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Zhou F, Wang S, Lu W, Chen X, Guo S, Lu C, Zhang X, Wu J, Wang S, Long Z, He B, Zhuang T, Xu X. The Essential Role of PGF2α/PTGFR in Molding Endometrial Breakdown and Vascular Dynamics, Regulated by HIF-1α in a Mouse Menstrual-like Model. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01526-7. [PMID: 38637474 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01526-7] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
In women of childbearing age, extensive decidualization, shedding and remodeling of the endometrium during the menstrual cycle are fundamental for successful pregnancy. The role of prostaglandins (PGs) in menstruation has long been proposed in humans, and the rate-limiting enzyme cyclooxygenase was shown to play a key role in endometrial breakdown and shedding in a mouse menstrual-like model in our previous study. However, the specific types of PGs involved and their respective roles remain unclear. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the mechanism through which PGs regulate endometrial disintegration. In this study, the microscopy was observed by HE; the protein levels of prostaglandins E1 (PGE1), prostaglandins E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and Prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) were detected by ELISA; the mRNA level of Pfgfr2, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor(Vegf), Angiostatin and Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (Hif1α) were examined by real-time PCR; PTGFR Receptor (PTGFR), VEGF, Angiostatin and HIF-1α protein levels were investigated by western blotting; the locations of protein were observed by Immunohistochemistry; HIF-1α binding PTGFR promoter was detected by Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and real-time PCR. We found that the concentrations of PGE1, PGE2, and PGF2α all increased significantly during this process. Furthermore, Ptgfr mRNA increased soon after Progesterone (P4) withdrawal, and PTGFR protein levels increased significantly during abundant endometrial breakdown and shedding processes. PTGFR inhibitors AL8810 significantly suppressed endometrial breakdown and shedding, promoted Angiostatin expression, and reduced VEGF-A expressions and vascular permeability. And HIF-1α and PTGFR were mainly located in the luminal/gland epithelium, vascular endothelium, and pre-decidual zone. Interestingly, HIF-1α directly bound to Ptgfr promoter. Moreover, a HIF-1α inhibitor 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME) significantly reduced PTGFR expression and suppressed endometrial breakdown which was in accord with PTGFR inhibitor's effect. Similar changes occurred in human stromal cells relevant to menstruation in vitro. Our study provides evidence that PGF2α/PTGFR plays a vital role in endometrial breakdown via vascular changes that are regulated by HIF-1α during menstruation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zhou
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Human Sperm Bank, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Shufang Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
| | - Wenhong Lu
- Human Sperm Bank, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Xihua Chen
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Shige Guo
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Lu
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangxu Wu
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Siyu Wang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Zeyi Long
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Bin He
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Taifeng Zhuang
- Beijing Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal &. Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangbo Xu
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China.
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Tian F, Han H, Jia L, Zhang J, Chu Z, Li J, Zhang Y, Yan P. The effects of mifepristone on the structure of human decidua and chorion and Bax and Bcl-2 expression at early stage of pregnancy. BMC PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 23:55. [PMID: 35869506 PMCID: PMC9308227 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-022-00592-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background As a progesterone receptor antagonist, mifepristone combined with misoprostol is widely used to terminate early pregnancy in clinical practice. It has also been reported that mifepristone may cause cell death in decidual cells and result in hemorrhage of the decidua and insufficient blood supply. However, little is known about the histological effects of mifepristone on human decidua and chorion. Methods Histological and subcellular structural changes of decidua and chorionic villi from women taking mifepristone at early pregnancy times were examined by Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and transmission Electron microscope. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bax/Bcl-2 was examined by immunohistochemistry. Results After 48 h of mifepristone administration, the decidua tissue and chorionic villus structures were altered in women within 39–49 days of gestation and displayed varying degrees of degeneration and necrosis-like features. Apoptotic events were observed in the decidua and chorionic villi of early pregnancy, and mifepristone treatment significantly increases the number of apoptotic cells. The increased apoptotic events were concomitant with the increased expression of Bax and decreased expression of Bcl-2. Conclusion This study provides evidence that mifepristone induces histological and subcellular changes in decidua and chorionic villi. Mifepristone modulates the relative ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and the increased apoptosis contributes to the pregnancy termination at early stage of pregnancy.
