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Rodríguez-Eguren A, Bueno-Fernandez C, Gómez-Álvarez M, Francés-Herrero E, Pellicer A, Bellver J, Seli E, Cervelló I. Evolution of biotechnological advances and regenerative therapies for endometrial disorders: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2024:dmae013. [PMID: 38796750 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The establishment and maintenance of pregnancy depend on endometrial competence. Asherman syndrome (AS) and intrauterine adhesions (IUA), or endometrial atrophy (EA) and thin endometrium (TE), can either originate autonomously or arise as a result from conditions (i.e. endometritis or congenital hypoplasia), or medical interventions (e.g. surgeries, hormonal therapies, uterine curettage or radiotherapy). Affected patients may present an altered or inadequate endometrial lining that hinders embryo implantation and increases the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes and miscarriage. In humans, AS/IUA and EA/TE are mainly treated with surgeries or pharmacotherapy, however the reported efficacy of these therapeutic approaches remains unclear. Thus, novel regenerative techniques utilizing stem cells, growth factors, or tissue engineering have emerged to improve reproductive outcomes. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review comprehensively summarizes the methodologies and outcomes of emerging biotechnologies (cellular, acellular, and bioengineering approaches) to treat human endometrial pathologies. Regenerative therapies derived from human tissues or blood which were studied in preclinical models (in vitro and in vivo) and clinical trials are discussed. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search of full-text articles available in PubMed and Embase was conducted to identify original peer-reviewed studies published in English between January 2000 and September 2023. The search terms included: human, uterus, endometrium, Asherman syndrome, intrauterine adhesions, endometrial atrophy, thin endometrium, endometritis, congenital hypoplasia, curettage, radiotherapy, regenerative therapy, bioengineering, stem cells, vesicles, platelet-rich plasma, biomaterials, microfluidic, bioprinting, organoids, hydrogel, scaffold, sheet, miRNA, sildenafil, nitroglycerine, aspirin, growth hormone, progesterone, and estrogen. Preclinical and clinical studies on cellular, acellular, and bioengineering strategies to repair or regenerate the human endometrium were included. Additional studies were identified through manual searches. OUTCOMES From a total of 4366 records identified, 164 studies (3.8%) were included for systematic review. Due to heterogeneity in the study design and measured outcome parameters in both preclinical and clinical studies, the findings were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively without meta-analysis. Groups using stem cell-based treatments for endometrial pathologies commonly employed mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the human bone marrow or umbilical cord. Alternatively, acellular therapies based on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or extracellular vesicles are gaining popularity. These are accompanied by the emergence of bioengineering strategies based on extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived hydrogels or synthetic biosimilars that sustain local delivery of cells and growth factors, reporting promising results. Combined therapies that target multiple aspects of tissue repair and regeneration remain in preclinical testing but have shown translational value. This review highlights the myriad of therapeutic material sources, administration methods, and carriers that have been tested. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Therapies that promote endometrial proliferation, vascular development, and tissue repair may help restore endometrial function and, ultimately, fertility. Based on the existing evidence, cost, accessibility, and availability of the therapies, we propose the development of triple-hit regenerative strategies, potentially combining high-yield MSCs (e.g. from bone marrow or umbilical cord) with acellular treatments (PRP), possibly integrated in ECM hydrogels. Advances in biotechnologies together with insights from preclinical models will pave the way for developing personalized treatment regimens for patients with infertility-causing endometrial disorders such as AS/IUA, EA/TE, and endometritis. REGISTRATION NUMBER https://osf.io/th8yf/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Rodríguez-Eguren
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Clara Bueno-Fernandez
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Gómez-Álvarez
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Emilio Francés-Herrero
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - José Bellver
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Emre Seli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
| | - Irene Cervelló
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
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Zou L, Huang J, Zhang Q, Mo H, Xia W, Zhu C, Rao M. The humanin analogue (HNG) alleviates intrauterine adhesions by inhibiting endometrial epithelial cells ferroptosis: a rat model-based study. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2422-2432. [PMID: 37814907 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does a humanin analogue (HNG) have a therapeutic effect on intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) caused by uterine cavity surgery in a rat model? SUMMARY ANSWER HNG supplementation attenuated the development of endometrial fibrosis and IUAs, improved fertility, and contributed to the regulation of endometrial fibrosis by inhibiting endometrial ferroptosis in rats with IUAs. