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Ye C, Zhu J, Wang J, Chen D, Meng L, Zhan Y, Yang R, He S, Li Z, Dai S, Li Y, Sun S, Shen Z, Huang Y, Dong R, Chen G, Zheng S. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal the fibrosis-related immune landscape of biliary atresia. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e1070. [PMID: 36333281 PMCID: PMC9636046 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biliary atresia (BA) is a devastating inflammatory and fibrosing cholangiopathy of neonates with unknown aetiology. We aim to investigate the relationship between these two main characteristics. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics were performed on liver samples from a cohort of 14 objects (BA: n = 6; control: n = 8). We conducted data integration and cell-type annotation based on gene expression profiling. Furthermore, we identified fibrosis-related immune cells according to their spatial locations, GO and KEGG analysis. Finally, SPOTlight and CIBERSORTx were used to deconvolute ST data and microarray data of the GSE46960 cohorts, respectively. RESULTS Immune subpopulations inhabiting the 'fibrotic niche' (areas of scarring), comprising 'intermediate' CD14++ CD16+ monocytes, scar-associated macrophages, natural killer T cells, transitional B cells and FCN3+ neutrophils were identified. GO and KEGG analyses showed that pathways including 'positive regulation of smooth muscle cell/fibroblast proliferation' and 'positive regulation of/response to VEGFR/VEGF/EGFR/FGF' were enriched in these cell types. Interactions analysis showed that communication among 'FGF_FGFR', 'RPS19-C5AR1', 'CD74_COPA/MIF/APP' and 'TNFRSF1A/B_GRN' was extensive. Finally, the results of deconvolution for ST data and microarray data validated that the proportions of certain identified fibrosis-related cell types we identified were increased in BA. DISCUSSION Fibrosis is an important feature of BA, in which the immune system plays an important role. Our work reveals the subpopulations of immune cells enriched in the fibrotic niche of BA liver, as well as key related pathways and molecules; some are highlighted for the first time in liver fibrosis. These newly identified interactions might partly explain why the rate of liver fibrosis occurs much faster in BA than in other liver diseases. CONCLUSION Our study revealed the molecular, cellular and spatial immune microenvironment of the fibrotic niche of BA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjing Ye
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryChildren's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal DiseaseMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Jiajie Zhu
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryChildren's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal DiseaseMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryChildren's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal DiseaseMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Deqian Chen
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryChildren's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal DiseaseMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Lingdu Meng
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryChildren's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal DiseaseMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Yong Zhan
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryChildren's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal DiseaseMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Ran Yang
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryChildren's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal DiseaseMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Shiwei He
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryChildren's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal DiseaseMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Zifeng Li
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryChildren's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal DiseaseMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Shuyang Dai
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryChildren's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal DiseaseMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryChildren's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal DiseaseMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Song Sun
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryChildren's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal DiseaseMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Zhen Shen
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryChildren's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal DiseaseMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Yanlei Huang
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryChildren's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal DiseaseMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryChildren's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal DiseaseMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryChildren's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal DiseaseMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Shan Zheng
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryChildren's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal DiseaseMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
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Puri N, Ahuja US, Gupta R, Gandhi P, Punia RS, Choudhary A. Analysis of Expression of Myofibroblasts in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: An Immunohistochemistry Study. Open Dent J 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/18742106-v16-e2201312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic disease that produces tissue fibrosis and is considered to be a potentially malignant disorder. The exact pathogenesis and malignant conversion mechanism of this disorder are still unknown. Myofibroblasts have been implicated as one of the possible pathological mechanisms responsible for the pathophysiology of OSMF. The present study was conducted to evaluate the expression of myofibroblasts (MF) in normal mucosa and different grades of OSMF.