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Kim TH, Young SL, Sasaki T, Deaton JL, Schammel DP, Palomino WA, Jeong JW, Lessey BA. Role of SIRT1 and Progesterone Resistance in Normal and Abnormal Endometrium. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:788-800. [PMID: 34665857 PMCID: PMC8851922 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Progesterone resistance, a known pathologic condition associated with a reduced cellular response to progesterone and heightened estrogen responses, appears to have a normal physiologic role in mammalian reproduction. The molecular mechanism responsible for progesterone resistance in normal and abnormal endometrium remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To examine the roles of sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) in normal endometrium as well as endometrium associated with infertility and endometriosis, as an epigenetic modulator associated with progesterone resistance. METHODS SIRT1 expression was examined by Western blot, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry in mouse uterus and human endometrium. Mice with uterine specific Sirt1 overexpression were developed to examine SIRT1's role in endometrial function and endometriosis development. EX-527, a SIRT1 inhibitor, and SRT1720, a SIRT1 agonist, were also used to evaluate SIRT1 effect on endometriosis. RESULTS In normal healthy women, endometrial SIRT1 is expressed only during menses. SIRT1 was dramatically overexpressed in the endometrium from women with endometriosis in both the epithelium and stroma. In mice, SIRT1 is expressed at the time of implantation between day 4.5 and 5.5 of pregnancy. Overexpression of SIRT1 in the mouse uterus leads to subfertility due to implantation failure, decidualization defects and progesterone resistance. SIRT1 overexpression in endometriotic lesions promotes worsening endometriosis development. EX-527 significantly reduced the number of endometriotic lesions in the mouse endometriosis model. CONCLUSIONS SIRT1 expression and progesterone resistance appears to play roles in normal endometrial functions. Aberrant SIRT1 expression contributes to progesterone resistance and may participate in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. SIRT1 is a novel and targetable protein for the diagnosis as well as treatment of endometriosis and the associated infertility seen in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Steven L Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tsutomu Sasaki
- Laboratory of Nutrition Chemistry, Division of Food Science and Biotechnology Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Jeffrey L Deaton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | | | - Wilder Alberto Palomino
- Institute for Maternal and Child Research, Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Unit, University of Chile & Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Borja Arriarán Clinical Hospital, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Correspondence: Jae-Wook Jeong, PhD, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, 400 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
| | - Bruce A Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Bruce A. Lessey, MD, PhD, 1 Medical Center Blvd, 4th Floor Watlington Hall, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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Liu T, Shi F, Ying Y, Chen Q, Tang Z, Lin H. Mouse model of menstruation: An indispensable tool to investigate the mechanisms of menstruation and gynaecological diseases (Review). Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:4463-4474. [PMID: 33174022 PMCID: PMC7646730 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal menstruation may result in several pathological alterations and gynaecological diseases, including endometriosis, menstrual pain and miscarriage. However, the pathogenesis of menstruation remains unclear due to the limited number of animal models available to study the menstrual cycle. In recent years, an effective, reproducible, and highly adaptive mouse model to study menstruation has been developed. In this model, progesterone and oestrogen were administered in cycles following the removal of ovaries. Subsequently, endometrial decidualisation was induced using sesame oil, followed by withdrawal of progesterone administration. Vaginal bleeding in mice is similar to that in humans. Therefore, the use of mice as a model organism to study the mechanism of menstruation and gynaecological diseases may prove to be an important breakthrough. The present review is focussed ond the development and applications of a mouse model of menstruation. Furthermore, various studies have been described to improve this model and the research findings that may aid in the treatment of menstrual disorders in women are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Nanchang University Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Fuli Shi
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Nanchang University Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Ying Ying
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Nanchang University Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Qiongfeng Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Nanchang University Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Zhimin Tang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Nanchang University Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Hui Lin
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Nanchang University Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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Critchley HOD, Maybin JA, Armstrong GM, Williams ARW. Physiology of the Endometrium and Regulation of Menstruation. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:1149-1179. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00031.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological functions of the uterine endometrium (uterine lining) are preparation for implantation, maintenance of pregnancy if implantation occurs, and menstruation in the absence of pregnancy. The endometrium thus plays a pivotal role in reproduction and continuation of our species. Menstruation is a steroid-regulated event, and there are alternatives for a progesterone-primed endometrium, i.e., pregnancy or menstruation. Progesterone withdrawal is the trigger for menstruation. The menstruating endometrium is a physiological example of an injured or “wounded” surface that is required to rapidly repair each month. The physiological events of menstruation and endometrial repair provide an accessible in vivo human model of inflammation and tissue repair. Progress in our understanding of endometrial pathophysiology has been facilitated by modern cellular and molecular discovery tools, along with animal models of simulated menses. Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), including heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), imposes a massive burden on society, affecting one in four women of reproductive age. Understanding structural and nonstructural causes underpinning AUB is essential to optimize and provide precision in patient management. This is facilitated by careful classification of causes of bleeding. We highlight the crucial need for understanding mechanisms underpinning menstruation and its aberrations. The endometrium is a prime target tissue for selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs). This class of compounds has therapeutic potential for the clinical unmet need of HMB. SPRMs reduce menstrual bleeding by mechanisms still largely unknown. Human menstruation remains a taboo topic, and many questions concerning endometrial physiology that pertain to menstrual bleeding are yet to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary O. D. Critchley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline A. Maybin
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Gregory M. Armstrong
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair R. W. Williams
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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De Clercq K, Van den Eynde C, Hennes A, Van Bree R, Voets T, Vriens J. The functional expression of transient receptor potential channels in the mouse endometrium. Hum Reprod 2018; 32:615-630. [PMID: 28077439 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does mouse endometrial epithelial cells and stromal cells have a similar transient receptor potential (TRP)-channel expression profile and to that found in the human endometrium? SUMMARY ANSWER Mouse endometrial epithelial and stromal cells have a distinct TRP channel expression profile analogous to what has been found in human endometrium, and hence suggests the mouse a good model to investigate the role of TRP channels in reproduction. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY An optimal intercellular communication between epithelial and stromal endometrial cells is crucial for successful reproduction. Members of the TRP family were recently described in the human endometrial stroma; however their functional expression in murine endometrium remains unspecified. Furthermore, epithelial and stromal cells have distinct functions in the reproductive process, implying the possibility for a different expression profile. However, knowledge about the functional expression pattern of TRP channels in either epithelial or stromal cells is not available. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In this study, the expression pattern of TRP channels in the murine (C57BL/6 J strain) endometrium was investigated and compared to the human expression pattern. Therefore, expression was examined in uterine tissue isolated during the natural estrous cycle (n = 16) or during an induced menstrual cycle using the menstruating mouse model (n = 28). Next, the functional expression of TRP channels was assessed separately in endometrial epithelial and stromal cell populations. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Quantitative RT-PCR was used to evaluate the relative mRNA expression of TRP channels in murine uterine tissue and cells. To further assess the functional expression in epithelial or stromal cells, primary endometrial cell cultures and Fura2-based calcium-microfluorimetry experiments were performed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The expression pattern of TRP channels during the natural estrous cycle or the induced menstrual cycle is analog to what has been shown in human samples. Furthermore, a very distinct expression pattern was observed in epithelial cells compared to stromal cells. Expression of TRPV4, TRPV6 and TRPM6 was significantly higher in epithelial cells whereas TRPV2, TRPC1/4 and TRPC6 were almost exclusively expressed in stromal cells. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although relevant mRNA levels are detected for TRPV6 and TRPM6, and TRPM4, lack of selective, available pharmacology restricted functional analysis of these ion channels. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Successful reproduction, and more specifically embryo implantation, is a dynamic developmental process that integrates many signaling molecules into a precisely orchestrated program. Here, we describe the expression pattern of TRP channels in mouse endometrium that is similar to human tissue and their restricted functionality in either stromal cells or epithelial cells, suggesting a role in the epithelial-stromal crosstalk. These results will be very helpful to identify key players involved in the signaling cascades required for successful embryo implantation. In addition, these results illustrate that mouse endometrium is a valid representative for human endometrium to investigate TRP channels in the field of reproduction. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The Research Foundation-Flanders (G.0856.13 N to J.V.); the Research Council of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (OT/13/113 to J.V. and PF-TRPLe to T.V.); the Planckaert-De Waele fund (to J.V.); Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Belgium (to K.D.C. and A.H.). None of the authors have a conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien De Clercq
- Laboratory of Obstetrics and Experimental Gynaecology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 611, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Van den Eynde
- Laboratory of Obstetrics and Experimental Gynaecology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 611, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aurélie Hennes
- Laboratory of Obstetrics and Experimental Gynaecology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 611, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rieta Van Bree
- Laboratory of Obstetrics and Experimental Gynaecology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 611, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Voets
