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Vissers G, Giacomozzi M, Verdurmen W, Peek R, Nap A. The role of fibrosis in endometriosis: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2024:dmae023. [PMID: 39067455 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosis is an important pathological feature of endometriotic lesions of all subtypes. Fibrosis is present in and around endometriotic lesions, and a central role in its development is played by myofibroblasts, which are cells derived mainly after epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT). Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has a key role in this myofibroblastic differentiation. Myofibroblasts deposit extracellular matrix (ECM) and have contracting abilities, leading to a stiff micro-environment. These aspects are hypothesized to be involved in the origin of endometriosis-associated pain. Additionally, similarities between endometriosis-related fibrosis and other fibrotic diseases, such as systemic sclerosis or lung fibrosis, indicate that targeting fibrosis could be a potential therapeutic strategy for non-hormonal therapy for endometriosis. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to summarize the current knowledge and to highlight the knowledge gaps about the role of fibrosis in endometriosis. A comprehensive literature overview about the role of fibrosis in endometriosis can improve the efficiency of fibrosis-oriented research in endometriosis. SEARCH METHODS A systematic literature search was performed in three biomedical databases using search terms for 'endometriosis', 'fibrosis', 'myofibroblasts', 'collagen', and 'α-smooth muscle actin'. Original studies were included if they reported about fibrosis and endometriosis. Both preclinical in vitro and animal studies, as well as research concerning human subjects were included. OUTCOMES Our search yielded 3441 results, of which 142 studies were included in this review. Most studies scored a high to moderate risk of bias according to the bias assessment tools. The studies were divided in three categories: human observational studies, experimental studies with human-derived material, and animal studies. The observational studies showed details about the histologic appearance of fibrosis in endometriosis and the co-occurrence of nerves and immune cells in lesions. The in vitro studies identified several pro-fibrotic pathways in relation to endometriosis. The animal studies mainly assessed the effect of potential therapeutic strategies to halt or regress fibrosis, for example targeting platelets or mast cells. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This review shows the central role of fibrosis and its main cellular driver, the myofibroblast, in endometriosis. Platelets and TGF-β have a pivotal role in pro-fibrotic signaling. The presence of nerves and neuropeptides is closely associated with fibrosis in endometriotic lesions, and is likely a cause of endometriosis-associated pain. The process of fibrotic development after EMT and FMT shares characteristics with other fibrotic diseases, so exploring similarities in endometriosis with known processes in diseases like systemic sclerosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or liver cirrhosis is relevant and a promising direction to explore new treatment strategies. The close relationship with nerves appears rather unique for endometriosis-related fibrosis and is not observed in other fibrotic diseases. REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guus Vissers
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maddalena Giacomozzi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Verdurmen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ron Peek
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Annemiek Nap
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Brinca AT, Peiró AM, Evangelio PM, Eleno I, Oliani AH, Silva V, Vicente LF, Ramalhinho AC, Gallardo E. Follicular Fluid and Blood Monitorization of Infertility Biomarkers in Women with Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7177. [PMID: 39000283 PMCID: PMC11241429 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility is recognized globally as a social disease and a growing medical condition, posing a significant challenge to modern reproductive health. Endometriosis, the third-most frequent gynecologic disorder, is one of the most common and intricate conditions that can lead to female infertility. Despite extensive research, the etiology, malignant transformation, and biological therapy of endometriosis remain unknown. Blood and follicular fluid are two matrices that have been carefully studied and can provide insights into women's health. These matrices are clinically significant because they contain metabolites closely associated with women's illness stage and reproductive outcomes. Nowadays, the application of metabolomic analysis in biological matrices may be able to predict the outcome of assisted reproductive technologies with greater precision. From a molecular viewpoint on reproductive health, we evaluate and compare the utilization of human follicular fluid and blood as matrices in analysis for diagnostic and assisted reproductive technology (ART) predictors of success for endometriosis patients. In the follicular fluid (FF), plasma, and serum of endometriosis-affected women, researchers identified dysregulations of oxidative stress, upregulation of several immune factors, and aberrations in energy metabolic pathways. The altered signatures negatively correlate with the overall oocyte and embryo quality and fertilization rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Teresa Brinca
- Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal;
| | - Ana Maria Peiró
- Pharmacogenetic Unit, Clinical Pharmacology Department, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Dr. Balmis General University Hospital, 03010 Alicante, Spain;
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernández University, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | | | - Irene Eleno
- Unidad de Reproduccion, Servicio de Ginecologia y Obstetricia, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, 03010 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Antonio Helio Oliani
- Assisted Reproduction Laboratory, Cova da Beira Local Health Unit, 6200-251 Covilhã, Portugal;
- São José do Rio Preto School of Medicine, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Vladimiro Silva
- Ferticentro—Centro de Estudos de Fertilidade S.A., 3000-316 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Procriar—Centro de Procriação Medicamente Assistida, 4100-130 Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Ana Cristina Ramalhinho
- Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal;
- Assisted Reproduction Laboratory, Cova da Beira Local Health Unit, 6200-251 Covilhã, Portugal;
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal;
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, University of Beira Interior, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
