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Li Q, Shi J, Yi D, Li X, Gu Z, Yan H, Leng J. The pathogenesis of endometriosis and adenomyosis: insights from single-cell RNA sequencing†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:854-865. [PMID: 38386960 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis and adenomyosis are two similar gynecological diseases that are characterized by ectopic implantation and the growth of the endometrial tissue. Previous studies have reported that they share a common pathophysiology in some respects, such as a similar cellular composition and resistance to the progestogen of lesions, but their underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Emerging single-cell ribonucleic acid sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies allow for the dissection of single-cell transcriptome mapping to reveal the etiology of diseases at the level of the individual cell. In this review, we summarized the published findings in research on scRNA-seq regarding the cellular components and molecular profiles of diverse lesions. They show that epithelial cell clusters may be the vital progenitors of endometriosis and adenomyosis. Subclusters of stromal cells, such as endometrial mesenchymal stem cells and fibroblasts, are also involved in the occurrence of endometriosis and adenomyosis, respectively. Moreover, CD8+ T cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages exhibit a deficiency in clearing the ectopic endometrial cells in the immune microenvironment of endometriosis. It seems that the immune responses are activated in adenomyosis. Understanding the immune characteristics of adenomyosis still needs further exploration. Finally, we discuss the application of findings from scRNA-seq for clinical diagnosis and treatment. This review provides fresh insights into the pathogenesis of endometriosis and adenomyosis as well as the therapeutic targets at the cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiutong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghua Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dai Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyue Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hailan Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhua Leng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Hu Y, Yuan M, Cheng L, Xu L, Wang G. Extracellular vesicle-encapsulated miR-25-3p promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migration of endometrial epithelial cells by inducing macrophage polarization. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae010. [PMID: 38407339 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of adenomyosis is closely related to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and macrophages. MicroRNAs have been extensively investigated in relation to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in a range of malignancies. However, there is a paucity of research on extracellular vesicles derived from the eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis and their encapsulated microRNAs. In this study, we investigated the role of microRNA-25-3p derived from extracellular vesicles in inducing macrophage polarization and promoting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in endometrial epithelial cells of patients with adenomyosis and controls. We obtained eutopic endometrial samples and isolated extracellular vesicles from the culture supernatant of primary endometrial cells. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated that microRNA-25-3p was highly expressed in extracellular vesicles, as well as in macrophages stimulated by extracellular vesicles from eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis; and macrophages transfected with microRNA-25-3p exhibited elevated levels of M2 markers, while displaying reduced levels of M1 markers. After co-culture with the above polarized macrophages, endometrial epithelial cells expressed higher levels of N-cadherin and Vimentin, and lower protein levels of E-cadherin and Cytokeratin 7. It was revealed that microRNA-25-3p encapsulated in extracellular vesicles from eutopic endometrial cells could induce macrophage polarization toward M2, and the polarized macrophages promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition in epithelial cells. However, in vitro experiments revealed no significant disparity in the migratory capacity of endometrial epithelial cells between the adenomyosis group and the control group. Furthermore, it was observed that microRNA-25-3p-stimulated polarized macrophages also facilitated the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migration of endometrial epithelial cells within the control group. Thus, the significance of microRNA-25-3p-induced polarized macrophages in promoting the development of adenomyosis is unclear, and macrophage infiltration alone may be adequate for this process. We emphasize the specificity of the local eutopic endometrial microenvironment and postulate its potential significance in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ming Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Le Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Guoyun Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
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3
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Tang Y, Ponandai-srinivasan S, Frisendahl C, Andersson JK, Pavone D, Stewart EA, Lalitkumar PGL, Korsching E, Bogavarappu NR, Gemzell-Danielsson K. Bromocriptine inhibits proliferation in the endometrium from women with adenomyosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1026168. [PMID: 36967761 PMCID: PMC10034369 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1026168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bromocriptine treatment has been shown to reduce menstrual bleeding and pain in women with adenomyosis in a pilot clinical trial. The underlying mechanism contributing to the treatment effect is however unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of bromocriptine on the proliferation and migration properties of the endometrium in women with adenomyosis, by assessing cellular and molecular changes after six months of vaginal bromocriptine treatment. METHODS Endometrial specimens were collected during the proliferative phase from women with adenomyosis (n=6) before (baseline) and after six months of treatment with vaginal bromocriptine. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine changes in the protein expression of Ki67 in the endometrium of women with adenomyosis. Primary endometrial stromal cells isolated at baseline were expanded in vitro and exposed to different doses of bromocriptine to determine the optimal half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) using CellTiter-Blue® Cell Viability Assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by bromodeoxyuridine ELISA assay and Ki67 gene expression was checked by real-time PCR. The migratory ability of endometrial stromal cells was determined by wound healing and transwell migration assays. Small RNA sequencing was applied on tissues collected from women with adenomyosis before and after bromocriptine treatment to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) after bromocriptine treatment. Bioinformatic methods were used for target gene prediction and the identification of biological pathways by enrichment procedures. RESULTS Vaginal bromocriptine treatment reduced the Ki67 protein expression in the endometrium of women with adenomyosis and did not change the prolactin mRNA expression and protein concentration of prolactin in endometrial tissues. Bromocriptine significantly inhibited the proliferative and migrative abilities of endometrial stromal cells derived from women with adenomyosis in vitro. Moreover, small RNA sequencing revealed 27 differentially expressed miRNAs between the endometrium of women with adenomyosis before and after six months of vaginal bromocriptine treatment. KEGG pathway analysis on targeted genes of 27 miRNAs showed that several signaling pathways associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis were enriched after bromocriptine treatment. CONCLUSION Bromocriptine treatment exhibits an anti-proliferative effect in the endometrium of women with adenomyosis in vivo and in vitro. Bromocriptine might inhibit the proliferation of endometrial tissue in adenomyosis in part through the regulation of dysregulated microRNAs and proliferation-associated signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqun Tang