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research and TRP Research Platform Leuven (TRPLe), KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 802, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joris Vriens
- Laboratory of Obstetrics and Experimental Gynaecology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 611, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Peterse D, Clercq KD, Goossens C, Binda MM, F. O. D, Saunders P, Vriens J, Fassbender A, D’Hooghe TM. Optimization of Endometrial Decidualization in the Menstruating Mouse Model for Preclinical Endometriosis Research. Reprod Sci 2018; 25:1577-1588. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719118756744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniëlle Peterse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien De Clercq
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chloë Goossens
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M. Mercedes Binda
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dorien F. O.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philippa Saunders
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Joris Vriens
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Amelie Fassbender
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas M. D’Hooghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck, Darmstadt, Germany
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Armstrong GM, Maybin JA, Murray AA, Nicol M, Walker C, Saunders PTK, Rossi AG, Critchley HOD. Endometrial apoptosis and neutrophil infiltration during menstruation exhibits spatial and temporal dynamics that are recapitulated in a mouse model. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17416. [PMID: 29234102 PMCID: PMC5727295 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17565-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Menstruation is characterised by synchronous shedding and restoration of tissue integrity. An in vivo model of menstruation is required to investigate mechanisms responsible for regulation of menstrual physiology and to investigate common pathologies such as heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). We hypothesised that our mouse model of simulated menstruation would recapitulate the spatial and temporal changes in the inflammatory microenvironment of human menses. Three regulatory events were investigated: cell death (apoptosis), neutrophil influx and cytokine/chemokine expression. Well-characterised endometrial tissues from women were compared with uteri from a mouse model (tissue recovered 0, 4, 8, 24 and 48 h after removal of a progesterone-secreting pellet). Immunohistochemistry for cleaved caspase-3 (CC3) revealed significantly increased staining in human endometrium from late secretory and menstrual phases. In mice, CC3 was significantly increased at 8 and 24 h post-progesterone-withdrawal. Elastase+ human neutrophils were maximal during menstruation; Ly6G+ mouse neutrophils were maximal at 24 h. Human endometrial and mouse uterine cytokine/chemokine mRNA concentrations were significantly increased during menstrual phase and 24 h post-progesterone-withdrawal respectively. Data from dated human samples revealed time-dependent changes in endometrial apoptosis preceding neutrophil influx and cytokine/chemokine induction during active menstruation. These dynamic changes were recapitulated in the mouse model of menstruation, validating its use in menstrual research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M Armstrong
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI), 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Jacqueline A Maybin
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI), 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Alison A Murray
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI), 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Moira Nicol
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI), 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Catherine Walker
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI), 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research (CIR), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI), 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Adriano G Rossi
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research (CIR), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI), 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Hilary O D Critchley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI), 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
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Zhang GH, Cui LJ, Li AY, Zhang JP, Liu Y, Zhao JS, Xu XB, He B, Wang JD, Chu L, Li YF. Endometrial breakdown with sustained progesterone release involves NF-κB-mediated functional progesterone withdrawal in a mouse implant model. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:780-791. [PMID: 27500900 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Irregular uterine bleeding is a major side effect of long-acting progestogen-only contraceptives in women, and is the primary reason women discontinue their use. In this study, a mouse model of endometrial breakdown was established using a subcutaneous progesterone implant to understand how irregular bleeding begins. Although progestogens sustained decidualization, endometrial breakdown was still observed in this model. We, therefore, hypothesized that endometrial breakdown might involve functional progesterone withdrawal. Using co-immunoprecipitation assays, we observed the constitutive activation of nuclear factor kappa-b (NF-κB) p65 and its interaction with the progesterone receptor (PGR); moreover, transcriptional activity of the PGR was also repressed by NF-κB activity in primary mouse and human decidual stromal cells that mimic progesterone maintenance. Yet the ratio of PGR-B to PGR-A was not increased in the mouse model. In vivo comparison of endometrial breakdown induced by progesterone withdrawal to that seen during sustained progesterone exposure, in the presence of NF-κB inhibitors, revealed that NF-κB-mediated functional progesterone withdrawal is involved in endometrial breakdown in this implant model. These data prompt further studies to determine the homology of this functional progesterone withdrawal mechanism in human endometrium. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 780-791, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Hong Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China.
