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Chen T, Zhang S, Jin H, Fu X, Shang L, Lu Y, Sun Y, Hisham Yahaya B, Liu Y, Lin J. Nonfreezing Low Temperature Maintains the Viability of Menstrual Blood-Derived Endometrial Stem Cells Under Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation Through the Sustained Release of Autophagy-Produced Energy. Cell Transplant 2022; 31:9636897221086971. [PMID: 35416078 PMCID: PMC9014719 DOI: 10.1177/09636897221086971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Between the completion of the mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) preparation and the transplantation into the patient, there is a time interval during which the quality control and transport of MSC products occur, which usually involves suspending the cells in normal saline in an oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) microenvironments. Thus, how to effectively maintain MSC viability during the abovementioned time interval is bound to play a significant role in the therapeutic effect of MSC-based therapies. Recently, menstrual blood-derived endometrial stem cells (MenSCs) have attracted extensive attention in regenerative medicine due to their superior biological characteristics, including noninvasive protocols for their collection, abundant source material, stable donation, and autotransplantation. Therefore, this study aimed to mainly determine the effect of storage temperature on the maintenance of MenSC viabilities in an OGD microenvironment, and to preliminarily explore its potential mechanism. Simultaneously, the effects of solvents commonly used in the clinic on MenSC viability were also examined to support the clinical application of MenSCs. Consequently, our results demonstrated that in the OGD microenvironment, a nonfreezing low temperature (4°C) was suitable and cost-effective for MenSC storage, and the maintenance of MenSC viability stored at 4°C was partly contributed by the sustained releases of autophagy-produced energy. Furthermore, the addition of human serum albumin effectively inhibited the cell sedimentations in the MenSC suspension. These results provide support and practical experience for the extensive application of MenSCs in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Chen
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Shenghui Zhang
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Hongzhang Jin
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xiaofei Fu
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Lingrui Shang
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yilin Lu
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yuliang Sun
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,College of Biomedical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Badrul Hisham Yahaya
- Lung Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Regenerative Medicine Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (IPPT), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang Malaysia
| | - Yanli Liu
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Juntang Lin
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,College of Biomedical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
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52
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Wu JX, Xia T, She LP, Lin S, Luo XM. Stem Cell Therapies for Human Infertility: Advantages and Challenges. Cell Transplant 2022; 31:9636897221083252. [PMID: 35348026 PMCID: PMC8969497 DOI: 10.1177/09636897221083252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical and mental health and hormonal imbalance are associated with the problems related to infertility and reproductive disorders. The rate of infertility has increased globally over the years, due to various reasons. Given the psychosocial implications of infertility and its effects on the life of the affected people, there has been an increased focus on its treatment over the last several years. Assisted reproductive technology can only solve about 50% of the cases. Moreover, it contains significant risks and does not solve the fundamental problem of infertility. As pluripotent stem cells have the potential to differentiate into almost any type of cell, they have been widely regarded as a promising option in the development of stem cell-based fertility treatments, which could even correct genetic diseases in offspring. These advancements in reproductive biotechnology present both challenges and possibilities for solving infertility problems caused by various unexplainable factors. This review briefly presents the different types of infertility disorders and the potential applications of stem cells in the treatment of these reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Xiang Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Li-Ping She
- New England Fertility Institute, Stamford, CT, USA
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China.,Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xiang-Min Luo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
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53
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Zhuang M, Zhang W, Cheng N, Zhou L, Liu D, Yan H, Fang G, Heng BC, Sun Y, Tong G. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells promote the regeneration of severe endometrial damage in a rat model. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2021; 54:148-151. [PMID: 35130612 PMCID: PMC9909317 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2021015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Zhuang
- Department of GynecologyShanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated HospitalShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai200082China
| | - Wuwen Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine CenterShuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China,Correspondence address. Tel: +86-21-20256688; E-mail: (W.Z.) / E-mail: (Y.S.) / E-mail: (G.T.)@
| | - Nuo Cheng
- Reproductive Medicine CenterShuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijing100101China
| | - Dan Liu
- Reproductive Medicine CenterShuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China
| | - Hua Yan
- Reproductive Medicine CenterShuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China
| | - Ge Fang
- Reproductive Medicine CenterShuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China
| | - Boon Chin Heng
- Hospital & Institute of Obstetrics and GynecologyFudan University Shanghai Medical CollegeShanghai200011China
| | - Yan Sun
- Correspondence address. Tel: +86-21-20256688; E-mail: (W.Z.) / E-mail: (Y.S.) / E-mail: (G.T.)@
| | - Guoqing Tong
- Reproductive Medicine CenterShuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China,Correspondence address. Tel: +86-21-20256688; E-mail: (W.Z.) / E-mail: (Y.S.) / E-mail: (G.T.)@
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54
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Sanchez-Mata A, Gonzalez-Muñoz E. Understanding menstrual blood-derived stromal/stem cells: Definition and properties. Are we rushing into their therapeutic applications? iScience 2021; 24:103501. [PMID: 34917895 PMCID: PMC8646170 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103501] [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] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells with mesenchymal stem cell properties have been identified in menstrual blood and termed menstrual blood-derived stem/stromal cells (MenSCs). MenSCs have been proposed as ideal candidates for cell-based therapy in regenerative medicine and immune-related diseases. However, MenSCs identity has been loosely defined so far and there is controversy regarding their cell markers and differentiation potential. In this review, we outline the origin of MenSCs in the context of regenerating human endometrium, with attention to endometrial eMSCs as reference cells to understand MenSCs. We summarize the cell identity markers analyzed and the immunomodulatory and reparative properties reported. We also address the recent use of MenSCs in cell reprogramming. The main goal of this review is to contribute to the understanding of the identity and properties of MenSCs as well as to identify potential caveats and new venues that deserve to be explored to strengthen their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Sanchez-Mata
- Andalusian Laboratory of Cell Reprogramming (LARCel), Andalusian Centre for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology-BIONAND, 29590 Málaga, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, University of Malaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Elena Gonzalez-Muñoz
- Andalusian Laboratory of Cell Reprogramming (LARCel), Andalusian Centre for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology-BIONAND, 29590 Málaga, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, University of Malaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, (CIBER-BBN), 29071 Málaga, Spain
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55
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Jahanbani Y, Shafiee S, Davaran S, Roshangar L, Ahmadian E, Eftekhari A, Dolati S, Yousefi M. Stem cells technology as a platform for generating reproductive system organoids and treatment of infertility-related diseases. Cell Biol Int 2021; 46:512-522. [PMID: 34918417 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, stem cells have known as a helpful biological tool for the accurate diagnosis, treatment and recognition of diseases. Using stem cells as biomarkers have presented high potential in the early detection of many diseases. Another advancement in stem cell technology includes stem cell derived organoids model that could be a promising platform for diagnosis and modeling different diseases. Furthermore, therapeutic capabilities of stem cell therapy have increased hope in the face of different disability managements. All of these technologies are also widely used in reproductive related diseases especially in today's world that many couples encounter infertility problems. However, with the aid of numerous improvements in the treatment of infertility, over 80% of couples who dreamed of having children could now have children. Due to the fact that infertility has many negative effects on personal and social lives of young couples, many researchers have focused on the treatment of male and female reproductive system abnormalities with different types of stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and umbilical cord-derived MSCs. Also, design and formation of reproductive system organoids provide a fascinating window into disease modeling, drug screening, personalized therapy, and regeneration medicine. Utilizing these techniques to study, model and treat the infertility-related diseases has drawn attention of many scientists. This review explains different applications of stem cells in generating reproductive system organoids and stem cell-based therapies for male and female infertility related diseases treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalda Jahanbani
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Samira Shafiee
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Soodabeh Davaran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leila Roshangar
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elham Ahmadian
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aziz Eftekhari
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Russian Institute for Advanced Study, Moscow State Pedagogical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Sanam Dolati
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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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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57
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Stem cell-based therapy for ameliorating intrauterine adhesion and endometrium injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:556. [PMID: 34717746 PMCID: PMC8557001 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02620-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesion refers to endometrial repair disorders which are usually caused by uterine injury and may lead to a series of complications such as abnormal menstrual bleeding, recurrent abortion and secondary infertility. At present, therapeutic approaches to intrauterine adhesion are limited due to the lack of effective methods to promote regeneration following severe endometrial injury. Therefore, to develop new methods to prevent endometrial injury and intrauterine adhesion has become an urgent need. For severely damaged endometrium, the loss of stem cells in the endometrium may affect its regeneration. This article aimed to discuss the characteristics of various stem cells and their applications for uterine tissue regeneration.
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Wiśniewska J, Sadowska A, Wójtowicz A, Słyszewska M, Szóstek-Mioduchowska A. Perspective on Stem Cell Therapy in Organ Fibrosis: Animal Models and Human Studies. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101068. [PMID: 34685439 PMCID: PMC8538998 DOI: 10.3390/life11101068] [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] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components that result from the disruption of regulatory processes responsible for ECM synthesis, deposition, and remodeling. Fibrosis develops in response to a trigger or injury and can occur in nearly all organs of the body. Thus, fibrosis leads to severe pathological conditions that disrupt organ architecture and cause loss of function. It has been estimated that severe fibrotic disorders are responsible for up to one-third of deaths worldwide. Although intensive research on the development of new strategies for fibrosis treatment has been carried out, therapeutic approaches remain limited. Since stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), show remarkable self-renewal, differentiation, and immunomodulatory capacity, they have been intensively tested in preclinical studies and clinical trials as a potential tool to slow down the progression of fibrosis and improve the quality of life of patients with fibrotic disorders. In this review, we summarize in vitro studies, preclinical studies performed on animal models of human fibrotic diseases, and recent clinical trials on the efficacy of allogeneic and autologous stem cell applications in severe types of fibrosis that develop in lungs, liver, heart, kidney, uterus, and skin. Although the results of the studies seem to be encouraging, there are many aspects of cell-based therapy, including the cell source, dose, administration route and frequency, timing of delivery, and long-term safety, that remain open areas for future investigation. We also discuss the contemporary status, challenges, and future perspectives of stem cell transplantation for therapeutic options in fibrotic diseases as well as we present recent patents for stem cell-based therapies in organ fibrosis.
