in several processes related to embryo development, oxygen metabolism, cell cycle, cell differentiation, apoptosis, metabolism, cellular organization, and gene expression. Among the relevant miRNAs contained in these EVs, we highlight hsa-miR-92a-3p, hsa-let-7b-5p, hsa-miR-30a-5p, hsa-miR-24-3p, hsa-miR-21-5p, and hsa-let-7a-5p as master regulators of the biological processes. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is an in vitro study in which conditions of endometrial cell culture could not mimic the intrauterine environment. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study defines potential biomarkers of endometrial receptivity and embryo competence that could be useful diagnostic and therapeutic targets for implantation success, as well as open insight further investigations to elucidate the molecular mechanisms implicated in a successful implantation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education through FPU awarded to M.S.-B. (FPU18/03735), the Health Institute Carlos III awarded to E.J.-B. (FI19/00110) and awarded to H.F. by the Miguel Servet Program 'Fondo Social Europeo «El FSE invierte en tu futuro»' (CP20/00120), and Generalitat Valenciana through VALi+d Programme awarded to M.C.C.-G. (ACIF/2019/139). The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Segura-Benítez
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alba Bas-Rivas
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - María Cristina Carbajo-García
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Faus
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - María José De Los Santos
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- IVIRMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- IVIRMA Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Hortensia Ferrero
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
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Chen R, Yang H, Dai J, Zhang M, Lu G, Zhang M, Yu H, Zheng M, He Q. The biological functions of maternal-derived extracellular vesicles during pregnancy and lactation and its impact on offspring health. Clin Nutr 2023; 42:493-504. [PMID: 36857958 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.02.007] [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: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
During pregnancy and lactation, mothers provide not only nutrients, but also many bioactive components for their offspring through placenta and breast milk, which are essential for offspring development. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanovesicles containing a variety of biologically active molecules and participate in the intercellular communication. In the past decade, an increasing number of studies have reported that maternal-derived EVs play a crucial role in offspring growth, development, and immune system establishment. Hereby, we summarized the characteristics of EVs; biological functions of maternal-derived EVs during pregnancy, including implantation, decidualization, placentation, embryo development and birth of offspring; biological function of breast milk-derived EVs (BMEs) on infant oral and intestinal diseases, immune system, neurodevelopment, and metabolism. In summary, emerging studies have revealed that maternal-derived EVs play a pivotal role in offspring health. As such, maternal-derived EVs may be used as promising biomarkers in offspring disease diagnosis and treatment. However, existing research on maternal-derived EVs and offspring health is largely limited to animal and cellular studies. Evidence from human studies is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Jie Dai
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Minzhe Zhang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gaolei Lu
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Minjie Zhang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongjie Yu
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Miaobing Zheng
- School of Nutrition and Exercise, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Qiqiang He
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Wuhan University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China; Hubei Biomass-Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology Key Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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6
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Poh QH, Rai A, Salamonsen LA, Greening DW. Omics insights into extracellular vesicles in embryo implantation and their therapeutic utility. Proteomics 2023; 23:e2200107. [PMID: 36591946 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202200107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Implantation success relies on intricate interplay between the developing embryo and the maternal endometrium. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent an important player of this intercellular signalling through delivery of functional cargo (proteins and RNAs) that reprogram the target cells protein and RNA landscape. Functionally, the signalling reciprocity of endometrial and embryo EVs regulates the site of implantation, preimplantation embryo development and hatching, antioxidative activity, embryo attachment, trophoblast invasion, arterial remodelling, and immune tolerance. Omics technologies including mass spectrometry have been instrumental in dissecting EV cargo that regulate these processes as well as molecular changes in embryo and endometrium to facilitate implantation. This has also led to discovery of potential cargo in EVs in human uterine fluid (UF) and embryo spent media (ESM) of diagnostic and therapeutic value in implantation success, fertility, and pregnancy outcome. This review discusses the contribution of EVs in functional hallmarks of embryo implantation, and how the integration of various omics technologies is enabling design of EV-based diagnostic and therapeutic platforms in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Hui Poh
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alin Rai
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Gonzalez Fernandez J, Moncayo Arlandi J, Ochando A, Simon C, Vilella F. The role of extracellular vesicles in intercellular communication in human reproduction. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:281-301. [PMID: 36762584 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Embryo-maternal cross-talk has emerged as a vitally important process for embryo development and implantation, which is driven by secreted factors and extracellular vesicles (EVs). The EV cargo of bioactive molecules significantly influences target cells and primes them for critical stages of reproductive biology, including embryo development, adhesion, and implantation. Recent research has suggested that EVs and their cargo represent a powerful non-invasive tool that can be leveraged to assess embryo and maternal tissue quality during assisted reproduction treatments. Here, we review the current scientific literature regarding the intercellular cross-talk between embryos and maternal tissues from fertilization to implantation, focusing on human biology and signaling mechanisms identified in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Gonzalez Fernandez
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Moncayo Arlandi
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Ochando
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Simon
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Felipe Vilella
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