- Division of Neonatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, and WHO Collaborating Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Yiqun Tang,
| | - Sakthivignesh Ponandai-srinivasan
- Division of Neonatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, and WHO Collaborating Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline Frisendahl
- Division of Neonatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, and WHO Collaborating Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johanna K. Andersson
- Division of Neonatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, and WHO Collaborating Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dora Pavone
- Division of Neonatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, and WHO Collaborating Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elizabeth A. Stewart
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Parameswaran Grace Luther Lalitkumar
- Division of Neonatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, and WHO Collaborating Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eberhard Korsching
- Institutet of Bioinformatics, University Hospital of Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nageswara Rao Bogavarappu
- Division of Neonatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, and WHO Collaborating Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson
- Division of Neonatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, and WHO Collaborating Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Abstract
Each month during a woman's reproductive years, the endometrium undergoes vast changes to prepare for a potential pregnancy. Diseases of the endometrium arise for numerous reasons, many of which remain unknown. These endometrial diseases, including endometriosis, adenomyosis, endometrial cancer and Asherman syndrome, affect many women, with an overall lack of efficient or permanent treatment solutions. The challenge lies in understanding the complexity of the endometrium and the extensive changes, orchestrated by ovarian hormones, that occur in multiple cell types over the period of the menstrual cycle. Appropriate model systems that closely mimic the architecture and function of the endometrium and its diseases are needed. The emergence of organoid technology using human cells is enabling a revolution in modelling the endometrium in vitro. The goal of this Review is to provide a focused reference for new models to study the diseases of the endometrium. We provide perspectives on the power of new and emerging models, from organoids to microfluidics, which have opened up a new frontier for studying endometrial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina R Murphy
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hannes Campo
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - J Julie Kim
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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5
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Harmsen MJ, Trommelen LM, de Leeuw RA, Tellum T, Juffermans LJM, Griffioen AW, Thomassin-Naggara I, Van den Bosch T, Huirne JAF. Uterine junctional zone and adenomyosis: comparison of MRI, transvaginal ultrasound and histology. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2022. [PMID: 36370446 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The uterine junctional zone is the subendometrial area in the myometrium that contributes to peristalsis and aids in spermatozoa and blastocyst transport. Alterations in the appearance of the junctional zone on transvaginal sonography (TVS) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are associated with adenomyosis. The lack of standardization of description of its appearance and ill-defined boundaries on both histology and imaging hamper understanding of the junctional zone and limit its role in the diagnosis of adenomyosis. The objectives of this review were to investigate the accordance in definition of the junctional zone across different diagnostic approaches and to examine how imaging findings can be linked to histological findings in the context of diagnosis of adenomyosis. A comprehensive literature review was conducted of articles describing the appearance on imaging and the histological structure of the uterine junctional zone. Our review suggests that the junctional zone is distinguished from the middle and outer myometrium by gradual changes in smooth-muscle cell density, extracellular space, connective tissue, water content and vascular properties. However, while the signal intensity from the junctional zone to the middle myometrium changes abruptly on MRI, the histopathological changes are gradual and its border may be difficult or impossible to distinguish on two-dimensional TVS. Moreover, the thickness of the junctional zone measured on MRI is larger than that measured on TVS. Thus, these two imaging modalities reflect this zone differently. Although a thickened junctional zone is often used to diagnose adenomyosis on MRI, the presence of adenomyosis can be described more accurately as interruptions of the junctional zone by endometrial tissue, which leads to direct signs on imaging such as subendometrial lines and buds on two- and three-dimensional TVS or bright foci on MRI. The histopathological criteria for diagnosis are based on enlargement of the uterus with severe adenomyosis, and might not reflect its early stages. Clinicians should be aware that findings on MRI cannot be extrapolated readily to ultrasound. An understanding of this is necessary when investigating the uterine junctional zone as a functional unit and the association between visualization of direct features of adenomyosis in the junctional zone and clinical symptoms. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Harmsen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L M Trommelen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R A de Leeuw
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T Tellum
- Department of Gynecology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - L J M Juffermans
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A W Griffioen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - I Thomassin-Naggara
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging (IRIS), Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - T Van den Bosch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - J A F Huirne