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Kula H, Ilgen O, Kurt S, Yılmaz F. Patterns of proliferation and fibrosis in a rat model of endometriosis following administration of Allium cepa. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2024; 51:112-119. [PMID: 38263589 PMCID: PMC11140262 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2023.06261] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease among reproductive-age women. Numerous hypotheses exist regarding the pathogenesis of endometriosis. In Turkey, the consumption of Allium cepa (commonly known as the "onion cure") is a popular treatment employed to alleviate a variety of gynecological disorders. METHODS In this study, our objective was to assess the therapeutic mechanisms of the onion bulb A. cepa using an autologous endometriosis model in Sprague-Dawley rats. Previous research has shown that A. cepa possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties. We evaluated the pathological condition of endometriotic implants by employing hematoxylin-eosin staining and Ki67 immunohistochemistry analysis. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) have been identified as profibrotic markers that are highly overexpressed in endometriotic tissues relative to eutopic endometrial tissue. Furthermore, TGF-β1 influences the differentiation and progression of endometriosis. To quantify profibrotic activity, we measured TGF-β1 and α-SMA using the immunosorbent assay method. RESULTS Lower histologic evaluation scores for endometriotic implants were observed in the group receiving high-dose A. cepa relative to the other groups. Ki67 expression was reduced following the high-dose A. cepa regimen, which consisted of 30% A. cepa and 70% normal feed. However, no statistically significant differences in TGF-β1 or α-SMA levels were observed among the groups (p=0.7 and p=0.778, respectively). CONCLUSION The findings suggest that A. cepa could serve as a therapeutic agent in endometriosis treatment, as evidenced by the reduction in proliferative potential. Nevertheless, A. cepa was not associated with significantly lower levels of endometriosis-associated TGF-β1 or α-SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Kula
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Orkun Ilgen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sefa Kurt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Filiz Yılmaz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
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Hou DY, Lu JJ, Zhang X, Abudukeyoumu A, Li MQ, Zhu XY, Xie F. Heme metabolism and HO-1 in the pathogenesis and potential intervention of endometriosis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 91:e13855. [PMID: 38745499 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13855] [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: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is one of the diseases related to retrograded menstruation and hemoglobin. Heme, released from hemoglobin, is degraded by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). In EM lesions, heme metabolites regulate processes such as inflammation, redox balance, autophagy, dysmenorrhea, malignancy, and invasion, where macrophages (Mø) play a fundamental role in their interactions. Regulation occurs at molecular, cellular, and pathological levels. Numerous studies suggest that heme is an indispensable component in EM and may contribute to its pathogenesis. The regulatory role of heme in EM encompasses cytokines, signaling pathways, and kinases that mediate cellular responses to external stimuli. HO-1, a catalytic enzyme in the catabolic phase of heme, mitigates heme's cytotoxicity in EM due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties. Certain compounds may intervene in EM by targeting heme metabolism, guiding the development of appropriate treatments for all stages of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding-Yu Hou
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Jing Lu
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ayitila Abudukeyoumu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Jiading District, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yong Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Xie
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Medical Center of Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical and Intrauterine Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Bo C, Wang Y. Angiogenesis signaling in endometriosis: Molecules, diagnosis and treatment (Review). Mol Med Rep 2024; 29:43. [PMID: 38240108 PMCID: PMC10828998 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13167] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is one of the most common diseases among women of reproductive age. The etiology and pathogenesis of EM remain unclear and therefore there is a lack of effective treatment measures, which affects physical and mental health, as well as the quality of life of patients with EM. Angiogenesis has become a hotspot for research on the pathogenesis of EM; the role of angiogenesis‑related serological markers and anti‑angiogenic therapy in the diagnosis and treatment of EM is promising for early diagnosis and treatment of EM. Angiogenesis in EM is subject to complex regulation by hormones, immunity and associated cytokines. Therefore, novel targets for angiogenesis therapy are also being discovered and developed. The present review summarized the pathological mechanisms of angiogenesis and the value of relevant markers in pathogenesis and diagnosis of EM, along with the status of research on anti‑angiogenic drugs in the treatment of EM. The role of angiogenesis in EM provides an important reference for treatment and diagnosis, but there is no uniform non‑invasive diagnostic marker and proven strategy for anti‑angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Bo
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272000, P.R. China
| | - Yunfei Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272029, P.R. China
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Lu J, Tang X, Zhang Y, Chu H, Jing C, Wang Y, Lou H, Zhu Z, Zhao D, Sun L, Cong D. Exploring the molecular mechanism of Yinao Fujian formula on ischemic stroke based on network pharmacology and experimental verification. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23742. [PMID: 38205280 PMCID: PMC10776953 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Ischemic stroke (IS) is a leading cause of long-term disability and even mortality, threatening people's lives. Yinao Fujian (YNFJ) formula is a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula that has been widely used to treat patients with IS. However, the molecular mechanism of YNFJ for the treatment of IS is still elusive. Our study aimed to explore the potential protective effect and the underlying mechanisms of YNFJ on IS using a network pharmacology approach coupled with experimental validation. Materials and methods Effective compounds of YNFJ were collected from BATMAN-TCM and TCMSP databases, while IS targets were obtained from GeneCards, OMIM, TTD and DrugBank databases. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to further screen the hub targets of YNFJ in IS treatment. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were used to identify the critical biological processes and signaling pathways of YNFJ for IS. Moreover, Nissl staining, HE, TTC staining and Tunel staining were used in the MCAO model to prove the neuroprotective effect of YNFJ. Oxidative damage, inflammatory factor release and related pathways were tested in MCAO rat model and hypoxia-induced BV2 cell model, respectively. Results We found that YNFJ treatment significantly alleviated MCAO-induced nerve damage and apoptosis. Then, network pharmacology screening combined with literature research revealed IL6, TNF, PTGS2, NFKBIA and NFE2L2 as the critical targets in a PPI network. Moreover, the top 20 signaling pathways and biological processes associated with the protective effects of YNFJ on IS were enriched through GO and KEGG analyses. Further analysis indicated that NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways might be highly involved in the protective effects of YNFJ on IS. Finally, in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that YNFJ inhibited the release of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α) and MDA content, and increased the activity of SOD. In terms of the mechanism, YNFJ inhibited the release of inflammatory factors by suppressing the NF-κB pathway and decreased the expression of iNOS and COX-2 to protect microglia from inflammation damage. In addition, YNFJ initiated the dissociation of Keap-1 and Nrf2, and activated the downstream protein HO-1, NQO1, thus decreasing oxidative stress. Conclusion Taken together, the findings in our research showed that the protective effects of YNFJ on IS were mainly achieved by regulating the NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways to inhibit oxidative stress damage and inflammatory damage of microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lu
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaolei Tang
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - Hongbo Chu
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - Chenxu Jing
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of Tuina, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - Huijuan Lou
- Department of Tuina, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - Ziqi Zhu
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - Daqing Zhao
- Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - Liwei Sun
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - Deyu Cong
- Department of Tuina, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
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Chen J, Liang Y, Hu S, Jiang J, Zeng M, Luo M. Role of ATG7-dependent non-autophagic pathway in angiogenesis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1266311. [PMID: 38269279 PMCID: PMC10806190 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1266311] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
ATG7, one of the core proteins of autophagy, plays an important role in various biological processes, including the regulation of autophagy. While clear that autophagy drives angiogenesis, the role of ATG7 in angiogenesis remains less defined. Several studies have linked ATG7 with angiogenesis, which has long been underappreciated. The knockdown of ATG7 gene in cerebrovascular development leads to angiogenesis defects. In addition, specific knockout of ATG7 in endothelial cells results in abnormal development of neovascularization. Notably, the autophagy pathway is not necessary for ATG7 regulation of angiogenesis, while the ATG7-dependent non-autophagic pathway plays a critical role in the regulation of neovascularization. In order to gain a better understanding of the non-autophagic pathway-mediated biological functions of the autophagy-associated protein ATG7 and to bring attention to this expanding but understudied research area, this article reviews recent developments in the ATG7-dependent non-autophagic pathways regulating angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxiang Chen
- Basic Medicine Research Innovation Center for Cardiometabolic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Liang
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Shaorun Hu
- Basic Medicine Research Innovation Center for Cardiometabolic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Department of General Surgery (Thyroid Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Min Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mao Luo
- Basic Medicine Research Innovation Center for Cardiometabolic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Wang J, Lu Y, Sun G, Fang Z, Xing Z, Nong W, Wei Y, Wang S, Shi G, Dong M, Wang J. Machine learning algorithms for a novel cuproptosis-related gene signature of diagnostic and immune infiltration in endometriosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21603. [PMID: 38062233 PMCID: PMC10703883 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48990-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMT) is an aggressive disease of the reproductive system, also called "benign cancer". However, effective treatments for EMT are still lacking in clinical practice. Interestingly, immune infiltration is significantly involved in EMT pathogenesis. Currently, no studies have shown the involvement of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in regulating immune infiltration in EMT. This study identified three CRGs such as GLS, NFE2L2, and PDHA1, associated with EMT using machine learning algorithms. These three CRGs were upregulated in the endometrium of patients with moderate/severe EMT and downregulated in patients with infertility. Single sample genomic enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) revealed that these CRGs were closely correlated with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Furthermore, these CRGs were correlated with immune cells such as eosinophils, natural killer cells, and macrophages. Therefore, profiling patients based on these genes aid in a more accurate diagnosis of EMT progression. The mRNA and protein expression levels of GLS, NFE2L2 and PDHA1 were validated by qRT-PCR and WB studies in EMT samples. These findings provide a new idea for the pathology and treatment of endometriosis, suggesting that CRGs such as GLS, NFE2L2 and PDHA1 may play a key role in the occurrence and development of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Yiming Lu
- Graduate School of Youjiang, Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Guangyu Sun
- Chaozhou People's Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Chaozhou, 515600, China
| | - Zhihao Fang
- Chaozhou People's Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Chaozhou, 515600, China
| | - Zhiyong Xing
- School of Medical Laboratory, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Weihua Nong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Yunbao Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Stomatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Guiling Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Mingyou Dong
- School of Medical Laboratory, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China.
| | - Junli Wang
- School of Medical Laboratory, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China.