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Eivazi S, Tanhaye Kalate Sabz F, Amiri S, Zandieh Z, Bakhtiyari M, Rashidi M, Aflatoonian R, Mehraein F, Amjadi F. MiRNAs secreted by human blastocysts could be potential gene expression regulators during implantation. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:1375-1383. [PMID: 36469260 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-08121-6] [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: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs known as essential regulators of cell-cell communication. Recent studies have revealed that miRNAs are secreted by a blastocyst in culture media. We hypothesized that endometrial epithelial cells take up embryo-derived miRNAs as well as other soluble factors and regulate their receptivity-related gene expression. METHODS AND RESULTS Blastocyst culture media (BCM) were collected from the individually cultured embryos, while human endometrial epithelial cells (HEECs) were collected from healthy fertile volunteers. To evaluate the effect of BCM on the endometrial receptivity gene expression, HEECs were co-cultured with implanted BCM, non-implanted BCM, and a control culture medium. After determining altered gene expression in the HEECs, the miRNAs-related genes through bioinformatics databases were identified and evaluated in the BCM. Co-culture of primary HEECs with BCM significantly stimulated the expression levels of VEGFA, HBEGF, HOXA10, and LIF in the implanted group compared with non-implanted and control groups. The fold changes of miR-195 significantly diminished in the implanted BCM group compared with the non-implanted BCM group. Reduced fold changes of miR-29b, 145 and increased miR-223 were also observed in the implanted BCM group compared with the non-implanted ones. CONCLUSION miRNAs could function as potential gene expression regulators during implantation. These molecules are secreted by human blastocyst, taken up by endometrial epithelial cells, and cause a change in the endometrial function. We found that BCMs can be effective in implantation process by stimulating related receptivity gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Eivazi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1168743514, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Tanhaye Kalate Sabz
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1168743514, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Pathology, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, bojnurd, Iran
| | - Sadegh Amiri
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1168743514, Iran
| | - Zahra Zandieh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1168743514, Iran
- Shahid Akbar Abadi Clinical Research Development Unit (SHACRDU), School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Bakhtiyari
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1168743514, Iran
| | - Mandana Rashidi
- Shahid Akbar Abadi Clinical Research Development Unit (SHACRDU), School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Aflatoonian
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Mehraein
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1168743514, Iran.
| | - Fatemehsadat Amjadi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1168743514, Iran.
- Shahid Akbar Abadi Clinical Research Development Unit (SHACRDU), School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.
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9
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Extracellular vesicles-encapsulated microRNA in mammalian reproduction: A review. Theriogenology 2023; 196:174-185. [PMID: 36423512 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.022] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale cell-derived lipid vesicles that participate in cell-cell communication by delivering cargo, including mRNAs, proteins and non-coding RNAs, to recipient cells. MicroRNA (miRNA), a non-coding RNA typically 22 nucleotides long, is crucial for nearly all developmental and pathophysiological processes in mammals by regulating recipient cells gene expression. Infertility is a worldwide health issue that affects 10-15% of couples during their reproductive years. Although assisted reproductive technology (ART) gives infertility couples hope, the failure of ART is mainly unknown. It is well accepted that EVs-encapsulated miRNAs have a role in different reproductive processes, implying that these EVs-encapsulated miRNAs could optimize ART, improve reproductive rate, and treat infertility. As a result, in this review, we describe the present understanding of EVs-encapsulated miRNAs in reproduction regulation.
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10
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Fan W, Qi Y, Wang Y, Yan H, Li X, Zhang Y. Messenger roles of extracellular vesicles during fertilization of gametes, development and implantation: Recent advances. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1079387. [PMID: 36684431 PMCID: PMC9849778 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1079387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become a research hotspot in recent years because they act as messengers between cells in the physiological and pathological processes of the human body. It can be produced by the follicle, prostate, embryo, uterus, and oviduct in the reproductive field and exists in the extracellular environment as follicular fluid, semen, uterine cavity fluid, and oviduct fluid. Because extracellular vesicles are more stable at transmitting information, it allows all cells involved in the physiological processes of embryo formation, development, and implantation to communicate with one another. Extracellular vesicles carried miRNAs and proteins as mail, and when the messenger delivers the mail to the recipient cell, the recipient cell undergoes a series of changes. Current research begins with intercepting and decoding the information carried by extracellular vesicles. This information may help us gain a better understanding of the secrets of reproduction, as well as assist reproductive technology as an emerging marker and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weisen Fan
- The First Clinical Medical College of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yinghua Qi
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yaqian Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Huiting Yan
- The First Clinical Medical College of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xuan Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China,*Correspondence: Yingjie Zhang,
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11
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Effect of miR-143-3p from Extracellular Vesicles of Porcine Uterine Luminal Fluid on Porcine Trophoblast Cells. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233402. [PMID: 36496922 PMCID: PMC9736583 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) in uterine luminal fluid (ULF) can reportedly affect the proliferation and migration function of porcine trophoblast cells (PTr2 cells) by mediating the maternal-fetal exchange of information. miR-143-3p is considered a crucial miRNA in early pregnancy in mammals; however, little is currently known about how it regulates the function of PTr2 cells. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ssc-miR-143-3p in ULF-EVs on the function of PTr2 cells during porcine embryo implantation. The uptake of ULF-EVs by PTr2 cells was confirmed, which significantly increased the expression of ssc-miR-143-3p. Ssc-miR-143-3p was found to facilitate the proliferation and migration of PTr2 cells in the CCK-8, EdU and wound-closure assays, while the opposite findings were observed after the knockdown of ssc-miR-143-3p. Bioinformatics analysis and the luciferase reporter assay showed that glycerol-3 phosphate dehydrogenase 2 (GDP2) was directly targeted by miR-143-3p. Inhibition of miR-143-3p was validated in mice to inhibit embryo implantation. In summary, ssc-miR-143-3p in ULF-EVs affects the proliferation and migration of PTr2 cells by mediating GPD2, thereby affecting embryo implantation.