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY IUAs, which are characterized by endometrial fibrosis, are a common cause of female infertility. Humanin (rattin in rats) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that is widely expressed in multiple tissues. S14G-humanin (HNG) is an HNG that has been reported to have a protective effect against myocardial fibrosis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Endometrial tissues from three patients with IUAs and three controls were tested for humanin expression. Two animal models were used to evaluate the modelling effect of IUAs and the preventive effect of HNG against IUAs. In the first model, 40 rats were equally randomized to control and Day 7, 14, and 21 groups to establish the IUA model. In the second model, 66 rats were equally randomized to the control, IUA, and IUA + humanin analogue (HNG) groups. Erastin was used to induce ferroptosis in the Ishikawa cell line. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The endometrium was scraped with a surgical spatula, combined with lipopolysaccharide treatment, to establish the rat model of IUAs. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg/kg/day HNG for 21 consecutive days beginning from the day of operation to evaluate the therapeutic effect on IUAs. Haematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining were used to assess endometrial morphology and evaluate fibrosis. Ferroptosis-related markers, namely nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), haeme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and ferritin, were measured by immunohistochemistry and western blotting to determine whether ferroptosis was involved in the development of IUAs and to assess the attenuative effect of HNG on ferroptosis. Additionally, the female rats were mated with male rats with normal fertility to assess fertility. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Humanin was widely expressed in endometrial cells, including epithelial and stromal cells, in both humans and rats. Humanin expression levels were downregulated in the endometria of patients and rats with IUAs relative to the endometria of controls. Endometrial thickness and the number of glands were significantly decreased on Day 7, 14, and 21 after endometrial scraping when compared with the controls (all P < 0.05), whereas the fibrotic area was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Among the tested ferroptosis markers, the expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 were significantly downregulated and those of ACSL4, HO-1, and ferritin were significantly upregulated after endometrial scraping relative to their expression levels in controls (all P < 0.05). The mating rates in the control, IUA, and IUA + HNG groups were 100% (10/10), 40% (4/10), and 80% (8/10), respectively. The number of embryos in rats with IUAs (mean ± SD: 1.6 ± 2.1) was significantly less than the number in the controls (11.8 ± 1.5). HNG supplementation significantly attenuated this decrease in the number of implanted embryos (6.3 ± 4.5) (P < 0.01). Further results showed that HNG significantly attenuated the altered expression levels of proteins involved in ferroptosis in the endometria of rats with IUAs. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that HNG significantly attenuated the erastin-induced decrease in the viability of the Ishikawa cell line and also attenuated the increase in reactive oxygen species production and the downregulation of GPX4. LARGE SCALE DATA None. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The findings of this study showed that HNG inhibited ferroptosis and reduced fibrosis in a rat model of IUAs. However, we could not establish a causal relationship between ferroptosis and the development of IUAs. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS HNG may be effective at alleviating fibrosis during the development of IUAs, and the inhibition of ferroptosis is a promising new strategy for IUA therapy. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82171647); the '1000 Talent Plan' of Yunnan Province (No. RLQN20200001); and the Basic Research Project of the Yunnan Province-Outstanding Youth Foundation (No. 202101AW070018). The authors declare no competing financial interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Zou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiaoling Zhang
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hui Mo
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Changhong Zhu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Rao
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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Zhou N, Zhu H, Jiang P, Hu Q, Feng Y, Chen W, Zhou K, Hu Y, Zhou Z. Quantification of Endometrial Fibrosis Using Noninvasive MRI T2 Mapping: Initial Findings. J Magn Reson Imaging 2023; 58:1703-1713. [PMID: 37074789 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28746] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometrial fibrosis may cause infertility. Accurate evaluation of endometrial fibrosis helps clinicians to schedule timely therapy. PURPOSE To explore T2 mapping for assessing endometrial fibrosis. STUDY TYPE Prospective. POPULATION Ninety-seven women with severe endometrial fibrosis (SEF) and 21 patients with mild to moderate endometrial fibrosis (MMEF), diagnosed by hysteroscopy, and 37 healthy women. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3T, T2-weighted turbo spin echo (T2-weighted imaging) and multi-echo turbo spin echo (T2 mapping) sequences. ASSESSMENT Endometrial MRI parameters (T2, thickness [ET], area [EA], and volume [EV]) were measured by N.Z. and Q.H. (9- and 4-years' experience in pelvic MRI) and compared between the three subgroups. A multivariable model including MRI parameters and clinical variables (including age and body mass index [BMI]) was developed to predict endometrial fibrosis assessed by hysteroscopy. STATISTICAL TESTS Kruskal-Wallis; ANOVA; Spearman's correlation coefficient (rho); area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC); binary logistic regression; intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). P value <0.05 for statistical significance. RESULTS Endometrial T2, ET, EA, and EV of MMEF patients (185 msec, 8.2 mm, 168 mm2 , and 2181 mm3 ) and SEF patients (164 msec, 6.7 mm, 120 mm2 , and 1762 mm3 ) were significantly lower than those of healthy women (222 msec, 11.7 mm, 316 mm2 , and 3960 mm3 ). Endometrial T2 and ET of SEF patients were significantly lower than those of MMEF patients. Endometrial T2, ET, EA, and EV were significantly correlated to the degree of endometrial fibrosis (rho = -0.623, -0.695, -0.694, -0.595). There were significant strong correlations between ET, EA, and EV in healthy women and MMEF patients (rho = 0.850-0.908). Endometrial MRI parameters and the multivariable model accurately distinguished MMEF or SEF from normal endometrium (AUCs >0.800). Age, BMI, and MRI parameters in univariable analysis and age and T2 in multivariable analysis significantly predicted endometrial fibrosis. The reproducibility of MRI parameters was excellent (ICC, 0.859-0.980). DATA CONCLUSION T2 mapping has potential to noninvasively and quantitatively evaluate the degree of endometrial fibrosis. EVIDENCE LEVEL 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peipei Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing Hu
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongjing Feng
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | | | - Kefeng Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yali Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengyang Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Lv H, Sun H, Wang L, Yao S, Liu D, Zhang X, Pei Z, Zhou J, Wang H, Dai J, Yan G, Ding L, Wang Z, Cao C, Zhao G, Hu Y. Targeting CD301 + macrophages inhibits endometrial fibrosis and improves pregnancy outcome. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e17601. [PMID: 37519221 PMCID: PMC10493587 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202317601] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are a key and heterogeneous cell population involved in endometrial repair and regeneration during the menstrual cycle, but their role in the development of intrauterine adhesion (IUA) and sequential endometrial fibrosis remains unclear. Here, we reported that CD301+ macrophages were significantly increased and showed their most active interaction with profibrotic cells in the endometria of IUA patients compared with the normal endometria by single-cell RNA sequencing, bulk RNA sequencing, and experimental verification. Increasing CD301+ macrophages promoted the differentiation of endometrial stromal cells into myofibroblasts and resulted in extracellular matrix accumulation, which destroyed the physiological architecture of endometrial tissue, drove endometrial fibrosis, and ultimately led to female infertility or adverse pregnancy outcomes. Mechanistically, CD301+ macrophages secreted GAS6 to activate the AXL/NF-κB pathway, upregulating the profibrotic protein synthesis. Targeted deletion of CD301+ macrophages or inhibition of AXL by Bemcentinib blunted the pathology and improved the outcomes of pregnancy in mice, supporting the therapeutic potential of targeting CD301+ macrophages for treating endometrial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haining Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Limin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Simin Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xiwen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhongrui Pei
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Jianjun Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Huiyan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jianwu Dai
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Guijun Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Lijun Ding
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhiyin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Chenrui Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Guangfeng Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yali Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
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Li C, Hu Y. Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Cell-Free Therapy for Intrauterine Adhesion. Int J Stem Cells 2023; 16:260-268. [PMID: 37385632 PMCID: PMC10465336 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc21177] [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: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) can occur after trauma to the basal layer of the endometrium, contributing to severe complications in females, such as infertility and amenorrhea. To date, the proposed therapeutic strategies are targeted to relieve IUA, such as hysteroscopic adhesiolysis, Foley catheter balloon, and hyaluronic acid injection have been applied in the clinic. However, these approaches showed limited effects in alleviating endometrial fibrosis and thin endometrium. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can offer the potential for endometrium regeneration owing to reduce inflammation and release growth factors. On this basis, MSCs have been proposed as promising methods to treat intrauterine adhesion. However, due to the drawbacks of cell therapy, the possible therapeutic use of extracellular vesicles released by stem cells is raising increasing interest. The paracrine effect, mediated by MSCs derived extracellular vehicles (MSC-EVs), has recently been suggested as a mechanism for their therapeutic properties. Here, we summarizes the main pathological mechanisms involved in intrauterine adhesion, the biogenesis and characteristics of extracellular vesicles, explaining how these vesicles could provide new opportunities for MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Department of Gynecology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Gynecology, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuanjing Hu
- Department of Gynecology, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, China
