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Dai W, Liang J, Guo R, Zhao Z, Na Z, Xu D, Li D. Bioengineering approaches for the endometrial research and application. Mater Today Bio 2024; 26:101045. [PMID: 38600921 PMCID: PMC11004221 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101045] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The endometrium undergoes a series of precise monthly changes under the regulation of dynamic levels of ovarian hormones that are characterized by repeated shedding and subsequent regeneration without scarring. This provides the potential for wound healing during endometrial injuries. Bioengineering materials highlight the faithful replication of constitutive cells and the extracellular matrix that simulates the physical and biomechanical properties of the endometrium to a larger extent. Significant progress has been made in this field, and functional endometrial tissue bioengineering allows an in-depth investigation of regulatory factors for endometrial and myometrial defects in vitro and provides highly therapeutic methods to alleviate obstetric and gynecological complications. However, much remains to be learned about the latest progress in the application of bioengineering technologies to the human endometrium. Here, we summarize the existing developments in biomaterials and bioengineering models for endometrial regeneration and improving the female reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlin Dai
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Junzhi Liang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Renhao Guo
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhongyu Zhao
- Innovation Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhijing Na
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China
| | - Dake Xu
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Da Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Diseases and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
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2
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Lopez I, Truskey GA. Multi-cellular engineered living systems to assess reproductive toxicology. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 127:108609. [PMID: 38759876 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Toxicants and some drugs can negatively impact reproductive health. Many toxicants haven't been tested due to lack of available models. The impact of many drugs taken during pregnancy to address maternal health may adversely affect fetal development with life-long effects and clinical trials do not examine toxicity effects on the maternal-fetal interface, requiring indirect assessment of safety and efficacy. Due to current gaps in reproductive toxicological knowledge and limitations of animal models, multi-cellular engineered living systems may provide solutions for modeling reproductive physiology and pathology for chemical and xenobiotic toxicity studies. Multi-cellular engineered living systems, such as microphysiological systems (MPS) and organoids, model of functional units of tissues. In this review, we highlight the key functions and structures of human reproductive organs and well-known representative toxicants afflicting these systems. We then discuss current approaches and specific studies where scientists have used MPS or organoids to recreate in vivo markers and cellular responses of the female and male reproductive system, as well as pregnancy-associated placenta formation and embryo development. We provide specific examples of organoids and organ-on-chip that have been used for toxicological purposes with varied success. Finally, we address current issues related to usage of MPS, emerging techniques for improving upon these complications, and improvements needed to make MPS more capable in assessing reproductive toxicology. Overall, multi-cellular engineered living systems have considerable promise to serve as a suitable, alternative reproductive biological model compared to animal studies and 2D culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Lopez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - George A Truskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States.
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3
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Ponmozhi J, Dhinakaran S, Kocsis D, Iván K, Erdő F. Models for barrier understanding in health and disease in lab-on-a-chips. Tissue Barriers 2024; 12:2221632. [PMID: 37294075 PMCID: PMC11042069 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2023.2221632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of body homeostasis relies heavily on physiological barriers. Dysfunction of these barriers can lead to various pathological processes, including increased exposure to toxic materials and microorganisms. Various methods exist to investigate barrier function in vivo and in vitro. To investigate barrier function in a highly reproducible manner, ethically, and high throughput, researchers have turned to non-animal techniques and micro-scale technologies. In this comprehensive review, the authors summarize the current applications of organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices in the study of physiological barriers. The review covers the blood-brain barrier, ocular barriers, dermal barrier, respiratory barriers, intestinal, hepatobiliary, and renal/bladder barriers under both healthy and pathological conditions. The article then briefly presents placental/vaginal, and tumour/multi-organ barriers in organ-on-a-chip devices. Finally, the review discusses Computational Fluid Dynamics in microfluidic systems that integrate biological barriers. This article provides a concise yet informative overview of the current state-of-the-art in barrier studies using microfluidic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Ponmozhi
- Microfluidics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IPS Academy-Institute of Engineering Science, Indore, India
| | - S. Dhinakaran
- The Centre for Fluid Dynamics, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
| | - Dorottya Kocsis
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kristóf Iván
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Franciska Erdő
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
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4
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Zambuto SG, Scott AK, Oyen ML. Beyond 2D: Novel biomaterial approaches for modeling the placenta. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00073-0. [PMID: 38514278 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
This review considers fully three-dimensional biomaterial environments of varying complexity as these pertain to research on the placenta. The developments in placental cell sources are first considered, along with the corresponding maternal cells with which the trophoblast interact. We consider biomaterial sources, including hybrid and composite biomaterials. Properties and characterization of biomaterials are discussed in the context of material design for specific placental applications. The development of increasingly complicated three-dimensional structures includes examples of advanced fabrication methods such as microfluidic device fabrication and 3D bioprinting, as utilized in a placenta context. The review finishes with a discussion of the potential for in vitro, three-dimensional placenta research to address health disparities and sexual dimorphism, especially in light of the exciting recent changes in the regulatory environment for in vitro devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G Zambuto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Adrienne K Scott
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michelle L Oyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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5
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Ferronato GDA, Vit FF, da Silveira JC. 3D culture applied to reproduction in females: possibilities and perspectives. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20230039. [PMID: 38510565 PMCID: PMC10954237 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro cell culture is a well-established technique present in numerous laboratories in diverse areas. In reproduction, gametes, embryos, and reproductive tissues, such as the ovary and endometrium, can be cultured. These cultures are essential for embryo development studies, understanding signaling pathways, developing drugs for reproductive diseases, and in vitro embryo production (IVP). Although many culture systems are successful, they still have limitations to overcome. Three-dimensional (3D) culture systems can be close to physiological conditions, allowing greater interaction between cells and cells with the surrounding environment, maintenance of the cells' natural morphology, and expression of genes and proteins such as in vivo. Additionally, three-dimensional culture systems can stimulated extracellular matrix generating responses due to the mechanical force produced. Different techniques can be used to perform 3D culture systems, such as hydrogel matrix, hanging drop, low attachment surface, scaffold, levitation, liquid marble, and 3D printing. These systems demonstrate satisfactory results in follicle culture, allowing the culture from the pre-antral to antral phase, maintaining the follicular morphology, and increasing the development rates of embryos. Here, we review some of the different techniques of 3D culture systems and their applications to the culture of follicles and embryos, bringing new possibilities to the future of assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Franciele Flores Vit
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
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6
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Kumar D, Nadda R, Repaka R. Advances and challenges in organ-on-chip technology: toward mimicking human physiology and disease in vitro. Med Biol Eng Comput 2024:10.1007/s11517-024-03062-7. [PMID: 38436835 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-024-03062-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Organs-on-chips have been tissues or three-dimensional (3D) mini-organs that comprise numerous cell types and have been produced on microfluidic chips to imitate the complicated structures and interactions of diverse cell types and organs under controlled circumstances. Several morphological and physiological distinctions exist between traditional 2D cultures, animal models, and the growing popular 3D cultures. On the other hand, animal models might not accurately simulate human toxicity because of physiological variations and interspecies metabolic capability. The on-chip technique allows for observing and understanding the process and alterations occurring in metastases. The present study aimed to briefly overview single and multi-organ-on-chip techniques. The current study addresses each platform's essential benefits and characteristics and highlights recent developments in developing and utilizing technologies for single and multi-organs-on-chips. The study also discusses the drawbacks and constraints associated with these models, which include the requirement for standardized procedures and the difficulties of adding immune cells and other intricate biological elements. Finally, a comprehensive review demonstrated that the organs-on-chips approach has a potential way of investigating organ function and disease. The advancements in single and multi-organ-on-chip structures can potentially increase drug discovery and minimize dependency on animal models, resulting in improved therapies for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Kumar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab, 140001, India
| | - Rahul Nadda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab, 140001, India.
| | - Ramjee Repaka
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab, 140001, India
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab, 140001, India
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7
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Malo C, Oliván S, Ochoa I, Shikanov A. In Vitro Growth of Human Follicles: Current and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1510. [PMID: 38338788 PMCID: PMC10855051 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is gaining importance as a successful method to restore fertility to girls and young women at high risk of sterility. However, there are concerns regarding the safety of transplantation after ovarian tissue cryopreservation due to the high risk of reintroducing cancer cells and causing disease recurrence. In these cases, the development of culture systems that support oocyte development from the primordial follicle stage is required. Notable achievements have been reached in human follicle in vitro growth in the past decade. Currently, systems for the in vitro culture of ovarian tissue are based on two-dimensional substrates that do not support the survival of follicles or recapitulate the mechanical heterogenicity in the mammalian ovary. Recognition of the importance of special arrangements between cells has spurred research in three-dimensional culture systems, and the provision of a precise culture system that maximizes the diffusion of nutrients and gases through the follicles has raised interest in advanced biomimetic models. The current review critically examines various culture systems employed for the in vitro development of follicles, with a particular focus on solutions utilizing Organ-on-a-Chip (OOC) technology. The emphasis on OOC technology underscores its role as a promising avenue in ensuring the successful cultivation and maintenance of follicular structures during the culture period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Malo
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.O.); (I.O.)