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12
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Wu HM, Chen LH, Hsu LT, Lai CH. Immune Tolerance of Embryo Implantation and Pregnancy: The Role of Human Decidual Stromal Cell- and Embryonic-Derived Extracellular Vesicles. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113382. [PMID: 36362169 PMCID: PMC9658721 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo–endometrial communication plays a critical role in embryo implantation and the establishment of a successful pregnancy. Successful pregnancy outcomes involve maternal immune modulation during embryo implantation. The endometrium is usually primed and immunomodulated by steroid hormones and embryo signals for subsequent embryo implantation and the maintenance of pregnancy. The roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and microRNAs for the embryo–maternal interactions have been elucidated recently. New evidence shows that endometrial EVs and trophectoderm-originated EV cargo, including microRNAs, proteins, and lipids in the physiological microenvironment, regulate maternal immunomodulation for embryo implantation and subsequent pregnancy. On the other hand, trophoblast-derived EVs also control the cross-communication between the trophoblasts and immune cells. The exploration of EV functions and mechanisms in the processes of embryo implantation and pregnancy will shed light on a practical tool for the diagnostic or therapeutic approaches to reproductive medicine and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Ming Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Hsuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Le-Tien Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chyong-Huey Lai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-328-1200 (ext. 8254)
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13
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Goharitaban S, Abedelahi A, Hamdi K, Khazaei M, Esmaeilivand M, Niknafs B. Role of endometrial microRNAs in repeated implantation failure (mini-review). Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:936173. [PMID: 36060804 PMCID: PMC9437697 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.936173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play various roles in the implantation and pregnancy process. Abnormal regulation of miRNAs leads to reproductive disorders such as repeated implantation failure (RIF). During the window of implantation, different miRNAs are released from the endometrium, which can potentially reflect the status of the endometrium for in vitro fertilization (IVF). The focus of this review is to determine whether endometrial miRNAs may be utilized as noninvasive biomarkers to predict the ability of endometrium to implant and provide live birth during IVF cycles. The levels of certain miRNAs in the endometrium have been linked to implantation potential and pregnancy outcomes in previous studies. Endometrial miRNAs could be employed as non-invasive biomarkers in the assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle to determine the optimal time for implantation. Few human studies have evaluated the association between ART outcomes and endometrial miRNAs in RIF patients. This review may pave the way for more miRNA transcriptomic studies on human endometrium and introduce a specific miRNA profile as a multivariable prediction model for choosing the optimal time in the IVF cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepide Goharitaban
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Abedelahi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kobra Hamdi
- Womens Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mozafar Khazaei
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Esmaeilivand
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behrooz Niknafs
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- *Correspondence: Behrooz Niknafs, , 0000-0003-4438-1880
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14
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Szuszkiewicz J, Myszczynski K, Reliszko ZP, Heifetz Y, Kaczmarek MM. Early steps of embryo implantation are regulated by exchange of extracellular vesicles between the embryo and the endometrium. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22450. [PMID: 35848638 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200677r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In early pregnancy, as the embryo arrives in the uterus, intensive communication between the embryo and uterus begins. Hundreds of molecules are known to be involved, but despite numerous findings, full understanding of the complexity of the embryo-maternal dialog remains elusive. Recently, extracellular vesicles, nanoparticles able to transfer functionally active cargo between cells, have emerged as important players in cell-cell communication, and as such, they have gained great attention over the past decade also in reproductive biology. Here, we use a domestic animal model (Sus scrofa) with an epitheliochorial, superficial type of placentation because of its advantage in studding uterine luminal fluid extracellular vesicles. We show that during early pregnancy, the uterine lumen is abundant with extracellular vesicles that carry a plethora of miRNAs able to target genes involved in embryonic and organismal development. These extracellular vesicles, upon the delivery to primary trophoblast cells, affect genes governing development as well as cell-to-cell signaling and interactions, consequently having an impact on trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. We conclude that the exchange of a unique population of extracellular vesicles and their molecular cargo at the maternal-embryo interface is the key to the success of embryo implantation and pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Szuszkiewicz
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Kamil Myszczynski
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Zaneta P Reliszko
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Yael Heifetz
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Monika M Kaczmarek
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland.,Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
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15
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Shang J, Cheng YF, Li M, Wang H, Zhang JN, Guo XM, Cao DD, Yao YQ. Identification of Key Endometrial MicroRNAs and Their Target Genes Associated With Pathogenesis of Recurrent Implantation Failure by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis. Front Genet 2022; 13:919301. [PMID: 35812749 PMCID: PMC9257071 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.919301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is an enormous challenge for in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinicians. An understanding of the molecular mechanisms of RIF helps to predict prognosis and develop new therapeutic strategies. The study is designed to identify diagnostic biomarkers for RIF as well as the potential mechanisms underlying RIF by utilizing public databases together with experimental validation. Methods: Two microarray datasets of RIF patients and the healthy control endometrium were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. First, differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) (DEMs) were identified and their target genes were predicted. Then, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and selected hub genes through protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses. Functional enrichment analyses of DEGs and DEMs were conducted. Furthermore, the key DEMs which targeted these hub genes were selected to obtain the key miRNA–target gene network. The key genes in the miRNA-target gene network were validated by a single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset of endometrium from GEO. Finally, we selected two miRNA–target gene pairs for further experimental validation using dual-luciferase assay and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results: We identified 49 DEMs between RIF patients and the fertile group and found 136,678 target genes. Then, 325 DEGs were totally used to construct the PPI network, and 33 hub genes were selected. Also, 25 DEMs targeted 16 key DEGs were obtained to establish a key miRNA–target gene network, and 16 key DEGs were validated by a single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset. Finally, the target relationship of hsa-miR-199a-5p-PDPN and hsa-miR-4306-PAX2 was verified by dual-luciferase assay, and there were significant differences in the expression of those genes between the RIF and fertile group by PCR (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We constructed miRNA–target gene regulatory networks associated with RIF which provide new insights regarding the underlying pathogenesis of RIF; hsa-miR-199a-5p-PDPN and hsa-miR-4306-PAX2 could be further explored as potential biomarkers for RIF, and their detection in the endometrium could be applied in clinics to estimate the probability of successful embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Shang