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Zhu Q, Yao S, Ye Z, Jiang P, Wang H, Zhang X, Liu D, Lv H, Cao C, Zhou Z, Zhou Z, Pan W, Zhao G, Hu Y. Ferroptosis contributes to endometrial fibrosis in intrauterine adhesions. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 205:151-162. [PMID: 37302615 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.06.001] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesions (IUA), characterized by endometrial fibrosis, is a challenging clinical issue in reproductive medicine. We previously demonstrated that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis of endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) played a vital role in the development of IUA, but the precise pathogenesis remains elucidated. Ferroptosis has now been recognized as a unique form of oxidative cell death, but whether it is involved in endometrial fibrosis remains unknown. In the present study, we performed an RNA-seq of the endometria from 4 severe IUA patients and 4 normal controls. Enrichment analysis and protein-protein interactions (PPIs) network analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were conducted. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess ferroptosis levels and cellular localization. The potential role of ferroptosis for IUA was investigated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Here, we demonstrated that ferroptosis load is increased in IUA endometria. In vitro experiments showed that erastin-induced ferroptosis promoted EMT and fibrosis in endometrial epithelial cells (P < 0.05), but did not lead to pro-fibrotic differentiation in endometrial stromal cells (HESCs). Cell co-culture experiments showed that erastin-stimulated epithelial cell supernatants promoted fibrosis in HESCs (P < 0.05). In vivo experiments suggested that elevation of ferroptosis level in mice by erastin led to mild endometrial EMT and fibrosis. Meanwhile, the ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 significantly ameliorated endometrial fibrosis in a dual-injury IUA murine model. Overall, our findings revealed that ferroptosis may serve as a potential therapeutic target for endometrial fibrosis in IUA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Simin Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ziying Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peipei Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiyan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiwen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haining Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenrui Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenhua Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zihan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weichen Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangfeng Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yali Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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Zhou C, Cheng X, Meng F, Wang Y, Luo W, Zheng E, Cai G, Wu Z, Li Z, Hong L. Identification and characterization of circRNAs in peri-implantation endometrium between Yorkshire and Erhualian pigs. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:412. [PMID: 37488487 PMCID: PMC10364396 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09414-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most critical periods for the loss of pig embryos is the 12th day of gestation when implantation begins. Recent studies have shown that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play important regulatory roles during pregnancy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a kind of ubiquitously expressed ncRNAs that can directly regulate the binding proteins or regulate the expression of target genes by adsorbing micro RNAs (miRNA). RESULTS We used the Illumina Novaseq6,000 technology to analyze the circRNA expression profile in the endometrium of three Erhualian (EH12) and three Yorkshire (YK12) pigs on day 12 of gestation. Overall, a total of 22,108 circRNAs were identified. Of these, 4051 circRNAs were specific to EH12 and 5889 circRNAs were specific to YK12, indicating a high level of breed specificity. Further analysis showed that there were 641 significant differentially expressed circRNAs (SDEcircRNAs) in EH12 compared with YK12 (FDR < 0.05). Functional enrichment of differential circRNA host genes revealed many pathways and genes associated with reproduction and regulation of embryo development. Network analysis of circRNA-miRNA interactions further supported the idea that circRNAs act as sponges for miRNAs to regulate gene expression. The prediction of differential circRNA binding proteins further explored the potential regulatory pathways of circRNAs. Analysis of SDEcircRNAs suggested a possible reason for the difference in embryo survival between the two breeds at the peri-implantation stage. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data suggest that circRNAs are abundantly expressed in the endometrium during the peri-implantation period in pigs and are important regulators of related genes. The results of this study will help to further understand the differences in molecular pathways between the two breeds during the critical implantation period of pregnancy, and will help to provide insight into the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the establishment of pregnancy and embryo loss in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xinyan Cheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Fanming Meng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Yongzhong Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Wanyun Luo
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Enqin Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
- Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China.
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
- Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China.