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sara Oliván
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.O.); (I.O.)
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.O.); (I.O.)
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ariella Shikanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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8
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Zhang S, Xu G, Wu J, Liu X, Fan Y, Chen J, Wallace G, Gu Q. Microphysiological Constructs and Systems: Biofabrication Tactics, Biomimetic Evaluation Approaches, and Biomedical Applications. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2300685. [PMID: 37798902 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, microphysiological constructs and systems (MPCs and MPSs) have undergone significant development, ranging from self-organized organoids to high-throughput organ-on-a-chip platforms. Advances in biomaterials, bioinks, 3D bioprinting, micro/nanofabrication, and sensor technologies have contributed to diverse and innovative biofabrication tactics. MPCs and MPSs, particularly tissue chips relevant to absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity, have demonstrated potential as precise, efficient, and economical alternatives to animal models for drug discovery and personalized medicine. However, current approaches mainly focus on the in vitro recapitulation of the human anatomical structure and physiological-biochemical indices at a single or a few simple levels. This review highlights the recent remarkable progress in MPC and MPS models and their applications. The challenges that must be addressed to assess the reliability, quantify the techniques, and utilize the fidelity of the models are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine/Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis/BioResource Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Guoshi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Juan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yong Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine/Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis/BioResource Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, North Wollongong, NSW, 2500, Australia
| | - Gordon Wallace
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, North Wollongong, NSW, 2500, Australia
| | - Qi Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 100049, China
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9
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Yan J, Wu T, Zhang J, Gao Y, Wu JM, Wang S. Revolutionizing the female reproductive system research using microfluidic chip platform. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:490. [PMID: 38111049 PMCID: PMC10729361 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02258-7] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Comprehensively understanding the female reproductive system is crucial for safeguarding fertility and preventing diseases concerning women's health. With the capacity to simulate the intricate physio- and patho-conditions, and provide diagnostic platforms, microfluidic chips have fundamentally transformed the knowledge and management of female reproductive health, which will ultimately promote the development of more effective assisted reproductive technologies, treatments, and drug screening approaches. This review elucidates diverse microfluidic systems in mimicking the ovary, fallopian tube, uterus, placenta and cervix, and we delve into the culture of follicles and oocytes, gametes' manipulation, cryopreservation, and permeability especially. We investigate the role of microfluidics in endometriosis and hysteromyoma, and explore their applications in ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and cervical cancer. At last, the current status of assisted reproductive technology and integrated microfluidic devices are introduced briefly. Through delineating the multifarious advantages and challenges of the microfluidic technology, we chart a definitive course for future research in the woman health field. As the microfluidic technology continues to evolve and advance, it holds great promise for revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of female reproductive health issues, thus propelling us into a future where we can ultimately optimize the overall wellbeing and health of women everywhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Yan
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ceramic Materials for Additive Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Tong Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jinjin Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yueyue Gao
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jia-Min Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Ceramic Materials for Additive Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Shixuan Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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10
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Tang B, More V. Recent Advances in Drug Discovery Toxicology. Int J Toxicol 2023; 42:535-550. [PMID: 37452761 DOI: 10.1177/10915818231189659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Major advances in scientific discovery and insights that stem from the development and use of new techniques and models can bring remarkable progress to conventional toxicology. Although animal testing is still considered as the "gold standard" in traditional toxicity testing, there is a necessity for shift from animal testing to alternative methods regarding the drug safety testing owing to the emerging state-of-art techniques and the proposal of 3Rs (replace, reduce, and refine) towards animal welfare. This review describes some recent research methods in drug discovery toxicology, including in vitro cell and organ-on-a-chip, imaging systems, model organisms (C. elegans, Danio rerio, and Drosophila melanogaster), and toxicogenomics in modern toxicology testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Tang
- PTC Therapeutics Inc, South Plainfield, NJ, USA
| | - Vijay More
- PTC Therapeutics Inc, South Plainfield, NJ, USA
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11
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Butt Z, Tinning H, O'Connell MJ, Fenn J, Alberio R, Forde N. Understanding conceptus-maternal interactions: what tools do we need to develop? Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 36:81-92. [PMID: 38064186 DOI: 10.1071/rd23181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Communication between the maternal endometrium and developing embryo/conceptus is critical to support successful pregnancy to term. Studying the peri-implantation period of pregnancy is critical as this is when most pregnancy loss occurs in cattle. Our current understanding of these interactions is limited, due to the lack of appropriate in vitro models to assess these interactions. The endometrium is a complex and heterogeneous tissue that is regulated in a transcriptional and translational manner throughout the oestrous cycle. While there are in vitro models to study endometrial function, they are static and 2D in nature or explant models and are limited in how well they recapitulate the in vivo endometrium. Recent developments in organoid systems, microfluidic approaches, extracellular matrix biology, and in silico approaches provide a new opportunity to develop in vitro systems that better model the in vivo scenario. This will allow us to investigate in a more high-throughput manner the fundamental molecular interactions that are required for successful pregnancy in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenab Butt
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Haidee Tinning
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Mary J O'Connell
- Computational and Molecular Evolutionary Biology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Jonathan Fenn
- Computational and Molecular Evolutionary Biology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Niamh Forde
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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12
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Menon R, Muglia LJ, Levin LH. Review on new approach methods to gain insight into the feto-maternal interface physiology. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1304002. [PMID: 38098843 PMCID: PMC10720461 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1304002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-human animals represent a large and important feature in the history of biomedical research. The validity of their use, in terms of reproducible outcomes and translational confidence to the human situation, as well as ethical concerns surrounding that use, have been and remain controversial topics. Over the last 10 years, the communities developing microphysiological systems (MPS) have produced new approach method (NAMs) such as organoids and organs-on-a-chip. These alternative methodologies have shown indications of greater reliability and translatability than animal use in some areas, represent more humane substitutions for animals in these settings, and - with continued scientific effort - may change the conduct of basic research, clinical studies, safety testing, and drug development. Here, we present an introduction to these more human-relevant methodologies and suggest how a suite of pregnancy associated feto-maternal interface system-oriented NAMs may be integrated as reliable partial-/full animal replacements for investigators, significantly aid animal-/environmental welfare, and improve healthcare outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Menon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Louis J. Muglia
- The Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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13
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Sosa E, Mumu SK, Alvarado CC, Wu QY, Roberson I, Espinoza A, Hsu FM, Saito K, Hunt TJ, Faith JE, Lowe MG, DiRusso JA, Clark AT. Reconstituted ovaries self-assemble without an ovarian surface epithelium. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:2190-2202. [PMID: 37890483 PMCID: PMC10679655 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.10.001] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) stem cell models of the ovary have the potential to benefit women's reproductive health research. One such model, the reconstituted ovary (rOvary) self-assembles with pluripotent stem cell-derived germ cells creating a 3D ovarian mimic competent to support the differentiation of functional oocytes inside follicles. In this study, we evaluated the cellular composition of the rOvary revealing the capacity to generate multiple follicles surrounded by NR2F2+ stroma cells. However, the rOvary does not develop a surface epithelium, the source of second-wave pre-granulosa cells, or steroidogenic theca. Therefore, the rOvary models represent the self-assembly of activated follicles in a pre-pubertal ovary poised but not yet competent for hormone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Sosa
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Center for Reproductive Science, Health and Education, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sinthia Kabir Mumu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Center for Reproductive Science, Health and Education, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Christian C Alvarado
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Center for Reproductive Science, Health and Education, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Qiu Ya Wu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Center for Reproductive Science, Health and Education, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Isaias Roberson
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Center for Reproductive Science, Health and Education, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Alejandro Espinoza
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences - The Collaboratory, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Fei-Man Hsu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kaori Saito
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Timothy J Hunt
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jared E Faith
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Matthew G Lowe
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jonathan A DiRusso
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Center for Reproductive Science, Health and Education, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Amander T Clark
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Center for Reproductive Science, Health and Education, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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14
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Campo H, Zha D, Pattarawat P, Colina J, Zhang D, Murphy A, Yoon J, Russo A, Rogers HB, Lee HC, Zhang J, Trotter K, Wagner S, Ingram A, Pavone ME, Dunne SF, Boots CE, Urbanek M, Xiao S, Burdette JE, Woodruff TK, Kim JJ. A new tissue-agnostic microfluidic device to model physiology and disease: the lattice platform. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4821-4833. [PMID: 37846545 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00378g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
To accurately phenocopy human biology in vitro, researchers have been reducing their dependence on standard, static two-dimensional (2D) cultures and instead are moving towards three-dimensional (3D) and/or multicellular culture techniques. While these culture innovations are becoming more commonplace, there is a growing body of research that illustrates the benefits and even necessity of recapitulating the dynamic flow of nutrients, gas, waste exchange and tissue interactions that occur in vivo. However, cost and engineering complexity are two main factors that hinder the adoption of these technologies and incorporation into standard laboratory workflows. We developed LATTICE, a plug-and-play microfluidic platform able to house up to eight large tissue or organ models that can be cultured individually or in an interconnected fashion. The functionality of the platform to model both healthy and diseased tissue states was demonstrated using 3D cultures of reproductive tissues including murine ovarian tissues and human fallopian tube explants (hFTE). When exogenously exposed to pathological doses of gonadotropins and androgens to mimic the endocrinology of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), subsequent ovarian follicle development, hormone production and ovulation copied key features of this endocrinopathy. Further, hFTE cilia beating decreased significantly only when experiencing continuous media exchanges. We were then able to endogenously recreate this phenotype on the platform by dynamically co-culturing the PCOS ovary and hFTE. LATTICE was designed to be customizable with flexibility in 3D culture formats and can serve as a powerful automated tool to enable the study of tissue and cellular dynamics in health and disease in all fields of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Campo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Didi Zha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Biomolecular Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Pawat Pattarawat
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jose Colina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Biomolecular Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Delong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Alina Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Julia Yoon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Angela Russo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Biomolecular Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Hunter B Rogers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Hoi Chang Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Jiyang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Katy Trotter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Sarah Wagner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Asia Ingram
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Mary Ellen Pavone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Sara Fernandez Dunne
- High-throughput Analysis Laboratory, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60628, USA
| | - Christina E Boots
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Margrit Urbanek
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Molecular Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shuo Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Joanna E Burdette
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Biomolecular Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - J Julie Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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15
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Gómez-Álvarez M, Agustina-Hernández M, Francés-Herrero E, Rodríguez-Eguren A, Bueno-Fernandez C, Cervelló I. Addressing Key Questions in Organoid Models: Who, Where, How, and Why? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16014. [PMID: 37958996 PMCID: PMC10650475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242116014] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Organoids are three-dimensional cellular structures designed to recreate the biological characteristics of the body's native tissues and organs in vitro. There has been a recent surge in studies utilizing organoids due to their distinct advantages over traditional two-dimensional in vitro approaches. However, there is no consensus on how to define organoids. This literature review aims to clarify the concept of organoids and address the four fundamental questions pertaining to organoid models: (i) What constitutes organoids?-The cellular material. (ii) Where do organoids grow?-The extracellular scaffold. (iii) How are organoids maintained in vitro?-Via the culture media. (iv) Why are organoids suitable in vitro models?-They represent reproducible, stable, and scalable models for biological applications. Finally, this review provides an update on the organoid models employed within the female reproductive tract, underscoring their relevance in both basic biology and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Gómez-Álvarez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.-Á.); (M.A.-H.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.); (C.B.-F.)