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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Heremans R, Jan Z, Timmerman D, Vankelecom H. Organoids of the Female Reproductive Tract: Innovative Tools to Study Desired to Unwelcome Processes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:661472. [PMID: 33959613 PMCID: PMC8093793 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.661472] [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] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The pelviperineal organs of the female reproductive tract form an essential cornerstone of human procreation. The system comprises the ectodermal external genitalia, the Müllerian upper-vaginal, cervical, endometrial and oviductal derivatives, and the endodermal ovaries. Each of these organs presents with a unique course of biological development as well as of malignant degeneration. For many decades, various preclinical in vitro models have been employed to study female reproductive organ (patho-)biology, however, facing important shortcomings of limited expandability, loss of representativeness and inadequate translatability to the clinic. The recent emergence of 3D organoid models has propelled the field forward by generating powerful research tools that in vitro replicate healthy as well as diseased human tissues and are amenable to state-of-the-art experimental interventions. Here, we in detail review organoid modeling of the different female reproductive organs from healthy and tumorigenic backgrounds, and project perspectives for both scientists and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Heremans
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.,Cluster Woman and Child, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ziga Jan
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.,Cluster Woman and Child, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology, Klinikum Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Dirk Timmerman
- Cluster Woman and Child, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hugo Vankelecom
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
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Liu F, Li Z, Guo J, Fang S, Zhou J, Cao B, Liu J, Yi Y, Yuan X, Xu X, Huang O, Wang L, Zou Y. Endometrial stromal cell proteomic analysis reveals LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP1) plays important roles in the progression of adenomyosis. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6129094. [PMID: 33543750 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab008] [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: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis is one of the most common gynecological disorders that the molecular events underlying its pathogenesis remain not fully understood. Prior studies have shown that endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) played crucial roles in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. In this study, we utilized two-dimensional gel electrophoresis combined with protein identification by mass spectrometry (2D/MS) proteomics analysis to compare the differential protein expression profile between the paired eutopic and ectopic ESCs (EuESCs and EcESCs) in adenomyosis, and a total of 32 significantly altered protein spots were identified. Among which, the expression of LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP1) was increased significantly in EcESCs compared to EuESCs. Immunohistochemical assay showed that LASP1 was overexpressed in the stromal cells of ectopic endometriums compared to eutopic endometriums; further functional analyses revealed that LASP1 overexpression could enhance cell proliferation, migration and invasion of EcESCs. Furthermore, we also showed that the dysregulated expression of LASP1 in EcESCs was associated with DNA hypermethylation in the promoter region of the LASP1 gene. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of enhancing cell proliferation, invasion and migration caused by upregulated LASP1 in adenomyosis needs further study. For the first time, our data suggested that LASP1 plays important roles in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis, and could serve as a prognostic biomarker of adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Central Laboratory, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zengming Li
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiubai Guo
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Gynecology, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shufen Fang
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Gynecology, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiangyan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Gynecology, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bianna Cao
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Gynecology, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Gynecology, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yulan Yi
- Department of Gynecology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Huangshi, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoqun Yuan
- Department of Gynecology, Jiujiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaoyun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Gynecology, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ouping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Gynecology, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Liqun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Reproductive Health, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yang Zou
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Central Laboratory, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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8
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Gnecco JS, Brown AT, Kan EL, Baugh L, Ives C, Loring M, Griffith LG. Physiomimetic Models of Adenomyosis. Semin Reprod Med 2020; 38:179-196. [PMID: 33176387 PMCID: PMC7803459 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1719084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adenomyosis remains an enigmatic disease in the clinical and research communities. The high prevalence, diversity of morphological and symptomatic presentations, array of potential etiological explanations, and variable response to existing interventions suggest that different subgroups of patients with distinguishable mechanistic drivers of disease may exist. These factors, combined with the weak links to genetic predisposition, make the entire spectrum of the human condition challenging to model in animals. Here, after an overview of current approaches, a vision for applying physiomimetic modeling to adenomyosis is presented. Physiomimetics combines a system's biology analysis of patient populations to generate hypotheses about mechanistic bases for stratification with in vitro patient avatars to test these hypotheses. A substantial foundation for three-dimensional (3D) tissue engineering of adenomyosis lesions exists in several disparate areas: epithelial organoid technology; synthetic biomaterials matrices for epithelial–stromal coculture; smooth muscle 3D tissue engineering; and microvascular tissue engineering. These approaches can potentially be combined with microfluidic platform technologies to model the lesion microenvironment and can potentially be coupled to other microorgan systems to examine systemic effects. In vitro patient-derived models are constructed to answer specific questions leading to target identification and validation in a manner that informs preclinical research and ultimately clinical trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan S Gnecco
