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Zhang S, Zhang R, Yin X, Lu Y, Cheng H, Pan Y, Liu Y, Lin J. MenSCs Transplantation Improve the Viability of Injured Endometrial Cells Through Activating PI3K/Akt Pathway. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:3325-3338. [PMID: 37308799 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01282-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial injury is one of the leading causes of female infertility and is caused by intrauterine surgery, endometrial infection, repeated abortion, or genital tuberculosis. Currently, there is little effective treatment to restore the fertility of patients with severe intrauterine adhesions and thin endometrium. Recent studies have confirmed the promising therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on various diseases with definite tissue injury. The aim of this study is to investigate the improvements of menstrual blood-derived endometrial stem cells (MenSCs) transplantation on functional restoration in the endometrium of mouse model. Therefore, ethanol-induced endometrial injury mouse models were randomly divided into two groups: the PBS-treated group, and the MenSCs-treated group. As expected, the endometrial thickness and gland number in the endometrium of MenSCs-treated mice were significantly improved compared to those of PBS-treated mice (P < 0.05), and fibrosis levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Subsequent results revealed that MenSCs treatment significantly promoted angiogenesis in the injured endometrium. Simultaneously, MenSCs enhance the proliferation and antiapoptotic capacity of endometrial cells, which is likely contributed by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Further tests also confirmed the chemotaxis of GFP-labeled MenSCs towards the injured uterus. Consequently, MenSCs treatment significantly improved the pregnant mice and the number of embryos in pregnant mice. This study confirmed the superior improvements of MenSCs transplantation on the injured endometrium and uncovered the potential therapeutic mechanism, which provides a promising alternative for patients with serious endometrial injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghui Zhang
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, NO 601, East of JinSui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (IPPT), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ruiyun Zhang
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, NO 601, East of JinSui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Xiyao Yin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Yuyu Lu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Hualan Road, XinxiangHenan Province, 453100, China
| | - Hongbin Cheng
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
- The Third Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Ying Pan
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, NO 601, East of JinSui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, China.
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Hualan Road, XinxiangHenan Province, 453100, China.
| | - Yanli Liu
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, NO 601, East of JinSui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, China.
| | - Juntang Lin
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, NO 601, East of JinSui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, China
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
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Hosoya S, Yokomizo R, Kishigami H, Fujiki Y, Kaneko E, Amita M, Saito T, Kishi H, Sago H, Okamoto A, Umezawa A. Novel therapeutic strategies for injured endometrium: intrauterine transplantation of menstrual blood‑derived cells from infertile patients. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:297. [PMID: 37840125 PMCID: PMC10577920 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03524-z] [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: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Menstrual blood-derived cells show regenerative potential as a mesenchymal stem cell and may therefore be a novel stem cell source of treatment for refractory infertility with injured endometrium. However, there have been few pre-clinical studies using cells from infertile patients, which need to be addressed before establishing an autologous transplantation. Herein, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic capacity of menstrual blood-derived cells from infertile patients on endometrial infertility. METHODS We collected menstrual blood-derived cells from volunteers and infertile patients and confirmed their mesenchymal stem cell phenotype by flow cytometry and induction of tri-lineage differentiation. We compared the proliferative and paracrine capacities of these cells. Furthermore, we also investigated the regenerative potential and safety concerns of the intrauterine transplantation of infertile patient-derived cells using a mouse model with mechanically injured endometrium. RESULTS Menstrual blood-derived cells from both infertile patients and volunteers showed phenotypic characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells. In vitro proliferative and paracrine capacities for wound healing and angiogenesis were equal for both samples. Furthermore, the transplantation of infertile patient-derived cells into uterine horns of the mouse model ameliorated endometrial thickness, prevented fibrosis, and improved fertility outcomes without any apparent complications. CONCLUSIONS In our pre-clinical study, intrauterine transplantation of menstrual blood-derived cells may be a novel and attractive stem cell source for the curative and prophylactic therapy for injured endometrium. Further studies will be warranted for future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Hosoya
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development Research Institute, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
- Center for Maternal-Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Ryo Yokomizo
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development Research Institute, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
- Center for Maternal-Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Harue Kishigami
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development Research Institute, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Yukiko Fujiki
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development Research Institute, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Erika Kaneko
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Mitsuyoshi Amita
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Takakazu Saito
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Sago
- Center for Maternal-Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Aikou Okamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Akihiro Umezawa
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development Research Institute, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan.