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Li H, Yang H, Lu S, Wang X, Shi X, Mao P. Autophagy-dependent ferroptosis is involved in the development of endometriosis. Gynecol Endocrinol 2023; 39:2242962. [PMID: 37553011 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2023.2242962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endometriosis (EMS) is an estrogen-dependent condition with unclear pathogenesis. Recent findings suggest implicate autophagy and ferroptosis in EMS development. METHODS We assessed autophagy and ferroptosis proteins in EMS patients using immunohistochemistry and western blot and established an EMS rat model through allograft endometrial transplantation, confirmed via hematoxylin and eosin staining and epithelial-mesenchymal transition -related proteins. Primary EMS cells were isolated from the model rats and cultured under five conditions: control, EMS, EMS with Rapamycin (autophagy inducer), EMS with si-Atg5 (autophagy inhibitor), and EMS with si-Atg5 plus Erastin (ferroptosis inducer). We evaluated cell viability, iron content, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial morphologyin EMS cells, and detected autophagy and ferroptosis proteins through immunofluorescence, western blot, and monodansylcadaverine staining. RESULTS Autophagy proteins Beclin1 and LC3 were highly expressed, whereas p62, glutathione peroxidase 4, and p53 were lowly expressed in EMS patients. Rapamycin decreased cell viability but increased iron content, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxide production, the number of ferroptotic mitochondria, and the expression of autophagy proteins in EMS cells, while si-Atg5 showed opposite effects. Additionally, Erastin reversed the impact of si-Atg5 on EMS cells. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that autophagy-dependent ferroptosis plays a role in EMS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, China
| | - Huadi Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, China
| | - Shenyi Lu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, China
| | - Xinyan Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, China
| | - Xinhe Shi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, China
| | - Peiyu Mao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, China
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Zhang M, Xu T, Tong D, Li S, Yu X, Liu B, Jiang L, Liu K. Research advances in endometriosis-related signaling pathways: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114909. [PMID: 37210898 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is characterized by the existence of endometrial mucosa outside the uterine cavity, which causesinfertility, persistent aches, and a decline in women's quality of life. Both hormone therapies and nonhormone therapies, such as NSAIDs, are ineffective, generic categories of EM drugs. Endometriosis is a benign gynecological condition, yet it shares a number of features with cancer cells, including immune evasion, survival, adhesion, invasion, and angiogenesis. Several endometriosis-related signaling pathways are comprehensively reviewed in this article, including E2, NF-κB, MAPK, ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, YAP, Wnt/β-catenin, Rho/ROCK, TGF-β, VEGF, NO, iron, cytokines and chemokines. To find and develop novel medications for the treatment of EM, it is essential to implicitly determine the molecular pathways that are disordered during EM development. Additionally, research on the shared pathways between EM and tumors can provide hypotheses or suggestions for endometriosis therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manlin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tongtong Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Deming Tong
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Siman Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaodan Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Boya Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lili Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Kuiran Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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11
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Machado DE, Saggioro EM, Sales Junior SF, Alessandra-Perini J, de Campos Gomes Diniz L, Coelho WS, Zancan P, Perini JA. Clotrimazole is effective, safe and tolerable for the treatment of endometriosis and functions by downregulating inducible nitric oxide synthase and modulating oxidative stress biomarkers. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 564:111883. [PMID: 36736881 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.111883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the mechanism of action of clotrimazole (CTZ) and its adverse effects in a model of endometriosis. After autologous endometrial implantation, 18 rats were randomized into two treatment groups: 200 mg/kg CTZ or vehicle for 15 consecutive days. The lesion growth, implant size, glandular atrophy, nitric oxide (NO) serum levels, number of macrophage cells and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immunoreactivity were significantly reduced in the CTZ group compared with the control. CTZ (p < 0.05) reduced the lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation levels in the liver but did not alter the superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) or glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels in the brain; however, the drug significantly reduced SOD activity and enhanced GST activity in the liver. These results suggest that CTZ interferes with reactive nitrogen species production by downregulating iNOS expression and thus enhances the antioxidant system to promote atrophy and regression of endometriotic lesions, without adverse effects on the brain and/or liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Escorsim Machado
- Laboratório de Pesquisa de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Enrico Mendes Saggioro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública e Meio Ambiente, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sidney Fernandes Sales Junior
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública e Meio Ambiente, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Alessandra-Perini
- Laboratório de Pesquisa de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana de Campos Gomes Diniz
- Laboratório de Pesquisa de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wagner Santos Coelho
- Laboratório de Pesquisa de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Zancan
- Laboratório de Oncobiologia Molecular, Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jamila Alessandra Perini
- Laboratório de Pesquisa de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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12
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Arangia A, Marino Y, Fusco R, Siracusa R, Cordaro M, D’Amico R, Macrì F, Raffone E, Impellizzeri D, Cuzzocrea S, Di Paola R. Fisetin, a Natural Polyphenol, Ameliorates Endometriosis Modulating Mast Cells Derived NLRP-3 Inflammasome Pathway and Oxidative Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065076. [PMID: 36982152 PMCID: PMC10049430 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A chronic, painful, and inflammatory condition known as endometriosis is defined by the extra-uterine development of endometrial tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of fisetin, a naturally occurring polyphenol that is frequently present in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Uterine fragments were injected intraperitoneally to cause endometriosis, and fisetin was given orally every day. At 14 days of treatment, laparotomy was performed, and the endometrial implants and peritoneal fluids were collected for histological, biochemical, and molecular analyses. Rats subjected to endometriosis presented important macroscopic and microscopic changes, increased mast cell (MC) infiltration, and fibrosis. Fisetin treatment reduced endometriotic implant area, diameter, and volumes, as well as histological alterations, neutrophil infiltration, cytokines release, the number of MCs together with the expression of chymase and tryptase, and diminished α smooth muscle actin (α-sma) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF β) expressions. In addition, fisetin was able to reduce markers of oxidative stress as well as nitrotyrosine and Poly ADP ribose expressions and increase apoptosis in endometrial lesions. In conclusion, fisetin could represent a new therapeutic strategy to control endometriosis perhaps by targeting the MC-derived NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Arangia