| | - Marcos Agustina-Hernández
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.-Á.); (M.A.-H.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.); (C.B.-F.)
| | - Emilio Francés-Herrero
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.-Á.); (M.A.-H.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.); (C.B.-F.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Adolfo Rodríguez-Eguren
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.-Á.); (M.A.-H.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.); (C.B.-F.)
| | - Clara Bueno-Fernandez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.-Á.); (M.A.-H.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.); (C.B.-F.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Irene Cervelló
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.-Á.); (M.A.-H.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.); (C.B.-F.)
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16
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Andone BA, Handrea-Dragan IM, Botiz I, Boca S. State-of-the-art and future perspectives in infertility diagnosis: Conventional versus nanotechnology-based assays. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2023; 54:102709. [PMID: 37717928 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
According to the latest World Health Organization statistics, around 50 to 80 million people worldwide suffer from infertility, amongst which male factors are responsible for around 20 to 30 % of all infertility cases while 50 % were attributed to the female ones. As it is becoming a recurrent health problem worldwide, clinicians require more accurate methods for the improvement of both diagnosis and treatment schemes. By emphasizing the potential use of innovative methods for the rapid identification of the infertility causes, this review presents the news from this dynamic domain and highlights the benefits brought by emerging research fields. A systematic description of the standard techniques used in clinical protocols for diagnosing infertility in both genders is firstly provided, followed by the presentation of more accurate and comprehensive nanotechnology-related analysis methods such as nanoscopic-resolution imaging, biosensing approaches and assays that employ nanomaterials in their design. Consequently, the implementation of nanotechnology related tools in clinical practice, as recently demonstrated in the selection of spermatozoa, the detection of key proteins in the fertilization process or the testing of DNA integrity or the evaluation of oocyte quality, might confer excellent advantages both for improving the assessment of infertility, and for the success of the fertilization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca-Astrid Andone
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, 1 M. Kogalniceanu Str., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iuliana M Handrea-Dragan
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, 1 M. Kogalniceanu Str., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioan Botiz
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sanda Boca
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat Str., 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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17
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Belda-Perez R, Heras S, Cimini C, Romero-Aguirregomezcorta J, Valbonetti L, Colosimo A, Colosimo BM, Santoni S, Barboni B, Bernabò N, Coy P. Advancing bovine in vitro fertilization through 3D printing: the effect of the 3D printed materials. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1260886. [PMID: 37929185 PMCID: PMC10621798 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1260886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays there is an increasing demand for assisted reproductive technologies due to the growth of infertility problems. Naturally, fertilization occurs in the oviduct, where the oviductal epithelial cells (OECs) secrete many molecules that affect the embryo's metabolism and protect it from oxidative stress. When the OECs are grown in 3D culture systems, they maintain a great part of their functional characteristics, making them an excellent model for in vitro fertilization (IVF) studies. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the suitability of different 3D-printing processes in conjunction with the corresponding set of commercially available biomaterials: extrusion-based processing using polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) and stereolithography or digital-light processing using polyethylene-glycol-diacrylate (PEGDA) with different stiffness (PEGDA500, PEGDA200, PEGDA PhotoInk). All the 3D-printed scaffolds were used to support IVF process in a bovine embryo assay. Following fertilization, embryo development and quality were assessed in terms of cleavage, blastocyst rate at days 7 and 8, total cell number (TCN), inner cell mass/trophectoderm ratio (ICN/TE), and apoptotic cell ratio (ACR). We found a detrimental effect on cleavage and blastocyst rates when the IVF was performed on any medium conditioned by most of the materials available for digital-light processing (PEGDA200, PEGDA500). The observed negative effect could be possibly due to some leaked compound used to print and stabilize the scaffolds, which was not so evident however with PEGDA PhotoInk. On the other hand, all the extrusion-based processable materials did not cause any detrimental effect on cleavage or blastocyst rates. The principal component analysis reveals that embryos produced in presence of 3D-printed scaffolds produced via extrusion exhibit the highest similarity with the control embryos considering cleavage, blastocyst rates, TCN, ICN/TE and ACR per embryo. Conversely, all the photo-cross linkable materials or medium conditioned by PLA, lead to the highest dissimilarities. Since the use of PCL scaffolds, as well as its conditioned medium, bring to embryos that are more similar to the control group. Our results suggest that extrusion-based 3D printing of PCL could be the best option to be used for new IVF devices, possibly including the support of OECs, to enhance bovine embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramses Belda-Perez
- Department of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Sonia Heras
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Costanza Cimini
- Department of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Jon Romero-Aguirregomezcorta
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Luca Valbonetti
- Department of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNRIBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Colosimo
- Department of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Santoni
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Department of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Nicola Bernabò
- Department of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNRIBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Pilar Coy
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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18
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Leonel ECR, Dadashzadeh A, Moghassemi S, Vlieghe H, Wyns C, Orellana R, Amorim CA. New Solutions for Old Problems: How Reproductive Tissue Engineering Has Been Revolutionizing Reproductive Medicine. Ann Biomed Eng 2023; 51:2143-2171. [PMID: 37468688 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03321-y] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Acquired disorders and congenital defects of the male and female reproductive systems can have profound impacts on patients, causing sexual and endocrine dysfunction and infertility, as well as psychosocial consequences that affect their self-esteem, identity, sexuality, and relationships. Reproductive tissue engineering (REPROTEN) is a promising approach to restore fertility and improve the quality of life of patients with reproductive disorders by developing, replacing, or regenerating cells, tissues, and organs from the reproductive and urinary systems. In this review, we explore the latest advancements in REPROTEN techniques and their applications for addressing degenerative conditions in male and female reproductive organs. We discuss current research and clinical outcomes and highlight the potential of 3D constructs utilizing biomaterials such as scaffolds, cells, and biologically active molecules. Our review offers a comprehensive guide for researchers and clinicians, providing insights into how to reestablish reproductive tissue structure and function using innovative surgical approaches and biomaterials. We highlight the benefits of REPROTEN for patients, including preservation of fertility and hormonal production, reconstruction of uterine and cervical structures, and restoration of sexual and urinary functions. Despite significant progress, REPROTEN still faces ethical and technical challenges that need to be addressed. Our review underscores the importance of continued research in this field to advance the development of effective and safe REPROTEN approaches for patients with reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen C R Leonel
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Arezoo Dadashzadeh
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 55, bte B1.55.03, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Saeid Moghassemi
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 55, bte B1.55.03, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hanne Vlieghe
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 55, bte B1.55.03, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Wyns
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 55, bte B1.55.03, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Renan Orellana
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christiani A Amorim
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 55, bte B1.55.03, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
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19
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Kaya YA, de Zoete MR, Steba GS. Advanced Technologies for Studying Microbiome-Female Reproductive Tract Interactions: Organoids, Organoids-on-a-Chip, and Beyond. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:160-171. [PMID: 38262440 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1778067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The female reproductive tract (FRT) is home to diverse microbial communities that play a pivotal role in reproductive health and disorders such as infertility, endometriosis, and cervical cancer. To understand the complex host-microbiota interactions within the FRT, models that authentically replicate the FRT's environment, including the interplay between the microbiota, mucus layer, immune system, and hormonal cycle, are key. Recent strides in organoid and microfluidic technologies are propelling research in this domain, offering insights into FRT-microbiota interactions and potential therapeutic avenues. This review delves into the current state of FRT organoid models and microbe integration techniques, evaluating their merits and challenges for specific research objectives. Emphasis is placed on innovative approaches and applications, including integrating organoids with microfluidics, and using patient-derived biobanks, as this offers potential for deeper mechanistic insights and personalized therapeutic strategies. Modeling various FRT properties in organoids is explored, from encompassing age-related epithelial features, oxygen levels, and hormonal effects to mucus layers, immune responses, and microbial interactions, highlighting their potential to transform reproductive health research and predict possible outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcel R de Zoete
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gaby S Steba
- Division of Female and Baby, Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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20