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8
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Shou Y, Yue C, Wang Q, Liu J, Xu J, Miao Q, Liu D, Yang H, Liu Y, Zhang X. circPTPN12 promotes the progression and sunitinib resistance of renal cancer via hnRNPM/IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:232. [PMID: 37002206 PMCID: PMC10066201 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05717-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is characterized by the difficulties in early diagnosis and the propensity to metastases. For advanced RCC, sunitinib targeted therapy is the clinically recommended first-line drug and the major challenge of sunitinib treatment is adaptive resistance. Therefore, it is imperative to research the mechanisms underlying sunitinib resistance. In this study, we discovered that circPTPN12 was highly expressed in RCC tissues and was associated with poorer clinical outcomes. circPTPN12 could promote the proliferation, migration, invasion, and sunitinib resistance of RCC cells. Mechanistically, circPTPN12 was found to form a complex with hnRNPM, which was involved in the regulation of mRNA processing. The combination with circPTPN12 enhanced the ability of hnRNPM to maintain the stability of IL-6 mRNA and further activated the STAT3 signaling pathway. The study revealed that circPTPN12/hnRNPM/IL-6/STAT3 axis promoted RCC progression and sunitinib resistance, which might be a promising therapeutic target for relieving sunitinib resistance in RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Shou
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Urologic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Changjie Yue
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Urologic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Urologic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jingchong Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Urologic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jiaju Xu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Urologic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qi Miao
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Urologic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Urologic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuenan Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Institute of Urologic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Institute of Urologic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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9
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Zubrzycka A, Migdalska-Sęk M, Jędrzejczyk S, Brzeziańska-Lasota E. The Expression of TGF-β1, SMAD3, ILK and miRNA-21 in the Ectopic and Eutopic Endometrium of Women with Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032453. [PMID: 36768775 PMCID: PMC9917033 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032453] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular pathogenesis of endometriosis has been associated with pathological alterations of protein expression via disturbances in homeostatic genes, miRNA expression profiles, and signaling pathways that play an essential role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. TGF-β1 has been hypothesized to play a key role in the development and progression of endometriosis, but the activation of a specific mechanism via the TGF-β-SMAD-ILK axis in the formation of endometriotic lesions is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of EMT markers (TGF-β1, SMAD3, ILK) and miR-21 in ectopic endometrium (ECE), in its eutopic (EUE) counterpart, and in the endometrium of healthy women. The expression level of the tested genes and miRNA was also evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in women with and without endometriosis. Fifty-four patients (n = 54; with endometriosis, n = 29, and without endometriosis, n = 25) were enrolled in the study. The expression levels (RQ) of the studied genes and miRNA were evaluated using qPCR. Endometriosis patients manifested higher TGF-β1, SMAD3, and ILK expression levels in the eutopic endometrium and a decreased expression level in the ectopic lesions in relation to control tissue. Compared to the endometrium of healthy participants, miR-21 expression levels did not change in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis, but the RQ was higher in their endometrial implants. In PBMC, negative correlations were found between the expression level of miR-21 and the studied genes, with the strongest statistically significant correlation observed between miR-21 and TGF-β1. Our results suggest the loss of the endometrial epithelial phenotype defined by the differential expression of the TGF-β1, SMAD3 and ILK genes in the eutopic and ectopic endometrium. We concluded that the TGF-β1-SMAD3-ILK signaling pathway, probably via a mechanism related to the EMT, may be important in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. We also identified miR-21 as a possible inhibitor of this TGF-β1-SMAD3-ILK axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zubrzycka
- Department of Biomedicine and Genetics, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland
- Operative and Conservative Gynecology Ward, Dr K. Jonscher Municipal Medical Centre, 93-113 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.Z.); (M.M.-S.)
| | - Monika Migdalska-Sęk
- Department of Biomedicine and Genetics, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.Z.); (M.M.-S.)
| | - Sławomir Jędrzejczyk
- Operative and Conservative Gynecology Ward, Dr K. Jonscher Municipal Medical Centre, 93-113 Lodz, Poland
- Institute of Medical Expertises, 91-205 Lodz, Poland
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10
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Zhang H, Zhou Y, Wen D, Wang J. Noncoding RNAs: Master Regulator of Fibroblast to Myofibroblast Transition in Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1801. [PMID: 36675315 PMCID: PMC9861037 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts escape apoptosis and proliferate abnormally under pathological conditions, especially fibrosis; they synthesize and secrete a large amount of extracellular matrix (ECM), such as α-SMA and collagen, which leads to the distortion of organ parenchyma structure, an imbalance in collagen deposition and degradation, and the replacement of parenchymal cells by fibrous connective tissues. Fibroblast to myofibroblast transition (FMT) is considered to be the main source of myofibroblasts. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the influencing factors regulating the process of FMT for the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of FMT-related diseases. In recent years, non-coding RNAs, including microRNA, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, have attracted extensive attention from scientists due to their powerful regulatory functions, and they have been found to play a vital role in regulating FMT. In this review, we summarized ncRNAs which regulate FMT during fibrosis and found that they mainly regulated signaling pathways, including TGF-β/Smad, MAPK/P38/ERK/JNK, PI3K/AKT, and WNT/β-catenin. Furthermore, the expression of downstream transcription factors can be promoted or inhibited, indicating that ncRNAs have the potential to be a new therapeutic target for FMT-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jie Wang