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Fei Cheng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Ning Zhang
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Meng Guo
- College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dan-dan Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Dan-dan Cao, ; Yuan-Qing Yao,
| | - Yuan-Qing Yao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Dan-dan Cao, ; Yuan-Qing Yao,
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16
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The role of extracellular vesicles in endometrial receptivity and their potential in reproductive therapeutics and diagnosis. Reprod Biol 2022; 22:100645. [PMID: 35594727 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small, nanometre sized, membrane-enclosed structures released by cells and are thought to be crucial in cellular communication. The cargo of these vesicles includes lipids, proteins, RNAs and DNA, and control various biological processes in their target tissues depending on the parental and receiver cell's origin and phenotype. Recently data has accumulated in the role of EVs in embryo implantation and pregnancy, with EVs identified in the uterine cavity of women, sheep, cows, horses, and mice, in which they aid blastocyst and endometrial preparation for implantation. Herein is a critical review to decipher the role of extracellular vesicles in endometrial receptivity and their potential in reproductive therapies and diagnosis. The current knowledge of the function of embryo and endometrial derived EVs and their cargoes, with regards to their effect on implantation and receptivity are summarized and evaluated. The findings of the below review highlight that the combined knowledge on EVs deriving from the endometrium and embryo have the potential to be translated to various clinical applications including treatment, a diagnostic biomarker for diseases and a drug delivery tool to ultimately improve pregnancy rates.
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17
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Chang Y, Shen M, Wang S, Li X, Duan H. Association of embryo transfer type with infertility in endometriosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1033-1043. [PMID: 35332423 PMCID: PMC9107540 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02460-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aims to evaluate whether frozen embryo transfer can restore optimal receptivity leading to better assisted reproductive technology outcomes in women with endometriosis. METHODS This systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted from January 10, 2021 to July 1, 2021, searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, OVID, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases from inception to January 10, 2021. The search strategy combined search terms as follows: ("endometriosis" OR "deep endometriosis" OR "endometrioma") AND ("frozen-thawed embryo transfer" OR "frozen embryo transfer" OR "freeze-all strategy") AND ("pregnancy outcome" OR "live birth rate" OR "clinical pregnancy rate" OR "miscarriage rate"). No publication time or language limits were set during the searches. In addition, references of the related articles were searched by hand. Patients were included if they had a history of endometriosis and had received fresh or frozen embryo transfer. Only the first transfer cycle was included. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to express outcomes, and data synthesis was conducted using RevMan, version 5.4 software. RESULTS A total of six studies with moderate methodologic quality were retrieved in the meta-analysis. The studies included 3010 women with endometriosis who wanted to conceive; 1777 (59.0%) had frozen embryo transfer, and 1233 (41.0%) had fresh embryo transfer. There was a significantly higher frequency of live births in the frozen embryo group than in the fresh embryo group (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.13-2.08; P = .007). Despite a similar clinical pregnancy rate in the two groups (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.95-1.69; P = .11), the difference in miscarriage rate was significant (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.50-0.97; P = .03). Evidence quality was considered moderate. CONCLUSION Cryopreserved embryo transfer has resulted in preferable reproduction outcomes when compared with fresh embryo transfer in patients with endometriosis, but the evidence is not yet abundant. More strictly designed research is needed to evaluate whether frozen embryo transfer leads to better reproductive outcomes in women with endometriosis compared with those receiving fresh embryo transfer. REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO CRD42021248313.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Chang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 17 Qihelou Street, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China
| | - Minghong Shen
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 17 Qihelou Street, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China
- Department of Gynecology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Sha Wang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 17 Qihelou Street, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 17 Qihelou Street, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China
| | - Hua Duan
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 17 Qihelou Street, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China.
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18
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Kowalczyk A, Wrzecińska M, Czerniawska-Piątkowska E, Kupczyński R. Exosomes - Spectacular role in reproduction. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 148:112752. [PMID: 35220028 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are nano-sized structures that are found in semen, epididymal -fluid, endometrium, as well as in follicular fluid. They are responsible for transporting bioactive cargo- proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Exosomes have been proven to influence processes in both female and male reproductive systems, including gametogenesis, acrosomal reaction, sperm capacitation, and embryo implantation in the endometrium. Exosomes are made of the same particles as the cells they come from and are secreted by normal and pathological cells. Therefore, exosomes can reflect the physiological state of cells. Moreover, due to the transportation of biomolecules, they participate in intercellular communication and can be used as biomarkers of many diseases, including ovarian, endometrial and prostate cancer. Identification of exosomes as biomarkers could contribute to a better understanding of genital dysfunction and fertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Kowalczyk
- Department of Environment Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 38C, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Marcjanna Wrzecińska
- Department of Ruminant Science, West Pomeranian University of Technology, ul. Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Ewa Czerniawska-Piątkowska
- Department of Ruminant Science, West Pomeranian University of Technology, ul. Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Robert Kupczyński
- Department of Environment Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 38C, Wrocław, Poland.