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59
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Patel SK, Valicherla GR, Micklo AC, Rohan LC. Drug delivery strategies for management of women's health issues in the upper genital tract. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 177:113955. [PMID: 34481034 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The female upper genital tract (UGT) hosts important reproductive organs including the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Several pathologies affect these organ systems such as infections, reproductive issues, structural abnormalities, cancer, and inflammatory diseases that could have significant impact on women's overall health. Effective disease management is constrained by the multifaceted nature of the UGT, complex anatomy and a dynamic physiological environment. Development of drug delivery strategies that can overcome mucosal and safety barriers are needed for effective disease management. This review introduces the anatomy, physiology, and mucosal properties of the UGT and describes drug delivery barriers, advances in drug delivery technologies, and opportunities available for new technologies that target the UGT.
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60
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Wu CR, Cai HL, Cai DX, Li TL, Shen R, Zi D. A Simulation Study on the Growth of Oviduct Mucosa Cells in the Uterine Cavity Microenvironment. Int J Womens Health 2021; 13:829-840. [PMID: 34552355 PMCID: PMC8450286 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s328567] [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: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The growth of oviduct mucosa in the uterine cavity was observed by co-culture of oviduct mucosa cells and endometrial cells in different proportions to study the possibility and function of the growth of oviduct mucosa in the uterine cavity. Methods The extracted cells were identified by immunofluorescence with cytokeratins 19 (CK19) and vimentin. A Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) experiment, cell decidualization induction, and HE staining were performed after the co-culture of two kinds of cells in different proportions. Results 1) The cells could grow normally when the two cells were co-cultured indirectly. 2) A CCK8 test of oviduct mucosa cells showed that the growth rate of each group was similar after the indirect co-culture of two kinds of cells in different proportions, which was in line with the growth law of normal cells. 3) Immunofluorescence identification of the cells showed that most of the two kinds of cells in the second passage were CK19 positive and were epithelial cells, while most of the cells in the fifth passage expressed positive vimentin antibody and were stroma cells. 4) After cell decidualization induction, the cell morphology of each group showed deciduation-like changes. 5) After decidualization, the cell morphology of each group was similar after HE staining. Conclusion Oviduct mucosa cells can grow normally in the uterine environment. In the uterine environment with different degrees of endometrial loss, the growth rate of oviduct mucosa cells is not inhibited. Its morphology does not change, and it can undergo decidualization in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Rong Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua-Lei Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, People's Republic of China
| | - Di-Xian Cai
- Department of Psychology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao-Lan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Zi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, People's Republic of China
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61
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Qamar AY, Hussain T, Rafique MK, Bang S, Tanga BM, Seong G, Fang X, Saadeldin IM, Cho J. The Role of Stem Cells and Their Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Restoring Female and Male Fertility. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092460. [PMID: 34572109 PMCID: PMC8468931 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a globally recognized issue caused by different reproductive disorders. To date, various therapeutic approaches to restore fertility have been attempted including etiology-specific medication, hormonal therapies, surgical excisions, and assisted reproductive technologies. Although these approaches produce results, however, fertility restoration is not achieved in all cases. Advances in using stem cell (SC) therapy hold a great promise for treating infertile patients due to their abilities to self-renew, differentiate, and produce different paracrine factors to regenerate the damaged or injured cells and replenish the affected germ cells. Furthermore, SCs secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing biologically active molecules including nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins. EVs are involved in various physiological and pathological processes and show promising non-cellular therapeutic uses to combat infertility. Several studies have indicated that SCs and/or their derived EVs transplantation plays a crucial role in the regeneration of different segments of the reproductive system, oocyte production, and initiation of sperm production. However, available evidence triggers the need to testify the efficacy of SC transplantation or EVs injection in resolving the infertility issues of the human population. In this review, we highlight the recent literature covering the issues of infertility in females and males, with a special focus on the possible treatments by stem cells or their derived EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Yar Qamar
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.Y.Q.); (S.B.); (B.M.T.); (G.S.); (X.F.); (I.M.S.)
- College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus of University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (T.H.); (M.K.R.)
| | - Tariq Hussain
- College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus of University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (T.H.); (M.K.R.)
| | - Muhammad Kamran Rafique
- College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus of University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (T.H.); (M.K.R.)
| | - Seonggyu Bang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.Y.Q.); (S.B.); (B.M.T.); (G.S.); (X.F.); (I.M.S.)
| | - Bereket Molla Tanga
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.Y.Q.); (S.B.); (B.M.T.); (G.S.); (X.F.); (I.M.S.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, Hawassa 05, Ethiopia
| | - Gyeonghwan Seong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.Y.Q.); (S.B.); (B.M.T.); (G.S.); (X.F.); (I.M.S.)
| | - Xun Fang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.Y.Q.); (S.B.); (B.M.T.); (G.S.); (X.F.); (I.M.S.)
| | - Islam M. Saadeldin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.Y.Q.); (S.B.); (B.M.T.); (G.S.); (X.F.); (I.M.S.)
| | - Jongki Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.Y.Q.); (S.B.); (B.M.T.); (G.S.); (X.F.); (I.M.S.)
- Correspondence:
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62
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Kong Y, Shao Y, Ren C, Yang G. Endometrial stem/progenitor cells and their roles in immunity, clinical application, and endometriosis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:474. [PMID: 34425902 PMCID: PMC8383353 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02526-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial stem/progenitor cells have been proved to exist in periodically regenerated female endometrium and can be divided into three categories: endometrial epithelial stem/progenitor cells, CD140b+CD146+ or SUSD2+ endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs), and side population cells (SPs). Endometrial stem/progenitor cells in the menstruation blood are defined as menstrual stem cells (MenSCs). Due to their abundant sources, excellent proliferation, and autotransplantation capabilities, MenSCs are ideal candidates for cell-based therapy in regenerative medicine, inflammation, and immune-related diseases. Endometrial stem/progenitor cells also participate in the occurrence and development of endometriosis by entering the pelvic cavity from retrograde menstruation and becoming overreactive under certain conditions to form new glands and stroma through clonal expansion. Additionally, the limited bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMDSCs) in blood circulation can be recruited and infiltrated into the lesion sites, leading to the establishment of deep invasive endometriosis. On the other hand, cell derived from endometriosis may also enter the blood circulation to form circulating endometrial cells (CECs) with stem cell-like properties, and to migrate and implant into distant tissues. In this manuscript, by reviewing the available literature, we outlined the characteristics of endometrial stem/progenitor cells and summarized their roles in immunoregulation, regenerative medicine, and endometriosis, through which to provide some novel therapeutic strategies for reproductive and cancerous diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Kong
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yang Shao
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chunxia Ren
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| | - Gong Yang
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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63
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Bhartiya D, Singh P, Sharma D, Kaushik A. Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) regenerate whereas mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) rejuvenate diseased reproductive tissues. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 18:1718-1727. [PMID: 34410593 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10243-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Compared to embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have made their presence felt with good therapeutic promise and safety profile. Transplanting MSCs has successfully helped to reverse infertility and resulted in live births in animal models and also in humans. But the underlying mechanism for their therapeutic potential is not yet clear. MSCs are not pluripotent and hence lack plasticity to differentiate into multiple adult cell types. They rather act as 'paracrine providers' to the tissue-resident stem cells since similar beneficial effects are also observed when their secretome (microvesicles or exosomes) is transplanted. Cytokines, growth factors, signaling lipids, mRNAs, and miRNAs secreted by MSCs enables tissue-resident stem cells to undergo differentiation into specific cell types. Tissue-resident stem cells include pluripotent, very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and progenitors [spermatogonial (SSCs), ovarian (OSCs) and endometrial (EnSCs) stem cells in testes, ovary and uterus respectively] which function in a subtle manner to maintain life-long tissue homeostasis and regenerate damaged (non-functional) reproductive tissues by differentiating into sperm, oocytes and endometrial epithelial cells respectively. Similar to restoring spermatogenesis, primordial follicles numbers are increased upon transplanting MSCs. Published literature suggests that MSCs do not differentiate into epithelial cells in the endometrium. Nuclear OCT-4 positive VSELs and cytoplasmic OCT-4, AXIN2 and KERATIN-19 positive epithelial progenitors have a greater role during endometrial regeneration. We propose, transplantation of MSCs simply provides growth factors/cytokines essential for the tissue-resident stem/progenitor cells to undergo differentiation into sperm, eggs and endometrial epithelial cells in the reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
| | - Pushpa Singh
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Diksha Sharma
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Ankita Kaushik
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
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Chen L, Qu J, Mei Q, Chen X, Fang Y, Chen L, Li Y, Xiang C. Small extracellular vesicles from menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) as a novel therapeutic impetus in regenerative medicine. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:433. [PMID: 34344458 PMCID: PMC8330084 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02511-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) have great potential in regenerative medicine. MenSC has received increasing attention owing to its impressive therapeutic effects in both preclinical and clinical trials. However, the study of MenSC-derived small extracellular vesicles (EVs) is still in its initial stages, in contrast to some common MSC sources (e.g., bone marrow, umbilical cord, and adipose tissue). We describe the basic characteristics and biological functions of MenSC-derived small EVs. We also demonstrate the therapeutic potential of small EVs in fulminant hepatic failure, myocardial infarction, pulmonary fibrosis, prostate cancer, cutaneous wound, type-1 diabetes mellitus, aged fertility, and potential diseases. Subsequently, novel hotspots with respect to MenSC EV-based therapy are proposed to overcome current challenges. While complexities regarding the therapeutic potential of MenSC EVs continue to be unraveled, advances are rapidly emerging in both basic science and clinical medicine. MenSC EV-based treatment has great potential for treating a series of diseases as a novel therapeutic strategy in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Qu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Quanhui Mei
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First People's Hospital of Changde City, Changde, Hunan, 415000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangxin Fang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Chen
- Innovative Precision Medicine (IPM) Group, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311215, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Charlie Xiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, People's Republic of China.