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Ylenia Marino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta Fusco
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosalba Siracusa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Marika Cordaro
- Department of Biomedical, Dental and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Consolare Valeria, 98100 Messina, Italy
| | - Ramona D’Amico
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Macrì
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Emanuela Raffone
- Department of Maternal and Child Obstetrics and Gynecology, Papardo Hospital, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Daniela Impellizzeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-676-4734
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Rosanna Di Paola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
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13
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D’Amico R, Tomasello M, Impellizzeri D, Cordaro M, Siracusa R, Interdonato L, Abdelhameed AS, Fusco R, Calabrese V, Cuzzocrea S, Di Paola R. Mechanism of Action of Natural Compounds in Peripheral Multiorgan Dysfunction and Hippocampal Neuroinflammation Induced by Sepsis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030635. [PMID: 36978883 PMCID: PMC10045853 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial sepsis induces the production of excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, resulting in tissue injury and hyperinflammation. Patients recovering from sepsis have increased rates of central nervous system (CNS) morbidities, which are linked to long-term cognitive impairment, such as neurodegenerative pathologies. This paper focuses on the tissue injury and hyperinflammation observed in the acute phase of sepsis and on the development of long-term neuroinflammation associated with septicemia. Here we evaluate the effects of Coriolus versicolor administration as a novel approach to treat polymicrobial sepsis. Rats underwent cecal ligation and perforation (CLP), and Coriolus versicolor (200 mg/kg in saline) was administered daily by gavage. Survival was monitored, and tissues from vital organs that easily succumb to infection were harvested after 72 h to evaluate the histological changes. Twenty-eight days after CLP, behavioral analyses were performed, and serum and brain (hippocampus) samples were harvested at four weeks from surgery. Coriolus versicolor increased survival and reduced acute tissue injury. Indeed, it reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the bloodstream, leading to a reduced chronic inflammation. In the hippocampus, Coriolus versicolor administration restored tight junction expressions, reduce cytokines accumulation and glia activation. It also reduced toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome components expression. Coriolus versicolor showed antioxidant activities, restoring glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and reducing lipid peroxidation, nitrite and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Importantly, Coriolus versicolor reduced amyloid precursor protein (APP), phosphorylated-Tau (p-Tau), pathologically phosphorylated tau (PHF1), phosphorylated tau (Ser202 and Thr205) (AT8), interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) expression, and β-amyloid accumulation induced by CLP. Indeed, Coriolus versicolor restored synaptic dysfunction and behavioral alterations. This research shows the effects of Coriolus versicolor administration on the long-term development of neuroinflammation and brain dysfunction induced by sepsis. Overall, our results demonstrated that Coriolus versicolor administration was able to counteract the degenerative process triggered by sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona D’Amico
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Mario Tomasello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Daniela Impellizzeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Marika Cordaro
- Department of Biomedical, Dental and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosalba Siracusa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Livia Interdonato
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Ali Saber Abdelhameed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 14451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Roberta Fusco
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Vittorio Calabrese
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosanna Di Paola
- Department of Vererinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
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14
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Salehpoor Z, Jahromi BN, Tanideh N, Nemati J, Akbarzade-Jahromi M, Jahromi MK. High intensity interval training is superior to moderate intensity continuous training in enhancing the anti-inflammatory and apoptotic effect of pentoxifylline in the rat model of endometriosis. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 156:103832. [PMID: 36812774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103832] [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: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX), high intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) separately and in combination, on inflammatory and apoptotic pathways in the rat model of induced endometriosis. Endometriosis was induced through surgery on female Sprague-Dawley rats. Six weeks after the first surgery, the second look laparotomy was performed. After induction of endometriosis in rats, they were divided into control, MICT, PTX, MICT+ PTX, HIIT, HIIT+PTX groups. Two weeks after the second look laparotomy, PTX and exercise training interventions were performed for eight weeks. Endometriosis lesions were assessed histologically. Proteins content of the NF-κB, PCNA and Bcl-2 were measured by immunoblotting and genes expression of the TNF-α and VEGF were measured by Real-time PCR methods. Findings of the study indicated that, PTX significantly decreased volume and histological grading of lesions, proteins of NF-κB and Bcl-2; and genes expression of the TNF-α, and VEGF in lesions. HIIT significantly decreased volume and histological grading of lesions, NF-κB, TNF-α and VEGF in lesions. MICT did not induce any significant effect on the study variables. Although, MICT+PTX decreased significantly volume and histological grading of lesions, as well as NF-κB, and Bcl-2 in lesions, however, these factors were not significantly different with the PTX group. HIIT+PTX decreased significantly all of the study variables compared to other interventions, except for VEGF when compared to PTX. In summary, combination of PTX and HIIT can induce enhancing effect on suppression of endometriosis through suppressing inflammation, angiogenesis, and proliferation and enhancing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Salehpoor
- Department of Sport Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Bahia Namavar Jahromi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Nader Tanideh
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Javad Nemati
- Department of Sport Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mojgan Akbarzade-Jahromi
- Maternal-fetal medicine Research Center, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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15