- Department of Immunology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Xiangya Road, Changsha 410000, China
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11
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Zhou Z, Wang H, Zhang X, Song M, Yao S, Jiang P, Liu D, Wang Z, Lv H, Li R, Hong Y, Dai J, Hu Y, Zhao G. Defective autophagy contributes to endometrial epithelial-mesenchymal transition in intrauterine adhesions. Autophagy 2022; 18:2427-2442. [PMID: 35196191 PMCID: PMC9542425 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2022.2038994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesions (IUA), characterized by endometrial fibrosis, is a common cause of uterine infertility. We previously demonstrated that partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the loss of epithelial homeostasis play a vital role in the development of endometrial fibrosis. As a pro-survival strategy in maintaining cell and tissue homeostasis, macroautophagy/autophagy, conversely, may participate in this process. However, the role of autophagy in endometrial fibrosis remains unknown. Here, we demonstrated that autophagy is defective in endometria of IUA patients, which aggravates EMT and endometrial fibrosis, and defective autophagy is related to DIO2 (iodothyronine deiodinase 2) downregulation. In endometrial epithelial cells (EECs), pharmacological inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine (CQ) promoted EEC-EMT, whereas enhanced autophagy by rapamycin extenuated this process. Mechanistically, silencing DIO2 in EECs blocked autophagic flux and promoted EMT via the MAPK/ERK-MTOR pathway. Inversely, overexpression of DIO2 or triiodothyronine (T3) treatment could restore autophagy and partly reverse EEC-EMT. Furthermore, in an IUA-like mouse model, the autophagy in endometrium was defective accompanied by EEC-EMT, and CQ could inhibit autophagy and aggravate endometrial fibrosis, whereas rapamycin or T3 treatment could improve the autophagic levels and blunt endometrial fibrosis. Together, we demonstrated that defective autophagy played an important role in EEC-EMT in IUA via the DIO2-MAPK/ERK-MTOR pathway, which provided a potential target for therapeutic implications.Abbreviations: ACTA2/α-SMA: actin alpha 2, smooth muscle; AMPK: adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase; AKT/protein kinase B: AKT serine/threonine kinase; ATG: autophagy related; CDH1/E-cadherin: cadherin 1; CDH2/N-cadherin: cadherin 2; CQ: chloroquine; CTSD: cathepsin D; DIO2: iodothyronine deiodinase 2; DEGs: differentially expressed genes; EECs: endometrial epithelial cells; EMT: epithelial-mesenchymal transition; FN1: fibronectin 1; IUA: intrauterine adhesions; LAMP1: lysosomal associated membrane protein 1; LPS: lipopolysaccharide; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; Rapa: rapamycin; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; T3: triiodothyronine; T4: tetraiodothyronine; TFEB: transcription factor EB; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; TEM: transmission electron microscopy; TGFB/TGFβ: transforming growth factor beta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drum Tower Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiyan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drum Tower Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiwen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Minmin Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Simin Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Peipei Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Haining Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruotian Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drum Tower Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China,Jianwu Dai Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 3 Nanyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yali Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drum Tower Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Yali Hu
| | - Guangfeng Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drum Tower Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,CONTACT Guangfeng Zhao Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
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12
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A review of the effects of estrogen and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation on intrauterine adhesion and endometriosis. Transpl Immunol 2022; 79:101679. [PMID: 35908631 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2022.101679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Uterus transplantation has become an option for women suffering from some form of infertility. Current review discusses key physiological functions of the endometrium requiring the transition of tissue cells between the mesenchyme and epithelial cell phenotype, a process known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Estrogen and EMT play a key role in the pathogenesis and treatment of intrauterine adhesion and endometriosis. There is also a close regulatory relationship between estrogen and EMT, and investigation of this relationship is of great significance for the treatment of endometrial disorders. The present review discusses the effects of estrogen on endometrial dysfunction, with a focus on the relationship between estrogen and EMT in endometrial disorders, taking into consideration the mechanisms by which receptors that regulate their functions and proteins that regulate their local biological functions interact with the factors involved in EMT. In addition, the review summarizes emerging drugs targeting receptors or proteins and provides information on the direction of new therapies for endometrial disorders.