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de Miguel-Gómez L, Romeu M, Pellicer A, Cervelló I. Strategies for managing asherman's syndrome and endometrial atrophy: Since the classical experimental models to the new bioengineering approach. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:527-543. [PMID: 34293229 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial function is essential for embryo implantation and pregnancy, but managing endometrial thickness that is too thin to support pregnancy or an endometrium of compromised functionality due to intrauterine adhesions is an ongoing challenge in reproductive medicine. Here, we review current and emerging therapeutic and experimental options for endometrial regeneration with a focus on animal models used to study solutions for Asherman's syndrome and endometrial atrophy, which both involve a damaged endometrium. A review of existing literature was performed that confirmed the lack of consensus on endometrial therapeutic options, though promising new alternatives have emerged in recent years (platelet-rich plasma, exosomes derived from stem cells, bioengineering-based techniques, endometrial organoids, among others). In the future, basic research using established experimental models of endometrial pathologies (combined with new high-tech solutions) and human clinical trials with large population sizes are needed to evaluate these emerging and new endometrial therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía de Miguel-Gómez
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
- University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mónica Romeu
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain
- Women's Health Area, Human Reproduction Unit, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Irene Cervelló
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
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Zhang Y, Shi L, Lin X, Zhou F, Xin L, Xu W, Yu H, Li J, Pan M, Pan Y, Dai Y, Zhang Y, Shen J, Zhao L, Lu M, Zhang S. Unresponsive thin endometrium caused by Asherman syndrome treated with umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on collagen scaffolds: a pilot study. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:420. [PMID: 34294152 PMCID: PMC8296628 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02499-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Unresponsive thin endometrium caused by Asherman syndrome (AS) is the major cause of uterine infertility. However, current therapies are ineffective. This study is to evaluate the effect of transplantation with collagen scaffold/umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (CS/UC-MSCs) on this refractory disease. Methods Eighteen infertile women with unresponsive thin endometrium, whose frozen–thawed embryo transfers (FETs) were cancelled due to reduced endometrial thickness (ET ≤ 5.5 mm), were enrolled in this before and after self-control prospective study. Hysteroscopic examination was performed to confirm no intrauterine adhesions, then twenty million UC-MSCs loaded onto a CS were transplanted into the uterine cavity in two consecutive menstrual cycles. Then uterine cavity was assessed through hysteroscopy after two transplants. FETs were performed in the following cycle. Pregnancy outcomes were followed up. Endometrial thickness, uterine receptivity and endometrial angiogenesis, proliferation and hormone response were compared before and after treatment. Results Sixteen patients completed the study. No treatment-related serious adverse events occurred. Three months after transplantation, the average ET increased from 4.08 ± 0.26 mm to 5.87 ± 0.77 mm (P < 0.001). Three of 15 patients after FET got pregnant, of whom 2 gave birth successfully and 1 had a miscarriage at 25 weeks’ gestation. One of 2 patients without FET had a natural pregnancy and gave birth normally after transplantation. Immunohistochemical analysis showed increased micro-vessel density, upregulated expression of Ki67, estrogen receptor alpha, and progesterone receptor, indicating an improvement in endometrial angiogenesis, proliferation, and response to hormones. Conclusion CS/UC-MSCs is a promising and potential approach for treating women with unresponsive thin endometrium caused by AS. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03724617. Registered on 26 October 2018—prospectively registered, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/ Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02499-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, NO.3 Qingchun East Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310016, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Libing Shi
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, NO.3 Qingchun East Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310016, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaona Lin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, NO.3 Qingchun East Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310016, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, NO.3 Qingchun East Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310016, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Liaobing Xin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, NO.3 Qingchun East Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310016, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenzhi Xu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, NO.3 Qingchun East Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310016, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaying Yu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, NO.3 Qingchun East Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310016, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, NO.3 Qingchun East Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310016, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Pan
- Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound and Echocardiography, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yibin Pan
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, NO.3 Qingchun East Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310016, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongdong Dai
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, NO.3 Qingchun East Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310016, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinli Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, NO.3 Qingchun East Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310016, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Shen
- Zhejiang Gene Stem Cell Biotech Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijuan Zhao
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, NO.3 Qingchun East Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310016, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Lu
- Zhejiang Gene Stem Cell Biotech Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, NO.3 Qingchun East Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310016, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Saha S, Roy P, Corbitt C, Kakar SS. Application of Stem Cell Therapy for Infertility. Cells 2021; 10:1613. [PMID: 34203240 PMCID: PMC8303590 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility creates an immense impact on the psychosocial wellbeing of affected couples, leading to poor quality of life. Infertility is now considered to be a global health issue affecting approximately 15% of couples worldwide. It may arise from factors related to the male (30%), including varicocele, undescended testes, testicular cancer, and azoospermia; the female (30%), including premature ovarian failure and uterine disorders; or both partners (30%). With the recent advancement in assisted reproduction technology (ART), many affected couples (80%) could find a solution. However, a substantial number of couples cannot conceive even after ART. Stem cells are now increasingly being investigated as promising alternative therapeutics in translational research of regenerative medicine. Tremendous headway has been made to understand the biology and function of stem cells. Considering the minimum ethical concern and easily available abundant resources, extensive research is being conducted on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) for their potential application in reproductive medicine, especially in cases of infertility resulting from azoospermia and premature ovarian insufficiency. However, most of these investigations have been carried out in animal models. Evolutionary divergence observed in pluripotency among animals and humans requires caution when extrapolating the data obtained from murine models to safely apply them to clinical applications in humans. Hence, more clinical trials based on larger populations need to be carried out to investigate the relevance of stem cell therapy, including its safety and efficacy, in translational infertility medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarama Saha
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh 249203, India;
| | - Partha Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee 247667, India;
| | - Cynthia Corbitt
- Department of Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA;
| | - Sham S. Kakar
- Department of Physiology and James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
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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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Lv Q, Wang L, Luo X, Chen X. Adult stem cells in endometrial regeneration: Molecular insights and clinical applications. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:379-394. [PMID: 34014590 PMCID: PMC8362170 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial damage is an important cause of female reproductive problems, manifested as menstrual abnormalities, infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and other complications. These conditions are collectively termed "Asherman syndrome" (AS) and are typically associated with recurrent induced pregnancy terminations, repeated diagnostic curettage and intrauterine infections. Cancer treatment also has unexpected detrimental side effects on endometrial function in survivors independently of ovarian effects. Endometrial stem cells act in the regeneration of the endometrium and in repair through direct differentiation or paracrine effects. Nonendometrial adult stem cells, such as bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells, with autologous and allogenic applications, can also repair injured endometrial tissue in animal models of AS and in human studies. However, there remains a lack of research on the repair of the damaged endometrium after the reversal of tumors, especially endometrial cancers. Here, we review the biological mechanisms of endometrial regeneration, and research progress and challenges for adult stem cell therapy for damaged endometrium, and discuss the potential applications of their use for endometrial repair after cancer remission, especially in endometrial cancers. Successful application of such cells will improve reproductive parameters in patients with AS or cancer. Significance: The endometrium is the fertile ground for embryos, but damage to the endometrium will greatly impair female fertility. Adult stem cells combined with tissue engineering scaffold materials or not have made great progress in repairing the injured endometrium due to benign lesions. However, due to the lack of research on the repair of the damaged endometrium caused by malignant tumors or tumor therapies, the safety and effectiveness of such stem cell-based therapies need to be further explored. This review focuses on the molecular insights and clinical application potential of adult stem cells in endometrial regeneration and discusses the possible challenges or difficulties that need to be overcome in stem cell-based therapies for tumor survivors. The development of adult stem cell-related new programs will help repair damaged endometrium safely and effectively and meet fertility needs in tumor survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoying Lv
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuezhen Luo
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Preclinical Infertility Cytotherapy: A Retrospective Review. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:8882368. [PMID: 34054970 PMCID: PMC8143877 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8882368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a global reproductive disorder which is caused by a variety of complex diseases. Infertility affects the individual, family, and community through physical, psychological, social and economic consequences. The results from recent preclinical studies regarding stem cell-based therapies are promising. Stem cell-based therapies cast a new hope for infertility treatment as a replacement or regeneration strategy. The main features and application prospects of mesenchymal stem cells in the future of infertility should be understood by clinicians. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells with abundant source, active proliferation, and multidirectional differentiation potential. MSCs play a role through cell homing, secretion of active factors, and participation in immune regulation. Another advantage is that, compared with embryonic stem cells, there are fewer ethical factors involved in the application of MSCs. However, a number of questions remain to be answered prior to safe and effective clinical application. In this review, we summarized the recent status of MSCs in the application of the diseases related to or may cause to infertility and suggest a possible direction for future cytotherapy to infertility.