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Bausyte R, Vaigauskaite - Mazeikiene B, Borutinskaite V, Valatkaite E, Besusparis J, Valkiuniene RB, Kazenaite E, Ramasauskaite D, Navakauskiene R. Human endometrium-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells application in endometrial-factor induced infertility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1227487. [PMID: 37731819 PMCID: PMC10507732 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1227487] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial-factor induced infertility remains one of the most significant pathology among all fertility disorders. Stem cell-based therapy is considered to be the next-generation approach. However, there are still issues about successfully retrieving human endometrium-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hEnMSCs). Moreover, we need to establish a better understanding of the effect of hEnMSCs on the endometrial recovery and the clinical outcome. According to these challenges we created a multi-step study. Endometrium samples were collected from females undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure due to couple infertility. These samples were obtained using an endometrium scratching. The hEnMSCs were isolated from endometrium samples and characterized with flow cytometry analysis. Groups of endometrium injured female mice were established by the mechanical injury to uterine horns and the intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The hEnMSCs suspension was injected to some of the studied female mice at approved time intervals. Histological changes of mice uterine horns were evaluated after Masson's trichrome original staining, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The fertility assessment of mice was performed by counting formed embryo implantation sites (ISs). The expression of fibrosis related genes (Col1a1, Col3a1, Acta2, and CD44) was evaluated by the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results showed that endometrium scratching is an effective procedure for mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) collection from human endometrium. Isolated hEnMSCs met the criteria for defining MSCs. Moreover, hEnMSCs-based therapy had a demonstrably positive effect on the repair of damaged uterine horns, including a reduction of fibrosis, intensity of inflammatory cells such as lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and the number of apoptotic bodies. The injured mice which recieved hEnMSCs had higher fertility in comparison to the untreated mice. Gene expression was reflected in histology changes and outcomes of conception. In conclusion, hEnMSCs demonstrated a positive impact on endometrium restoration and outcomes of endometrial-factor induced infertility. Further exploration is required in order to continue exploring the multifactorial associations between stem cell therapy, gene expression, endometrial changes and reproductive health, so we can identify individually effective and safe treatment strategies for endometrial-factor induced infertility, which is caused by mechanical effect or chemotherapy, in daily clinical practise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raminta Bausyte
- Life Sciences Center, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Center of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Brigita Vaigauskaite - Mazeikiene
- Life Sciences Center, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Center of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Veronika Borutinskaite
- Life Sciences Center, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Elvina Valatkaite
- Life Sciences Center, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Justinas Besusparis
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- National Center of Pathology, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ruta Barbora Valkiuniene
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- National Center of Pathology, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Edita Kazenaite
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Diana Ramasauskaite
- Center of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ruta Navakauskiene
- Life Sciences Center, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Research progress of stem cell therapy for endometrial injury. Mater Today Bio 2022; 16:100389. [PMID: 36033375 PMCID: PMC9403503 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial damage is an important factor leading to infertility and traditional conventional treatments have limited efficacy. As an emerging technology in recent years, stem cell therapy has provided new hope for the treatment of this disease. By comparing the advantages of stem cells from different sources, it is believed that menstrual blood endometrial stem cells have a good application prospect as a new source of stem cells. However, the clinical utility of stem cells is still limited by issues such as colonization rates, long-term efficacy, tumor formation, and storage and transportation. This paper summarizes the mechanism by which stem cells repair endometrial damage and clarifies the material basis of their effects from four aspects: replacement of damaged sites, paracrine effects, interaction with growth factors, and other new targets. According to the pathological characteristics and treatment requirements of intrauterine adhesion (IUA), the research work to solve the above problems from the aspects of functional bioscaffold preparation and multi-functional platform construction is also summarized. From the perspective of scaffold materials and component functions, this review will provide a reference for comprehensively optimizing the clinical application of stem cells.