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Park JY, Lim H, Qin J, Lee LP. Creating mini-pregnancy models in vitro with clinical perspectives. EBioMedicine 2023; 95:104780. [PMID: 37657136 PMCID: PMC10480532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last decade, organs-on-chips or organoids microphysiological analysis platforms (MAP) have garnered attention in the practical applications of disease models, drug discovery, and developmental biology. Research on pregnant women has firm limitations due to ethical issues; thus, remodelling human pregnancy in vitro is highly beneficial for treatment modality development via disease remodelling or drug monitoring. This review highlights current efforts in bioengineering devices to reproduce human pregnancy and emphasises the significant convergence of biology, engineering, and maternal-foetal medicine. First, we review recent achievements in culturing cells from tissues involved in pregnancy; specifically, trophoblasts from the placenta. Second, we highlight developments in the reconstitution of pregnancy-related female reproductive organs across several structural and functional interpretations. Last, we examine research on the fundamental comprehension of pregnancy-associated diseases to find bioengineering solutions. Recreating human pregnancy through an engineered model is naturally complex; nevertheless, challenges are inevitable to progress precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Yoon Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University, Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Hosub Lim
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Luke P Lee
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea.
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21
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Deng S, Li C, Cao J, Cui Z, Du J, Fu Z, Yang H, Chen P. Organ-on-a-chip meets artificial intelligence in drug evaluation. Theranostics 2023; 13:4526-4558. [PMID: 37649608 PMCID: PMC10465229 DOI: 10.7150/thno.87266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug evaluation has always been an important area of research in the pharmaceutical industry. However, animal welfare protection and other shortcomings of traditional drug development models pose obstacles and challenges to drug evaluation. Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technology, which simulates human organs on a chip of the physiological environment and functionality, and with high fidelity reproduction organ-level of physiology or pathophysiology, exhibits great promise for innovating the drug development pipeline. Meanwhile, the advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) provides more improvements for the design and data processing of OoCs. Here, we review the current progress that has been made to generate OoC platforms, and how human single and multi-OoCs have been used in applications, including drug testing, disease modeling, and personalized medicine. Moreover, we discuss issues facing the field, such as large data processing and reproducibility, and point to the integration of OoCs and AI in data analysis and automation, which is of great benefit in future drug evaluation. Finally, we look forward to the opportunities and challenges faced by the coupling of OoCs and AI. In summary, advancements in OoCs development, and future combinations with AI, will eventually break the current state of drug evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Deng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Caifeng Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
- Robot Intelligent Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & MEGAROBO, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Junxian Cao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Zhao Cui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Jiang Du
- Yunnan Biovalley Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Kunming 650503, China
| | - Zheng Fu
- Robot Intelligent Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & MEGAROBO, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Hongjun Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
- Robot Intelligent Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & MEGAROBO, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
- Yunnan Biovalley Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Kunming 650503, China
- Robot Intelligent Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & MEGAROBO, Beijing 100700, China
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22
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Ferraz MDAMM, Ferronato GDA. Opportunities involving microfluidics and 3D culture systems to the in vitro embryo production. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230058. [PMID: 37638255 PMCID: PMC10449241 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional methods of gamete handling, fertilization, and embryo culture often face limitations in efficiency, consistency, and the ability to closely mimic in vivo conditions. This review explores the opportunities presented by microfluidic and 3D culture systems in overcoming these challenges and enhancing in vitro embryo production. We discuss the basic principles of microfluidics, emphasizing their inherent advantages such as precise control of fluid flow, reduced reagent consumption, and high-throughput capabilities. Furthermore, we delve into microfluidic devices designed for gamete manipulation, in vitro fertilization, and embryo culture, highlighting innovations such as droplet-based microfluidics and on-chip monitoring. Next, we explore the integration of 3D culture systems, including the use of biomimetic scaffolds and organ-on-a-chip platforms, with a particular focus on the oviduct-on-a-chip. Finally, we discuss the potential of these advanced systems to improve embryo production outcomes and advance our understanding of early embryo development. By leveraging the unique capabilities of microfluidics and 3D culture systems, we foresee significant advancements in the efficiency, effectiveness, and clinical success of in vitro embryo production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia de Almeida Monteiro Melo Ferraz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Oberschleißheim, Germany
- Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Giuliana de Avila Ferronato
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Oberschleißheim, Germany
- Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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23
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Sadeghi E, Rezazadeh Valojerdi M, Salehnia M. Co-Culture of Mouse Blastocysts on A Human Recellularized Endometrial Scaffold: An In Vitro Model for Future Implantation Studies. CELL JOURNAL 2023; 25:579-590. [PMID: 37641420 PMCID: PMC10542203 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2023.1989926.1236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study evaluates the interaction of mouse blastocysts as a surrogate embryo on a recellularized endometrial scaffold by seeding human endometrial mesenchymal cells (hEMCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, prepared decellularized human endometrial tissues were characterized by morphological staining, DNA content analysis, and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. The scaffolds were subsequently recellularized by hEMCs. After seven days of cultivation, the mouse blastocysts were co-cultured on the recellularized scaffolds for 48 hours. Embryo attachment and implantation within these scaffolds were evaluated at the morphological, ultrastructural, molecular, and hormonal levels. RESULTS There was no morphological evidence of cells and nuclei in the decellularized scaffold. DNA content significantly decreased by 89.92% compared to the control group (P<0.05). Both decellularized and native tissues had similar patterns of collagen bundles and elastin fibers, and glycosaminoglycan (GAGs) distribution in the stroma. After recellularization, the hEMCs attached to the scaffold surface and penetrated different parts of these scaffolds. In the co-cultured group, the embryo attached to the surface of the scaffold after 24 hours and penetrated the recellularized endometrial tissue after 48 hours. We observed multi-layered organoid-like structures formed by hEMC proliferation. The relative expressions of epithelial-related genes, ZO-1 and COL4A1, and SSP1, MMP2, and PRL, as decidualizationrelated genes, were significantly higher in the recellularized group on day 9 in the presence of the embryo compared to the other groups (P<0.05). Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and prolactin were statistically increased in the recellularized group on day 9 group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION hEMCs and mouse embryo co-cultured on a decellularized endometrial scaffold provides an alternative model to study embryo implantation and the earlier stage of embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Sadeghi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mojdeh Salehnia
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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24
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Del Valle JS, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM. Bioengineered 3D Ovarian Models as Paramount Technology for Female Health Management and Reproduction. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:832. [PMID: 37508859 PMCID: PMC10376580 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10070832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian dysfunction poses significant threats to the health of female individuals. Ovarian failure can lead to infertility due to the lack or inefficient production of fertilizable eggs. In addition, the ovary produces hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, that play crucial roles not only during pregnancy, but also in maintaining cardiovascular, bone, and cognitive health. Decline in estrogen and progesterone production due to ovarian dysfunction can result in menopausal-associated syndromes and lead to conditions, such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Recent advances in the design of bioengineered three-dimensional (3D) ovarian models, such as ovarian organoids or artificial ovaries, have made it possible to mimic aspects of the cellular heterogeneity and functional characteristics of the ovary in vitro. These novel technologies are emerging as valuable tools for studying ovarian physiology and pathology and may provide alternatives for fertility preservation. Moreover, they may have the potential to restore aspects of ovarian function, improving the quality of life of the (aging) female population. This review focuses on the state of the art of 3D ovarian platforms, including the latest advances modeling female reproduction, female physiology, ovarian cancer, and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta S Del Valle
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Susana M Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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25
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Song Y, Burns GW, Joshi NR, Arora R, Kim JJ, Fazleabas AT. Spheroids as a model for endometriotic lesions. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e160815. [PMID: 37104033 PMCID: PMC10393231 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.160815] [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: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The development and progression of endometriotic lesions are poorly understood, but immune cell dysfunction and inflammation are closely associated with the pathophysiology of endometriosis. There is a need for 3D in vitro models to permit the study of interactions between cell types and the microenvironment. To address this, we developed endometriotic spheroids (ES) to explore the role of epithelial-stromal interactions and model peritoneal invasion associated with lesion development. Using a nonadherent microwell culture system, spheroids were generated with immortalized endometriotic epithelial cells (12Z) combined with endometriotic stromal (iEc-ESC) or uterine stromal (iHUF) cell lines. Transcriptomic analysis found 4,522 differentially expressed genes in ES compared with spheroids containing uterine stromal cells. The top increased gene sets were inflammation-related pathways, and an overlap with baboon endometriotic lesions was highly significant. Finally, to mimic invasion of endometrial tissue into the peritoneum, a model was developed with human peritoneal mesothelial cells in an extracellular matrix. Invasion was increased in the presence of estradiol or pro-inflammatory macrophages and suppressed by a progestin. Taken together, our results strongly support the concept that ES are an appropriate model for dissecting mechanisms that contribute to endometriotic lesion development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Song