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Keyhanvar N, Zarghami N, Bleisinger N, Hajipour H, Fattahi A, Nouri M, Dittrich R. Cell-based endometrial regeneration: current status and future perspectives. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 384:241-254. [PMID: 33650018 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03419-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial-related disorders including Asherman's syndrome, thin endometrium, pelvic organ prolapse, and cesarean scar pregnancies can be accompanied by different symptoms such as amenorrhea, infertility, abnormal placental implantation and recurrent miscarriage. Different methods have been introduced to overcome these problems such as surgery and hormonal therapy but none of them has shown promising outcomes. On the other hand, the development of novel regenerative therapeutic strategies has opened new avenues for the treatment of endometrial-related deficiencies. In this regard, different types of scaffolds, acellular matrices and also cell therapy with adult or stem cells have been investigated for the treatment of endometrial-related deficiencies. In this paper, we review the current status of cell-based endometrium regeneration using scaffold dependent and scaffold-free methods and future perspectives in this field. Moreover, we discuss the endometrial diseases that can be candidates for cell-based treatments. Also, the cells with the potential for endometrial regeneration are explained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Keyhanvar
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nosratollah Zarghami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nathalie Bleisinger
- University Hospital Erlangen, OB/GYN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hamed Hajipour
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Fattahi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Ralf Dittrich
- University Hospital Erlangen, OB/GYN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Zhang S, Chang Q, Li P, Tong X, Feng Y, Hao X, Zhang X, Yuan Z, Tan J. Concentrated small extracellular vesicles from menstrual blood-derived stromal cells improve intrauterine adhesion, a pre-clinical study in a rat model. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:7334-7347. [PMID: 33889891 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr08942g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that transplantation of menstrual blood-derived stromal cells (MenSCs) significantly improved fertility restoration in intrauterine adhesion (IUA). However, it is difficult to obtain menstrual blood samples in some severe IUA patients who have amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea. Thus, a safe and effective stem cell replacement therapy is necessary to promote endometrial regeneration. Recent studies demonstrated that the effects of MenSCs are partly mediated in a paracrine manner via small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). To explore this possibility, we performed a pre-clinical study to investigate whether concentrated MenSC-derived sEVs (MenSCs-sEVs) are sufficient to repair IUA and the mechanisms underlying their action. Rat IUA models were established by mechanical injury, followed by the administration of MenSCs or MenSCs-sEVs through intrauterine transplantation. Consistent with the efficacy of MenSCs, MenSCs-sEVs effectively recovered the morphology, promoted regeneration of the glands and angiogenesis, and reversed endometrial fibrosis in the IUA uterus. The endometrial receptivity and pregnancy outcome significantly improved after repeated MenSCs-sEVs transplantations. In addition, all rats in the MenSCs-sEVs group had no hematological or biochemical abnormalities. Three-dimensional fluorescence imaging suggested that MenSCs tended to migrate through the bloodstream, whereas MenSCs-sEVs had a better localized therapeutic effect. Moreover, MenSCs and MenSCs-sEVs inhibited the TGFβ1/SMAD3 pathway in the IUA endometrium, while promoting the phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/8 and ERK 1/2 and upregulating the expression of BMP7. Thus, MenSCs-sEVs safely and effectively enhanced endometrial restoration, suggesting a promising non-cellular therapy for endometrial regeneration and a key role in MenSC-mediated IUA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Zhang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, China.
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Jiang X, Li X, Fei X, Shen J, Chen J, Guo M, Li Y. Endometrial membrane organoids from human embryonic stem cell combined with the 3D Matrigel for endometrium regeneration in asherman syndrome. Bioact Mater 2021; 6:3935-3946. [PMID: 33937593 PMCID: PMC8079828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.04.006] [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: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Asherman's syndrome (AS), a leading cause of uterine infertility worldwide, is characterized by scarring of the uterine surfaces lacking endometrial epithelial cells, which prevents endometrial regeneration. Current research on cell therapy for AS focuses on mesenchymal and adult stem cells from the endometrium. However, insufficient number, lack of purity, and rapid senescence of endometrial epithelial progenitor cells (EEPCs) during experimental processes restrict their use in cell therapies. In this study, we induced human embryonic stem cells-9 (H9-ESC) into EEPCs by optimizing the induction factors from the definitive endoderm. EEPCs, which act as endometrial epithelial cells, accompanied by human endometrial stromal cells provide a niche environment for the development of endometrial membrane organoids (EMOs) in an in vitro 3D culture model. To investigate the function of EMOs, we transplanted tissue-engineered constructs with EMOs into an in vivo rat AS model. The implantation of EMOs into the damaged endometrium facilitates endometrial regeneration and angiogenesis. Implanting EMOs developed from human embryonic stem cells into the endometrium might prove useful for "endometrial re-engineering" in the treatment of Asherman's syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Jiang
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310006, China
| | - Xingmiao Li
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310006, China
| | - Xiangwei Fei
- Key Laboratory of Women′s Reproductive Health Research of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310006, China
| | - Jiajie Shen
- Key Laboratory of Women′s Reproductive Health Research of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310006, China
| | - Jianhua Chen
- Department of Pathology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310006, China
| | - Meijun Guo
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310006, China
| | - Yangyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Women′s Reproductive Health Research of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310006, China
- Corresponding author.
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74
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Is It Possible to Treat Infertility with Stem Cells? Reprod Sci 2021; 28:1733-1745. [PMID: 33834375 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00566-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is a major health problem, and despite improved treatments over the years, there are still some conditions that cannot be treated successfully using a conventional approach. Therefore, new options are being considered and one of them is cell therapy using stem cells. Stem cell treatments for infertility can be divided into two major groups, the first one being direct transplantation of stem cells or their paracrine factors into reproductive organs and the second one being in vitro differentiation into germ cells or gametes. In animal models, all of these approaches were able to improve the reproductive potential of tested animals, although in humans there is still too little evidence to suggest successful use. The reasons for lack of evidence are unavailability of proper material, the complexity of explored biological processes, and ethical considerations. Despite all of the above-mentioned hurdles, researchers were able to show that in women, it seems to be possible to improve some conditions, but in men, no similar clinically important improvement was achieved. To conclude, the data presented in this review suggest that the treatment of infertility with stem cells seems plausible, because some types of treatments have already been tested in humans, achieving live births, while others show great potential only in animal studies, for now.
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Concentrated exosomes from menstrual blood-derived stromal cells improves ovarian activity in a rat model of premature ovarian insufficiency. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:178. [PMID: 33712079 PMCID: PMC7953711 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02255-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one of the major causes of infertility. We previously demonstrated that transplantation of menstrual blood-derived stromal cells (MenSCs) effectively improved ovarian function in a murine model of POI. Recent studies indicated that mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes were important components in tissue repair. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of MenSCs-derived exosomes (MenSCs-Exos) in a rat model of POI and its mechanism in restoring ovulation. Methods Ovaries of 4.5-day-old Sprague Dawley rats (SD rats) were cultured in vitro to evaluate the effects of MenSCs-Exos exposure on early follicle development. Furthermore, POI in rats was induced by intraperitoneal administration of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD). Forty-eight POI rats were randomly assigned to four groups, each receiving a different treatment: PBS, MenSCs, MenSCs-Exos, and Exo-free culture supernatant of MenSCs. Estrous cyclicity, ovarian morphology, follicle dynamics, serum hormones, pregnancy outcomes, and molecular changes were investigated. Results Exposure to MenSCs-Exos promoted the proliferation of granulosa cells in primordial and primary follicles in vitro and increased the expression of early follicle markers Deleted In Azoospermia Like (DAZL) and Forkhead Box L2 (FOXL2) while inhibiting follicle apoptosis. In vivo, MenSCs-Exos transplantation effectively promoted follicle development in the rat model of POI and restored the estrous cyclicity and serum sex hormone levels, followed by improving the live birth outcome. In addition, transplantation of MenSCs-Exos regulated the composition of the ovarian extracellular matrix and accelerated the recruitment of dormant follicles in the ovarian cortex and increased proliferation of granulosa cells in these follicles. Conclusion MenSCs-Exos markedly promoted follicle development in vitro and in vivo and restored fertility in POI rats, suggesting a restorative effect on ovarian functions. The therapeutic effect of MenSCs-Exos transplantation was sustainable, consistent with that of MenSCs transplantation. Our results suggested that MenSCs-Exos transplantation may be a promising cell-free bioresource in the treatment of POI.
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76
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Ma XL, Ding Y, Wu LM, Wang YX, Yao Y, Wang YX, Zhang YG, Niu JQ, He XX, Wang YQ. The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog exenatide ameliorates intrauterine adhesions in mice. Peptides 2021; 137:170481. [PMID: 33450323 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the experiments in this study was to explore the effect of exenatide on intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) and to elucidate its mechanism to provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of IUAs. METHODS In this study, an animal model of IUAs was established by double stimulation using mechanical curettage and inflammation. After modeling, the treatment group was injected subcutaneously with three doses of exenatide for two weeks. The model group was injected with sterile ultrapure water, and the sham operation group was treated the same as the normal group, except for the observation of abdominal wound changes. Two weeks later, all mice were sacrificed by cervical dysfunction. The obtained mouse uterine tissue was used for subsequent experimental detection, using HE and Masson staining for histomorphological and pathological analysis; qRT-PCR for the detection of TGF-β1, α-SMA, and MMP-9 gene expression in uterine tissue; and western blotting analysis of TGF-β1, α-SMA, and collagen 1 protein expression to verify whether exenatide has a therapeutic effect on IUAs in mice. RESULTS In the high-dose exenatide treatment group, the endometrial glands significantly increased in size, and the deposition area of collagen fibers in the endometrial tissue was significantly reduced. We observed that the mRNA expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA in the endometrial tissue of IUAs mice in this group was significantly reduced, while the expression of MMP-9 was significantly increased. In addition, we found that the protein expression of TGF-β1, α-SMA, and collagen 1 remarkably decreased after treatment with exenatide. CONCLUSION Exenatide may reduce the deposition of collagen fibers in the uterus of IUAs mice and promote the proliferation of endometrial glands in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ling Ma
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Reproductive Medicine Transformation Application, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuan Ding
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lu-Ming Wu
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yi-Xiang Wang
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ying Yao
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yin-Xue Wang
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yi-Gan Zhang
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jun-Qiang Niu
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Xia He
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yi-Qing Wang
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Reproductive Medicine Transformation Application, Lanzhou, China.
