Endometrial organoids: a reservoir of functional mitochondria for uterine repair

Background: Asherman's syndrome (AS) is a dreadful gynecological disorder of the uterus characterized by intrauterine adhesion with severe fibrotic lesions, resulting in a damaged basalis layer with infertility. Despite extensive research on overcoming AS, evidence-based effective and reproducible treatments to improve the structural and functional morphology of the AS endometrium have not been established. Methods: Endometrial organoids generated from human or mouse endometrial tissues were transplanted into the uterine cavity of a murine model of AS to evaluate their transplantable feasibility to improve the AS uterine environment. The successful engraftment of organoid was confirmed by detection of human mitochondria and cytosol (for human endometrial organoid) or enhanced green fluorescent protein signals (for mouse endometrial organoid) in the recipient endometrium. The therapeutic effects mediated by organoid transplantation were examined by the measurements of fibrotic lesions, endometrial receptivity and angiogenesis, and fertility assessment by recording the number of implantation sites and weighing the fetuses and placenta. To explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the recovery of AS endometrium, we evaluated the status of mitochondrial movement and biogenetics in organoid transplanted endometrium. Results: Successfully engrafted endometrial organoids with similar morphological and molecular features to the parental tissues dramatically repaired the AS-induced damaged endometrium, significantly reducing fibrotic lesions and increasing fertility outcomes in mice. Moreover, dysfunctional mitochondria in damaged tissues, which we propose might be a key cellular feature of the AS endometrium, was fully recovered by functional mitochondria transferred from engrafted endometrial organoids. Endometrial organoid-originating mitochondria restored excessive collagen accumulation in fibrotic lesions and shifted uterine metabolic environment to levels observed in the normal endometrium. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that endometrial organoid-originating mitochondria might be key players to mediate uterine repair resulting in fertility enhancement by recovering abrogated metabolic circumstance of the endometrium with AS. Further studies addressing the clinical applicability of endometrial organoids may aid in identifying new therapeutic strategies for infertility in patients with AS.

Extracellular matrix stiffness mediates uterine repair via the Rap1a/ARHGAP35/RhoA/F-actin/YAP axis

The integrity of the structure and function of the endometrium is essential for the maintenance of fertility. However, the repair mechanisms of uterine injury remain largely unknown. Here, we showed that the disturbance of mechanical cue homeostasis occurs after uterine injury. Applying a multimodal approach, we identified YAP as a sensor of biophysical forces that drives endometrial regeneration. Through protein activation level analysis of the combinatorial space of mechanical force strength and of the presence of particular kinase inhibitors and gene silencing reagents, we demonstrated that mechanical cues related to extracellular matrix rigidity can turn off the Rap1a switch, leading to the inactivation of ARHGAP35and then induced activation of RhoA, which in turn depends on the polymerization of the agonist protein F-actin to activate YAP. Further study confirmed that mechanotransduction significantly accelerates remodeling of the uterus by promoting the proliferation of endometrial stromal cells in vitro and in vivo. These studies provide new insights into the dynamic regulatory mechanisms behind uterine remodeling and the function of mechanotransduction. Video Abstract.

Risk of hysterectomy and salpingectomy or oophorectomy compared to repair after pelvic gynecologic trauma

PURPOSE

Pelvic gynecologic trauma (PGT) includes injury to the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes. We hypothesized Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 25, hypotension on admission and age ≥ 51 (average age for menopause) would be independent risk factors for resection compared to repair.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank was performed between 2007 and 2015.

RESULTS

Of 2,040,235 female patients, 1938 (< 0.1%) presented with PGT with the majority sustaining injury to the ovary or fallopian tubes (52.9%). Most patients were managed nonoperatively (77.1 vs 22.9%). On multivariable analysis, in patients with injury to the uterus, ISS ≥ 25 (OR 3.52, CI 1.67-7.48, p < 0.05) was associated with higher risk for hysterectomy compared to repair. In patients with injury to the ovaries or fallopian tubes, gunshot wound (OR 3.73, CI 1.43-9.68, p < 0.05) was associated with a higher risk for salpingectomy or oophorectomy compared to repair. Age ≥ 51 and hypotension on admission were not independent risk factors for resection in patients with PGT. Operative treatment was associated with a lower risk for mortality in patients with an injury to the uterus (OR 0.27, CI 0.14-0.51, p < 0.001) or ovaries/fallopian tubes (OR 0.37, CI 0.19-0.72, p < 0.001) compared to those managed nonoperatively.

CONCLUSION

In the largest study reported, PGT occurred in < 0.1% of traumas involving women. Patients with ISS ≥ 25 have higher risk for hysterectomy compared to repair. Gunshot injuries have higher risk for salpingectomy or oophorectomy compared to repair. Hypotension on arrival or age ≥ 51 are not independent risk factors for resection in PGT. Operative management is associated with lower risk of mortality in PGT patients.

Analysis of uterine rupture at university teaching hospital Pakistan

OBJECTIVE

To determine the risk factors, management modalities, fetomaternal outcome of uterine rupture cases at University teaching hospital in Pakistan.

METHODS

This retrospective descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) for a period of one year from January 1st to December 31st 2012. Main outcome measures were frequency, age, parity, booking status, risk factors, management modalities, fetal and maternal mortality associated with uterine rupture. The data was collected on pre-designed proforma analysed using SPSS Version 16 statistical package.

RESULTS

The frequency of ruptured uteri was calculated to be 0.67%, giving a ratio of 1:148 deliveries. Highest incidence was found in age group 25-30 (44.26%) with mean age of 30.36 years. and parity group 2-3 (57.37%) with mean parity 4.08. The risk factors for ruptured uterus include Caesarean section 43(70.49%), injudicious use of oxytocin 33(54.09%), obstructed labour 15 (24.59%) and multiparty 18 (29.50%). Repair of uterus was performed in 47(77.04%) cases. Maternal case fatality was 5(8.19%), while foetal wastage was 51 (83.60%).

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the existence of a serious preventable obstetric problem, with significant maternal mortality and foetal wastage. Integrated efforts include Health education, focused antenatal care, skilled attendance, avoidance of injudicious use of oxytocin, and need of hospital based deliveries in patients with caesarean section which should be intensified to reduce this drastic obstetrical complication.