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Sen'kova AV, Savin IA, Odarenko KV, Salomatina OV, Salakhutdinov NF, Zenkova MA, Markov AV. Protective effect of soloxolone derivatives in carrageenan- and LPS-driven acute inflammation: Pharmacological profiling and their effects on key inflammation-related processes. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114231. [PMID: 36640672 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114231] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The anti-inflammatory potential of three cyanoenone-containing triterpenoids, including soloxolone methyl (SM), soloxolone (S) and its novel derivative bearing at the C-30 amidoxime moiety (SAO), was studied in murine models of acute inflammation. It was found that the compounds effectively suppressed the development of carrageenan-induced paw edema and peritonitis as well as lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-driven acute lung injury (ALI) with therapeutic outcomes comparable with that of the reference drugs indomethacin and dexamethasone. Non-immunogenic carrageenan-stimulated inflammation was more sensitive to the transformation of C-30 of SM compared with immunogenic LPS-induced inflammation: the anti-inflammatory properties of the studied compounds against carrageenan-induced paw edema and peritonitis decreased in the order of SAO > S > > SM, whereas the efficiency of these triterpenoids against LPS-driven ALI was similar (SAO ≈ S ≈ SM). Further studies demonstrated that soloxolone derivatives significantly inhibited a range of immune-related processes, including granulocyte influx and the expression of key pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the inflamed sites as well as the functional activity of macrophages. Moreover, SM was found to prevent inflammation-associated apoptosis of A549 pneumocytes and effectively inhibited the protease activity of thrombin (IC50 = 10.3 µM) tightly associated with rodent inflammatome. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that soloxolone derivatives can be considered as novel promising anti-inflammatory drug candidates with multi-targeted mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra V Sen'kova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrent'ev avenue, 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Innokenty A Savin
- N.N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrent'ev avenue, 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Kirill V Odarenko
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrent'ev avenue, 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Oksana V Salomatina
- N.N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrent'ev avenue, 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Nariman F Salakhutdinov
- N.N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrent'ev avenue, 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Marina A Zenkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrent'ev avenue, 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Andrey V Markov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrent'ev avenue, 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
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16
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D’Amico R, Impellizzeri D, Cordaro M, Siracusa R, Interdonato L, Marino Y, Crupi R, Gugliandolo E, Macrì F, Di Paola D, Peritore AF, Fusco R, Cuzzocrea S, Di Paola R. Complex Interplay between Autophagy and Oxidative Stress in the Development of Endometriosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11122484. [PMID: 36552692 PMCID: PMC9774576 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11122484] [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: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (Endo) is a chronic gynecological disease. This paper aimed to evaluate the modulation of autophagy, oxidative stress and apoptosis with Açai Berries in a rat model of endometriosis. Endometriosis was induced with an intraperitoneal injection of minced uterus tissue from a donor rat into a recipient one. The abdominal high-frequency ultrasound (hfUS) analysis was performed at 7 and 14 days from the endometriosis induction to evaluate the growth of the lesion during the experiment. Seven days from the induction, once the lesions were implanted, an Açai Berry was administered daily by gavage for the next seven days. At the end of the experiment, the hfUS analysis showed a reduced lesion diameter in animals given the Açai Berry. A macroscopical and histological analysis confirmed this result. From the molecular point of view, Western blot analyses were conducted to evaluate the autophagy induction. Samples collected from the Endo group showed impaired autophagy, while the Açai Berry administration inhibited PI3K and AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation and promoted autophagy by inactivating mTOR. Additionally, Açai Berry administration dephosphorylated ATG1, promoting the activity of the ATG1/ULK1 complex that recruited Ambra1/Beclin1 and Atg9 to promote autophagosome nucleation and LC3II expression. Açai Berry administration also restored mitophagy, which increased Parkin cytosolic expression. The Açai Berry increased the expression of NRF2 in the nucleus and the expression of its downstream antioxidant proteins as NQO-1 and HO-1, thereby restoring the oxidative imbalance. It also restored the impaired apoptotic pathway by reducing BCL-2 and increasing BAX expression. This result was also confirmed by the TUNEL assay. Overall, our results displayed that Açai Berry administration was able to modulate autophagy, oxidative stress and apoptosis during endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona D’Amico
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Daniela Impellizzeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Marika Cordaro
- Department of Biomedical, Dental and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosalba Siracusa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Livia Interdonato
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Ylenia Marino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosalia Crupi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Annunzita, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Enrico Gugliandolo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Annunzita, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Macrì
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Annunzita, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Davide Di Paola
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessio Filippo Peritore
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta Fusco
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, n 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosanna Di Paola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Annunzita, 98168 Messina, Italy
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17
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Chen J, Rao Z, Li Q, Jiang T, Chen Y, Gu X, Miao M, Hu D, Zhou H, Teichmann AT, Yang Y. Synthetic flavokawain analog (E)-1-(2′-hydroxy-4′,6′-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-(3-methoxy-4-(3-morpholinopropoxy)phenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (FK-morph) effectively regresses endometriotic implants in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 933:175240. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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18
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Clower L, Fleshman T, Geldenhuys WJ, Santanam N. Targeting Oxidative Stress Involved in Endometriosis and Its Pain. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081055. [PMID: 36008949 PMCID: PMC9405905 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder seen in women and is characterized by chronic pelvic pain and infertility. This disorder is becoming more prevalent with increased morbidity. The etiology of endometriosis remains to be fully elucidated, which will lead to improved therapeutic options. In this review, we will evaluate the biochemical mechanisms leading to oxidative stress and their implication in the pathophysiology of endometriosis, as well as potential treatments that target these processes. A comprehensive exploration of previous research revealed that endometriosis is associated with elevated reactive oxygen species and oxidation products, decreased antioxidants and detoxification enzymes, and dysregulated iron metabolism. High levels of oxidative stress contributed to inflammation, extracellular matrix degradation, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation, which may explain its role in endometriosis. Endometriosis-associated pain was attributed to neurogenic inflammation and a feed-forward mechanism involving macrophages, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and pain-inducing prostaglandins. N-acetylcysteine, curcumin, melatonin, and combined vitamin C and E supplementation displayed promising results for the treatment of endometriosis, but further research is needed for their use in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Clower
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA; (L.C.); (T.F.)
| | - Taylor Fleshman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA; (L.C.); (T.F.)