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13
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Ma L, He LN, Kang S, Gu B, Gao S, Zuo Z. Advances in detecting N6-methyladenosine modification in circRNAs. Methods 2022; 205:234-246. [PMID: 35878749 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2022.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs with covalently single-stranded closed loop structures derived from back-splicing event of linear precursor mRNAs (pre-mRNAs). N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant epigenetic modification in eukaryotic RNAs, has been shown to play a crucial role in regulating the fate and biological function of circRNAs, and thus affecting various physiological and pathological processes. Accurate identification of m6A modification in circRNAs is an essential step to fully elucidate the crosstalk between m6A and circRNAs. In recent years, the rapid development of high-throughput sequencing technology and bioinformatic methodology has propelled the establishment of a multitude of approaches to detect circRNAs and m6A modification, including in vitro-based and in silico methods. Based on this, the research community has started on a new journey to develop methods for identification of m6A modification in circRNAs. In this review, we provide a comprehensive review and evaluation of the existing methods responsible for detecting circRNAs, m6A modification, and especially, m6A modification in circRNAs, which mainly focused on those developed based on high-throughput technologies and methodology of bioinformatics. This handy reference can help researchers figure out towards which direction this field will go.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Henan Key Laboratory of Microbiome and Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital (College of Clinical Medical) of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Li-Na He
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiyang Kang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bianli Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Henan Key Laboratory of Microbiome and Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital (College of Clinical Medical) of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Shegan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Henan Key Laboratory of Microbiome and Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital (College of Clinical Medical) of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China.
| | - Zhixiang Zuo
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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14
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Han Y, Cai X, Pan M, Gong J, Cai W, Lu D, Xu C. MicroRNA-21-5p acts via the PTEN/Akt/FOXO3a signaling pathway to prevent cardiomyocyte injury caused by high glucose/high fat conditions. Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:230. [PMID: 35222707 PMCID: PMC8815051 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) play important roles in cardiovascular disease. miR-21-5p is known to be involved in the regulation of cardiomyocyte injury under high glucose and high fat (HG-HF) conditions, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. In the present study, a cardiomyocyte cell line, H9c2, was treated with 33 mM glucose and 250 µM sodium palmitate for 24, 48, and 72 h to produce HG-HF injury. After treatment, miR-21-5p expression was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. A miR-21-5p mimic was then constructed and transfected into the cells and the potential molecular mechanism was investigated using Cell Counting Kit-8, TUNEL, flow cytometry and western blot assays. Expression of miR-21-5p was significantly downregulated by HG-HF treatment of H9c2 cells for 24, 48, and 72 h. In subsequent experiments, cells were treated for an intermediate period (48 h). Compared with the control group, HG-HF treatment significantly inhibited H9c2 proliferation and promoted apoptosis, while these effects were significantly reduced in the miR-21-5p mimic. Compared with the control group, HG-HF treatment significantly increased reactive oxygen species, while miR-21-5p mimic significantly reduced this effect. Compared with the control group, HG-HF treatment significantly increased the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and phosphorylated (p)-Akt and decreased the expression of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, p-PTEN, and p-FOXO3a, while overexpression of miR-21-5p significantly reduced these effects. The results revealed that miR-21-5p inhibited apoptosis and oxidative stress in H9c2 cells induced by HG-HF, likely through the PTEN/Akt/FOXO3a signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Han
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China.,Fujian Institute of Hypertension, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqi Cai
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China.,Fujian Institute of Hypertension, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China
| | - Min Pan
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China.,Fujian Institute of Hypertension, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China
| | - Jin Gong
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China.,Fujian Institute of Hypertension, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China
| | - Wenqin Cai
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China.,Fujian Institute of Hypertension, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China
| | - Dan Lu
- Department of General Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China
| | - Changsheng Xu
- Fujian Institute of Hypertension, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China
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15