| | - Li-Jing Cui
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Ai-Ying Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Ping Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Yu Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Jing-Shan Zhao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Xiang-Bo Xu
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Bin He
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jie-Dong Wang
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Li Chu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Yun-Feng Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
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Lang N, Wu B, He B, Wang L, Wang J. Spontaneous decidualization in pseudopregnant rats with vitamin E deficiency. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 473:828-833. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.03.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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11
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Chen X, Liu J, He B, Li Y, Liu S, Wu B, Wang S, Zhang S, Xu X, Wang J. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulation by hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1A) starts and peaks during endometrial breakdown, not repair, in a mouse menstrual-like model. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2160-70. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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12
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Wu B, Chen X, He B, Liu S, Li Y, Wang Q, Gao H, Wang S, Liu J, Zhang S, Xu X, Wang J. ROS are critical for endometrial breakdown via NF-κB-COX-2 signaling in a female mouse menstrual-like model. Endocrinology 2014; 155:3638-48. [PMID: 24926822 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone withdrawal triggers endometrial breakdown and shedding during menstruation. Menstruation results from inflammatory responses; however, the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in menstruation remains unclear. In this study, we explored the role of ROS in endometrial breakdown and shedding. We found that ROS levels were significantly increased before endometrial breakdown in a mouse menstrual-like model. Vaginal smear inspection, morphology of uterine horns, and endometrial histology examination showed that a broad range of ROS scavengers significantly inhibited endometrial breakdown in this model. Furthermore, Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis showed that the intracellular translocation of p50 and p65 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus was blocked by ROS scavengers and real-time PCR showed that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression was decreased by ROS scavengers. Similar changes also occurred in human stromal cells in vitro. Furthermore, Western blotting and real-time PCR showed that one ROS, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), promoted translocation of p50 and p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and increased COX-2 mRNA expression along with progesterone maintenance. The nuclear factor κB inhibitor MG132 reduced the occurrence of these changes in human stromal cells in vitro. Viewed as a whole, our results provide evidence that certain ROS are important for endometrial breakdown and shedding in a mouse menstrual-like model and function at least partially via nuclear factor-κB/COX-2 signaling. Similar changes observed in human stromal cells could also implicate ROS as important mediators of human menstruation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wu
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory (B.W., X.C., B.H., S.W., J.L., S.Z., X.X., J.W.), National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China; Graduate School (B.W., S.W., J.L., J.W.), Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China; School of Pre-clinical Sciences (S.L.), Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, People's Republic of China; Basic Medical College (Y.L.), Hebei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, People's Republic of China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics (Q.W.), Zunyi Medical College, 563003 Zunyi, People's Republic of China; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (H.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
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13
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Xu X, Guan S, He B, Wang J. Active role of the predecidual-like zone in endometrial shedding in a mouse menstrual-like model. Eur J Histochem 2013; 57:e25. [PMID: 24085274 PMCID: PMC3794356 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2013.e25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic shedding of the endometrium is unique to menstruating species. The status of the decidua in mouse menstrual-like models seems to differ from that of the predecidua in humans before endometrial breakdown. The aim of this study was to determine how this difference in decidual status is related to endometrial breakdown. A mouse menstruallike model was generated by pharmacological progesterone withdrawal. Histomorphological analysis and reticular fiber staining were used to evaluate endometrial status. In situ zymography was used to determine the localization of active collagenase and gelatinase. The functional endometrial layer containing the mature decidual-like zone (MDZ) and predecidual-like zone (PZ) underwent breakdown. The reticular fibers underwent disruption and fragmentation and became loose or disappeared at 12 h in the PZ, where active collagenase and gelatinase were limited. The reticular fibers were visibly reduced at 24 h in the MDZ, where active collagenase was detected. A few reticular fibers remained; however, the functional layer had sloughed into the lumen of the uterus. The results showed that reticular fibers of the PZ are actively degraded during endometrial shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Xu
- National Research Institute for Family Planning.