| | - Werner J. Geldenhuys
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA;
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Nalini Santanam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA; (L.C.); (T.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-304-696-7321
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19
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Liu Y, Wang J, Zhang X. An Update on the Multifaceted Role of NF-kappaB in Endometriosis. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:4400-4413. [PMID: 35864971 PMCID: PMC9295070 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.72707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis remains a common but challenging gynecological disease among reproductive-aged women with an unclear pathogenesis and limited therapeutic options. Numerous pieces of evidence suggest that NF-κB signaling, a major regulator of inflammatory responses, is overactive in endometriotic lesions and contributes to the onset, progression, and recurrence of endometriosis. Several factors, such as estrogen, progesterone, oxidative stress, and noncoding RNAs, can regulate NF-κB signaling in endometriosis. In the present review, we discuss the mechanisms by which these factors regulate NF-κB during endometriosis progression and provide an update on the role of NF-κB in affecting endometriotic cells, peritoneal macrophages (PMs) as well as endometriosis-related symptoms, such as pain and infertility. Furthermore, the preclinical drugs for blocking NF-κB signaling in endometriosis are summarized, including plant-derived medicines, NF-κB inhibitors, other known drugs, and the potential anti-NF-κB drugs predicted through the Drug-Gene Interaction Database. The present review discusses most of the studies concerning the multifaceted role of NF-κB signaling in endometriosis and provides a summary of NF-κB-targeted treatment in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanmeng Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Xueshi Road, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Jianzhang Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Xueshi Road, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Xinmei Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Xueshi Road, Hangzhou 310006, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Therapy for Major Gynecological Diseases, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
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Di Paola R, Modafferi S, Siracusa R, Cordaro M, D’Amico R, Ontario ML, Interdonato L, Salinaro AT, Fusco R, Impellizzeri D, Calabrese V, Cuzzocrea S. S-Acetyl-Glutathione Attenuates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury by Modulating Oxidative Imbalance and Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084429. [PMID: 35457246 PMCID: PMC9024626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, depending on the stage of the disease, could lead to organ dysfunction and cirrhosis, and no effective treatment is actually available. Emergent proof supports a link between oxidative stress, liver fibrogenesis and mitochondrial dysfunction as molecular bases of the pathology. A valid approach to protect against the disease would be to replenish the endogenous antioxidants; thus, we investigated the protective mechanisms of the S-acetyl-glutathione (SAG), a glutathione (GSH) prodrug. Preliminary in vitro analyses were conducted on primary hepatic cells. SAG pre-treatment significantly protected against cytotoxicity induced by CCl4. Additionally, CCl4 induced a marked increase in AST and ALT levels, whereas SAG significantly reduced these levels, reaching values found in the control group. For the in vivo analyses, mice were administered twice a week with eight consecutive intraperitoneal injections of 1 mL/kg CCl4 (diluted at 1:10 in olive oil) to induce oxidative imbalance and liver inflammation. SAG (30 mg/kg) was administered orally for 8 weeks. SAG significantly restored SOD activity, GSH levels and GPx activity, while it strongly reduced GSSG levels, lipid peroxidation and H2O2 and ROS levels in the liver. Additionally, CCl4 induced a decrease in anti-oxidants, including Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO-1, which were restored by treatment with SAG. The increased oxidative stress characteristic on liver disfunction causes the impairment of mitophagy and accumulation of dysfunctional and damaged mitochondria. Our results showed the protective effect of SAG administration in restoring mitophagy, as shown by the increased PINK1 and Parkin expressions in livers exposed to CCl4 intoxication. Thus, the SAG administration showed anti-inflammatory effects decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1 and IL-1β in both serum and liver, and suppressing the TLR4/NFkB pathway. SAG attenuated reduced fibrosis, collagen deposition, hepatocellular damage and organ dysfunction. In conclusion, our results suggest that SAG administration protects the liver from CCl4 intoxication by restoring the oxidative balance, ameliorating the impairment of mitophagy and leading to reduced inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Di Paola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Sergio Modafferi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (S.M.); (M.L.O.); (V.C.)
| | - Rosalba Siracusa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (R.S.); (R.D.); (L.I.); (D.I.); (S.C.)
| | - Marika Cordaro
- Department of Biomedical, Dental and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Ramona D’Amico
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (R.S.); (R.D.); (L.I.); (D.I.); (S.C.)
| | - Maria Laura Ontario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (S.M.); (M.L.O.); (V.C.)
| | - Livia Interdonato
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (R.S.); (R.D.); (L.I.); (D.I.); (S.C.)
| | - Angela Trovato Salinaro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (S.M.); (M.L.O.); (V.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.T.S.); (R.F.)
| | - Roberta Fusco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.T.S.); (R.F.)
| | - Daniela Impellizzeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (R.S.); (R.D.); (L.I.); (D.I.); (S.C.)
| | - Vittorio Calabrese
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (S.M.); (M.L.O.); (V.C.)
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (R.S.); (R.D.); (L.I.); (D.I.); (S.C.)
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21
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Kapoor R, Stratopoulou CA, Dolmans MM. Pathogenesis of Endometriosis: New Insights into Prospective Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11700. [PMID: 34769130 PMCID: PMC8583778 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a female reproductive disorder characterized by growth of uterine cells and tissue in distant sites. Around 2-10% of women experience this condition during reproductive age, 35-50% of whom encounter fertility issues or pain. To date, there are no established methods for its early diagnosis and treatment, other than surgical procedures and scans. It is difficult to identify the disease at its onset, unless symptoms such as infertility and/or pain are present. Determining the mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis is vital, not only to pave the way for early identification, but also for disease management and development of less invasive but successful treatment strategies. Endometriosis is characterized by cell proliferation, propagation, evasion of immunosurveillance, and invasive metastasis. This review reports the underlying mechanisms that are individually or collectively responsible for disease establishment and evolution. Treatment of endometriosis mainly involves hormone therapies, which may be undesirable or have their own repercussions. It is therefore important to devise alternative strategies that are both effective and cause fewer side effects. Use of phytochemicals may be one of them. This review focuses on pharmacological inhibitors that can be therapeutically investigated in terms of their effects on signaling pathways and/or mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Kapoor
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (R.K.); (C.A.S.)
| | - Christina Anna Stratopoulou
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (R.K.); (C.A.S.)
| | - Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (R.K.); (C.A.S.)