- Center for Gynepathology Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Alex T Brown
- Center for Gynepathology Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ellen L Kan
- Center for Gynepathology Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren Baugh
- Center for Gynepathology Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Clara Ives
- Center for Gynepathology Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Megan Loring
- Center for Gynepathology Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Care Collaborative, Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Newton Wellesley Hospital, Newton, Massachusetts
| | - Linda G Griffith
- Center for Gynepathology Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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9
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Bourdon M, Santulli P, Jeljeli M, Vannuccini S, Marcellin L, Doridot L, Petraglia F, Batteux F, Chapron C. Immunological changes associated with adenomyosis: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:108-129. [PMID: 33099635 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adenomyosis is a benign gynecological disorder associated with subfertility, pelvic pain and abnormal uterine bleeding that have significant consequences for the health and quality of life of women. Histologically, it is defined as the presence of ectopic endometrial islets within the myometrium. Its pathogenesis has not yet been elucidated and several pieces of the puzzle are still missing. One process involved in the development of adenomyosis is the increased capacity of some endometrial cells to infiltrate the myometrium. Moreover, the local and systemic immune systems are associated with the onset of the disease and with maintaining it. Numerous observations have highlighted the activation of immune cells and the release of immune soluble factors in adenomyosis. The contribution of immunity occurs in conjunction with hormonal aberrations and activation of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway, which promotes migration of endometrial cells. Here, we review current knowledge on the immunological changes in adenomyosis, with the aim of further elucidation of the pathogenesis of this disease. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objective was to systematically review the literature regarding the role of the immune system in development of adenomyosis in the inner and the outer myometrium, in humans. SEARCH METHODS A systematic review of published human studies was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases from 1970 to February 2019 using the combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Adenomyosis AND ('Immune System' OR 'Gonadal Steroid Hormones'), and free-text terms for the following search terms (and their variants): Adenomyosis AND (immunity OR immune OR macrophage OR 'natural killer cell' OR lymphocyte* OR leucocyte* OR HLA OR inflammation OR 'sex steroid' OR 'epithelial to mesenchymal transition' OR 'EMT'). Studies in which no comparison was made with control patients, without adenomyosis (systemic sample and/or eutopic endometrium), were excluded. OUTCOMES A total of 42 articles were included in our systematic review. Changes in innate and adaptive immune cell numbers were described in the eutopic and/or ectopic endometrium of women with adenomyosis compared to disease-free counterparts. They mostly described an increase in lymphocyte and macrophage cell populations in adenomyosis eutopic endometrium compared to controls. These observations underscore the immune contributions to the disease pathogenesis. Thirty-one cytokines and other markers involved in immune pathways were studied in the included articles. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL) 6, IL1β, interferon (IFN) α, tumor necrosis factor α, IFNγ) as well as anti-inflammatory or regulatory mediators (IL10, transforming growth factor β…) were found to be elevated in the eutopic endometrium and/or in the ectopic endometrium of the myometrium in women with adenomyosis compared to controls. Moreover, in women affected by adenomyosis, immunity was reported to be directly or indirectly linked to sex steroid hormone aberrations (notably changes in progesterone receptor in eutopic and ectopic endometrium) in three studies and to EMT in four studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The available literature clearly depicts immunological changes that are associated with adenomyosis. Both systemic and local immune changes have been described in women affected by adenomyosis, with the coexistence of changes in inflammatory as well as anti-inflammatory signals. It is likely that these immune changes, through an EMT mechanism, stimulate the migration of endometrial cells into the myometrium that, together with an endocrine imbalance, promote this inflammatory process. In light of the considerable impact of adenomyosis on women's health, a better understanding of the role played by the immune system in adenomyosis is likely to yield new research opportunities to better understand its pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bourdon
- Université de Paris, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75015 Paris, France.,Department 3I "Infection, Immunité et inflammation", Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Paris, France.,Department of Gynaecology Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - P Santulli
- Université de Paris, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75015 Paris, France.,Department 3I "Infection, Immunité et inflammation", Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Paris, France.,Department of Gynaecology Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - M Jeljeli
- Université de Paris, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75015 Paris, France.,Department 3I "Infection, Immunité et inflammation", Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Paris, France.,Department of Immunology, Hopital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - S Vannuccini
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 44, 50134 Florence, Italy.,Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - L Marcellin
- Université de Paris, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75015 Paris, France.,Department 3I "Infection, Immunité et inflammation", Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Paris, France.,Department of Gynaecology Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - L Doridot
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75015 Paris, France.,Department 3I "Infection, Immunité et inflammation", Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Paris, France
| | - F Petraglia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 44, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - F Batteux
- Université de Paris, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75015 Paris, France.,Department 3I "Infection, Immunité et inflammation", Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Paris, France.,Department of Immunology, Hopital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - C Chapron
- Université de Paris, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75015 Paris, France.,Department 3I "Infection, Immunité et inflammation", Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Paris, France.,Department of Gynaecology Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Cochin, Paris, France
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10