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Saeed Y, Liu X. Mesenchymal stem cells to treat female infertility; future perspective and challenges: A review. Int J Reprod Biomed 2022; 20:709-722. [PMID: 36340664 PMCID: PMC9619121 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v20i9.12061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility negatively impacts the overall health and social life of affected individuals and couples. Female infertility is their inability to perceive pregnancy. To date, polycystic ovary syndrome, primary ovarian insufficiency, fallopian tube obstruction, endometriosis, and intrauterine synechiae have been identified as the primary causes of infertility in women. However, despite the mutual efforts of clinicians and research scientists, the development of an effective treatment modality has met little success in combating female infertility. Intriguingly, significant research has demonstrated mesenchymal stem cells as an optimal source for treating infertility disorders. Therefore, here we attempted to capsulize to date available studies to summarize the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells in combating infertility in women by focusing on the underlying mechanism through which stem cells can reduce the effects of ovarian disorders. Furthermore, we also discussed the preclinical and clinical application of stem cell therapy, their limitation, and the future perspective to minimize these limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen Saeed
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaocui Liu
- Guangdong VitaLife Biotechnology Co., LTD, Foshan, Guangdong, China
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6
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Wang N, Gu Y, Li L, Chi J, Liu X, Xiong Y, Zhong C. Development and Validation of a Prognostic Classifier Based on Lipid Metabolism-Related Genes for Breast Cancer. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:3477-3499. [PMID: 35726216 PMCID: PMC9206459 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s357144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The changes of lipid metabolism have been implicated in the development of many tumors, but its role in breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) remains to be fully established. Here, we attempted to ascertain the prognostic value of lipid metabolism-related genes in BRCA. Methods We obtained RNA expression data and clinical information for BRCA and normal samples from public databases and downloaded a lipid metabolism-related gene set. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was applied to identify the potential pathways and functions of Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) related to lipid metabolism. Subsequently, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were utilized to construct the prognostic gene signature. Functional enrichment analysis of prognostic genes was achieved by the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Kaplan-Meier analysis, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, clinical follow-up results were employed to assess the prognostic potency. Potential compounds targeting prognostic genes were screened by Connectivity Map (CMap) database and a prognostic gene-drug interaction network was constructed using Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD). Furthermore, we separately validated the selected marker genes in BRCA samples and human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231). Results IPA and functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the 162 lipid metabolism-related DEGs we obtained were involved in many lipid metabolism and BRCA pathological signatures. The prognostic classifier we constructed comprising SDC1 and SORBS1 can serve as an independent prognostic marker for BRCA. CMap filtered 37 potential compounds against prognostic genes, of which 16 compounds could target both two prognostic genes were identified by CTD. The functions of the two prognostic genes in breast cancer cells were verified by cell function experiments. Conclusion Within this study, we identified a novel prognostic classifier based on two lipid metabolism-related genes: SDC1 and SORBS1. This result highlighted a new perspective on the metabolic exploration of BRCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanting Gu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangrui Chi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinwei Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Youyi Xiong
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaochao Zhong
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
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The Role of Endometrial Stem/Progenitor Cells in Recurrent Reproductive Failure. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12050775. [PMID: 35629197 PMCID: PMC9143189 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), collectively referred to as recurrent reproductive failure (RRF), are both challenging conditions with many unanswered questions relating to causes and management options. Both conditions are proposed to be related to an aberrant endometrial microenvironment, with different proposed aetiologies related to a restrictive or permissive endometrium for an invading embryo. The impressive regenerative capacity of the human endometrium has been well-established and has led to the isolation and characterisation of several subtypes of endometrial stem/progenitor cells (eSPCs). eSPCs are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of endometrium-related disorders (such as endometriosis) and have been proposed to be implicated in the pathogenesis of RRF. This review appraises the current knowledge of eSPCs, and their involvement in RRF, highlighting the considerable unknown aspects in this field, and providing avenues for future research to facilitate much-needed advances in the diagnosis and management of millions of women suffering with RRF.
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Making More Womb: Clinical Perspectives Supporting the Development and Utilization of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Endometrial Regeneration and Infertility. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11121364. [PMID: 34945836 PMCID: PMC8707522 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11121364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The uterus is a homeostatic organ, unwavering in the setting of monthly endometrial turnover, placental invasion, and parturition. In response to ovarian steroid hormones, the endometrium autologously prepares for embryo implantation and in its absence will shed and regenerate. Dysfunctional endometrial repair and regeneration may present clinically with infertility and abnormal menses. Asherman's syndrome is characterized by intrauterine adhesions and atrophic endometrium, which often impacts fertility. Clinical management of infertility associated with abnormal endometrium represents a significant challenge. Endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) occupy a perivascular niche and contain regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. Given these characteristics, mesenchymal stem cells of endometrial and non-endometrial origin (bone marrow, adipose, placental) have been investigated for therapeutic purposes. Local administration of human MSC in animal models of endometrial injury reduces collagen deposition, improves angiogenesis, decreases inflammation, and improves fertility. Small clinical studies of autologous MSC administration in infertile women with Asherman's Syndrome suggested their potential to restore endometrial function as evidenced by increased endometrial thickness, decreased adhesions, and fertility. The objective of this review is to highlight translational and clinical studies investigating the use of MSC for endometrial dysfunction and infertility and to summarize the current state of the art in this promising area.