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77
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Yokomizo R, Fujiki Y, Kishigami H, Kishi H, Kiyono T, Nakayama S, Sago H, Okamoto A, Umezawa A. Endometrial regeneration with endometrial epithelium: homologous orchestration with endometrial stroma as a feeder. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:130. [PMID: 33579355 PMCID: PMC7881492 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02188-x] [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: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thin endometrium adversely affects reproductive success rates with fertility treatment. Autologous transplantation of exogenously prepared endometrium can be a promising therapeutic option for thin endometrium; however, endometrial epithelial cells have limited expansion potential, which needs to be overcome in order to make regenerative medicine a therapeutic strategy for refractory thin endometrium. Here, we aimed to perform long-term culture of endometrial epithelial cells in vitro. METHODS We prepared primary human endometrial epithelial cells and endometrial stromal cells and investigated whether endometrial stromal cells and human embryonic stem cell-derived feeder cells could support proliferation of endometrial epithelial cells. We also investigated whether three-dimensional culture can be achieved using thawed endometrial epithelial cells and endometrial stromal cells. RESULTS Co-cultivation with the feeder cells dramatically increased the proliferation rate of the endometrial epithelial cells. We serially passaged the endometrial epithelial cells on mouse embryonic fibroblasts up to passage 6 for 4 months. Among the human-derived feeder cells, endometrial stromal cells exhibited the best feeder activity for proliferation of the endometrial epithelial cells. We continued to propagate the endometrial epithelial cells on endometrial stromal cells up to passage 5 for 81 days. Furthermore, endometrial epithelium and stroma, after the freeze-thaw procedure and sequential culture, were able to establish an endometrial three-dimensional model. CONCLUSIONS We herein established a model of in vitro cultured endometrium as a potential therapeutic option for refractory thin endometrium. The three-dimensional culture model with endometrial epithelial and stromal cell orchestration via cytokines, membrane-bound molecules, extracellular matrices, and gap junction will provide a new framework for exploring the mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of implantation. Additionally, modified embryo culture, so-called "in vitro implantation", will be possible therapeutic approaches in fertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Yokomizo
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development Research Institute, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, 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.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato, Tokyo, 105-8461, 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
| | - Harue Kishigami
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development Research Institute, 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
| | - Tohru Kiyono
- Project for Prevention of HPV-related Cancer, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Chiba, 277-8577, Japan
| | - Sanae Nakayama
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development Research Institute, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, 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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Qiu L, Xie M, Zhou M, Liu X, Hu Z, Wu L. Restoration of FVIII Function and Phenotypic Rescue in Hemophilia A Mice by Transplantation of MSCs Derived From F8-Modified iPSCs. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:630353. [PMID: 33644070 PMCID: PMC7905062 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.630353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia A (HA), an X-linked recessive congenital bleeding disorder, affects 80%–85% of patients with hemophilia. Nearly half of severe cases of hemophilia are caused by a 0.6-Mb genomic inversion (Inv22) that disrupts F8. Although viral-based gene therapy has shown therapeutic effects for hemophilia B (HB), this promising approach is not applicable for HA at the present stage; this limitation is mainly due to the large size of F8 cDNA, which far exceeds the adeno-associated virus (AAV) packaging capacity. We previously reported an in situ genetic correction of Inv22 in HA patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (HA-iPSCs) by using TALENs. We also investigated an alternative strategy for targeted gene addition, in which cDNA of the B-domain deleted F8 (BDDF8) was targeted at the rDNA locus of HA-iPSCs using TALENickases to restore FVIII function. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have low immunogenicity and can secrete FVIII under physiological conditions; in this study, MSCs were differentiated from F8-corrected iPSCs, BDDF8-iPSCs, and HA-iPSCs. Differentiated MSCs were characterized, and FVIII expression efficacy in MSCs was verified in vitro. The three types of MSCs were introduced into HA mice via intravenous injection. Long-term engraftment with restoration of FVIII function and phenotypic rescue was observed in HA mice transplanted with F8-corrected iMSCs and BDDF8-iMSCs. Our findings suggest that ex vivo gene therapy using iMSCs derived from F8-modified iPSCs can be feasible, effective, and promising for the clinical translation of therapeutic gene editing of HA and other genetic birth defects, particularly those that involve large sequence variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Qiu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetic, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mi Xie
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetic, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Miaojin Zhou
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetic, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xionghao Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetic, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiqing Hu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetic, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lingqian Wu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetic, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
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79
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Bai X, Liu J, Yuan W, Liu Y, Li W, Cao S, Yu L, Wang L. Therapeutic Effect of Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells in Rat Models of Intrauterine Adhesions. Cell Transplant 2021; 29:963689720908495. [PMID: 32223314 PMCID: PMC7444214 DOI: 10.1177/0963689720908495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
As a refractory fibrosis disease, intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) is defined as
fibrosis of the physiological endometrium. Although hysteroscopic adhesiolysis
is widely recommended as an effective treatment, prognosis and recurrence remain
poor in severe cases. Recently, stem cell therapy has been promoted as a
promising treatment for IUAs. The ability of human amniotic epithelial cells
(hAECs), emerging as a new candidate for stem cell therapy, to treat IUAs has
not been demonstrated. To study the potential effects of hAECs on IUAs, we
created an IUA rat model using mechanical injury and injected cultured primary
hAECs into the rats’ uteri. Next, we observed the morphological structure of
endometrial thickness and glands using hematoxylin and eosin staining, and we
detected extracellular-matrix collagen deposition using Masson staining. In
addition, we performed immunohistochemical staining and reverse-transcription
polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to investigate potential fibrosis molecules
and angiogenesis factors 7 d after hAECs transplantation. Finally, we detected
estrogen receptor (ER) and growth factors via RT-PCR to verify the molecular
mechanism underlying cell therapy. In the IUA rat models, endometrial thickness
and endometrial glands proliferated and collagen deposition decreased
significantly after hAEC transplantation. We found that during the recovery of
injured endometrium, the crucial fibrosis marker transforming growth factor-β
(TGF-β) was regulated and angiogenesis occurred in the endometrial tissue with
the up-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor. Furthermore, hAECs were
shown to promote ER expression in the endometrium and regulate the inflammatory
reaction in the uterine microenvironment. In conclusion, these results
demonstrated that hAEC transplantation could inhibit the progression of fibrosis
and promote proliferation and angiogenesis in IUA rat models. The current study
suggests hAECs as a novel stem cell candidate in the treatment of severe
IUA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechai Bai
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Liu
- Institute of Genetics and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai iCELL Biotechnology Co Ltd, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Weixin Yuan
- Institute of Genetics and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Gynecology, Ningbo Yinzhou People's Hospital, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu Cao
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Luyang Yu
- Institute of Genetics and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.,College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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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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81
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Min J, Lu N, Huang S, Chai X, Wang S, Peng L, Wang J. Phenotype and biological characteristics of endometrial mesenchymal stem/stromal cells: A comparison between intrauterine adhesion patients and healthy women. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13379. [PMID: 33206449 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13379] [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] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a uterine disorder with partial or total obstruction of the uterine cavity and/or the cervical canal primarily caused by intrauterine operations and infections. It is the most common cause of uterine infertility and recurrent abortion. However, the reasons for endometrium repair disorders in patients with IUA are still unclear. While increasing evidence demonstrates that endometrial mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (EMSCs) contribute to the regeneration and repair of endometrium, the roles of EMSCs in the pathogenesis of IUA have not been reported. METHODS AND STUDY We investigated the differences of phenotype and biological characteristics between EMSCs from women with IUA and healthy women. Firstly, the fibrosis of endometrium were measured by immunohistochemistry and Masson staining. Second, we used immunofluorescence to detect the location of EMSCs in endometrial tissue, and the proportion of CD146+ CD140b+ in the two groups was compared by flow cytometry. Then, plate colony formation experiment, CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, would-healing assay, and transwell invasion experiment were used to compare the cloning ability, proliferation, cell cycle, migration and invasion capabilities respectively. Finally, we compared the potential angiogenesis and immunosuppression capabilities. RESULTS Our results showed that there were fewer CD146+ CD140b+ cells in patients with IUA, and the clone-forming, migration, invasion, angiogenic and immunosuppressive abilities of the EMSCs of patients with IUA were significantly decreased compared with those of healthy women. CONCLUSION There are some differences between the EMSCs of IUA patients and healthy women, which may be related to the occurrence of IUA and dysfunction of endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Min
- The Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Na Lu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Shengjian Huang
- Hunan Guangxiu Hi-tech Life Technology Co., Ltd., Changsha, China
| | - Xiahua Chai
- The Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Susu Wang
- The Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin Peng
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China.,Guangxiu Hospital Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Wang
- The Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC Xiangya, Changsha, China.,Hunan Guangxiu Hi-tech Life Technology Co., Ltd., Changsha, China
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82
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Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Stem Cell-Based Therapy in Treating Asherman Syndrome: A System Review and Meta-Analysis. Stem Cells Int 2020; 2020:8820538. [PMID: 33414830 PMCID: PMC7769648 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8820538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Asherman's Syndrome (AS) is an uncommon, acquired, and refractory gynecological disorder. Current treatment was still limited, and stem cell-based therapy has been proposed as a novel strategy for management of AS. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of self-controlled clinical trials to assess the effectiveness and safety of stem cell-based therapy in Asherman syndrome patients who have failed in conventional treatment. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science database (published up to October 3, 2020). Our main evaluation outcomes were menses improvement, endometrial thickness changes, pregnancy outcome, and side effects. All analyses were performed by using RevMan5.4 software. 427 studies were identified, eight of which were eligible and included in our analysis. Stem cell combined hormone therapy achieved a higher likelihood of improving menstruation (risk ratio [RR] 22.43, 95% CI: 8.03 to 62.68, P < 0.00001), an enhancement of pregnancy outcome (risk ratio [RR] 11.1, 95% CI: 3.58 to 34.38, P < 0.0001), and a mean increase of 3-month endometrial thickness (standardized mean difference [SMD] 2.43, 95% CI: 1.72 to 3.13, P < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis also indicated that 6-month and 9-month endometrial thickness increased significantly with the stem cell-based treatment. Moreover, no obvious and severe adverse reactions were observed during the process of stem cell therapy. There were 3 patients (3.57%) reported with lost appetite, mild gastritis, vomiting, or abdominal cramps, whereas, these symptoms relieved subsequently. This meta-analysis systematically reviewed and synthesized the outcomes of stem cell-based therapy in treating Asherman syndrome, which suggest that stem cell and hormone combination therapy was safe and more effective in improving menstruation duration, pregnancy outcome, and endometrial thickness. However, further trials with large sample sizes are needed to establish more solid evidence for administrating this therapy in clinic.