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Zhai J, Vannuccini S, Petraglia F, Giudice LC. Adenomyosis: Mechanisms and Pathogenesis. Semin Reprod Med 2020; 38:129-143. [PMID: 33032339 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1716687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adenomyosis is a common disorder of the uterus, and is associated with an enlarged uterus, heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), pelvic pain, and infertility. It is characterized by endometrial epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts abnormally found in the myometrium where they elicit hyperplasia and hypertrophy of surrounding smooth muscle cells. While both the mechanistic processes and the pathogenesis of adenomyosis are uncertain, several theories have been put forward addressing how this disease develops. These include intrinsic or induced (1) microtrauma of the endometrial-myometrial interface; (2) enhanced invasion of endometrium into myometrium; (3) metaplasia of stem cells in myometrium; (4) infiltration of endometrial cells in retrograde menstrual effluent into the uterine wall from the serosal side; (5) induction of adenomyotic lesions by aberrant local steroid and pituitary hormones; and (6) abnormal uterine development in response to genetic and epigenetic modifications. Dysmenorrhea, HMB, and infertility are likely results of inflammation, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and contractile abnormalities in the endometrial and myometrial components. Elucidating mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of adenomyosis raise possibilities to develop targeted therapies to ameliorate symptoms beyond the current agents that are largely ineffective. Herein, we address these possible etiologies and data that support underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Zhai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Silvia Vannuccini
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.,Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda C Giudice
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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11
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Zhai J, Li S, Sen S, Opoku-Anane J, Du Y, Chen ZJ, Giudice LC. m 6A RNA Methylation Regulators Contribute to Eutopic Endometrium and Myometrium Dysfunction in Adenomyosis. Front Genet 2020; 11:716. [PMID: 32719721 PMCID: PMC7350935 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis is a prevalent, estrogen-dependent uterine disorder wherein endometrial cells are abnormally present in the myometrium and are surrounded by hyperplastic/hypertrophic smooth muscle. Its etiology is unclear, although endometrial cell invasion into the myometrium has been postulated. RNA methylation, particularly N6-methyladenosine (m6A), plays an important role in regulating various physiological processes and invasive disorders. The goal of this in silico and lab-based experimental study was to explore a possible role for m6A in adenomyosis. Gene expression profiles of both the endometrium and myometrium of women with adenomyosis (cases) and without disease (controls) were obtained from the publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. In the endometrium, STRING database analysis revealed that METTL3 functions as a "hub" gene of m6A RNA methylation regulators, and the genes involved in m6A regulation, including METTL3, FTO, ZC3H13, and YTHDC1 expression, were significantly decreased in cases versus controls. Functional, co-expression, and correlational analyses of endometrium from cases versus controls revealed decreased total m6A levels, induced by METTL3, and the downstream elevated insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF1) and D-Dopachrome Tautomerase (DDT), with the latter two having known functions in epithelial proliferation and cell migration, which are important processes in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis in endometrium. m6A RNA methylation regulators, including RBM15/15B, ALKBH5, FTO, YTHDF1/2, KIAA1429, HNRNPC, METTL3, ZC3H13, and YTHDC2, were also differentially expressed in the myometrium from cases versus controls. We validated decreased total m6A levels and differential expression of m6A RNA methylation regulators in the myometrium of patients with adenomyosis using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and tissues available from our biorepository. Possible target genes, including cadherin 3(CDH3), sodium channelβ-subunit 4 (SCN4B), and placenta-specific protein 8 (PLAC8), which are involved in cell adhesion, muscle contraction and immune response in the myometrium of adenomyosis patients were also validated. Thus, through extensive public database mining and validation of select genes, this study, for the first time, implicates m6A and its methylation regulators in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. Follow on functional studies are anticipated to elucidate mechanisms involving m6A and its regulators and down-stream effectors in the pathogenesis of this enigmatic reproductive disorder and potentially identify druggable targets to control its associated symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Zhai
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Shang Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Sushmita Sen
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jessica Opoku-Anane
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Yanzhi Du
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Linda C. Giudice
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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12
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Habiba M, Gordts S, Bazot M, Brosens I, Benagiano G. Exploring the challenges for a new classification of adenomyosis. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 40:569-581. [PMID: 32173239 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.01.017] [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: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The availability of non-invasive diagnostic tests is an important factor in the renewed interest in adenomyosis, as the disease can now be more accurately mapped in the uterus without a need for hysterectomy. An agreed system for classifying and reporting the condition will enhance our understanding of the disease and is envisaged to enable comparison of research studies and treatment outcomes. In this review, we assess previous and more recent attempts at producing a taxonomy, especially in view of the latest proposal for subdivision of adenomyosis into an internal and an external variant. In this context, we also explore the uncertainties linked to classifying involvement of the uterovesical pouch, the pouch of Douglas and lesions in the outer myometrium. Two opposing hypotheses are forwarded to explain the pathogenesis of these variants, namely that disease localized in these areas originates from an invasion by uterine adenomyosis of peritoneal organs; alternatively, that lesions present in the outer myometrium originate from peritoneal endometriosis. At the root of debates around these opposing theories of pathogenesis is fragmentary evidence. Because of the limitations of currently available evidence, and until this issue is resolved, broad agreement on a hypothesis to underpin any proposed classification is unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Habiba
- Department of Health Sciences University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK.