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Gregory W. Burns
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Niraj R. Joshi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Ripla Arora
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - J. Julie Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Asgerally T. Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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26
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Soares BX, Miranda CC, Fernandes TG. Systems bioengineering approaches for developmental toxicology. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:3272-3279. [PMID: 38213895 PMCID: PMC10781881 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Developmental toxicology is the field of study that examines the effects of chemical and physical agents on developing organisms. By using principles of systems biology and bioengineering, a systems bioengineering approach could be applied to study the complex interactions between developing organisms, the environment, and toxic agents. This approach would result in a holistic understanding of the effects of toxic agents on organisms, by considering the interactions between different biological systems and the impacts of toxicants on those interactions. It would be useful in identifying key biological pathways and mechanisms affected by toxic agents, as well as in the development of predictive models to assess potential risks of exposure to toxicants during development. In this review, we discuss the relevance of systems bioengineering to the field of developmental toxicity and provide up-to-date examples that illustrate the use of engineering principles for this application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Xavier Soares
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB – Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudia C. Miranda
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB – Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- AccelBio, Collaborative Laboratory to Foster Translation and Drug Discovery, Cantanhede, Portugal
| | - Tiago G. Fernandes
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB – Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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27
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Cakiroglu Y, Tiras B, Franasiak J, Seli E. Treatment options for endometrial hypoproliferation. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2023; 35:254-262. [PMID: 36912320 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Endometrial hypoproliferation refers to the failure of the endometrium to reach optimal thickness during fresh or frozen embryo transfer cycles in women undergoing infertility treatment with in-vitro fertilization (IVF). This review discusses the treatment options for endometrial hypoproliferation. RECENT FINDINGS Apart from factors related to the embryo quality, ultrasonographic findings associated with the endometrium, such as endometrial thickness, endometrial pattern and subendometrial blood flow, are considered key factors associated with the outcome of assisted reproductive treatment. To date, a consensus has not been reached regarding the definition of thin endometrium, while thresholds of 6, 7 or 8 mm have been used in the literature. Strategies to increase endometrial thickness can be reviewed in three groups: endocrine approaches, vitamins & supplements, and new experimental therapeutic interventions. Some of the recently introduced experimental therapeutic interventions such as platelet-rich plasma injection, stem cell treatment and tissue bioengineering are exciting potential therapies that need to be further studied. SUMMARY Despite a large number of publications on the topic, diagnosing and treating endometrial hypoproliferation remains a challenge. Well designed studies are needed to establish a widely accepted endometrial thickness cut-off value below which endometrial hypoproliferation is diagnosed and to generate meaningful data that would allow an evidence-based discussion of available therapeutic options with patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yigit Cakiroglu
- Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University
- Acibadem Maslak Hospital Assisted Reproductive Techniques Unit, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bulent Tiras
- Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University
- Acibadem Maslak Hospital Assisted Reproductive Techniques Unit, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Emre Seli
- IVI RMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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28
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Tinning H, Edge JC, DeBem THC, Deligianni F, Giovanardi G, Pensabene V, Meirelles FV, Forde N. Review: Endometrial function in pregnancy establishment in cattle. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100751. [PMID: 37567655 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The endometrium is fundamentally required for successful pregnancy in ruminants and species where the posthatching conceptus undergoes a protracted elongation and peri-implantation phase of pregnancy. Moreover, there are substantial waves of pregnancy loss during this pre- and peri-implantation period of pregnancy the precise source of which has not been clearly defined i.e., the maternal uterine contribution to this loss. Understanding the molecular interactions required for successful pregnancy in cattle will allow us to intervene to support pregnancy success during this vulnerable window. The endometrium contributes to most key developmental milestones of pregnancy establishment, including (1) contributing to the regulation of the oestrus cycle, (2) nourishing the preimplantation conceptus, (3) responding to the conceptus to create a more receptive microenvironment, (4) providing essential biophysical support, and (5) signalling and producing factors which affect the mother systemically. This review will summarise what we currently know about conceptus-maternal interactions as well as identify the gaps in our knowledge that could be filled with newer in vitro model approaches. These include the use of microfluidics, organ-on-a-chip devices, and bioinformatic approaches. This will help maximise food production efficiency (both meat and dairy) and decrease the environmental burden, while enhancing our understanding of the fundamental processes required for successful implantation in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Tinning
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - J C Edge
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - T H C DeBem
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - F Deligianni
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - G Giovanardi
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom; School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - V Pensabene
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - F V Meirelles
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - N Forde
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom.
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29
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Kadlecova M, Freude K, Haukedal H. Complexity of Sex Differences and Their Impact on Alzheimer's Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051261. [PMID: 37238932 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex differences are present in brain morphology, sex hormones, aging processes and immune responses. These differences need to be considered for proper modelling of neurological diseases with clear sex differences. This is the case for Alzheimer's disease (AD), a fatal neurodegenerative disorder with two-thirds of cases diagnosed in women. It is becoming clear that there is a complex interplay between the immune system, sex hormones and AD. Microglia are major players in the neuroinflammatory process occurring in AD and have been shown to be directly affected by sex hormones. However, many unanswered questions remain as the importance of including both sexes in research studies has only recently started receiving attention. In this review, we provide a summary of sex differences and their implications in AD, with a focus on microglia action. Furthermore, we discuss current available study models, including emerging complex microfluidic and 3D cellular models and their usefulness for studying hormonal effects in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Kadlecova
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 C Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Kristine Freude
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 C Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Henriette Haukedal
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 C Frederiksberg, Denmark
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30
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Zhang J, Goods BA, Pattarawat P, Wang Y, Haining T, Zhang Q, Shalek AK, Duncan FE, Woodruff TK, Xiao S. An ex vivo ovulation system enables the discovery of novel ovulatory pathways and nonhormonal contraceptive candidates†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:629-644. [PMID: 36708230 PMCID: PMC10106841 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad009] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovulation is an integral part of women's menstrual cycle and fertility. Understanding the mechanisms of ovulation has broad implications for the treatment of anovulatory diseases and the development of novel contraceptives. Now, few studies have developed effective models that both faithfully recapitulate the hallmarks of ovulation and possess scalability. We established a three-dimensional encapsulated in vitro follicle growth (eIVFG) system that recapitulates folliculogenesis and produces follicles that undergo ovulation in a controlled manner. Here, we determined whether ex vivo ovulation preserves molecular signatures of ovulation and demonstrated its use in discovering novel ovulatory pathways and nonhormonal contraceptive candidates through a high-throughput ovulation screening. Mature murine follicles from eIVFG were induced to ovulate ex vivo using human chorionic gonadotropin and collected at 0, 1, 4, and 8 hours post-induction. Phenotypic analyses confirmed key ovulatory events, including cumulus expansion, oocyte maturation, follicle rupture, and luteinization. Single-follicle RNA-sequencing analysis revealed the preservation of ovulatory genes and dynamic transcriptomic profiles and signaling. Soft clustering identified distinct gene expression patterns and new pathways that may critically regulate ovulation. We further used this ex vivo ovulation system to screen 21 compounds targeting established and newly identified ovulatory pathways. We discovered that proprotein convertases activate gelatinases to sustain follicle rupture and do not regulate luteinization and progesterone secretion. Together, our ex vivo ovulation system preserves molecular signatures of ovulation, presenting a new powerful tool for studying ovulation and anovulatory diseases as well as for establishing a high-throughput ovulation screening to identify novel nonhormonal contraceptives for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Brittany A Goods
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Pawat Pattarawat
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Yingzheng Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Tessa Haining
- The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alex K Shalek
- The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Institute for Medical Science and Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Shuo Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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31