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83
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Stamenov GS, Vitale SG, Della Corte L, Vilos GA, Parvanov DA, Nikolova DN, Ganeva RR, Haimovich S. Hysteroscopy and female infertility: a fresh look to a busy corner. HUM FERTIL 2020; 25:430-446. [PMID: 33261529 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2020.1851399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Hysteroscopy has evolved from the traditional art of examining the uterine cavity for diagnostic purposes to an invaluable modality to concomitantly diagnose and (see and) treat a multitude of intrauterine pathologies, especially in the field and clinics specialising in female reproduction. This article reviews the literature on the most common cervical, endometrial, uterine and tubal pathologies such as chronic endometritis, endometrial polyps, adenomyosis, endometriosis, endometrial atrophy, adhesions, endometrial hyperplasia, cancer, and uterine malformations. The aim is to determine the efficiency of hysteroscopy compared with other available techniques as a diagnostic and treatment tool and its association with the success of in vitro fertilisation procedures. Although hysteroscopy requires an experienced operator for optimal results and is still an invasive procedure, it has the unique advantage of combining great diagnostic and treatment opportunities before and after ART procedures. In conclusion, hysteroscopy should be recommended as a first-line procedure in all cases with female infertility, and a special effort should be made for its implementation in the development of new high-tech procedures for identification and treatment infertility-associated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salvatore Giovanni Vitale
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luigi Della Corte
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - George Angelos Vilos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Western University, London, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Sergio Haimovich
- Hillel Yaffe Medical Center/Technion - Israel Technology Institute, Hadera, Israel
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84
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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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85
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Uterine Stem Cells and Benign Gynecological Disorders: Role in Pathobiology and Therapeutic Implications. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 17:803-820. [PMID: 33155150 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10075-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells in the endometrium and myometrium possess an immense regenerative potential which is necessary to maintain the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy. These cells, as well as bone marrow stem cells, have also been implicated in the development of common benign gynecological disorders including leiomyomas, endometriosis and adenomyosis. Current evidence suggests the conversion of uterine stem cells to tumor initiating stem cells in leiomyomas, endometriosis stem cells, and adenomyosis stem cells, acquiring genetic and epigenetic alterations for the progression of each benign condition. In this comprehensive review, we aim to summarize the progress that has been made to characterize the involvement of stem cells in the pathogenesis of benign gynecologic conditions which, despite their enormous burden, are not yet fully understood. We focus on the stem cell characteristics and aberrations that contribute to the development of benign gynecological disorders and the possible clinical implications of what is known so far. Lastly, we discuss the role of uterine stem cells in the setting of regenerative medicine, particularly in the treatment of Asherman syndrome.Graphical abstract.
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86
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Esfandyari S, Chugh RM, Park HS, Hobeika E, Ulin M, Al-Hendy A. Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Bio Organ for Treatment of Female Infertility. Cells 2020; 9:E2253. [PMID: 33050021 PMCID: PMC7599919 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Female infertility is a global medical condition that can be caused by various disorders of the reproductive system, including premature ovarian failure (POF), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, Asherman syndrome, and preeclampsia. It affects the quality of life of both patients and couples. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have received increasing attention as a potential cell-based therapy, with several advantages over other cell sources, including greater abundance, fewer ethical considerations, and high capacity for self-renewal and differentiation. Clinical researchers have examined the therapeutic use of MSCs in female infertility. In this review, we discuss recent studies on the use of MSCs in various reproductive disorders that lead to infertility. We also describe the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) and exosomal miRNAs in controlling MSC gene expression and driving MSC therapeutic outcomes. The clinical application of MSCs holds great promise for the treatment of infertility or ovarian insufficiency, and to improve reproductive health for a significant number of women worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Esfandyari
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, 820 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.E.); (R.M.C.); (H.-s.P.); (M.U.)
| | - Rishi Man Chugh
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, 820 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.E.); (R.M.C.); (H.-s.P.); (M.U.)
| | - Hang-soo Park
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, 820 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.E.); (R.M.C.); (H.-s.P.); (M.U.)
| | - Elie Hobeika
- Fertility Centers of Illinois, Glenview, IL 60026, USA;
| | - Mara Ulin
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, 820 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.E.); (R.M.C.); (H.-s.P.); (M.U.)
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, 820 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.E.); (R.M.C.); (H.-s.P.); (M.U.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Doroftei B, Dabuleanu AM, Ilie OD, Maftei R, Anton E, Simionescu G, Matei T, Armeanu T. Mini-Review of the New Therapeutic Possibilities in Asherman Syndrome-Where Are We after One Hundred and Twenty-Six Years? Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10090706. [PMID: 32957624 PMCID: PMC7554703 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10090706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Asherman syndrome is a multifaceted condition describing the partial or complete removal of the uterine cavity and/or cervical canal. It is a highly debatable topic because of its pronounced influence on both reproductive outcomes and gynaecologic symptoms. The latest reports demonstrated that trauma to the endometrium is the main cause of intrauterine adhesion formation. Left untreated, such adhesions gradually lead to a range of repercussions ranging from mild to severe. Considering the lack of non-invasive approaches, the advent of hysteroscopy has revolutionized the entire field, being otherwise considered the most efficient tool offering new directions and amplifying the chances of treating the Asherman syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Doroftei
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street, No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (B.D.); (A.-M.D.); (R.M.); (E.A); (G.S.)
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street, No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania; (T.M.); (T.A.)
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street, No. 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Dabuleanu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street, No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (B.D.); (A.-M.D.); (R.M.); (E.A); (G.S.)
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street, No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania; (T.M.); (T.A.)
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street, No. 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ovidiu-Dumitru Ilie
- Department of Research, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Carol I Avenue, No. 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Radu Maftei
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street, No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (B.D.); (A.-M.D.); (R.M.); (E.A); (G.S.)
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street, No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania; (T.M.); (T.A.)
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street, No. 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | - Emil Anton
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street, No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (B.D.); (A.-M.D.); (R.M.); (E.A); (G.S.)
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street, No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania; (T.M.); (T.A.)
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street, No. 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | - Gabriela Simionescu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street, No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (B.D.); (A.-M.D.); (R.M.); (E.A); (G.S.)
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street, No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania; (T.M.); (T.A.)
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street, No. 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | - Theodor Matei
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street, No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania; (T.M.); (T.A.)
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street, No. 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | - Theodora Armeanu
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street, No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania; (T.M.); (T.A.)