- Gynecology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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22
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Genovese T, Siracusa R, D’Amico R, Cordaro M, Peritore AF, Gugliandolo E, Crupi R, Trovato Salinaro A, Raffone E, Impellizzeri D, Cuzzocrea S, Fusco R, Di Paola R. Regulation of Inflammatory and Proliferative Pathways by Fotemustine and Dexamethasone in Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115998. [PMID: 34206129 PMCID: PMC8199515 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common disease. Its pathogenesis still remains uncertain, but it is clear that cell proliferation, apoptosis and chronic inflammation play an important role in its development. This paper aimed to investigate the anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of a combined therapy with fotemustine and dexamethasone. Endometriosis was induced by intraperitoneal injections of uterine fragments from donor animals to recipient animals. Next, the pathology was allowed to develop for 7 days. On the seventh day, fotemustine was administered once and dexamethasone was administered daily for the next 7 days. On Day 14, the animals were sacrificed, and peritoneal fluids and lesions were explanted. In order to evaluate the gastrointestinal side effects of the drugs, stomachs were harvested as well. The combined therapy of fotemustine and dexamethasone reduced the proinflammatory mediator levels in the peritoneal fluid and reduced the lesions’ area and diameter. In particular, fotemustine and dexamethasone administration reduced the heterogeneous development of endometrial stroma and glands (histological analysis of lesions) and hyperproliferation of endometriotic cells (immunohistochemical analysis of Ki67 and Western blot analysis of PCNA) through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Combined fotemustine and dexamethasone therapy showed anti-inflammatory effects by inducing the synthesis of anti-inflammatory mediators at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels (Western blot analysis of NFκB, COX-2 and PGE2 expression). Fotemustine and dexamethasone administration had anti-apoptotic activity, restoring the impaired mechanism (TUNEL assay and Western blot analysis of Bax and Bcl-2). Moreover, no gastric disfunction was detected (histological analysis of stomachs). Thus, our data showed that the combined therapy of fotemustine and dexamethasone reduced endometriosis-induced inflammation, hyperproliferation and apoptosis resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Genovese
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (T.G.); (R.S.); (R.D.); (A.F.P.); (R.F.); (R.D.P.)
| | - Rosalba Siracusa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (T.G.); (R.S.); (R.D.); (A.F.P.); (R.F.); (R.D.P.)
| | - Ramona D’Amico
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (T.G.); (R.S.); (R.D.); (A.F.P.); (R.F.); (R.D.P.)
| | - Marika Cordaro
- Department of Biomedical, Dental and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Alessio Filippo Peritore
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (T.G.); (R.S.); (R.D.); (A.F.P.); (R.F.); (R.D.P.)
| | - Enrico Gugliandolo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (E.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Rosalia Crupi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (E.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Angela Trovato Salinaro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy;
| | - Emanuela Raffone
- Multi-Specialist Institute Rizzo, Torregrotta, 98043 Messina, Italy;
| | - Daniela Impellizzeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (T.G.); (R.S.); (R.D.); (A.F.P.); (R.F.); (R.D.P.)
- Correspondence: (D.I.); (S.C.); Tel.: +39-090-676-5208 (D.I. & S.C.)
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (T.G.); (R.S.); (R.D.); (A.F.P.); (R.F.); (R.D.P.)
- Correspondence: (D.I.); (S.C.); Tel.: +39-090-676-5208 (D.I. & S.C.)
| | - Roberta Fusco
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (T.G.); (R.S.); (R.D.); (A.F.P.); (R.F.); (R.D.P.)
| | - Rosanna Di Paola
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (T.G.); (R.S.); (R.D.); (A.F.P.); (R.F.); (R.D.P.)
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Autophagy and Mitophagy Promotion in a Rat Model of Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105074. [PMID: 34064854 PMCID: PMC8150724 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a gynecological condition affecting patients in reproductive age. The aim of this paper was to assess the effects of the autophagy and mitophagy induction in a rat model of endometriosis. Endometriosis was induced by the injection of uterine fragments, and rapamycin (0. 5 mg/kg) was administered once per week. One week from the induction, rats were sacrificed, and laparotomy was performed to collect the endometriotic implants and to further process them for molecular analysis. Western blot analysis was conducted on explanted lesions to evaluate the autophagy pathway during the pathology. Elevated phospho-serine/threonine kinase (p-AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) expressions were detected in vehicle-treated rats, while Beclin and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 II (LC3II) expressions were low. Additionally, samples collected from vehicle groups indicated low Bnip3, Ambra1, and Parkin expressions, demonstrating impaired autophagy and mitophagy. Rapamycin administration reduced p-AKT and mTOR expressions and increased Beclin and LC3II, Bnip3, Ambra1, and Parkin expressions, activating both mechanisms. We also evaluated the impact of the impaired autophagy and mitophagy pathways on apoptosis and angiogenesis. Rapamycin was administered by activating autophagy and mitophagy, which increased apoptosis (assessed by Western blot analysis of Bcl-2, Bax, and Cleaved-caspase 3) and reduced angiogenesis (assessed by immunohistochemical analysis of vascular endothelial grow factor (VEGF) and CD34) in the lesions. All of these mechanisms activated by the induction of the autophagy and mitophagy pathways led to the reduction in the lesions’ volume, area and diameter.
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