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14
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Xu X, Chen X, Li Y, Cao H, Shi C, Guan S, Zhang S, He B, Wang J. Cyclooxygenase-2 regulated by the nuclear factor-κB pathway plays an important role in endometrial breakdown in a female mouse menstrual-like model. Endocrinology 2013; 154:2900-11. [PMID: 23720426 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The role of prostaglandins (PGs) in menstruation has long been proposed. Although evidence from studies on human and nonhuman primates supports the involvement of PGs in menstruation, whether PGs play an obligatory role in the process remains unclear. Although cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors have been used in the treatment of irregular uterine bleeding, the mechanism involved has not been elucidated. In this study, we used a recently established mouse menstrual-like model for investigating the role of COX in endometrial breakdown and its regulation. Administration of the nonspecific COX inhibitor indomethacin and the COX-2 selective inhibitor DuP-697 led to inhibition of the menstrual-like process. Furthermore, immunostaining analysis showed that the nuclear factor (NF)κB proteins P50, P65, and COX-2 colocalized in the outer decidual stroma at 12 to 16 hours after progesterone withdrawal. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that NFκB binding to the Cox-2 promoter increased at 12 hours after progesterone withdrawal in vivo, and real-time PCR analysis showed that the NFκB inhibitors pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and MG-132 inhibited Cox-2 mRNA expression in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Furthermore, COX-2 and NFκB inhibitors similarly reduced endometrial breakdown, suggesting that NFκB/COX-2-derived PGs play a critical role in this process. In addition, the CD45(+) leukocyte numbers were sharply reduced following indomethacin (COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor), DuP-697 (COX-2 inhibitor), and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (NFκB inhibitor) treatment. Collectively, these data indicate that NFκB/COX-2-induced PGs regulate leukocyte influx, leading to endometrial breakdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangbo Xu
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, People’s Republic of China
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15
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Wang Q, Xu X, He B, Li Y, Chen X, Wang J. A critical period of progesterone withdrawal precedes endometrial breakdown and shedding in mouse menstrual-like model. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:1670-8. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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16
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Xu X, He B. VEGF/VEGFR-2 mRNA Expression in a Mouse Menstrual-Like Model by Pharmacologic Progesterone Withdrawal. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.3923/javaa.2012.3512.3516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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17
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Menning A, Walter A, Rudolph M, Gashaw I, Fritzemeier KH, Roese L. Granulocytes and vascularization regulate uterine bleeding and tissue remodeling in a mouse menstruation model. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41800. [PMID: 22879894 PMCID: PMC3413732 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Menstruation-associated disorders negatively interfere with the quality of life of many women. However, mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of menstrual disorders remain poorly investigated up to date. Among others, this is based on a lack of appropriate pre-clinical animal models. We here employ a mouse menstruation model induced by priming mice with gonadal hormones and application of a physical stimulus into the uterus followed by progesterone removal. As in women, these events are accompanied by menstrual-like bleeding and tissue remodeling processes, i.e. disintegration of decidualized endometrium, as well as subsequent repair. We demonstrate that the onset of bleeding coincides with strong upregulation of inflammatory mediators and massive granulocyte influx into the uterus. Uterine granulocytes play a central role in regulating local tissue remodeling since depletion of these cells results in dysregulated expression of matrix modifying enzymes. As described here for the first time, uterine blood loss can be quantified by help of tampon-like cotton pads. Using this novel technique, we reveal that blood loss is strongly reduced upon inhibition of endometrial vascularization and thus, is a key regulator of menstrual bleeding. Taken together, we here identify angiogenesis and infiltrating granulocytes as critical determinants of uterine bleeding and tissue remodeling in a mouse menstruation model. Importantly, our study provides a technical and scientific basis allowing quantification of uterine blood loss in mice and thus, assessment of therapeutic intervention, proving great potential for future use in basic research and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Menning
- Therapeutic Research Group Oncology/Gynecological Therapy, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany.