| | | | - Marc Bazot
- Department of Radiology, Tenon Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Sorbonne Université Paris, France & Groupe de Recherche Clinique GRC6-UPMC, Centre Expert en Endométriose (C3E), AP-HP, 75020 Paris, France
| | - Ivo Brosens
- Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giuseppe Benagiano
- Department of Maternal & Child Health, Gynecology and Urology, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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13
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Mortazavi H, Nikfar B, Esmaeili SA, Rafieenia F, Saburi E, Chaichian S, Heidari Gorji MA, Momtazi-Borojeni AA. Potential cytotoxic and anti-metastatic effects of berberine on gynaecological cancers with drug-associated resistance. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 187:111951. [PMID: 31821990 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Gynaecological disorders, such as cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers are the second most prevalent cancer types in women worldwide. Therapeutic approaches for gynaecological cancers involve chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. However, lifespan is not improved, and novel medications are required. Among various phytochemicals, berberine, a well-known natural product, has been shown to be a promising cancer chemopreventive agent. Pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of berberine have been investigated in the several experiments against numerous diseases. Here, we aimed to provide a literature review from available published investigations showing the anticancer effects of berberine and its various synthetic analogues against gynaecological disorders, including cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. In conclusion, berberine has been found to efficiently inhibit viability, proliferation, and migration of cancer cells, mainly, via induction of apoptosis by both mitochondrial dependent and -independent pathways. Additionally, structural modification of berberine showed that berberine analogues can improve its antitumor effects against gynaecological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Mortazavi
- Geriatric Care Research Center, Department of Geriatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Banafsheh Nikfar
- Pars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed-Alireza Esmaeili
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rafieenia
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ehsan Saburi
- Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shahla Chaichian
- Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Heidari Gorji
- Diabetes Research Center, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Nasibeh Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Amir Abbas Momtazi-Borojeni
- Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology, Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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14
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Liu L, Luo N, Guo J, Xie Y, Chen L, Cheng Z. Berberine inhibits growth and inflammatory invasive phenotypes of ectopic stromal cells: Imply the possible treatment of adenomyosis. J Pharmacol Sci 2018; 137:5-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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15
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Zou Y, Liu FY, Wang LQ, Guo JB, Yang BC, Wan XD, Wang F, He M, Huang OP. Downregulation of DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha promotes cell proliferation and invasion of ectopic endometrial stromal cells in adenomyosis. Gene 2017; 604:41-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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16
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Herndon CN, Aghajanova L, Balayan S, Erikson D, Barragan F, Goldfien G, Vo KC, Hawkins S, Giudice LC. Global Transcriptome Abnormalities of the Eutopic Endometrium From Women With Adenomyosis. Reprod Sci 2016; 23:1289-303. [PMID: 27233751 PMCID: PMC6344825 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116650758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adenomyosis is a clinical disorder defined by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium, the pathogenesis of which is poorly understood. We postulate that dysregulation of genes and pathways in eutopic endometrium may predispose to ectopic implantation. No study, to our knowledge, has examined the global transcriptome of isolated eutopic endometrium from women with clinically significant adenomyosis. DESIGN Laboratory-based study with full institutional review board approval and consents. MATERIAL AND METHODS Endometrial sampling was performed on hysterectomy specimens (proliferative phase) from symptomatic women with pathologically confirmed diffuse adenomyosis (n = 3). Controls (n = 5) were normo-ovulatory patients without adenomyosis. All patients were free from leiomyoma, endometriosis, and hormonal exposures. Isolated purified total RNA was subjected to microarray analysis using the Gene 1.0 ST Affymetrix platform. Data were analyzed with GeneSpring and Ingenuity Pathway analysis. Validation of several genes was undertaken by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Comparison of transcriptomes of proliferative endometrium from women with and without adenomyosis revealed 140 upregulated and 884 downregulated genes in samples from women with adenomyosis compared to controls. Highly differentially expressed genes include those involved in regulation of apoptosis, steroid hormone responsiveness, and proteins involved in extracellular matrix remodeling as well as microRNAs of unknown significance. Affected canonical pathways included eukaryotic initiation factor 2 signaling, oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial dysfunction, estrogen receptor signaling, and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. CONCLUSION The eutopic endometrium in patients with adenomyosis has fundamental abnormalities that may predispose to invasion and survival beyond the myometrial interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher N Herndon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lusine Aghajanova
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shaina Balayan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David Erikson
- Endocrine Technologies Support Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Fatima Barragan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gabriel Goldfien
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kim Chi Vo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shannon Hawkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Linda C Giudice
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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17
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Zhang C, Gao L, Yi Y, Han H, Cheng H, Ye X, Ma R, Sun K, Cui H, Chang X. Adenosine Triphosphate Regresses Endometrial Explants in a Rat Model of Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2016; 23:924-30. [PMID: 26887426 DOI: 10.1177/1933719115625847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in a rat endometriosis model. After surgical induction of endometriosis, 3 rats were killed, and explants were measured in the remaining 19 rats, which were then randomly assigned to 4 groups. Group 1 (n = 4) received normal saline (2 mL/d intragastric [IG]), group 2 (n = 4) gestrinone (0.5 mg/kg/d IG), group 3 (n = 5) ATP (3.4 mg/kg/d IG), and group 4 (n = 6) ATP (1.0 mg/kg/d; intramuscularly), respectively. Four weeks after medication, they were euthanized to evaluate histological features of explants and eutopic uterine tissues. To test the effect of ATP on the growth of eutopic endometrium stromal cells, proliferation rates of hEM15A cells at 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment with different concentrations of ATP and vehicle control were detected with the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) method. There was a significant difference between pretreatment and posttreatment volumes within group 2 (positive control; P = .048) and group 4 (P = .044). On condition that pretreatment implant size was similar in both groups (P = .516), regression of explants in group 4 was significantly higher than that in group 1 (negative control; P = .035). Epithelial cells were significantly better preserved in group 1 than in group 3 (P = .008) and group 4 (P = .037). The CCK-8 assay showed no significant difference in proliferation among hEM15A cells treated with ATP and controls. These results suggest that ATP regresses endometriotic tissues in a rat endometriosis model but has no impact on the growth of eutopic endometrium stromal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhang
- Gynecological Oncology Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Gao
- Gynecological Oncology Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhong Yi
- Gynecological Oncology Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjing Han
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyan Cheng
- Gynecological Oncology Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Ye
- Gynecological Oncology Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ruiqiong Ma