Materials & Methods:
The sample consisted of a total of 80 specimens. The study group included specimens from clinically and histopathologically confirmed OSMF patients. The specimens were divided into four groups. Group 1 consisted of 19 specimens of grade III OSMF. Group II had 20 specimens of grade II OSMF, Group 3 with 21 specimens of grade I OSMF, and Group 4 constituted a control group of 20 normal epithelium specimens. Two sections each from all the four groups were obtained. While one section was stained with H and E, the other section was stained immunohistochemically using α-smooth muscle antibody. For analysis, the expression of myofibroblasts was categorized as strong, moderate, weak, or absent. All the results were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis.
Results:
In OSMF patients, irrespective of the grade, the expression of myofibroblast was strong in 28.33 percent of the patients, while it was moderate and weak in 30.00 percent and 40.00 percent of the patients, respectively. Expression of myofibroblast was noted to be significantly increased in grade III OSMF patients as compared to controls as well as grade I OSMF patients (p-value <0.05).
Conclusion:
Myofibroblasts expression is significantly raised in OSMF patients. The expression can also be correlated within different grades of OSMF where advanced stages show comparatively high expression of these smooth muscles like fibroblasts. Hence, we suggest that myofibroblasts could be assessed as markers for analyzing the progression of OSMF.
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De La Torre P, Pérez-Lorenzo MJ, Alcázar-Garrido Á, Collado J, Martínez-López M, Forcén L, Masero-Casasola AR, García A, Gutiérrez-Vélez MC, Medina-Polo J, Muñoz E, Flores AI. Perinatal mesenchymal stromal cells of the human decidua restore continence in rats with stress urinary incontinence induced by simulated birth trauma and regulate senescence of fibroblasts from women with stress urinary incontinence. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1033080. [PMID: 36742196 PMCID: PMC9893794 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1033080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a condition that causes the involuntary loss of urine when making small efforts, which seriously affects daily life of people who suffer from it. Women are more affected by this form of incontinence than men, since parity is the main risk factor. Weakening of the pelvic floor tissues is the cause of SUI, although a complete understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the pathology is still lacking. Reconstructive surgery to strengthen tissue in SUI patients is often associated with complications and/or is ineffective. Mesenchymal stromal cells from the maternal side of the placenta, i.e. the decidua, are proposed here as a therapeutic alternative based on the regenerative potential of mesenchymal cells. The animal model of SUI due to vaginal distention simulating labor has been used, and decidual mesenchymal stromal cell (DMSC) transplantation was effective in preventing a drop in pressure at the leak point in treated animals. Histological analysis of the urethras from DMSC-treated animals after VD showed recovery of the muscle fiber integrity, low or no extracellular matrix (ECM) infiltration and larger elastic fibers near the external urethral sphincter, compared to control animals. Cells isolated from the suburethral connective tissue of SUI patients were characterized as myofibroblasts, based on the expression of several specific genes and proteins, and were shown to achieve premature replicative senescence. Co-culture of SUI myofibroblasts with DMSC via transwell revealed a paracrine interaction between the cells through signals that mediated DMSC migration, SUI myofibroblast proliferation, and modulation of the proinflammatory and ECM-degrading milieu that is characteristic of senescence. In conclusion, DMSC could be an alternative therapeutic option for SUI by counteracting the effects of senescence in damaged pelvic tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paz De La Torre
- Regenerative Medicine Group, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Álvaro Alcázar-Garrido
- Regenerative Medicine Group, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jennifer Collado
- Regenerative Medicine Group, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Laura Forcén
- Regenerative Medicine Group, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana R. Masero-Casasola
- Regenerative Medicine Group, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia García
- Regenerative Medicine Group, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mª Carmen Gutiérrez-Vélez
- Regenerative Medicine Group, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Medina-Polo
- Male’s Integral Health Group, Urology Department, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eloy Muñoz
- Regenerative Medicine Group, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I. Flores
- Regenerative Medicine Group, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Ana I. Flores,