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Valatkaitė E, Baušytė R, Vitkevičienė A, Ramašauskaitė D, Navakauskienė R. Decidualization Potency and Epigenetic Changes in Human Endometrial Origin Stem Cells During Propagation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:765265. [PMID: 34869358 PMCID: PMC8640123 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.765265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endometrium derived mesenchymal stem cells (hEndSCs) offer a great promise for regenerative medicine and reproductive system disorders treatment methods based on cell therapy due to their broad differentiation potential and highly efficient proliferation. In our study, we investigated the characteristics of hEndSCs that were isolated from two sources: endometrium and menstrual blood, which both contain endometrial origin stem cells. Changes in gene and protein expression levels during long-term cultivation and decidualization potential were examined in endometrial stem cells (EndSCs) and menstrual blood stem cells (MenSCs). The decidualization process was induced on early and late passages of hEndSCs using dibutyryl cyclic-AMP (db-cAMP) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) agents. We demonstrated that after long-term cultivation of hEndSCs the expression of typical mesenchymal stromal cell surface markers such as CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105 and perivascular marker CD146 remains at a similar level throughout long-term cultivation. Additionally, hematopoietic and endothelial markers CD34, CD45 were also tested, they were negative in all cases. Analyzed stem cells gene markers, such as OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, KLF4, showed similar expression in all passages of hEndSCs. RT-qPCR results demonstrated that the expression of cell cycle control associated genes - CDK2, CCNA2, CCNE2, p21, p53 and Rb, among all groups was very similar. Expression of genes associated with senescence (ATM, JUND, TOP2A, MYC) was maintained at a similar level throughout passaging. In addition, Western blot analysis was used to assess changes in proteins’ levels associated to epigenetics (EZH2, SUZ12, H3K27me3) and cell cycle control (cyclinE1, p53) during long-term cultivation. The levels of proteins associated with epigenetic changes were fluctuated slightly depending on the patient. Also, we demonstrated that in all induced hEndSCs the expression of decidualization markers Prolactin (PRL), IGFBP1 and WNT4 was upregulated. In conclusion, we demonstrated successful decidualization of stem cells derived from two reproductive system resources: endometrium and menstrual blood by using db-cAMP and MPA regardless of the length of the stem cell passaging. According these findings, we suppose that endometrium derived stem cells and menstrual blood derived stem cells could have a potency not only for endometrium tissue regeneration, but could also become a successful therapy for reproductive system disorders, including infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvina Valatkaitė
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Raminta Baušytė
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.,Centre of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Aida Vitkevičienė
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Diana Ramašauskaitė
- Centre of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Rūta Navakauskienė
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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10
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Zhao M, Chi F, Zhang T, Teng X, Li K. Human menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells regulation of the EGF/Ras p21 pathway as a potential therapeutic target for thin endometrium. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1476. [PMID: 34734028 PMCID: PMC8506758 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-4652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Human infertility is caused by many factors, among which thin endometrium is the main reason for poor embryo implantation. Currently, stem cell therapy could be a potential approach in treating human endometrial disorder like thin endometrium. In this study, we aimed to explore the influence of menstrual stem cells from non-thin endometrium (NTE-MenSCs) and thin endometrium (TE-MenSCs) on the phenotype of endometrial epithelial cells (EECs). Methods The MenSCs were isolated from women with and without thin endometria, characterized and co-cultured with the EECs. The expression of cytokeratin 7 (CK7) was verified by immunofluorescence while the detection stem cell markers was determined flow cytometry. Osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation were induced in appropriate media. The quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were respectively used for detecting the mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively. The CCK-8 assay was used for cell viability analysis whereas ELISA was used for the detection of cytokine levels. Results The results showed that the co-culture of NTE-MenSCs or TE-MenSCs and EECs promoted the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of endothelial progenitor cells differently. Furthermore, the TE-MenSCs promoted the expression of inflammation, vascularized adipose, and extracellular matrix related proteins. The epidermal growth factor (EGF)/Ras p21 pathway was found to mediate the influence of MenSCs on EECs. Conclusions These findings are vital in that they may promote stem cell therapy of thin endometrium and enable embryo implantation in humans with thin endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Zhao
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengli Chi