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18
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Li YF, Xu XB, Chen XH, Wei G, He B, Wang JD. The nuclear factor-κB pathway is involved in matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in RU486-induced endometrium breakdown in mice. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:2096-106. [PMID: 22587999 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progesterone-withdrawal (WP)-induced endometrial breakdown occurs in both physiological and pathological processes such as menstruation and abortion. However, the underlying mechanisms are not clearly understood. As the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway has been proposed to play a role in endometrial breakdown, we tested this hypothesis using RU486-induced mouse menstruation-like model. METHODS The activation of NF-κB was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, western blot and immunofluorescence. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) was analyzed by real-time PCR and its proteins by gelatin zymography and western blot. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to investigate the direct binding of NF-κB to MMP9 gene promoter. Inhibitors of NF-κB were used to block its signal in vivo and in vitro to analyze the function of NF-κB in the tissue breakdown process. RESULTS Administration of RU486 resulted in increased phospho-IκB levels and nuclear translocation of p65 in decidual stromal cells, accompanied by the up-regulation of NF-κB inducing kinase and IκB kinase β mRNA. The NF-κB inhibitor, 'pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate' partially suppressed the RU486-induced endometrial breakdown, thus verifying the role of this pathway in vivo. MMP9 was up- and down-regulated following the NF-κB activation and inhibition, respectively. RU486 stimulated recruitment of NF-κB p65 to the MMP9 promoter and further increased its expression. Effects of NF-κB activation and inactivation on MMP9 expression were further explored in human stromal cells in vitro. A similar MMP9 expression pattern was observed in cultured human, as well as mouse, decidual stromal cells following RU486 treatment. CONCLUSIONS The activation of the NF-κB pathway induces downstream target genes, including MMP9 from stromal cells to facilitate tissue breakdown in mouse uterus, highlighting the likelihood that this regulatory pattern exists in the human endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Feng Li
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China
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19
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Rudolph M, Döcke WD, Müller A, Menning A, Röse L, Zollner TM, Gashaw I. Induction of overt menstruation in intact mice. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32922. [PMID: 22412950 PMCID: PMC3296749 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex tissue remodeling process of menstruation is experienced by humans and some primates, whereas most placental mammals, including mice, go through an estrous cycle. How menstruation and the underlying mechanisms evolved is still unknown. Here we demonstrate that the process of menstruation is not just species-specific but also depends on factors which can be induced experimentally. In intact female mice endogenous progesterone levels were raised by the induction of pseudopregnancy. Following an intrauterine oil injection, the decidualization of the endometrium was reliably induced as a prerequisite for menstruation. The natural drop of endogenous progesterone led to spontaneous breakdown of endometrial tissue within an average of 3 days post induction of decidualization. Interestingly, morphological changes such as breakdown and repair of the endometrial layer occurred in parallel in the same uterine horn. Most importantly, endometrial breakdown was accompanied by vaginally visible (overt) bleeding and flushing out of shed tissue comparable to human menstruation. Real-time PCR data clearly showed temporal changes in the expression of multiple factors participating in inflammation, angiogenesis, tissue modulation, proliferation, and apoptosis, as has been described for human menstruating endometrium. In conclusion, human menstruation can be mimicked in terms of extravaginally visible bleeding, tissue remodeling, and gene regulation in naturally non-menstruating species such as intact female mice without the need for an exogenous hormone supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Rudolph
- Target Discovery, Global Drug Discovery, Bayer HealthCare, Berlin, Germany.
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20
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Emera D, Romero R, Wagner G. The evolution of menstruation: a new model for genetic assimilation: explaining molecular origins of maternal responses to fetal invasiveness. Bioessays 2012; 34:26-35. [PMID: 22057551 PMCID: PMC3528014 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201100099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Why do humans menstruate while most mammals do not? Here, we present our answer to this long-debated question, arguing that (i) menstruation occurs as a mechanistic consequence of hormone-induced differentiation of the endometrium (referred to as spontaneous decidualization, or SD); (ii) SD evolved because of maternal-fetal conflict; and (iii) SD evolved by genetic assimilation of the decidualization reaction, which is induced by the fetus in non-menstruating species. The idea that menstruation occurs as a consequence of SD has been proposed in the past, but here we present a novel hypothesis on how SD evolved. We argue that decidualization became genetically stabilized in menstruating lineages, allowing females to prepare for pregnancy without any signal from the fetus. We present three models for the evolution of SD by genetic assimilation, based on recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of endometrial differentiation and implantation. Testing these models will ultimately shed light on the evolutionary significance of menstruation, as well as on the etiology of human reproductive disorders like endometriosis and recurrent pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Emera
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - R. Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, DHHS, Detroit, Michigan and Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - G. Wagner