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street, No. 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
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88
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Ma H, Liu M, Li Y, Wang W, Yang K, Lu L, He M, Deng T, Li M, Wu D. Intrauterine transplantation of autologous menstrual blood stem cells increases endometrial thickness and pregnancy potential in patients with refractory intrauterine adhesion. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2020; 46:2347-2355. [PMID: 32856391 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study was designed to evaluate the effects of intrauterine transplantation of menstrual blood stem cells (MenSCs) on endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcomes in patients with refractory intrauterine adhesion (IUA). METHODS This study included a group of infertile women (n = 12, age 22-40 years), with refractory IUA. Autologous MenSCs isolated from the women's menstrual blood were expanded in vitro and transplanted into their uteruses, followed by hormone replacement therapy. Transvaginal ultrasound examination was performed to assess the endometrial thickness. Transabdominal ultrasound was conducted to detect pregnancy outcome. RESULTS Autologous MenSCs were successfully isolated and expanded from menstrual blood and transplanted into the uterus of each patient. A significant improvement of the endometrial thickness was observed from 3.9 ± 0.9 to 7.5 ± 0.6 mm (P < 0.001). No adverse reaction was observed. The duration of menstruation was increased from 2.4 ± 0.7 to 5.3 ± 0.6 days (P < 0.001). Five out of 12 patients achieved clinical pregnancy and the pregnancy rate was 41.7%. CONCLUSIONS Intrauterine transplantation of autologous MenSCs results in regeneration of endometrium, a prolongation of menstrual duration and an increase rate of pregnancy in patients with refractory IUA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailan Ma
- Reproductive Center, Guiping People's Hospital, Guiping, China
| | - Mengting Liu
- R&D Center, Wuhan Hamilton Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuhan, China
| | - Yufeng Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Reproductive Center, Guiping People's Hospital, Guiping, China
| | - Keqin Yang
- Reproductive Center, Guiping People's Hospital, Guiping, China
| | - Lanying Lu
- Reproductive Center, Guiping People's Hospital, Guiping, China
| | - Mei He
- Reproductive Center, Guiping People's Hospital, Guiping, China
| | - Taoran Deng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meiling Li
- Reproductive Center, Guiping People's Hospital, Guiping, China
| | - Dongcheng Wu
- R&D Center, Wuhan Hamilton Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuhan, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuhan University of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
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89
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Zhu H, Pan Y, Jiang Y, Li J, Zhang Y, Zhang S. Activation of the Hippo/TAZ pathway is required for menstrual stem cells to suppress myofibroblast and inhibit transforming growth factor β signaling in human endometrial stromal cells. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:635-645. [PMID: 30715393 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can menstrual stem cells (MenSCs) inhibit myofibroblast differentiation and reverse transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-mediated activation of myofibroblast phenotypes in human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs)? SUMMARY ANSWER MenSCs suppressed endometrial myofibroblast differentiation and reversed TGFβ-mediated activation of myofibroblast phenotypes, which might be associated with activation of the Hippo/TAZ pathway. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The potential effect of MenSCs as a cell therapy include attenuation of intrauterine adhesions, but the underlying mechanisms by which MenSCs exerts these effects are not entirely understood. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We evaluated the antagonistic effects of MenSCs on myofibroblast differentiation as well as the broader effect of the Hippo/TAZ signaling pathway on TGFβ-mediated induction of myofibroblast gene expression. The study design was based on a cohort of clinical proliferative phase endometrial samples obtained from three healthy premenopausal females with regular menstrual cycles. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS ESCs were cocultured with MenSCs or in MenSC-conditioned medium. Fibrotic markers (αSMA, collagen I, CTGF and fibronectin) as well as proliferation and wound-healing abilities were evaluated. Components of the Hippo/TAZ pathway (TAZ, p-TAZ, MOB1, p-MOB1, LATS1 and p-LATS1) were also investigated. Cell Counting Kit 8, wound healing assay, real-time PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence and shRNA knockdown approaches were used to validate the findings. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE MenSCs inhibited myofibroblast activation, resulting in more rapid proliferation of ESCs. MenSCs downregulated the expression of myofibroblast markers αSMA and collagen I and promoted endometrial wound healing. Coculture with MenSCs also attenuated the TGFβ-mediated increase in expression of fibrotic marker genes αSMA, collagen I, CTGF and fibronectin, and restored the wound-healing ability inhibited by TGFβ. MenSCs induced Hippo/TAZ pathway activation, resulting in nuclear export and cytoplasmic retention of TAZ. TAZ inhibition was demonstrated to have similar effects even in the absence of MenSCs, and inhibition of TAZ was sufficient to attenuate TGFβ-mediated myofibroblast activation. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study included only in vitro experiments. Thus, additional data from in vivo experiments are needed in a future study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The Hippo/TAZ pathway may be an important therapeutic target for endometrial fibrosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81601236) and Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (LY19H040009). None of the authors has any competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Zhu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yibin Pan
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinshen Jiang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Li
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanling Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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90
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Feng P, Li P, Tan J. Human Menstrual Blood-Derived Stromal Cells Promote Recovery of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Via Regulating the ECM-Dependent FAK/AKT Signaling. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 15:241-255. [PMID: 30560467 PMCID: PMC6441404 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-018-9867-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
POI is characterized by “absent not abnormal” menstruation with hormonal disorders in woman younger than 40 years of age, and etiological and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the POI development have not been clearly defined. Recently, due to advantages such as abundant sources and non-invasive methods of harvest, MenSCs have been emerging as a promising treatment strategy for the recovery of female reproductive damage. Here, we demonstrated that MenSCs graft in POI mice after CTX treatment could restore ovarian function by regulating normal follicle development and estrous cycle, reducing apoptosis in ovaries to maintain homeostasis of microenvironment and modulating serum sex hormones to a relatively normal status. Moreover, MenSCs participated in the activation of ovarian transcriptional expression in ECM-dependent FAK/AKT signaling pathway and thus restored ovarian function to a certain extent. MenSCs transplantation was proved to be an effective way to repair ovarian function with low immunogenicity, suggesting its great potential for POI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology-Reproductive Medical Center of Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Pingping Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology-Reproductive Medical Center of Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jichun Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology-Reproductive Medical Center of Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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91
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Bozorgmehr M, Gurung S, Darzi S, Nikoo S, Kazemnejad S, Zarnani AH, Gargett CE. Endometrial and Menstrual Blood Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells: Biological Properties and Clinical Application. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:497. [PMID: 32742977 PMCID: PMC7364758 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A highly proliferative mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) population was recently discovered in the dynamic, cyclically regenerating human endometrium as clonogenic stromal cells that fulfilled the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) criteria. Specific surface markers enriching for clonogenic endometrial MSC (eMSC), CD140b and CD146 co-expression, and the single marker SUSD2, showed their perivascular identity in the endometrium, including the layer which sheds during menstruation. Indeed, cells with MSC properties have been identified in menstrual fluid and commonly termed menstrual blood stem/stromal cells (MenSC). MenSC are generally retrieved from menstrual fluid as plastic adherent cells, similar to bone marrow MSC (bmMSC). While eMSC and MenSC share several biological features with bmMSC, they also show some differences in immunophenotype, proliferation and differentiation capacities. Here we review the phenotype and functions of eMSC and MenSC, with a focus on recent studies. Similar to other MSC, eMSC and MenSC exert immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory impacts on key cells of the innate and adaptive immune system. These include macrophages, T cells and NK cells, both in vitro and in small and large animal models. These properties suggest eMSC and MenSC as additional sources of MSC for cell therapies in regenerative medicine as well as immune-mediated disorders and inflammatory diseases. Their easy acquisition via an office-based biopsy or collected from menstrual effluent makes eMSC and MenSC attractive sources of MSC for clinical applications. In preparation for clinical translation, a serum-free culture protocol was established for eMSC which includes a small molecule TGFβ receptor inhibitor that prevents spontaneous differentiation, apoptosis, senescence, maintains the clonogenic SUSD2+ population and enhances their potency, suggesting potential for cell-therapies and regenerative medicine. However, standardization of MenSC isolation protocols and culture conditions are major issues requiring further research to maximize their potential for clinical application. Future research will also address crucial safety aspects of eMSC and MenSC to ensure these protocols produce cell products free from tumorigenicity and toxicity. Although a wealth of data on the biological properties of eMSC and MenSC has recently been published, it will be important to address their mechanism of action in preclinical models of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Bozorgmehr
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shanti Gurung
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Saeedeh Darzi
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Shohreh Nikoo
- Immunology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somaieh Kazemnejad
- Nanobitechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir-Hassan Zarnani
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Caroline E. Gargett
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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92
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Yotsumoto F, Iwaguro H, Harada Y, Sobajima S, Suwabe T, Miyamoto S. Adipose tissue-derived regenerative cells improve implantation of fertilized eggs in thin endometrium. Regen Med 2020; 15:1891-1904. [DOI: 10.2217/rme-2020-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Embryo implantation and subsequent pregnancy depends on endometrial thickness. To investigate potential fertility strategies for women with thin endometrium, we explored the efficacy of adipose tissue-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) on thin endometrium and embryo implantation in a mouse model. Materials & methods: ADRCs isolated from mouse subcutaneous fat were characterized by flow cytometry. Endometrium thickness, endometrial fibrosis, embryo implantation and angiogenesis factors were evaluated in uterine cavities of ethanol-induced thin endometrium mice with ADRC transplantation. Results: ADRCs included adipose-derived stem cells and some blood vessel component cells. ADRCs improved endometrial thickness, endometrial fibrosis and embryo implantation and augmented vascular endothelial growth factor expression in the mouse uterine. Conclusion: ADRCs may be a useful therapeutic strategy to improve fertility of women with thin endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusanori Yotsumoto
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hideki Iwaguro
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
- SOBAJIMA Clinic, Osaka, Japan
| | | | | | - Takako Suwabe
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shingo Miyamoto
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
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93
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Intrauterine infusion of platelet-rich plasma for severe Asherman syndrome: a cutting-edge approach. Updates Surg 2020; 73:2355-2362. [DOI: 10.1007/s13304-020-00828-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Lee CJ, Hong SH, Yoon MJ, Lee KA, Choi DH, Kwon H, Ko JJ, Koo HS, Kang YJ. Eupatilin treatment inhibits transforming growth factor beta-induced endometrial fibrosis in vitro. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2020; 47:108-113. [PMID: 32460455 PMCID: PMC7315855 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2019.03475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Endometrial fibrosis, the primary pathological feature of intrauterine adhesion, may lead to disruption of endometrial tissue structure, menstrual abnormalities, infertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss. At present, no ideal therapeutic strategy exists for this fibrotic disease. Eupatilin, a major pharmacologically active flavone from Artemisia, has been previously reported to act as a potent inducer of dedifferentiation of fibrotic tissue in the liver and lung. However, the effects of eupatilin on endometrial fibrosis have not yet been investigated. In this study, we present the first report on the impact of eupatilin treatment on transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-induced endometrial fibrosis. Methods The efficacy of eupatilin on TGF-β–induced endometrial fibrosis was assessed by examining changes in morphology and the expression levels of fibrosis markers using immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results Eupatilin treatment significantly reduced the fibrotic activity of TGF-β–induced endometrial fibrosis in Ishikawa cells, which displayed more circular shapes and formed more colonies. Additionally, the effects of eupatilin on fibrotic markers including alpha-smooth muscle actin, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha, collagen type I alpha 1 chain, and matrix metalloproteinase-2, were evaluated in TGF-β–induced endometrial fibrosis. The expression of these markers was highly upregulated by TGF-β pretreatment and recovered to the levels of control cells in response to eupatilin treatment. Conclusion Our findings suggest that suppression of TGF-β–induced signaling by eupatilin might be an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of endometrial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Jin Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Seon-Hwa Hong
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Min-Ji Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Kyung-Ah Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Dong Hee Choi
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hwang Kwon
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jung-Jae Ko
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hwa Seon Koo
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Youn-Jung Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea.,CHA Fertility Center Bundang, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
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95
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Chang QY, Zhang SW, Li PP, Yuan ZW, Tan JC. Safety of menstrual blood-derived stromal cell transplantation in treatment of intrauterine adhesion. World J Stem Cells 2020; 12:368-380. [PMID: 32547685 PMCID: PMC7280865 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v12.i5.368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) can cause serious damage to women's reproductive health, yet current treatment methods are difficult to achieve satisfactory results. In our previous studies, we demonstrated that menstrual-derived stromal stem cells (MenSCs), with high proliferative capacity and self-renewal ability, have a powerful therapeutic effect in patients with severe IUA. However, safety assessment of MenSCs transplantation is essential for its further application.