- Gynecological Oncology Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kunkun Sun
- Department of Pathology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Heng Cui
- Gynecological Oncology Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohong Chang
- Gynecological Oncology Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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18
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Abstract
Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common gynecological complaint with multiple etiologies and diverse pathophysiological origins. This review discusses HMB with reference to the recently proposed PALM-COEIN classification system for abnormal uterine bleeding, initially describing the endometrial events in normal menstruation followed by discussion of the perturbations of normal endometrial shedding that can result in HMB. Our present understanding of the mechanisms of menstrual bleeding as well as many of the pathological aberrations of HMB is incomplete. Further research into the pathophysiology of HMB is urgently needed, as clear knowledge of the mechanisms of this disorder will provide new therapeutic targets to formulate more effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharani K Hapangama
- Department of Women's & Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Crown Street, Liverpool, L8 7SS, UK
| | - Judith N Bulmer
- Reproductive & Vascular Biology Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
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Yang H, Lau WB, Lau B, Xuan Y, Zhou S, Zhao L, Luo Z, Lin Q, Ren N, Zhao X, Wei Y. A mass spectrometric insight into the origins of benign gynecological disorders. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2015; 36:450-470. [PMID: 26633258 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Applications of mass spectrometry (MS) are rapidly expanding and encompass molecular and cellular biology. MS aids in the analysis of in vivo global molecular alterations, identifying potential biomarkers which may improve diagnosis and treatment of various pathologies. MS has added new dimensionality to medical research. Pioneering gynecologists now study molecular mechanisms underlying female reproductive pathology with MS-based tools. Although benign gynecologic disorders including endometriosis, adenomyosis, leiomyoma, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) carry low mortality rates, they cause significant physical, mental, and social detriments. Additionally, some benign disorders are unfortunately associated with malignancies. MS-based technology can detect malignant changes in formerly benign proteomes and metabolomes with distinct advantages of speed, sensitivity, and specificity. We present the use of MS in proteomics and metabolomics, and summarize the current understanding of the molecular pathways concerning female reproductive anatomy. Highlight discoveries of novel protein and metabolite biomarkers via MS-based technology, we underscore the clinical application of these techniques in the diagnosis and management of benign gynecological disorders. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 36:450-470, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiliang Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China.,Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Wayne Bond Lau
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, 19107
| | - Bonnie Lau
- Department of Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Santa Clara Medical Center, Affiliate of Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305
| | - Yu Xuan
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Shengtao Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Linjie Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Zhongyue Luo
- College of Biological Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Qiao Lin
- College of Biological Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Ning Ren
- College of Biological Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
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Streuli I, Santulli P, Chouzenoux S, Chapron C, Batteux F. Activation of the MAPK/ERK Cell-Signaling Pathway in Uterine Smooth Muscle Cells of Women With Adenomyosis. Reprod Sci 2015; 22:1549-1560. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719115589410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
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Zhao Y, Liu YN, Li Y, Tian L, Ye X, Cui H, Chang XH. Identification of biomarkers for endometriosis using clinical proteomics. Chin Med J (Engl) 2015; 128:520-7. [PMID: 25673457 PMCID: PMC4836258 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.151108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: We investigated possible biomarkers for endometriosis (EM) using the ClinProt technique and proteomics methods. Methods: We enrolled 50 patients with EM, 34 with benign ovarian neoplasms and 40 healthy volunteers in this study. Serum proteomic spectra were generated by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS) combined with weak cationic exchange (WCX) magnetic beads. Possible biomarkers were analyzed by a random and repeat pattern model-validation method that we designed, and ClinProtools software, results were refined using online liquid chromatography-tandem MS. Results: We found a cluster of 5 peptides (4210, 5264, 2660, 5635, and 5904 Da), using 3 peptides (4210, 5904, 2660 Da) to discriminate EM patients from healthy volunteers, with 96.67% sensitivity and 100% specificity. We selected 4210 and 5904 m/z, which differed most between patients with EM and controls, and identified them as fragments of ATP1B4, and the fibrinogen alpha (FGA) isoform 1/2 of the FGA chain precursor, respectively. Conclusions: ClinProt can identify EM biomarkers, which – most notably – distinguish even early-stage or minimal disease. We found 5 stable peaks at 4210, 5264, 2660, 5635, and 5904 Da as potential EM biomarkers, the strongest of which were associated with ATP1B4 (4210 Da) and FGA (5904 Da); this indicates that ATP1B4 and FGA are associated with EM pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiao-Hong Chang
- Gynecology Oncology Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
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Carrarelli P, Yen CF, Arcuri F, Funghi L, Tosti C, Wang TH, Huang JS, Petraglia F. Myostatin, follistatin and activin type II receptors are highly expressed in adenomyosis. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:744-52.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Huang BS, Tsai HW, Wang PH, Twu NF, Yen MS, Chen YJ. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the development of adenomyosis. Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gmit.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Zhang Y, Li G, Fan Y, Cui Y, Huang S, Ma J, Yan J, Chen ZJ. Novel missense mutation in WNT6 in 100 couples with unexplained recurrent miscarriage. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:994-9. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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Taylor AH, Kalathy V, Habiba M. Estradiol and tamoxifen enhance invasion of endometrial stromal cells in a three-dimensional coculture model of adenomyosis. Fertil Steril 2013; 101:288-93. [PMID: 24188882 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.09.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of estradiol alone or with progesterone and tamoxifen on the depth of invasion of endometrial stromal cells from women with and without adenomyosis in a three-dimensional (3D) coculture model that includes myocytes. DESIGN Case-controlled, blinded comparison. SETTING Medical school department. PATIENT(S) Premenopausal women with and without uterine adenomyosis. INTERVENTION(S) Human endometrial stromal and myometrial cells grown in a 3D coculture with crossover between cells from uteri with and without adenomyosis; cocultures treated with tamoxifen, estradiol alone, or estradiol with progesterone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Depth of stromal cell invasion into a collagen matrix. RESULT(S) The depth of invasion for adenomyotic stromal cells was statistically significantly higher than for the control stromal cells, whether grown on plain collagen, on collagen containing control or adenomyotic muscle cells. The addition of estradiol or tamoxifen, but not the estradiol and progesterone combination, increased the depth of invasion of both adenomyotic stromal cells and control stromal cells in all cell combinations. When grown on plain collagen, the depth of invasion for control stromal cells and adenomyotic stromal cells increased by 126% and 93% with the use of tamoxifen, and by 71% and 50%, with the use of estradiol. CONCLUSION(S) Both estradiol and tamoxifen enhance stromal cell invasion, but the greater depth of invasion of adenomyotic stromal cells and the enhancing effect of adenomyotic muscle were maintained under all experimental conditions, suggesting an inherent predisposition in affected women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Henry Taylor
- Reproductive Sciences Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.