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Augusto TM, Rosa-Ribeiro R, Carvalho HF. Neonatal exposure to high doses of 17β-estradiol results in inhibition of heparanase-1 expression in the adult prostate. Histochem Cell Biol 2011; 136:609-15. [PMID: 21892627 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-011-0860-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Heparanase-1 (HPSE-1) is an endoglycosidase that cleaves heparan sulfate. The physiological functions of HPSE-1 include embryo development, hair growth, wound healing, tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and inflammation. HPSE-1 expression was found to increase temporarily in the rat ventral prostate (VP) after castration. The promoter region of the Hpse-1 gene has estrogen-responsive elements, suggesting that the gene is regulated by estrogens. In this study, we investigated the expression of HPSE-1 in the VP of 90-day-old rats after neonatal exposure to a high dose of 17β-estradiol. HPSE-1 was not found by immunohistochemistry in the epithelium of estrogenized animals. To determine whether inhibition of Hpse-1 expression in the epithelium was due to pre- or post-transcriptional regulation, epithelial cells were isolated by centrifugation in Percoll gradient and the presence of Hpse-1 mRNA was investigated by RT-PCR. Hpse-1 mRNA was not detected in the estrogenized animals. Considering that Hpse-1 transcription could be inhibited by DNA methylation, we used the methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme HpaII and PCR to show that a single CCGG site at position +185 was more frequently methylated in the epithelium of estrogenized than in control animals. Immunohistochemistry for 5-methylcytidine revealed that the epithelial cell nuclei in estrogenized animals were heavily methylated. These results suggest that Hpse-1 expression was blocked in the epithelial cells of the VP, by estrogen imprinting by a pre-transcriptional mechanism involving DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taize M Augusto
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biology State University of Campinas, SP, Brazil
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22
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Comprehensive analysis of leukocytes, vascularization and matrix metalloproteinases in human menstrual xenograft model. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16840. [PMID: 21379384 PMCID: PMC3040756 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2010] [Accepted: 01/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In our previous study, menstrual-like changes in mouse were provoked through the pharmacologic withdrawal of progesterone with mifepristone following induction of decidualization. However, mouse is not a natural menstruation animal, and the menstruation model using external stimuli may not truly reflect the occurrence and development of the human menstrual process. Therefore, we established a model of menstruation based on human endometrial xenotransplantation. In this model, human endometrial tissues were transplanted subcutaneously into SCID mice that were ovarectomized and supplemented with estrogen and progestogen by silastic implants with a scheme imitating the endocrinological milieu of human menstrual cycle. Morphology, hormone levels, and expression of vimentin and cytokeratin markers were evaluated to confirm the menstrual-like changes in this model. With 28 days of hormone treatment, transplanted human endometrium survived and underwent proliferation, differentiation and disintegration, similar to human endometrium in vivo. Human CD45+ cells showed a peak of increase 28 days post-transplantation. Three days after progesterone withdrawal, mouse CD45+ cells increased rapidly in number and were significantly greater than human CD45+ cell counts. Mouse CD31+ blood vascular-like structures were detected in both transplanted and host tissues. After progesterone withdrawal, the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 1, 2, and 9 were increased. In summary, we successfully established a human endometrial xenotransplantation model in SCID mice, based on the results of menstrual-like changes in which MMP-1, 2 and 9 are involved. We showed that leukocytes are originated from in situ proliferation in human xenografts and involved in the occurrence of menstruation. This model will help to further understand the occurrence, growth, and differentiation of the endometrium and the underlying mechanisms of menstruation.
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Franco HL, Dai D, Lee KY, Rubel CA, Roop D, Boerboom D, Jeong JW, Lydon JP, Bagchi IC, Bagchi MK, DeMayo FJ. WNT4 is a key regulator of normal postnatal uterine development and progesterone signaling during embryo implantation and decidualization in the mouse. FASEB J 2010; 25:1176-87. [PMID: 21163860 DOI: 10.1096/fj.10-175349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
WNT4, a member of the Wnt family of ligands, is critical for the development of the female reproductive tract. Analysis of Wnt4 expression in the adult uterus during pregnancy indicates that it may play a role in the regulation of endometrial stromal cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation, which is required to support the developing embryo. To investigate the role of Wnt4 in adult uterine physiology, conditional ablation of Wnt4 using the PR(cre) mouse model was accomplished. Ablation of Wnt4 rendered female mice subfertile due to a defect in embryo implantation and subsequent defects in endometrial stromal cell survival, differentiation, and responsiveness to progesterone signaling. In addition to altered stromal cell function, the uteri of PR(cre/+)Wnt4(f/f) (Wnt4(d/d)) mice displayed altered epithelial differentiation characterized by a reduction in the number of uterine glands and the emergence of a p63-positive basal cell layer beneath the columnar luminal epithelial cells. The altered epithelial cell phenotype was further escalated by chronic estrogen treatment, which caused squamous cell metaplasia of the uterine epithelium in the Wnt4(d/d) mice. Thus, WNT4 is a critical regulator not only of proper postnatal uterine development, but also embryo implantation and decidualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Franco
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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