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Acharya P, Chouhan K, Weiskirchen S, Weiskirchen R. Cellular Mechanisms of Liver Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:671640. [PMID: 34025430 PMCID: PMC8134740 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.671640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a central organ in the human body, coordinating several key metabolic roles. The structure of the liver which consists of the distinctive arrangement of hepatocytes, hepatic sinusoids, the hepatic artery, portal vein and the central vein, is critical for its function. Due to its unique position in the human body, the liver interacts with components of circulation targeted for the rest of the body and in the process, it is exposed to a vast array of external agents such as dietary metabolites and compounds absorbed through the intestine, including alcohol and drugs, as well as pathogens. Some of these agents may result in injury to the cellular components of liver leading to the activation of the natural wound healing response of the body or fibrogenesis. Long-term injury to liver cells and consistent activation of the fibrogenic response can lead to liver fibrosis such as that seen in chronic alcoholics or clinically obese individuals. Unidentified fibrosis can evolve into more severe consequences over a period of time such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is well recognized now that in addition to external agents, genetic predisposition also plays a role in the development of liver fibrosis. An improved understanding of the cellular pathways of fibrosis can illuminate our understanding of this process, and uncover potential therapeutic targets. Here we summarized recent aspects in the understanding of relevant pathways, cellular and molecular drivers of hepatic fibrosis and discuss how this knowledge impact the therapy of respective disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragyan Acharya
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Komal Chouhan
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sabine Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Bruijn LE, van den Akker BEWM, van Rhijn CM, Hamming JF, Lindeman JHN. Extreme Diversity of the Human Vascular Mesenchymal Cell Landscape. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e017094. [PMID: 33190596 PMCID: PMC7763765 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.017094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Human mesenchymal cells are culprit factors in vascular (patho)physiology and are hallmarked by phenotypic and functional heterogeneity. At present, they are subdivided by classic umbrella terms, such as "fibroblasts," "myofibroblasts," "smooth muscle cells," "fibrocytes," "mesangial cells," and "pericytes." However, a discriminative marker-based subclassification has to date not been established. Methods and Results As a first effort toward a classification scheme, a systematic literature search was performed to identify the most commonly used phenotypical and functional protein markers for characterizing and classifying vascular mesenchymal cell subpopulation(s). We next applied immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to inventory the expression pattern of identified markers on human aorta specimens representing early, intermediate, and end stages of human atherosclerotic disease. Included markers comprise markers for mesenchymal lineage (vimentin, FSP-1 [fibroblast-specific protein-1]/S100A4, cluster of differentiation (CD) 90/thymocyte differentiation antigen 1, and FAP [fibroblast activation protein]), contractile/non-contractile phenotype (α-smooth muscle actin, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, and nonmuscle myosin heavy chain), and auxiliary contractile markers (h1-Calponin, h-Caldesmon, Desmin, SM22α [smooth muscle protein 22α], non-muscle myosin heavy chain, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, Smoothelin-B, α-Tropomyosin, and Telokin) or adhesion proteins (Paxillin and Vinculin). Vimentin classified as the most inclusive lineage marker. Subset markers did not separate along classic lines of smooth muscle cell, myofibroblast, or fibroblast, but showed clear temporal and spatial diversity. Strong indications were found for presence of stem cells/Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal cell Transition and fibrocytes in specific aspects of the human atherosclerotic process. Conclusions This systematic evaluation shows a highly diverse and dynamic landscape for the human vascular mesenchymal cell population that is not captured by the classic nomenclature. Our observations stress the need for a consensus multiparameter subclass designation along the lines of the cluster of differentiation classification for leucocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Bruijn
- Division of Vascular SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenthe Netherlands
| | | | - Connie M. van Rhijn
- Division of Vascular SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenthe Netherlands
| | - Jaap F. Hamming
- Division of Vascular SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenthe Netherlands
| | - Jan H. N. Lindeman
- Division of Vascular SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenthe Netherlands