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Russo A, Cain BP, Jackson-Bey T, Lopez Carrero A, Miglo J, MacLaughlan S, Isenberg BC, Coppeta J, Burdette JE. Increased Local Testosterone Levels Alter Human Fallopian Tube mRNA Profile and Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072062. [PMID: 37046723 PMCID: PMC10093055 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fallopian tube epithelium (FTE) plays a critical role in reproduction and can be the site where High Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma (HGSOC) originates. Tumorigenic oviductal cells, which are the murine equivalent of human fallopian tube secretory epithelial cells (FTSEC), enhance testosterone secretion by the ovary when co-cultured with the ovary, suggesting that testosterone is part of the signaling axis between the ovary and FTSEC. Furthermore, testosterone promotes proliferation of oviductal cells. Oral contraceptives, tubal ligation, and salpingectomy, which are all protective against developing ovarian cancer, also decrease circulating levels of androgen. In the current study, we investigated the effect of increased testosterone on FTE and found that testosterone upregulates wingless-type MMTV integration family, member 4 (WNT4) and induces migration and invasion of immortalized human fallopian tube cells. We profiled primary human fallopian tissues grown in the microfluidic system SOLO-microfluidic platform –(MFP) by RNA sequencing and found that p53 and its downstream target genes, such as paired box gene 2 (PAX2), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDK1A or p21), and cluster of differentiation 82 (CD82 or KAI1) were downregulated in response to testosterone treatment. A microfluidic platform, the PREDICT-Multi Organ System (PREDICT-MOS) was engineered to support insert technology that allowed for the study of cancer cell migration and invasion through Matrigel. Using this system, we found that testosterone enhanced FTE migration and invasion, which was reversed by the androgen receptor (AR) antagonist, bicalutamide. Testosterone also enhanced FTSEC adhesion to the ovarian stroma using murine ovaries. Overall, these results indicate that primary human fallopian tube tissue and immortalized FTSEC respond to testosterone to shift expression of genes that regulate invasion, while leveraging a new strategy to study migration in the presence of dynamic fluid flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Russo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Brian P. Cain
- Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Tia Jackson-Bey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Alfredo Lopez Carrero
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Jane Miglo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Shannon MacLaughlan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | | | | | - Joanna E. Burdette
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
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32
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Gard AL, Luu RJ, Maloney R, Cooper MH, Cain BP, Azizgolshani H, Isenberg BC, Borenstein JT, Ong J, Charest JL, Vedula EM. A high-throughput, 28-day, microfluidic model of gingival tissue inflammation and recovery. Commun Biol 2023; 6:92. [PMID: 36690695 PMCID: PMC9870913 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04434-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly half of American adults suffer from gum disease, including mild inflammation of gingival tissue, known as gingivitis. Currently, advances in therapeutic treatments are hampered by a lack of mechanistic understanding of disease progression in physiologically relevant vascularized tissues. To address this, we present a high-throughput microfluidic organ-on-chip model of human gingival tissue containing keratinocytes, fibroblast and endothelial cells. We show the triculture model exhibits physiological tissue structure, mucosal barrier formation, and protein biomarker expression and secretion over several weeks. Through inflammatory cytokine administration, we demonstrate the induction of inflammation measured by changes in barrier function and cytokine secretion. These states of inflammation are induced at various time points within a stable culture window, providing a robust platform for evaluation of therapeutic agents. These data reveal that the administration of specific small molecule inhibitors mitigates the inflammatory response and enables tissue recovery, providing an opportunity for identification of new therapeutic targets for gum disease with the potential to facilitate relevant preclinical drug efficacy and toxicity testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ryan Maloney
- Bioengineering Division, Draper, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Brian P Cain
- Bioengineering Division, Draper, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jane Ong
- Colgate-Palmolive Company, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | | | - Else M Vedula
- Bioengineering Division, Draper, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Sood A, Kumar A, Gupta VK, Kim CM, Han SS. Translational Nanomedicines Across Human Reproductive Organs Modeling on Microfluidic Chips: State-of-the-Art and Future Prospects. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:62-84. [PMID: 36541361 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Forecasting the consequence of nanoparticles (NPs) and therapeutically significant molecules before materializing for human clinical trials is a mainstay for drug delivery and screening processes. One of the noteworthy obstacles that has prevented the clinical translation of NP-based drug delivery systems and novel drugs is the lack of effective preclinical platforms. As a revolutionary technology, the organ-on-a-chip (OOC), a coalition of microfluidics and tissue engineering, has surfaced as an alternative to orthodox screening platforms. OOC technology recapitulates the structural and physiological features of human organs along with intercommunications between tissues on a chip. The current review discusses the concept of microfluidics and confers cutting-edge fabrication processes for chip designing. We also outlined the advantages of microfluidics in analyzing NPs in terms of characterization, transport, and degradation in biological systems. The review further elaborates the scope and research on translational nanomedicines in human reproductive organs (testis, placenta, uterus, and menstrual cycle) by taking the advantages offered by microfluidics and shedding light on their potential future implications. Finally, we accentuate the existing challenges for clinical translation and scale-up dynamics for microfluidics chips and emphasize its future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Sood
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
| | - Anuj Kumar
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea.,Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
| | - Vijai Kumar Gupta
- Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, United Kingdom
| | - Chul Min Kim
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Gyeongsang National University, 33 Dongjin-ro, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do 52725, South Korea
| | - Sung Soo Han
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea.,Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
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Cho S, Lee S, Ahn SI. Design and engineering of organ-on-a-chip. Biomed Eng Lett 2023; 13:97-109. [PMID: 36620430 PMCID: PMC9806813 DOI: 10.1007/s13534-022-00258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) is an emerging interdisciplinary technology that reconstitutes the structure, function, and physiology of human tissues as an alternative to conventional preclinical models for drug screening. Over the last decade, substantial progress has been made in mimicking tissue- and organ-level functions on chips through technical advances in biomaterials, stem cell engineering, microengineering, and microfluidic technologies. Structural and engineering constituents, as well as biological components, are critical factors to be considered to reconstitute the tissue function and microenvironment on chips. In this review, we highlight critical engineering technologies for reconstructing the tissue microarchitecture and dynamic spatiotemporal microenvironment in OOCs. We review the technological advances in the field of OOCs for a range of applications, including systemic analysis tools that can be integrated with OOCs, multiorgan-on-chips, and large-scale manufacturing. We then discuss the challenges and future directions for the development of advanced end-user-friendly OOC systems for a wide range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Cho
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
| | - Sumi Lee
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
| | - Song Ih Ahn
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
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35
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Lazofsky A, Buckley B. Recent Trends in Multiclass Analysis of Emerging Endocrine Disrupting Contaminants (EDCs) in Drinking Water. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27248835. [PMID: 36557967 PMCID: PMC9781274 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ingestion of water is a major route of human exposure to environmental contaminants. There have been numerous studies exploring the different compounds present in drinking water, with recent attention drawn to a new class of emerging contaminants: endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). EDCs encompass a broad range of physio-chemically diverse compounds; from naturally occurring to manmade. Environmentally, EDCs are found as mixtures containing multiple classes at trace amounts. Human exposure to EDCs, even at low concentrations, is known to lead to adverse health effects. Therefore, the ability to evaluate EDC contamination with a high degree of sensitivity and accuracy is of the utmost importance. This review includes (i) discussion on the perceived and actual risks associated with EDC exposure (ii) regulatory actions that look to limit EDC contamination (iii) analytical methods, including sample preparation, instrumentation and bioassays that have been advanced and employed for multiclass EDC identification and quantitation.
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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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Izadifar Z, Sontheimer-Phelps A, Lubamba BA, Bai H, Fadel C, Stejskalova A, Ozkan A, Dasgupta Q, Bein A, Junaid A, Gulati A, Mahajan G, Kim S, LoGrande NT, Naziripour A, Ingber DE. Modeling mucus physiology and pathophysiology in human organs-on-chips. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 191:114542. [PMID: 36179916 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The surfaces of human internal organs are lined by a mucus layer that ensures symbiotic relationships with commensal microbiome while protecting against potentially injurious environmental chemicals, toxins, and pathogens, and disruption of this layer can contribute to disease development. Studying mucus biology has been challenging due to the lack of physiologically relevant human in vitro models. Here we review recent progress that has been made in the development of human organ-on-a-chip microfluidic culture models that reconstitute epithelial tissue barriers and physiologically relevant mucus layers with a focus on lung, colon, small intestine, cervix and vagina. These organ-on-a-chip models that incorporate dynamic fluid flow, air-liquid interfaces, and physiologically relevant mechanical cues can be used to study mucus composition, mechanics, and structure, as well as investigate its contributions to human health and disease with a level of biomimicry not possible in the past.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Izadifar
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | | | - Bob A Lubamba
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Haiqing Bai
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Cicely Fadel
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Anna Stejskalova
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Alican Ozkan
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Queeny Dasgupta
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Amir Bein
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Abidemi Junaid
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Aakanksha Gulati
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Gautam Mahajan
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Seongmin Kim
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Nina T LoGrande
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Arash Naziripour
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Donald E Ingber
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, United Kingdom.