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19
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Aleksejeva E, Zarovni N, Dissanayake K, Godakumara K, Vigano P, Fazeli A, Jaakma Ü, Salumets A. Extracellular vesicle research in reproductive science- Paving the way for clinical achievements. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:408-424. [PMID: 34982163 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian conception involves a multitude of reciprocal interactions via a molecular dialogue between mother and conceptus. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted membrane-encapsulated particles that mediate cell-to-cell communication in various contexts. EVs, which are present in seminal, follicular, oviductal, and endometrial fluids, as well as in embryo secretions, carry molecular constituents that impact gamete maturation, fertilization, early embryo development, and embryo-maternal communication. The distribution, concentration, and molecular cargo of EVs are regulated by steroid hormones and the health status of the tissue of origin, and thus are influenced by menstrual phase, stage of conception, and the presence of infertility-associated diseases. EVs have been recognized as a novel source of biomarkers and potential reproductive medicine therapeutics, particularly for assisted reproductive technology (ART). There are still many technological and scientific hindrances to be overcome before EVs can be used in clinical diagnostic and therapeutic ART applications. Issues to be resolved include the lack of standardized measurement protocols and an absence of absolute EV quantification technologies. Additionally, clinically suitable and robust EV isolation methods have yet to be developed. In this review, we provide an overview of EV-mediated interactions during the early stages of reproduction from gamete maturation to embryo implantation and then outline the technological progress that must be made for EV applications to be translated to clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Aleksejeva
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Keerthie Dissanayake
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, 20400 Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.,Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kasun Godakumara
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Paola Vigano
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, 20400 Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.,Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, S10 2TN Sheffield, UK
| | - Ülle Jaakma
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 50411 Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406 Tartu, Estonia.,Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
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20
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Segura-Benítez M, Carbajo-García MC, Corachán A, Faus A, Pellicer A, Ferrero H. Proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles secreted by primary human epithelial endometrial cells reveals key proteins related to embryo implantation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:3. [PMID: 34980157 PMCID: PMC8722215 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00879-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful implantation is dependent on coordination between maternal endometrium and embryo, and the role of EVs in the required cross-talk cell-to-cell has been recently established. In this regard, it has been reported that EVs secreted by the maternal endometrium can be internalized by human trophoblastic cells transferring their contents and enhancing their adhesive and invasive capacity. This is the first study to comprehensively evaluate three EV isolation methods on human endometrial epithelial cells in culture and to describe the proteomic content of EVs secreted by pHEECs from fertile women. METHODS Ishikawa cells and pHEECs were in vitro cultured and hormonally treated; subsequently, conditioned medium was collected and EVs isolated. Ishikawa cells were used for the comparison of EVs isolation methods ultracentrifugation, ExoQuick-TC and Norgen Cell Culture Media Exosome Purification Kit (n = 3 replicates/isolation method). pHEECs were isolated from endometrial biopsies (n = 8/replicate; 3 replicates) collected from healthy oocyte donors with confirmed fertility, and protein content of EVs isolated by the most efficient methodology was analysed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. EV concentration and size were analyzed by nanoparticle tracking analysis, EV morphology visualized by transmission electron microscopy and protein marker expression was determined by Western blotting. RESULTS Ultracentrifugation was the most efficient methodology for EV isolation from medium of endometrial epithelial cells. EVs secreted by pHEECs and isolated by ultracentrifugation were heterogeneous in size and expressed EV protein markers HSP70, TSG101, CD9, and CD81. Proteomic analysis identified 218 proteins contained in these EVs enriched in biological processes involved in embryo implantation, including cell adhesion, differentiation, communication, migration, extracellular matrix organization, vasculature development, and reproductive processes. From these proteins, 82 were selected based on their functional relevance in implantation success as possible implantation biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS EV protein cargos are implicated in biological processes related to endometrial receptivity, embryo implantation, and early embryo development, supporting the concept of a communication system between the embryo and the maternal endometrium via EVs. Identified proteins may define new biomarkers of endometrial receptivity and implantation success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Segura-Benítez
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia Y Ginecología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Cristina Carbajo-García
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia Y Ginecología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Corachán
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia Y Ginecología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Faus
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- IVIRMA Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Hortensia Ferrero
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
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21
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Chen K, Liang J, Qin T, Zhang Y, Chen X, Wang Z. The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Embryo Implantation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:809596. [PMID: 35154016 PMCID: PMC8831238 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.809596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-coating nanoparticles derived from cells. The effect of cell-to-cell communication mediated by EVs has been investigated in different fields of physio-logical as well as pathological process in recent years. Reproduction, regarded as a definitive characteristic of organisms, has been a focus in both animal and medical sciences. It is well agreed that implantation is a critical event during early pregnancy in viviparous animals, and a proper implantation is essential for the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy. However, successful implantation requires the synchronized development of both the uterus and the embryo, therefore, in which well communication and opportune regulation are necessary. This review focuses on the progression of studies that reveal the role of EVs in early pregnancy, especially during implantation. Based on current evidence, EVs are produced and exist in the environment for implantation. It has been proved that EVs of different origins such as endometrium and embryo, have positive influences on embryo implantation. With their cargos of proteins and nucleic acids (especially microRNAs), EVs exert their effects including information transportation, immune stimulation and regulation of gene expression.