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingyu Zhang
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Teng
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kunming Li
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Zhao L, Ji M, Chen Z, Yuan L, Ding Y. Comparative study on the biological characteristics of menstrual blood- and endometrium-derived endometrial cells. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1421. [PMID: 34707703 PMCID: PMC8543186 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10856] [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: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
During a woman's reproductive period, the endometrial tissue is shed and regenerated every month to prepare for pregnancy or for the next cycle. The aim of the present study was to isolate, culture and characterize human endometrial cells (ECs) derived from menstrual blood (MB) and the endometrium (E). MB-derived ECs (MB-ECs) were isolated from women's MB. E-derived ECs (E-ECs) were isolated from women's endometrial tissues. The present study investigated the epithelial cell marker cytokeratin 18 (CK18) in MB-ECs and E-ECs. Cell proliferation analyses indicated that E-ECs (population doubling time, 20.85 h) grew faster than MB-ECs (population doubling time, 22.05 h; P<0.05). Cell migration ability was found to be significantly greater for MB-ECs than for E-ECs at 48 h (P<0.01). MB-ECs incubated with TGF-β1 (3 ng/ml) exhibited significantly decreased CK18 mRNA expression (P<0.01), and significantly increased vimentin (Vim) mRNA (P<0.05) and protein (P<0.01) expression at 6 and 12 h, respectively. E-EC incubation with TGF-β1 (3 ng/ml) significantly decreased CK18 mRNA expression (P<0.01) at 12 h and significantly increased Vim mRNA (P<0.01) and protein expression (P<0.05) at 6 h. The present results indicated that MB-ECs and E-ECs were biologically different, and that epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation could be induced by TGF-β1 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhao
- Gynecology Center of The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Meng Ji
- Hangzhou Biaomo Biosciences Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, P.R. China
| | - Zhifang Chen
- Gynecology Center of The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Lin Yuan
- Gynecology Center of The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Yan Ding
- Gynecology Center of The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
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12
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Han X, Ma Y, Lu X, Li W, Xia E, Li TC, Zhang H, Huang X. Transplantation of Human Adipose Stem Cells Using Acellular Human Amniotic Membrane Improves Angiogenesis in Injured Endometrial Tissue in a Rat Intrauterine Adhesion Model. Cell Transplant 2021; 29:963689720952055. [PMID: 32838542 PMCID: PMC7784510 DOI: 10.1177/0963689720952055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial injury resulting in intrauterine adhesion is associated with extensive damage to the regenerative basal layer of the endometrium and represents a major therapeutic challenge. Human adipose stem cells (hASCs) hold promise for future clinical use in the individualized therapy of injured endometrial tissue. Here, we observed that the use of the acellular human amniotic membrane (AHAM) significantly increased the expression of angiogenic factors, including angiogenin (ANG) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), in hASCs in vitro. The three-dimensional engineered hASC-AHAM grafts significantly increased the endometrial receptivity, as increased endometrial thickness, greater numbers of endometrial glands, and higher protein levels of leukemia inhibitory factor were observed in injured endometrial tissue that was treated with these grafts compared to those detected in injured endometrial tissue that was treated with AHAM alone. In addition, the hASC-AHAM grafts significantly increased the vascular density in the injured endometrial tissue in rats, when transplanted into an injured uterine cavity. Using the EGFP+-hASC-AHAM grafts for transplantation, we confirmed that the hASCs maintained higher protein levels of ANG and VEGF in the injured uterine cavity in vivo. The results of this study suggest that the ability of the engineered hASC-AHAM grafts to repair injured endometrial tissue may be associated with their ability to promote angiogenesis through the upregulated expression of angiogenic factors in hASCs. These findings may support individualized stem cell–based therapy for endometrial disease using bioartificial grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Han
- Hysteroscopic Center, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuejiao Ma
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, 12517Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, 12517Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Weihong Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, 12517Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Enlan Xia
- Hysteroscopic Center, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tin-Chiu Li
- Hysteroscopic Center, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Assisted Conception Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, 12517Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowu Huang
- Hysteroscopic Center, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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13