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38
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Land KL, Miller FG, Fugate AC, Hannon PR. The effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on ovarian- and ovulation-related fertility outcomes. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:608-631. [PMID: 36580349 PMCID: PMC10100123 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is unavoidable, which represents a public health concern given the ability of EDCs to target the ovary. However, there is a large gap in the knowledge about the impact of EDCs on ovarian function, including the process of ovulation. Defects in ovulation are the leading cause of infertility in women, and EDC exposures are contributing to the prevalence of infertility. Thus, investigating the effects of EDCs on the ovary and ovulation is an emerging area for research and is the focus of this review. The effects of EDCs on gametogenesis, uterine function, embryonic development, and other aspects of fertility are not addressed to focus on ovarian- and ovulation-related fertility issues. Herein, findings from epidemiological and basic science studies are summarized for several EDCs, including phthalates, bisphenols, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, flame retardants, parabens, and triclosan. Epidemiological literature suggests that exposure is associated with impaired fecundity and in vitro fertilization outcomes (decreased egg yield, pregnancies, and births), while basic science literature reports altered ovarian follicle and corpora lutea numbers, altered hormone levels, and impaired ovulatory processes. Future directions include identification of the mechanisms by which EDCs disrupt ovulation leading to infertility, especially in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie L. Land
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Frances G. Miller
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Ava C. Fugate
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Patrick R. Hannon
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
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Ghorbani S, Eyni H, Norahan MH, Zarrintaj P, Urban N, Mohammadzadeh A, Mostafavi E, Sutherland DS. Advanced bioengineering of female germ cells to preserve fertility. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1177-1204. [PMID: 35947985 PMCID: PMC10144627 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac160] [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: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Oogenesis and folliculogenesis are considered as complex and species-specific cellular differentiation processes, which depend on the in vivo ovarian follicular environment and endocrine cues. Considerable efforts have been devoted to driving the differentiation of female primordial germ cells toward mature oocytes outside of the body. The recent experimental attempts have laid stress on offering a suitable microenvironment to assist the in vitro folliculogenesis and oogenesis. Despite developing a variety of bioengineering techniques and generating functional mature gametes through in vitro oogenesis in earlier studies, we still lack knowledge of appropriate microenvironment conditions for building biomimetic culture systems for female fertility preservation. Therefore, this review paper can provide a source for a large body of scientists developing cutting-edge in vitro culture systems for female germ cells or setting up the next generation of reproductive medicine as feasible options for female infertility treatment. The focal point of this review outlines advanced bioengineering technologies such as 3D biofabricated hydrogels/scaffolds and microfluidic systems utilized with female germlines for fertility preservation through in vitro folliculogenesis and oogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Ghorbani
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hossein Eyni
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hadi Norahan
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey Unviersity, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Payam Zarrintaj
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Nadine Urban
- Freiburg Centre for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Ebrahim Mostafavi
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Duncan S Sutherland
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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40
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Zommiti M, Connil N, Tahrioui A, Groboillot A, Barbey C, Konto-Ghiorghi Y, Lesouhaitier O, Chevalier S, Feuilloley MGJ. Organs-on-Chips Platforms Are Everywhere: A Zoom on Biomedical Investigation. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:646. [PMID: 36354557 PMCID: PMC9687856 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9110646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the decades, conventional in vitro culture systems and animal models have been used to study physiology, nutrient or drug metabolisms including mechanical and physiopathological aspects. However, there is an urgent need for Integrated Testing Strategies (ITS) and more sophisticated platforms and devices to approach the real complexity of human physiology and provide reliable extrapolations for clinical investigations and personalized medicine. Organ-on-a-chip (OOC), also known as a microphysiological system, is a state-of-the-art microfluidic cell culture technology that sums up cells or tissue-to-tissue interfaces, fluid flows, mechanical cues, and organ-level physiology, and it has been developed to fill the gap between in vitro experimental models and human pathophysiology. The wide range of OOC platforms involves the miniaturization of cell culture systems and enables a variety of novel experimental techniques. These range from modeling the independent effects of biophysical forces on cells to screening novel drugs in multi-organ microphysiological systems, all within microscale devices. As in living biosystems, the development of vascular structure is the salient feature common to almost all organ-on-a-chip platforms. Herein, we provide a snapshot of this fast-evolving sophisticated technology. We will review cutting-edge developments and advances in the OOC realm, discussing current applications in the biomedical field with a detailed description of how this technology has enabled the reconstruction of complex multi-scale and multifunctional matrices and platforms (at the cellular and tissular levels) leading to an acute understanding of the physiopathological features of human ailments and infections in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Zommiti
- Research Unit Bacterial Communication and Anti-infectious Strategies (CBSA, UR4312), University of Rouen Normandie, 27000 Evreux, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marc G. J. Feuilloley
- Research Unit Bacterial Communication and Anti-infectious Strategies (CBSA, UR4312), University of Rouen Normandie, 27000 Evreux, France
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41
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Mansouri M, Ahmed A, Ahmad SD, McCloskey MC, Joshi IM, Gaborski TR, Waugh RE, McGrath JL, Day SW, Abhyankar VV. The Modular µSiM Reconfigured: Integration of Microfluidic Capabilities to Study In Vitro Barrier Tissue Models under Flow. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2200802. [PMID: 35953453 PMCID: PMC9798530 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic tissue barrier models have emerged to address the lack of physiological fluid flow in conventional "open-well" Transwell-like devices. However, microfluidic techniques have not achieved widespread usage in bioscience laboratories because they are not fully compatible with traditional experimental protocols. To advance barrier tissue research, there is a need for a platform that combines the key advantages of both conventional open-well and microfluidic systems. Here, a plug-and-play flow module is developed to introduce on-demand microfluidic flow capabilities to an open-well device that features a nanoporous membrane and live-cell imaging capabilities. The magnetic latching assembly of this design enables bi-directional reconfiguration and allows users to conduct an experiment in an open-well format with established protocols and then add or remove microfluidic capabilities as desired. This work also provides an experimentally-validated flow model to select flow conditions based on the experimental needs. As a proof-of-concept, flow-induced alignment of endothelial cells and the expression of shear-sensitive gene targets are demonstrated, and the different phases of neutrophil transmigration across a chemically stimulated endothelial monolayer under flow conditions are visualized. With these experimental capabilities, it is anticipated that both engineering and bioscience laboratories will adopt this reconfigurable design due to the compatibility with standard open-well protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Mansouri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Adeel Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - S. Danial Ahmad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Molly C. McCloskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Indranil M. Joshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Thomas R. Gaborski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Richard E. Waugh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - James L. McGrath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Steven W. Day
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Vinay V. Abhyankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
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42
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Chan CJ, Hirashima T. Tissue hydraulics in reproduction. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 131:124-133. [PMID: 35606275 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The development of functional eggs and sperm are critical processes in mammalian development as they ensure successful reproduction and species propagation. While past studies have identified important genes that regulate these processes, the roles of luminal flow and fluid stress in reproductive biology remain less well understood. Here, we discuss recent evidence that support the diverse functions of luminal fluid in oogenesis, spermatogenesis and embryogenesis. We also review emerging techniques that allow for precise quantification and perturbation of tissue hydraulics in female and male reproductive systems, and propose new questions and approaches in this field. We hope this review will provide a useful resource to inspire future research in tissue hydraulics in reproductive biology and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chii Jou Chan
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Tsuyoshi Hirashima
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; The Hakubi Center/Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, Kawaguchi, Japan.
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43
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Kouthouridis S, Robson E, Hartung A, Raha S, Zhang B. Se(XY) matters: the importance of incorporating sex in microphysiological models. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 40:1284-1298. [PMID: 35597689 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The development of microphysiological models is currently at the forefront of preclinical research. Although these 3D tissue models are being developed to mimic physiological organ function and diseases, which are often sexually dimorphic, sex is usually neglected as a biological variable. For decades, national research agencies have required government-funded clinical trials to include both male and female participants as a means of eliminating male bias. However, this is not the case in preclinical trials, which have been shown to favor male rodents in animal studies and male cell types in in vitro studies. In this Opinion, we highlight the importance of considering sex as a biological variable and outline five approaches for incorporating sex-specific features into current microphysiological models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Kouthouridis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Eleanor Robson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Alicia Hartung
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada; School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Sandeep Raha
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada; Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada.
| | - Boyang Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada; School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada.