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22
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Guo L, Guo A, Yang F, Li L, Yan J, Deng X, Dai C, Li Y. Alterations of Cytokine Profiles in Patients With Recurrent Implantation Failure. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:949123. [PMID: 35898466 PMCID: PMC9309554 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.949123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum cytokine profile and T helper (Th)1/Th2 cell balance are related to the success of embryo implantation, although not yet firmly linked to recurrent implantation failure (RIF), a repeated failure to achieve clinical pregnancy following multiple high-quality embryo transfer. In this prospective study, comprehensive bioinfomatic analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to compare the serum cytokine profiles of 41 RIF patients with those of 29 subjects with first-cycle successful pregnancy in the mid-luteal phase and to assess the alterations of cytokine profiles in patients with clinical pregnancy at five weeks post-transplantation. We found several elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, decreased anti-inflammatory cytokines, and increased Th1/Th2 cytokine ratios in RIF patients compared to control subjects. Specifically, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve generated using multiple indicators provides a high predictive value for diagnosing RIF (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87-1.00, P < 0.0001), with a sensitivity of 96.55% and a specificity of 87.50%. Meanwhile, at five weeks post-transplantation, patients in both groups diagnosed with clinical pregnancy exhibited increased levels of several cytokines compared with pre-pregnancy levels, and a gradual shift in Th1/Th2 balance toward Th2. These findings suggest that inflammatory serum cytokines and the predominance of Th1 cells likely contribute to RIF and possibly reflect the immune environment at the maternal-fetal interface, suggesting their value as outcome indicators in assisted reproductive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Anliang Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Li Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Junhao Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaohui Deng
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Caifeng Dai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Caifeng Dai, ; Yan Li,
| | - Yan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Caifeng Dai, ; Yan Li,
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Zeng H, Fu Y, Shen L, Quan S. MicroRNA signatures in plasma and plasma exosome during window of implantation for implantation failure following in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:180. [PMID: 34876134 PMCID: PMC8650536 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00855-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that are dysregulated in many diseases and can act as biomarkers. Although well-studied in cancer, the role of miRNAs in embryo implantation is poorly understood. Approximately 70% of embryos fail to implant following in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, 10% of patients experienced recurrent implantation failure. However, there are no well-established biomarkers that can predict implantation failure. Our purpose is to investigate distinct miRNA profiles in plasma and plasma exosomes during the window of implantation between patients with failed implantation and successful implantation. METHODS We select a nested case-control population of 12 patients with implantation failure or successfully clinical pregnancy using propensity score matching. RNA was extracted from plasma and plasma exosomes collected during the window of implantation (WOI). MicroRNA expression in all samples was quantified using microRNA sequencing. The intersection of differently expressed miRNAs in plasma and exosomes were further validated in the GEO dataset. Significantly altered microRNAs in both plasma and plasma exosomes were then subjected to target prediction and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses to search for key signaling pathways. WGCNA analysis was performed to identify hub miRNAs associated with implantation. RESULTS 13 miRNAs were differentially expressed in both plasma and plasma exosomes in patients with implantation failure. Among them, miR-150-5p, miR-150-3p, miR-149-5p, and miR-146b-3p had consistent direction changes in endometrium of patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF), miR-342-3p had consistent direction changes in blood samples of patients with RIF. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs are enriched in pathways related to embryo implantation. WGCNA analysis indicated that miR-150-5p, miR-150-3p, miR-146b-3p, and miR-342-3p are hub miRNAs. CONCLUSIONS Implantation failure is associated with distinct miRNA profiles in plasma and plasma exosomes during WOI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zeng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Fu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Lang Shen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Song Quan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
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24
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Shi S, Tan Q, Liang J, Cao D, Wang S, Liang J, Chen K, Wang Z. Placental trophoblast cell-derived exosomal microRNA-1290 promotes the interaction between endometrium and embryo by targeting LHX6. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:760-772. [PMID: 34729246 PMCID: PMC8526418 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Communication between the maternal uterus and the embryo is vital for a successful pregnancy. Exosomes, subtypes of extracellular vesicles comprising many bioactive factors, regulate the early stages of pregnancy, specifically during embryo implantation. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) derived from placental trophoblasts regulate embryo implantation remains elusive. We isolated and identified exosomes derived from placental trophoblast cells (HTR8/SVneo). Subsequently, we evaluated the loading miRNA in exosomes by small RNA sequencing. Consequently, we showed that trophoblast cell-derived exosomes could transfer to endometrial epithelial cells. Besides, these exosomes promoted the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as migration of endometrial cells and were implicated in the regulation of inflammation. Further, the specific miRNAs were screened in exosomes, and as a result, miRNA (miR)-1290 was enriched specifically in exosomes. miR-1290 promoted the expression of inflammatory factors (interleukin [IL]-6 and IL-8) and migration of endometrial epithelial cells. In addition, exosomal miR-1290 promoted angiogenesis in vitro. More importantly, by targeting LHX6, trophoblast HTR8/SVneo cell-derived exosomal miR-1290 promoted the EMT process of endometrial epithelial cell HEC-1-A. Altogether, our findings provide novel insights into the mechanism of trophoblast cell-derived exosomes during embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Shi
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Qiang Tan
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Jingjie Liang
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Dingren Cao
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Shaoyu Wang
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Junyong Liang
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Kaiyu Chen
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Zhengguang Wang
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China.,Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya 572000, PR China
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25