| | - Vijayakumar Kalathy
- Reproductive Sciences Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Marwan Habiba
- Reproductive Sciences Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
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Benagiano G, Brosens I, Habiba M. Structural and molecular features of the endomyometrium in endometriosis and adenomyosis. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 20:386-402. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
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Comparative serum proteomic analysis of adenomyosis using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation technique. Fertil Steril 2013; 100:505-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2013] [Revised: 03/31/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Weimar CHE, Macklon NS, Post Uiterweer ED, Brosens JJ, Gellersen B. The motile and invasive capacity of human endometrial stromal cells: implications for normal and impaired reproductive function. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 19:542-57. [PMID: 23827985 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanisms underlying early reproductive loss in the human are beginning to be elucidated. The migratory and invasive capacity of human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) is increasingly recognized to contribute to the intense tissue remodelling associated with embryo implantation, trophoblast invasion and endometrial regeneration. In this review, we examine the signals and mechanisms that control ESC migration and invasion and assess how deregulation of these cell functions contributes to common reproductive disorders. METHODS The PubMed database was searched for publications on motility and invasiveness of human ESCs in normal endometrial function and in reproductive disorders including implantation failure, recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), endometriosis and adenomyosis, covering the period 2000-2012. RESULTS Increasing evidence suggests that implantation failure and RPL involve abnormal migratory responses of decidualizing ESCs to embryo and trophoblast signals. Numerous reports indicate that endometriosis, as well as adenomyosis, is associated with increased basal and stimulated invasiveness of ESCs and their progenitor cells, suggesting a link between a heightened menstrual repair response and the formation of ectopic implants. Migration and invasiveness of ESCs are controlled by a complex array of hormones, growth factors, chemokines and inflammatory mediators, and involve signalling through Rho GTPases, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. CONCLUSIONS Novel concepts are extending our understanding of the key functions of ESCs in effecting tissue repair imposed by cyclic menstruation and parturition. Migration of decidualizing ESCs also serves to support blastocyst implantation and embryo selection through discriminate motile responses directed by embryo quality. Targeting regulatory molecules holds promise for developing new strategies for the treatment of reproductive disorders such as endometriosis and recurrent miscarriage; and harnessing the migratory capacity of progenitor mesenchymal stem cells in the endometrium may offer new opportunities in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte H E Weimar
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Developmental Origins of Disease (NIDOD), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 EA, The Netherlands
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Al-Sabbagh M, Lam EWF, Brosens JJ. Mechanisms of endometrial progesterone resistance. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 358:208-15. [PMID: 22085558 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2011] [Revised: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Throughout the reproductive years, the rise and fall in ovarian hormones elicit in the endometrium waves of cell proliferation, differentiation, recruitment of inflammatory cells, apoptosis, tissue breakdown and regeneration. The activated progesterone receptor, a member of the superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors, is the master regulator of this intense tissue remodelling process in the uterus. Its activity is tightly regulated by interaction with cell-specific transcription factors and coregulators as well as by specific posttranslational modifications that respond dynamically to a variety of environmental and inflammatory signals. Endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory disorder, disrupts coordinated progesterone responses throughout the reproductive tract, including in the endometrium. This phenomenon is increasingly referred to as 'progesterone resistance'. Emerging evidence suggests that progesterone resistance in endometriosis is not just a consequence of perturbed progesterone signal transduction caused by chronic inflammation but associated with epigenetic chromatin changes that determine the intrinsic responsiveness of endometrial cells to differentiation cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Al-Sabbagh
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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30
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The pathophysiology of uterine adenomyosis: an update. Fertil Steril 2012; 98:572-9. [PMID: 22819188 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Revised: 06/16/2012] [Accepted: 06/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The diagnosis of adenomyosis using noninvasive techniques such as vaginal ultrasounds and magnetic resonance has clear clinical applications and has renewed the interest in the pathogenesis of uterine adenomyosis. However, the research remains hampered by the lack of consensus on the classification of lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging and transvaginal ultrasound have comparable diagnostic accuracy. Minimal interventional biopsy techniques have recently been introduced. This article reviews human and animal studies and provides an update on the pathophysiology of adenomyosis. Recent views on the pathogenesis and links with endometriosis are discussed.
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