AIM To evaluate the short-, medium-, and long-term biosafety of MenSCs via intrauterine transplantation in a rat model of IUA, with a focus on toxicity and tumorigenicity.
METHODS MenSCs were injected into the sub-serosal layer of the uterus in an IUA rat model, for 3 d, 3 mo, and 6 mo separately, to monitor the corresponding acute, sub-chronic, and chronic effects. Healthy rats of the same age served as negative controls. Toxicity effects were evaluated by body weight, organ weight, histopathology, hematology, and biochemistry tests. Tumorigenicity of MenSCs was investigated in Balb/c-nu mice in vivo and by colony formation assays in vitro.
RESULTS Compared with the same week-old control group, all of the IUA rats receiving MenSC transplantation demonstrated no obvious changes in body weight, main organ weight, or blood cell composition during the acute, sub-chronic, and chronic observation periods. At the same time, serum biochemical tests showed no adverse effects on metabolism or liver and kidney function. After 4 wk of subcutaneous injection of MenSCs in Balb/c-nu nude mice, no tumor formation or cell metastasis was observed. Moreover, there was no tumor colony formation of MenSCs during soft agar culture in vitro.
CONCLUSION There is no acute, sub-chronic, or chronic poisoning, infection, tumorigenesis, or endometriosis in rats with IUA after MenSC transplantation. The above results suggest that intrauterine transplantation of MenSCs is safe for endometrial treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yuan Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, Liaoning Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Diseases and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Si-Wen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, Liaoning Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Diseases and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ping-Ping Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, Liaoning Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Diseases and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zheng-Wei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Benxi 117004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ji-Chun Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, Liaoning Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Diseases and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
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96
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An update on stem cell therapy for Asherman syndrome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1511-1529. [PMID: 32445154 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01801-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The current treatment for Asherman syndrome is limited and not very effective. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent evidence for stem cells in the treatment of Asherman syndrome. The advent of stem cell therapy has propagated experimentation on mice and humans as a novel treatment. The consensus is that the regenerative capacity of stem cells has demonstrated improved outcomes in terms of fertility and fibrosis in both mice and humans with Asherman syndrome. Stem cells have effects on tissue repair by homing to the injured site, recruiting other cells by secreting chemokines, modulating the immune system, differentiating into other types of cells, proliferating into daughter cells, and potentially having antimicrobial activity. The studies reviewed examine different origins and administration modalities of stem cells. In preclinical models, therapeutic systemic injection of stem cells is more effective than direct intrauterine injection in regenerating the endometrium. In conjunction, bone marrow-derived stem cells have a stronger effect on uterine regeneration than uterine-derived stem cells, likely due to their broader differentiation potency. Clinical trials have demonstrated the initial safety and effectiveness profiles of menstrual, bone marrow, umbilical cord, and adipose tissue-derived stem cells in resumption of menstruation, fertility outcomes, and endometrial regeneration.
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97
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Perivascular Stem Cell-Derived Cyclophilin A Improves Uterine Environment with Asherman's Syndrome via HIF1α-Dependent Angiogenesis. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1818-1832. [PMID: 32534604 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Asherman's syndrome (AS) is characterized by intrauterine adhesions or fibrosis resulting from scarring inside the endometrium. AS is associated with infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and placental abnormalities. Although mesenchymal stem cells show therapeutic promise for the treatment of AS, the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathophysiology remain unclear. We ascertained that mice with AS, like human patients with AS, suffer from extensive fibrosis, oligo/amenorrhea, and infertility. Human perivascular stem cells (hPVSCs) from umbilical cords repaired uterine damage in mice with AS, regardless of their delivery routes. In mice with AS, embryo implantation is aberrantly deferred, which leads to intrauterine growth restriction followed by no delivery at term. hPVSC administration significantly improved implantation defects and subsequent poor pregnancy outcomes via hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF1α)-dependent angiogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. Pharmacologic inhibition of HIF1α activity hindered hPVSC actions on pregnancy outcomes, whereas stabilization of HIF1α activity facilitated such actions. Furthermore, therapeutic effects of hPVSCs were not observed in uterine-specific HIF1α-knockout mice with AS. Secretome analyses of hPVSCs identified cyclophilin-A as the major paracrine factor for hPVSC therapy via HIF1α-dependent angiogenesis. Collectively, we demonstrate that hPVSCs-derived cyclophilin-A facilitates HIF1α-dependent angiogenesis to ameliorate compromised uterine environments in mice with AS, representing the major pathophysiologic features of humans with AS.
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98
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Improvement of Pregnancy Rate and Live Birth Rate in Poor Ovarian Responders by Intraovarian Administration of Autologous Menstrual Blood Derived- Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Phase I/II Clinical Trial. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 16:755-763. [DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-09969-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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99
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Jones BP, Vali S, Saso S, Garcia-Dominguez X, Chan M, Thum MY, Ghaem-Maghami S, Kaur B, García-Valero L, Petrucci L, Yazbek J, Vicente JS, Quiroga I, Marco-Jiménez F, Smith JR. Endometrial autotransplantation in rabbits: Potential for fertility restoration in severe Asherman's syndrome. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 248:14-23. [PMID: 32171148 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Uterine transplantation is now considered a feasible treatment for women with absolute uterine factor infertility and has been successfully performed for a woman with Asherman's syndrome (AS). The endometrium is a clinically and histologically distinct entity from the surrounding myometrium. Endometrial transplantation (ETx) may offer a less invasive option, with less immunogenic impact, to restore fertility in women with severe AS. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of ETx by evaluating surgical and reproductive outcomes following endometrial autotransplantation in a rabbit model. STUDY DESIGN A longitudinal study assessing surgical, biochemical, radiological, reproductive and histological outcomes following endometrial autotransplantation in ten New Zealand white rabbits. RESULTS Ten procedures were performed, including 8 endometrial auto-transplants (ETx) and 2 endometrial resections (ER), to control against endometrial regeneration. Eight procedures were successful, whereas two rabbits from the ETx group died intra-operatively. Three rabbits were euthanised at 48, 72 and 96 h post-operatively to assess gross and histological appearances. Two rabbits, one from the ETx group and one from the ER group, died four weeks and eight weeks post-operatively. Three rabbits subsequently underwent two cycles of in-vitro fertilization. The first cycle resulted in an implantation rate of 57% in the un-operated uteri. In two rabbits who underwent ETx, an implantation rate of 28.6% was seen. In the second cycle, an implantation rate of 61.9 % (13 implantations) was observed in the control uteri. In the two ETx females, an implantation rate of 14.3 % was seen. No pregnancies were seen in either cycle in the animals who underwent ER. Despite successful implantations in both cycles in the ETx rabbits, no livebirths were achieved. Following death or euthanasia there was gross and microscopic evidence of viable endometrium following ETx, but not following ER. CONCLUSION This study has revealed, for the first time, the feasibility of ETx with gross and microscopic evidence of viable endometrium, and the demonstration of clinical pregnancies. Whilst further studies are essential, and the achievement of successful livebirths fundamental, ETx may offer a potential fertility restoring opportunity for women with severe, treatment refractory cases of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin P Jones
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, W12 0HS London, UK; Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
| | - Saaliha Vali
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, W12 0HS London, UK
| | - Srdjan Saso
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, W12 0HS London, UK; Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Ximo Garcia-Dominguez
- Institute of Science and Animal Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, C/Camino de vera s/n, 46022 València, Spain
| | - Maxine Chan
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Meen-Yau Thum
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; Lister Fertility Clinic, The Lister Hospital, Chelsea Bridge Road, London, SW1W 8RH, UK
| | - Sadaf Ghaem-Maghami
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, W12 0HS London, UK; Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Baljeet Kaur
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; Department of Histopathology, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Luís García-Valero
- Institute of Science and Animal Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, C/Camino de vera s/n, 46022 València, Spain
| | - Linda Petrucci
- Institute of Science and Animal Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, C/Camino de vera s/n, 46022 València, Spain
| | - Joseph Yazbek
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, W12 0HS London, UK; Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Jose S Vicente
- Institute of Science and Animal Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, C/Camino de vera s/n, 46022 València, Spain
| | - Isabel Quiroga
- The Oxford Transplant Centre, The Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Francisco Marco-Jiménez
- Institute of Science and Animal Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, C/Camino de vera s/n, 46022 València, Spain
| | - J Richard Smith
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, W12 0HS London, UK; Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
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100
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Javaheri A, Kianfar K, Pourmasumi S, Eftekhar M. Platelet-rich plasma in the management of Asherman's syndrome: An RCT. Int J Reprod Biomed 2020; 18:113-120. [PMID: 32259005 PMCID: PMC7097166 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v18i2.6423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Asherman's syndrome (AS) is a rare reproductive abnormality, resulting in endometrial collapse due to aggressive or recurrent endometritis and/or curettage. Objective We aimed to assess the effectiveness of using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to lower the recurrence rate of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) following hysteroscopy. Materials and Methods In this non-randomized clinical trial, women aged 20-45 years with AS diagnosed by sonohysterography, 3D sonography, hysteroscopy, or uterosalpingography between May 2018 and September 2018 were included. Participants (n = 30) were divided into case and control groups. Following hysteroscopic adhesiolysis, a Foley catheter was placed into the uterine cavity in all women. After two days, the catheter was removed, and 1-mL PRP was injected into the uterine cavity of women in the PRP (case) group, while the control received no PRP. All controls and subjects underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy 8-10 weeks following the intervention to assess the IUAs according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine scoring system. Results Our results did not reveal any significant difference in the menstrual pattern of either the control or test groups before or after treatment (p = 0.2). Moreover, the IUA stage in both studied groups before and after treatment was similar (p = 0.2). The duration of menstrual bleeding in both studied groups before and after treatment was also similar. Conclusion PRP cannot change the menstrual pattern or development of postsurgical AS, as evaluated by follow-up hysteroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atiyeh Javaheri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Katayoon Kianfar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Soheila Pourmasumi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Maryam Eftekhar
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Abortion Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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