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Chen P, Li T, Guo Y, Jia L, Wang Y, Fang C. Construction of Circulating MicroRNAs-Based Non-invasive Prediction Models of Recurrent Implantation Failure by Network Analysis. Front Genet 2021; 12:712150. [PMID: 34367263 PMCID: PMC8344057 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.712150] [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: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is an obstacle in the process of assisted reproductive technology (ART). At present, there is limited research on its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment methods. Methods and Results In this study, a series of analytical tools were used to analyze differences in miRNAs, mRNAs, and lncRNAs in the endometrium of patients in a RIF group and a control group. Then the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was built to describe the relationship between gene regulation in the endometrium of the RIF group. Based on the results of the logistic regression of co-expression miRNAs between serum and endometrial samples, we built a predictive model based on circulating miRNAs. Conclusion The stability and non-invasiveness of the circular miRNA prediction model provided a new method for diagnosis in RIF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peigen Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingchun Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Jia
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cong Fang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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26
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Soni UK, Chadchan SB, Gupta RK, Kumar V, Kumar Jha R. miRNA-149 targets PARP-2 in endometrial epithelial and stromal cells to regulate the trophoblast attachment process. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6288493. [PMID: 34051087 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is a highly complex process involving many regulatory factors, including several micro RNAs (miRNAs/miRs). One miRNA present in the stromal cells of normal endometrium is miR-149, which targets poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 2 (PARP-2), a gene involved in endometrial receptivity for trophoblast implantation. However, the precise role of miR-149 in the endometrial receptivity during blastocyst implantation is still unknown. We studied miR-149-dependent PARP-2 regulation during trophoblast attachment to endometrial epithelial cells. Using FISH, we found that miR-149 is expressed in mouse endometrial epithelial and stromal cells at implantation and inter-implantation sites. Endometrial receptivity for embryo implantation and attachment is inhibited by the upregulation of miR-149 in the endometrium. Our RT-PCR analysis revealed downregulation of miR-149 in the implantation region of the uterus during the receptive stage (Day 5, 0500 h, p.c.) in the mouse. Under in-vitro conditions, miR-149 overexpression in human endometrial epithelial cells (hEECs) abrogated the human trophoblastic cells spheroid and mouse blastocyst attachment. Subsequently, miR-149 also regulates transformed human endometrial stromal cell (T-hESCs) decidualization by downregulating PARP-2 and upregulating caspase-8 proteins. Overexpression of miR-149 in hEECs and downregulated PARP-2 protein expression, reconfirming that PARP-2 is a downstream target of miR-149 in endometrial cells as well. miR-149 is also able to alter the expression of caspase-8, another PARP-2 regulator. In conclusion, our data indicate that miR-149 is one of the regulators of endometrial receptivity and decidualization for trophoblast implantation, and it exerts the effects by acting on the downstream targets PARP-2 and caspase-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upendra Kumar Soni
- Female Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Sangappa Basanna Chadchan
- Female Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar Gupta
- Female Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Female Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar Jha
- Female Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, U.P., India
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27
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Machtinger R, Baccarelli AA, Wu H. Extracellular vesicles and female reproduction. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:549-557. [PMID: 33471231 PMCID: PMC7910356 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-02048-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized membrane bound complexes that have been identified as a mean for intercellular communication between cells and tissues both in physiological and pathological conditions. These vesicles contain numerous molecules involved in signal transduction including microRNAs, mRNAs, DNA, proteins, lipids, and cytokines and can affect the behavior of recipient cells. Female reproduction is dependent on extremely fine-tuned endocrine regulation, and EVs may represent an added layer that contributes to this regulation. This narrative review article provides an update on the research of the role of EVs in female reproduction including folliculogenesis, fertilization, embryo quality, and implantation. We also highlight potential pitfalls in typical EV studies and discuss gaps in the current literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Machtinger
- Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, 52621, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Environmental Precision Biosciences Laboratory, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Haotian Wu
- Environmental Precision Biosciences Laboratory, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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28
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Talebjedi B, Tasnim N, Hoorfar M, Mastromonaco GF, De Almeida Monteiro Melo Ferraz M. Exploiting Microfluidics for Extracellular Vesicle Isolation and Characterization: Potential Use for Standardized Embryo Quality Assessment. Front Vet Sci 2021; 7:620809. [PMID: 33469556 PMCID: PMC7813816 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.620809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent decades have seen a growing interest in the study of extracellular vesicles (EVs), driven by their role in cellular communication, and potential as biomarkers of health and disease. Although it is known that embryos secrete EVs, studies on the importance of embryonic EVs are still very limited. This limitation is due mainly to small sample volumes, with low EV concentrations available for analysis, and to laborious, costly and time-consuming procedures for isolating and evaluating EVs. In this respect, microfluidics technologies represent a promising avenue for optimizing the isolation and characterization of embryonic EVs. Despite significant improvements in microfluidics for EV isolation and characterization, the use of EVs as markers of embryo quality has been held back by two key challenges: (1) the lack of specific biomarkers of embryo quality, and (2) the limited number of studies evaluating the content of embryonic EVs across embryos with varying developmental competence. Our core aim in this review is to identify the critical challenges of EV isolation and to provide seeds for future studies to implement the profiling of embryonic EVs as a diagnostic test for embryo selection. We first summarize the conventional methods for isolating EVs and contrast these with the most promising microfluidics methods. We then discuss current knowledge of embryonic EVs and their potential role as biomarkers of embryo quality. Finally, we identify key ways in which microfluidics technologies could allow researchers to overcome the challenges of embryonic EV isolation and be used as a fast, user-friendly tool for non-invasive embryo selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahram Talebjedi
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Nishat Tasnim
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Mina Hoorfar
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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29