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Gao Y, Wu G, Xu Y, Zhao D, Zheng L. Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Asherman Syndrome: Promises and Challenges. Cell Transplant 2021; 30:9636897211020734. [PMID: 34105392 PMCID: PMC8193648 DOI: 10.1177/09636897211020734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Asherman syndrome (AS) has an adverse effect on reproductive health and fertility by affecting endometrial regeneration. Stem cell-based therapies hold promise for future use in activating non-functional endometrium and reconstructing the endometrium in vivo. It has been postulated that various endometrial stem cells (EnSCs) are responsible for endometrial regeneration. Numerous studies have focused on bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMDSCs), which may provide new ideas for repairing endometrial lesions and reconstructing the endometrium. Other sources of stem cells, such as menstrual blood, umbilical cord, and amniotic membrane, have also attracted much attention as candidates for transplantation in AS. This review discusses the features and specific biomarkers among four types of resident endometrial stem cells, applications of four different sources of exogenous stem cells in AS, and development of stem cell therapy using biomaterials and exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyin Gao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Guijie Wu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Donghai Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin, China
| | - Lianwen Zheng
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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14
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Li X, Luan T, Zhao C, Zhang M, Dong L, Su Y, Ling X. Effect of sildenafil citrate on treatment of infertility in women with a thin endometrium: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int Med Res 2021; 48:300060520969584. [PMID: 33176524 PMCID: PMC7673063 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520969584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endometrial thickness is a prognostic factor for successful pregnancy. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the role of sildenafil citrate on infertile women with a thin endometrium. METHODS Two investigators independently searched the literature on sildenafil citrate and infertile women with a thin endometrium from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register Database from inception to January 2019. RESULTS Nine studies involving 1452 patients were included for analysis in our study. We found that endometrial thickness in patients who received sildenafil citrate was significantly higher than that in the control group (placebo or no treatment) (weighted mean difference: 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.38). The radial artery resistance index was significantly lower (weighted mean difference: -0.12; 95% CI: -0.17 to -0.06), and the clinical pregnancy rate (risk ratio: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.11-1.53) and biochemical pregnancy rate (risk ratio: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.11-1.89) were significantly higher in the sildenafil citrate group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION Sildenafil citrate is effective in improving endometrial thickness, the clinical pregnancy rate, and the biochemical pregnancy rate in women who have a thin endometrium. This treatment is a potential therapeutic intervention for a thin endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting Luan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Mianqiu Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Dong
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Su
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiufeng Ling
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
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15
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de Miguel-Gómez L, López-Martínez S, Francés-Herrero E, Rodríguez-Eguren A, Pellicer A, Cervelló I. Stem Cells and the Endometrium: From the Discovery of Adult Stem Cells to Pre-Clinical Models. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030595. [PMID: 33800355 PMCID: PMC7998473 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult stem cells (ASCs) were long suspected to exist in the endometrium. Indeed, several types of endometrial ASCs were identified in rodents and humans through diverse isolation and characterization techniques. Putative stromal and epithelial stem cell niches were identified in murine models using label-retention techniques. In humans, functional methods (clonogenicity, long-term culture, and multi-lineage differentiation assays) and stem cell markers (CD146, SUSD2/W5C5, LGR5, NTPDase2, SSEA-1, or N-cadherin) facilitated the identification of three main types of endogenous endometrial ASCs: stromal, epithelial progenitor, and endothelial stem cells. Further, exogenous populations of stem cells derived from bone marrow may act as key effectors of the endometrial ASC niche. These findings are promoting the development of stem cell therapies for endometrial pathologies, with an evolution towards paracrine approaches. At the same time, promising therapeutic alternatives based on bioengineering have been proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía de Miguel-Gómez
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (L.d.M.-G.); (S.L.-M.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Sara López-Martínez
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (L.d.M.-G.); (S.L.-M.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.)
| | - Emilio Francés-Herrero
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (L.d.M.-G.); (S.L.-M.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Adolfo Rodríguez-Eguren
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (L.d.M.-G.); (S.L.-M.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.)