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Chen X, Zhou M, Yant L, Huang C. Circular RNA in disease: Basic properties and biomedical relevance. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2022; 13:e1723. [PMID: 35194939 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a class of covalently closed RNA molecules with great diversity in molecular features, functions, and regulatory mechanisms. Emerging advances in our understanding of circRNA biogenesis, nuclear export, and stability control have been made very recently. In particular, novel roles of circRNAs in diverse human diseases are increasingly recognized. Various circRNAs have been found to affect many disease-relevant pathways through a diverse array of mechanisms, including forming R-loops, sponging miRNAs or proteins, and translating functional proteins, resulting in different pathological phenotypes. This recent progress calls for a revised view of circRNAs in diseases threatening the lives and health of humans. In this review, we focus on the recently described functional relevance of disease-associated circRNAs as well as the potential of circRNAs in diverse clinical applications. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolan Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.,Center of Plant Functional Genomics, Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.,Center of Plant Functional Genomics, Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Levi Yant
- Future Food Beacon of Excellence and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Chuan Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.,Center of Plant Functional Genomics, Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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16
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Liu F, Li T, Zhan X. Silencing circular RNAPTPN12 promoted the growth of keloid fibroblasts by activating Wnt signaling pathway via targeting microRNA-21-5p. Bioengineered 2022; 13:3503-3515. [PMID: 35068324 PMCID: PMC8974207 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2029108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Keloid is a skin disease marked by fibroplasia, and fibroblasts viability plays a considerable part in keloid. Our research was devoted to assessing the involvement and mechanism of circPTPN12 in keloid. The level of circPTPN12 and miR-21-5p was estimated by qRT-PCR in keloid tissues and cells. MTT analysis was devoted to evaluating the multiplication of keloid fibroblasts. Additionally, transwell assay was dedicated to verifying cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, keloid fibroblasts apoptosis level was assessed adopting flow cytometry, and the relevancy between miR-21-5p and circPTPN12, miR-21-5p, and SMAD7 was assessed by dual luciferase assay. Similarly, RIP and RNA pull-down assay verified the relevance between genes. Moreover, levels of SMAD7 and proteins concerned in Wnt signaling pathway were appraised by Western blot. The level of circPTPN12 declined in keloid. circPTPN12 knockout could enhance the multiplication, migration, invasion, and decline apoptosis of keloid fibroblasts. Indeed, miR-21-5p could be packed with circPTPN12 sponge, SMAD7 was downstream effect factor of miR-21-5p, and miR-21-5p inhibitors partially reversed the promoting effect of silencing circPTPN12 on keloid formation. Otherwise, the level of SMAD7 was adjusted by circPTPN12 and miR-21-5p. Silencing circPTPN12 targeted miR-21-5p and activated Wnt pathway to accelerate keloid fibroblasts growth. Taken together, silencing circPTPN12 promotes the growth of keloid fibroblasts by activating Wnt pathway targeting miR-21-5p. CircPTPN12 may play a considerable part in keloid formation, which supplies a reference for molecularly targeted therapy keloid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Jinhua People’s Hospital, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Dermatology, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoan Zhan
- Oncology Surgery, Zhejiang Jinhua Guangfu Tumor Hospital, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
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Liu S, Wu W, Liao J, Tang F, Gao G, Peng J, Fu X, Zhan Y, Chen Z, Xu W, Zhao S. MicroRNA-21: A Critical Pathogenic Factor of Diabetic Nephropathy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:895010. [PMID: 35865316 PMCID: PMC9294636 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.895010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN), one of the most common and intractable microvascular complications of diabetes, is the main cause of terminal renal disease globally. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is a kind of miRNA early identified in human circulation and tissues. Mounting studies have demonstrated that miR-21 plays an important role in the development and progression of DN. This collaborative review aimed to present a first attempt to capture the current evidence on the relationship between miR-21 and DN. After a systematic search, 29 relevant studies were included for comprehensively and thoroughly reviewing. All these eligible studies reported that miR-21 was up-regulated in DN, whether in serum or renal tissues of human or animal models. MiR-21 exhibited its pathogenic roles in DN by forming a complex network with targeted genes (e.g. MMP-9, Smad7, TIMP3, Cdk6, FOXO1, IMP3, and MMP2) and the signaling cascades (e.g. Akt/TORC1 signaling axis, TGF-β/NF-κB signaling pathways, TGF-β/SMAD pathway, CADM1/STAT3 signaling, and AGE-RAGE regulatory cascade), which resulted in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix deposition, cytoskeletal remodeling, inflammation, and fibrosis. This review highlights that miR-21 is a pivotal pathogenic factor in the development of DN. It may serve as an attractive potential diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarker for DN in clinical practice after further confirmation of the clinicopathological features and molecular mechanisms of miR-21-mediated DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuijiao Liu
- Department of Endocrinology & Department of Gastroenterology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, China
| | - Weizhou Wu
- Department of Urology, Maoming People’s Hospital, Maoming, China
| | - Jian Liao
- Department of Nephrology, Jiaxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiaxing, China
| | - Fuqin Tang
- Nursing Department, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, China
| | - Ge Gao
- Department of Clinical Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Clinical Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Xiujing Fu
- Department of Clinical Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Yuqin Zhan
- Department of Clinical Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Zhihui Chen
- Department of Clinical Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Weifang Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, China
- *Correspondence: Weifang Xu, ; Shankun Zhao,
| | - Shankun Zhao
- Department of Urology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, China
- *Correspondence: Weifang Xu, ; Shankun Zhao,
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