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Jiang NX, Li XL. The Complicated Effects of Extracellular Vesicles and Their Cargos on Embryo Implantation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:681266. [PMID: 34149619 PMCID: PMC8213030 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.681266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As a rate-limiting step in pregnancy, embryo implantation is highly dependent on intercellular communication. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are newly identified to be important in the course of intercellular communication. EVs have been isolated from a wide variety of biofluids and tissues, including plasma, liver, uterine, semen, embryo, etc. The present and future use of EVs not only as biomarkers, but also as targeting drug delivery system, is promisingly pave the way for advanced comprehension of implantation failure in reproductive diseases. However, as the precise mechanisms of EVs in embryo implantation has not been elucidated yet. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge on the diverse effects of EVs from various sources and their cargos such as microRNA, long non-coding RNA, protein, etc. on embryo implantation, and the potential mechanisms of EVs in reproductive diseases such as recurrent implantation failure, polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis. It is essential to note that many of the biologically plausible functions of EVs in embryo implantation discussed in present literatures still need further research in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Xing Jiang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Lian Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xue-Lian Li,
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30
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The Biological Function of Extracellular Vesicles during Fertilization, Early Embryo-Maternal Crosstalk and Their Involvement in Reproduction: Review and Overview. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10111510. [PMID: 33158009 PMCID: PMC7693816 DOI: 10.3390/biom10111510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Secretory extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enclosed microparticles that mediate cell to cell communication in proximity to, or distant from, the cell of origin. Cells release a heterogeneous spectrum of EVs depending on their physiologic and metabolic state. Extracellular vesicles are generally classified as either exosomes or microvesicles depending on their size and biogenesis. Extracellular vesicles mediate temporal and spatial interaction during many events in sexual reproduction and supporting embryo-maternal dialogue. Although many omic technologies provide detailed understanding of the molecular cargo of EVs, the difficulty in obtaining populations of homogeneous EVs makes difficult to interpret the molecular profile of the molecules derived from a miscellaneous EV population. Notwithstanding, molecular characterization of EVs isolated in physiological and pathological conditions may increase our understanding of reproductive and obstetric diseases and assist the search for potential non-invasive biomarkers. Moreover, a more precise vision of the cocktail of biomolecules inside the EVs mediating communication between the embryo and mother could provide new insights to optimize the therapeutic action and safety of EV use.
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31
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Lang F, Rajaxavier J, Singh Y, Brucker SY, Salker MS. The Enigmatic Role of Serum & Glucocorticoid Inducible Kinase 1 in the Endometrium. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:556543. [PMID: 33195190 PMCID: PMC7609842 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.556543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) is subject to genetic up-regulation by diverse stimulators including glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, dehydration, ischemia, radiation and hyperosmotic shock. To become active, the expressed kinase requires phosphorylation, which is accomplished by PI3K/PDK1 and mTOR dependent signaling. SGK1 enhances the expression/activity of various transport proteins including Na+/K+-ATPase as well as ion-, glucose-, and amino acid- carriers in the plasma membrane. SGK1 can further up-regulate diverse ion channels, such as Na+-, Ca2+-, K+- and Cl– channels. SGK1 regulates expression/activity of a wide variety of transcription factors (such as FKHRL1/Foxo3a, β-catenin, NFκB and p53). SGK1 thus contributes to the regulation of transport, glycolysis, angiogenesis, cell survival, immune regulation, cell migration, tissue fibrosis and tissue calcification. In this review we summarized the current findings that SGK1 plays a crucial function in the regulation of endometrial function. Specifically, it plays a dual role in the regulation of endometrial receptivity necessary for implantation and, subsequently in pregnancy maintenance. Furthermore, fetal programming of blood pressure regulation requires maternal SGK1. Underlying mechanisms are, however, still ill-defined and there is a substantial need for additional information to fully understand the role of SGK1 in the orchestration of embryo implantation, embryo survival and fetal programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Lang
- Department of Physiology, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Janet Rajaxavier
- Research Institute of Women's Health, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yogesh Singh
- Research Institute of Women's Health, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sara Y Brucker
- Research Institute of Women's Health, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Madhuri S Salker
- Research Institute of Women's Health, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
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Abstract
EV-A71 was supposed to infect the CNS through the neural pathway and the circulation of the blood in previous studies. Reverse axon transport had been confirmed as an important pathway for EV-A71 to infect the CNS; however, it is still unknown how EV-A71 infects the CNS through the circulation of the blood. Combined with the infectivity of sEVs secreted from EV-A71-infected cells and the characteristic that sEVs could cross the blood-brain barrier, we considered that sEVs may play a vital role in EV-A71 pathogenesis of the CNS. Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is the major pathogen of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD); in some severe cases, it could develop into central nervous system (CNS) disease such as aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and neurogenic pulmonary edema in children under 5 years. The EV-A71 pathogenesis which is involved with the CNS is unclear due to the lack of a simple and reliable mouse model thus far. Most clinical EV-A71 isolates could not effectively infect the neonatal mouse, which used to be an EV-A71 infection model. The small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) released from clinical EV-A71 isolate-infected cells were infectious in cell lines and could cause a high viral replication in mice. Neonatal ICR mice were injected intraperitoneally with these infectious sEVs and showed more weight loss and higher mortality than those mice injected with the clinical EV-A71 isolate. By using these sEVs, we provided a simple and effective method by which we can generate a stable and valuable animal model for the studies of EV-A71 pathogenesis and therapy. IMPORTANCE EV-A71 was supposed to infect the CNS through the neural pathway and the circulation of the blood in previous studies. Reverse axon transport had been confirmed as an important pathway for EV-A71 to infect the CNS; however, it is still unknown how EV-A71 infects the CNS through the circulation of the blood. Combined with the infectivity of sEVs secreted from EV-A71-infected cells and the characteristic that sEVs could cross the blood-brain barrier, we considered that sEVs may play a vital role in EV-A71 pathogenesis of the CNS.
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