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
- IVIRMA Rome Parioli, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Cervelló
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (L.d.M.-G.); (S.L.-M.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-963-903-305
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16
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Rungsiwiwut R, Virutamasen P, Pruksananonda K. Mesenchymal stem cells for restoring endometrial function: An infertility perspective. Reprod Med Biol 2021; 20:13-19. [PMID: 33488279 PMCID: PMC7812475 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be derived from several tissues such as bone marrow, placenta, adipose tissue, or endometrial tissue. MSCs gain a lot of attention for cell-based therapy due to their characteristics including differentiation ability and immunomodulatory effect. Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrated that MSCs can be applied to treat female infertility by improving of the functions of ovary and uterus. This mini- review focuses on the current study of treatment of endometrial infertility by using MSCs. METHODS The present study performed a literature review focusing on the effect of MSCs for treatment of women infertility caused by endometrial dysfunction. RESULTS Bone marrow-, umbilical cord-, adipose-, amniotic-, and menstruation-derived MSCs enhance endometrial cell proliferation, injury repairs as well as reducing scar formation. The beneficial mechanism probably via immunomodulatory, cell differentiation, stimulates endometrial cell proliferation and down-regulation of fibrosis genes. The major advantage of using MSCs is to improve endometrial functions resulting in increased implantation and pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS MSCs exhibit a potential for endometrial infertility treatment. Adipose- and menstruation-derived stem cells show advantages over other sources because the cells can be derived easily and do not causes graft rejection after autologous transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pramuan Virutamasen
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyFaculty of MedicineChulalongkorn UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Kamthorn Pruksananonda
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyFaculty of MedicineChulalongkorn UniversityBangkokThailand
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17
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Lin Y, Dong S, Zhao W, Hu KL, Liu J, Wang S, Tu M, Du B, Zhang D. Application of Hydrogel-Based Delivery System in Endometrial Repair. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:7278-7290. [PMID: 35019471 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A receptive endometrium with proper thickness is essential for successful embryo implantation. However, endometrial injury caused by intrauterine procedures often leads to pathophysiological changes in its environment, resulting in subsequent female infertility. Among diverse treatment methods of endometrial injury, hydrogels are a class of hydrophilic three-dimensional polymeric network with biocompatibility as well as the capability of absorbing water and encapsulation, which have potential applications as a promising intrauterine controlled-release delivery system. This review summarizes recent advances in the approaches of endometrial repair and further focuses on the application of a hydrogel-based delivery system in endometrial repair, including its preparation, therapeutic loading considerations, clinical applications, as well as working mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Lin
- Key Laboratory of Re/productive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, PR China
| | - Shunni Dong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, PR China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Women Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, PR China
| | - Kai-Lun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Re/productive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, PR China
| | - Juan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Re/productive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, PR China
| | - Siwen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Re/productive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, PR China
| | - Mixue Tu
- Key Laboratory of Re/productive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, PR China
| | - Binyang Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, PR China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Re/productive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Women Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, PR China
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18
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Looking beyond the ovary for oncofertility care in women: uterine injury as a potential target for fertility-preserving treatments. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1467-1476. [PMID: 32342270 PMCID: PMC7311602 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01792-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment for cancer has the potential to significantly diminish fertility and, further, to negatively impact the obstetrical outcomes of pregnancies that do occur. Cancer survivors have decreased rates of fertility and increased rates of pregnancy complications, such as preterm birth and low birth weight, after exposure to chemotherapy. To date, research on the impact of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on fertility and pregnancy outcomes has focused largely on the gonadotoxic effect of cancer treatments on ovaries, while the uterus and endometrium have not been extensively studied. It is intuitive, however, that decreased fertility and poorer obstetrical outcomes may be substantially mediated through injury to a highly mitotic tissue like the endometrium, which is also central to embryo implantation and utero-placental exchange. Pregnancy complications in cancer survivors might be due to compromised blood supply to the endometrium and myometrium affecting placentation or altered remodeling of the pregnant uterus secondary to radiation fibrosis. Alterations in endometrial receptivity at the molecular level could affect pregnancy implantation and early pregnancy loss, but later complications also can occur. This review focuses on understanding the unintended effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on uterine function in female cancer survivors and the impact on pregnancy, and summarizes mechanisms to protect and treat the uterus before and after cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
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