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44
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Automatic Evaluation for Bioengineering of Human Artificial Ovary: A Model for Fertility Preservation for Prepubertal Female Patients with a Malignant Tumor. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012419. [PMID: 36293273 PMCID: PMC9604043 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The in vitro culture of primordial follicles is the only available option for preserving fertility in prepubertal girls with malignant tumors. The cultivation of primordial follicles in scaffolds as artificial ovaries is a promising approach for this. Methods: Dissociated follicles were placed into an artificial ovarian scaffold composed of fibrinogen and thrombin. The follicles were cultured in a dish dedicated to live cell imaging and observed for growth using immunofluorescence and development via optical microscopy. The morphology of the follicles in the scaffold was three-dimensionally reconstructed using the Imaris software. Growth and development were also quantified. Results: The morphology of artificial ovaries began to degrade over time. Within approximately 7 days, primordial follicles were activated and grew into secondary follicles. A comparison of optical and confocal microscopy results revealed the superior detection of live cells using confocal microscopy. The three-dimensional reconstruction of the confocal microscopy data enabled the automatic enumeration and evaluation of the overall morphology of many follicles. Conclusions: The novel artificial ovary-enabled primordial follicles to enter the growth cycle after activation and grow into secondary follicles. The use of a fibrin scaffold as a carrier preserves the developmental potential of primordial germ cells and is a potentially effective method for preserving fertility in prepubertal girls.
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Li X, Fan X, Li Z, Shi L, Liu J, Luo H, Wang L, Du X, Chen W, Guo J, Li C, Liu S. Application of Microfluidics in Drug Development from Traditional Medicine. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12100870. [PMID: 36291008 PMCID: PMC9599478 DOI: 10.3390/bios12100870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
While there are many clinical drugs for prophylaxis and treatment, the search for those with low or no risk of side effects for the control of infectious and non-infectious diseases is a dilemma that cannot be solved by today's traditional drug development strategies. The need for new drug development strategies is becoming increasingly important, and the development of new drugs from traditional medicines is the most promising strategy. Many valuable clinical drugs have been developed based on traditional medicine, including drugs with single active ingredients similar to modern drugs and those developed from improved formulations of traditional drugs. However, the problems of traditional isolation and purification and drug screening methods should be addressed for successful drug development from traditional medicine. Advances in microfluidics have not only contributed significantly to classical drug development but have also solved many of the thorny problems of new strategies for developing new drugs from traditional drugs. In this review, we provide an overview of advanced microfluidics and its applications in drug development (drug compound synthesis, drug screening, drug delivery, and drug carrier fabrication) with a focus on its applications in conventional medicine, including the separation and purification of target components in complex samples and screening of active ingredients of conventional drugs. We hope that our review gives better insight into the potential of traditional medicine and the critical role of microfluidics in the drug development process. In addition, the emergence of new ideas and applications will bring about further advances in the field of drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- Sichuan Hanyuan County People’s Hospital, Hanyuan 625300, China
| | - Xiaoming Fan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Zhu Li
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Lina Shi
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Jinkuan Liu
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Hongzhi Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Zunyi), Zunyi 563002, China
| | - Lijun Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Xiaoxin Du
- Office of Scientific Research & Development, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Wenzhu Chen
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First People’s Hospital of Longquanyi District, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jiuchuan Guo
- The M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, The College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, #1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China
- Correspondence: (J.G.); (C.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Chenzhong Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Correspondence: (J.G.); (C.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Shan Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Correspondence: (J.G.); (C.L.); (S.L.)
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Mou L, Mandal K, Mecwan MM, Hernandez AL, Maity S, Sharma S, Herculano RD, Kawakita S, Jucaud V, Dokmeci MR, Khademhosseini A. Integrated biosensors for monitoring microphysiological systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:3801-3816. [PMID: 36074812 PMCID: PMC9635816 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00262k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPSs), also known as organ-on-a-chip models, aim to recapitulate the functional components of human tissues or organs in vitro. Over the last decade, with the advances in biomaterials, 3D bioprinting, and microfluidics, numerous MPSs have emerged with applications to study diseased and healthy tissue models. Various organs have been modeled using MPS technology, such as the heart, liver, lung, and blood-brain barrier. An important aspect of in vitro modeling is the accurate phenotypical and functional characterization of the modeled organ. However, most conventional characterization methods are invasive and destructive and do not allow continuous monitoring of the cells in culture. On the other hand, microfluidic biosensors enable in-line, real-time sensing of target molecules with an excellent limit of detection and in a non-invasive manner, thereby effectively overcoming the limitation of the traditional techniques. Consequently, microfluidic biosensors have been increasingly integrated into MPSs and used for in-line target detection. This review discusses the state-of-the-art microfluidic biosensors by providing specific examples, detailing their main advantages in monitoring MPSs, and highlighting current developments in this field. Finally, we describe the remaining challenges and potential future developments to advance the current state-of-the-art in integrated microfluidic biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Mou
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Kalpana Mandal
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Marvin Magan Mecwan
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Ana Lopez Hernandez
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Surjendu Maity
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Saurabh Sharma
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Rondinelli Donizetti Herculano
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA.
- Department of Bioprocess and Biotechnology Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP 14801-902, Brazil
| | - Satoru Kawakita
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Vadim Jucaud
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Mehmet Remzi Dokmeci
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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Singh K, Dewani D. Recent Advancements in In Vitro Fertilisation. Cureus 2022; 14:e30116. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Tantengco OAG, Richardson LS, Radnaa E, Kammala AK, Kim S, Medina PMB, Han A, Menon R. Modeling ascending Ureaplasma parvum infection through the female reproductive tract using vagina-cervix-decidua-organ-on-a-chip and feto-maternal interface-organ-on-a-chip. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22551. [PMID: 36106554 PMCID: PMC9500016 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200872r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Genital mycoplasmas can break the cervical barrier and cause intraamniotic infection and preterm birth. This study developed a six-chamber vagina-cervix-decidua-organ-on-a-chip (VCD-OOC) that recapitulates the female reproductive tract during pregnancy with culture chambers populated by vaginal epithelial cells, cervical epithelial and stromal cells, and decidual cells. Cells cultured in VCD-OOC were characterized by morphology and immunostaining for cell-specific markers. We transferred the media from the decidual cell chamber of the VCD-OOC to decidual cell chamber in feto-maternal interface organ-on-a-chip (FMi-OOC), which contains the fetal membrane layers. An ascending Ureaplasma parvum infection was created in VCD-OOC. U. parvum was monitored for 48 h post-infection with their cytotoxicity (LDH assay) and inflammatory effects (multiplex cytokine assay) in the cells tested. An ascending U. parvum infection model of PTB was developed using CD-1 mice. The cell morphology and expression of cell-specific markers in the VCD-OOC mimicked those seen in lower genital tract tissues. U. parvum reached the cervical epithelial cells and decidua within 48 h and did not cause cell death in VCD-OOC or FMi-OOC cells. U. parvum infection promoted minimal inflammation, while the combination of U. parvum and LPS promoted massive inflammation in the VCD-OOC and FMi-OOC cells. In the animal model, U. parvum vaginal inoculation of low-dose U. parvum did not result in PTB, and even a high dose had only some effects on PTB (20%). However, intra-amniotic injection of U. parvum resulted in 67% PTB. We report the colonization of U. parvum in various cell types; however, inconsistent, and low-grade inflammation across multiple cell types suggests poor immunogenicity induced by U. parvum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Lauren S. Richardson
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Paul Mark B. Medina
- Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
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Tsolova AO, Aguilar RM, Maybin JA, Critchley HOD. Pre-clinical models to study abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). EBioMedicine 2022; 84:104238. [PMID: 36081283 PMCID: PMC9465267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) is a common debilitating condition that significantly reduces quality of life of women across the reproductive age span. AUB creates significant morbidity, medical, social, and economic problems for women, their families, workplace, and health services. Despite the profoundly negative effects of AUB on public health, advancement in understanding the pathophysiology of AUB and the discovery of novel effective therapies is slow due to lack of reliable pre-clinical models. This review discusses currently available laboratory-based pre-clinical scientific models and how they are used to study AUB. Human and animal in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models will be described along with advantages and limitations of each method.
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Tahmasbpour Marzouni E, Stern C, Henrik Sinclair A, Tucker EJ. Stem Cells and Organs-on-chips: New Promising Technologies for Human Infertility Treatment. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:878-906. [PMID: 34967858 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Having biological children remains an unattainable dream for most couples with reproductive failure or gonadal dysgenesis. The combination of stem cells with gene editing technology and organ-on-a-chip models provides a unique opportunity for infertile patients with impaired gametogenesis caused by congenital disorders in sex development or cancer survivors. But how will these technologies overcome human infertility? This review discusses the regenerative mechanisms, applications, and advantages of different types of stem cells for restoring gametogenesis in infertile patients, as well as major challenges that must be overcome before clinical application. The importance and limitations of in vitro generation of gametes from patient-specific human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) will be discussed in the context of human reproduction. The potential role of organ-on-a-chip models that can direct differentiation of hiPSC-derived primordial germ cell-like cells to gametes and other reproductive organoids is also explored. These rapidly evolving technologies provide prospects for improving fertility to individuals and couples who experience reproductive failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eisa Tahmasbpour Marzouni
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine & Biomedical Innovations, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Catharyn Stern
- Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville and Melbourne IVF, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew Henrik Sinclair
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elena Jane Tucker
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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