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Quelhas P, Baltazar G, Cairrao E. Characterization of culture from smooth muscle cells isolated from rat middle cerebral arteries. Tissue Cell 2020; 66:101400. [PMID: 32933705 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2020.101400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although human brain represents only 2% of the body mass, it uses around 20 % of the organism energy. Due to the brain's limited energy storage, the oxygen and glucose necessary to support brain functions depends on the correct blood supply. The main components of the arteries are smooth muscle cells, which are considered the main regulators of vascular tone and blood flow distribution. The information currently available on the functioning of the cerebral arteries and their cell constituents is extremely scarce. Thus, the aim of this work was to develop an in vitro model of smooth muscle cells derived from rat middle cerebral artery. Explants were collected from rat middle cerebral artery and adhered to collagen-coated culture dishes. Immunocytochemical analysis showed that the cells present in the culture expressed α-actin, a protein characteristic of the contractile phenotype of these cells. In addition, these cells did not express the endothelial marker, vWF. To evaluate the functionality of these cells the response to contractile agents, serotonin and noradrenaline, and to relaxing agent, sodium nitroprusside was determine by Planar Cell Surface Area analysis. Together the data obtained show that the cell culture obtained through the procedure described resulted in cells presenting the markers characteristic of smooth muscle cells and maintaining the usual contractile response, indicating that the cells obtained through this may be used as a model for characterization and study of functional behavior of the middle cerebral artery, as well as interaction studies between vascular and neuronal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Quelhas
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Graça Baltazar
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Elisa Cairrao
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
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Wadhwan V, Venkatesh A, Reddy V, Malik S. The role of myofibroblasts in the progression of oral submucous fibrosis: A systematic review. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol 2019; 23:257-266. [PMID: 31516233 PMCID: PMC6714277 DOI: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_238_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic progressive scarring oral disease predominantly affecting people of South Asian origin. It is characterized by juxtaepithelial inflammatory cell infiltration followed by fibrosis in the lamina propria and submucosa of the oral mucosa. The pathogenesis of the disease is not well established and a number of mechanisms have been proposed regarding the pathogenesis. A renewed interest has been shown in myofibrobasts which have been implicated to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of OSMF. The myofibroblast were initially identified by means of electron microscopy in granulation tissue of healing wounds as a modulated fibroblast exhibiting features of smooth muscle cells, with prominent bundles of microfilaments, dense bodies scattered in between, and gap junctions. The presence of myofibroblasts has successively been described in practically all fibrotic situations characterized by tissue retraction and remodeling. This review paper is an attempt to identify all the studies involving myofibroblasts and explaining the pathogenesis in a simplified manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Wadhwan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Oral Microbiology, Subharti Dental College, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Arvind Venkatesh
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Oral Microbiology, Smile Square Multispecialty Dental Centre, Karur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vandana Reddy
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Oral Microbiology, Subharti Dental College, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sangeeta Malik
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Subharti Dental College, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Fabbri R, Vicenti R, Macciocca M, Martino NA, Dell'Aquila ME, Pasquinelli G, Morselli-Labate AM, Seracchioli R, Paradisi R. Morphological, ultrastructural and functional imaging of frozen/thawed and vitrified/warmed human ovarian tissue retrieved from oncological patients. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:1838-49. [PMID: 27282911 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which is the best method for human ovarian tissue cryopreservation: slow freezing/rapid thawing (SF/RT) or vitrification/warming (V/W)? SUMMARY ANSWER The conventional SF/RT protocol used in this study seems to better preserve the morpho-functional status of human cryopreserved ovarian tissue than the used open carrier V/W protocol. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Cryopreservation of human ovarian tissue is generally performed using the SF/RT method. However, reduction in the follicular pool and stroma damage are often observed. An emerging alternative procedure is represented by V/W which seems to allow the maintenance of the morphological integrity of the stroma. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a retrospective cohort study including six patients affected by oncological diseases and enrolled from January to December 2014. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Ovarian tissue was laparoscopically harvested from the right and left ovaries and was cryopreserved using a routinary SF/RT protocol or a V/W method, involving tissue incubation in two solutions (containing propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and sucrose at different concentrations) and vitrification in an open system. For each patient, three pieces from each ovary were collected at the time of laparoscopy (fresh tissue) and after storage (SF/RT or V/W) and processed for light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), to assess the morphological and ultrastructural features of follicles and stroma, and for laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), to determine the functional energetic/redox stroma status. The preservation status of SF/RT and V/W ovarian tissues was compared with that of fresh ones, as well as between them. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE By LM and TEM, SF/RT and V/W samples showed cryodamage of small entity. Interstitial oedema and increased stromal cell vacuolization and chromatin clumping were observed in SF/RT samples; in contrast, V/W samples showed oocyte nuclei with slightly thickened chromatin and irregular shapes. The functional imaging analysis by LSCM revealed that the mitochondrial activity and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels were reduced both in SF/RT and in V/W samples compared with fresh samples. The study also showed progressive dysfunction of the mitochondrial activity going from the outer to the inner serial section of the ovarian cortex. The reduction of mitochondrial activity of V/W samples compared with fresh samples was significantly higher in the inner section than in the outer section. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The results report the bioenergetic and oxidative status assessment of fresh and cryopreserved human ovarian tissue by LSCM, a technique recently applied to tissue samples. The use of LSCM on human ovarian tissues after SF/RT or V/W is a new application that requires validation. The procedures for mitochondrial staining with functional probes and fixing are not yet standardized. Xenografting of the cryopreserved ovarian tissue in severe combined immunodeficient mice and in vitro culture have not yet been performed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The identification of a cryopreservation method able to maintain the morpho-functional integrity of the ovarian tissue and a number of follicles comparable with those observed in fresh tissue might optimize results in clinical practice, in terms of recovery, duration of ovarian function and increased delivery outcomes after replanting. The SF/RT protocol allowed better morpho-functional tissue integrity than the V/W procedure. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS Funding was provided by Fondazione del Monte di Bologna e Ravenna, Italy. Dr N.A.M. was granted by the project ONEV MIUR PONa3 00134-n.254/R&C 18 5 2011 and the project GR-2011-02351396 (Ministry of Health, Young Researchers Grant 2011/2012). There are no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Clinical trial 74/2001/0 (approved:13 2 2002): 'Pilot study on cryopreservation of human ovarian tissue: morphological and immunohistochemical analysis before and after cryopreservation'.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Fabbri
- Gynecology and Pathophysiology of Human Reproductive Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - R Vicenti
- Gynecology and Pathophysiology of Human Reproductive Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - M Macciocca
- Gynecology and Pathophysiology of Human Reproductive Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - N A Martino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics (DBBB), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Puglia and Basilicata, Via Manfredonia 20, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - M E Dell'Aquila
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics (DBBB), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - G Pasquinelli
- Surgical Pathology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Speciality Medicine, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - A M Morselli-Labate
- Gynecology and Pathophysiology of Human Reproductive Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - R Seracchioli
- Gynecology and Pathophysiology of Human Reproductive Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - R Paradisi
- Gynecology and Pathophysiology of Human Reproductive Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Lepreux S, Desmoulière A. Human liver myofibroblasts during development and diseases with a focus on portal (myo)fibroblasts. Front Physiol 2015; 6:173. [PMID: 26157391 PMCID: PMC4477071 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are stromal cells mainly involved in tissue repair. These cells present contractile properties and play a major role in extracellular matrix deposition and remodeling. In liver, myofibroblasts are found in two critical situations. First, during fetal liver development, especially in portal tracts, myofibroblasts surround vessels and bile ducts during their maturation. After complete development of the liver, myofibroblasts disappear and are replaced in portal tracts by portal fibroblasts. Second, during liver injury, myofibroblasts re-appear principally deriving from the activation of local stromal cells such as portal fibroblasts and hepatic stellate cells or can sometimes emerge by an epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. After acute injury, myofibroblasts play also a major role during liver regeneration. While myofibroblastic precursor cells are well known, the spectrum of activation and the fate of myofibroblasts during disease evolution are not fully understood. Some data are in accordance with a possible deactivation, at least partial, or a disappearance by apoptosis. Despite these shadows, liver is definitively a pertinent model showing that myofibroblasts are pivotal cells for extracellular matrix control during morphogenesis, repair and fibrous scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Lepreux
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Bordeaux Bordeaux, France
| | - Alexis Desmoulière
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Limoges Limoges, France
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