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Yang M, Jiang H, Ding X, Zhang L, Zhang H, Chen J, Li L, He X, Huang Z, Chen Q. Multi-omics integration highlights the role of ubiquitination in endometriosis fibrosis. J Transl Med 2024; 22:445. [PMID: 38735939 PMCID: PMC11089738 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05245-0] [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: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis, characterized by the presence of active endometrial-like tissues outside the uterus, causes symptoms like dysmenorrhea and infertility due to the fibrosis of endometrial cells, which involves excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Ubiquitination, an important post-transcriptional modification, regulates various biological processes in human diseases. However, its role in the fibrosis process in endometriosis remains unclear. METHODS We employed multi-omics approaches on two cohorts of endometriosis patients with 39 samples. GO terms and KEGG pathways enrichment analyses were used to investigate the functional changes involved in endometriosis. Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between global proteome and ubiquitylome in endometriosis. The protein expression levels of ubiquitin-, fibrosis-related proteins, and E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase TRIM33 were validated via Western blot. Transfecting human endometrial stroma cells (hESCs) with TRIM33 small interfering RNA (siRNA) in vitro to explore how TRIM33 affects fibrosis-related proteins. RESULTS Integration of proteomics and transcriptomics showed genes with concurrent change of both mRNA and protein level which involved in ECM production in ectopic endometria. Ubiquitylomics distinguished 1647 and 1698 ubiquitinated lysine sites in the ectopic (EC) group compared to the normal (NC) and eutopic (EU) groups, respectively. Further multi-omics integration highlighted the essential role of ubiquitination in key fibrosis regulators in endometriosis. Correlation analysis between proteome and ubiquitylome showed correlation coefficients of 0.32 and 0.36 for ubiquitinated fibrosis proteins in EC/NC and EC/EU groups, respectively, indicating positive regulation of fibrosis-related protein expression by ubiquitination in ectopic lesions. We identified ubiquitination in 41 pivotal proteins within the fibrosis-related pathway of endometriosis. Finally, the elevated expression of TGFBR1/α-SMA/FAP/FN1/Collagen1 proteins in EC tissues were validated across independent samples. More importantly, we demonstrated that both the mRNA and protein levels of TRIM33 were reduced in endometriotic tissues. Knockdown of TRIM33 promoted TGFBR1/p-SMAD2/α-SMA/FN1 protein expressions in hESCs but did not significantly affect Collagen1/FAP levels, suggesting its inhibitory effect on fibrosis in vitro. CONCLUSIONS This study, employing multi-omics approaches, provides novel insights into endometriosis ubiquitination profiles and reveals aberrant expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM33 in endometriotic tissues, emphasizing their critical involvement in fibrosis pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Yang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecological Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Ding
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecological Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecological Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Huaying Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecological Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiahao Chen
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecological Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lijun Li
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecological Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xinqin He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Zhixiong Huang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecological Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Qionghua Chen
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecological Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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Shen L, Zeng H, Fu Y, Ma W, Guo X, Luo G, Hua R, Wang X, Shi X, Wu B, Luo C, Quan S. Specific plasma microRNA profiles could be potential non-invasive biomarkers for biochemical pregnancy loss following embryo transfer. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:351. [PMID: 38720272 PMCID: PMC11080217 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06488-x] [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: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma microRNAs act as biomarkers for predicting and diagnosing diseases. Reliable non-invasive biomarkers for biochemical pregnancy loss have not been established. We aim to analyze the dynamic microRNA profiles during the peri-implantation period and investigate if plasma microRNAs could be non-invasive biomarkers predicting BPL. METHODS In this study, we collected plasma samples from patients undergoing embryo transfer (ET) on ET day (ET0), 11 days after ET (ET11), and 14 days after ET (ET14). Patients were divided into the NP (negative pregnancy), BPL (biochemical pregnancy loss), and CP (clinical pregnancy) groups according to serum hCG levels at day11~14 and ultrasound at day28~35 following ET. MicroRNA profiles at different time-points were detected by miRNA-sequencing. We analyzed plasma microRNA signatures for BPL at the peri-implantation stage, we characterized the dynamic microRNA changes during the implantation period, constructed a microRNA co-expression network, and established predictive models for BPL. Finally, the sequencing results were confirmed by Taqman RT-qPCR. RESULTS BPL patients have distinct plasma microRNA profiles compared to CP patients at multiple time-points during the peri-implantation period. Machine learning models revealed that plasma microRNAs could predict BPL. RT-qPCR confirmed that miR-181a-2-3p, miR-9-5p, miR-150-3p, miR-150-5p, and miR-98-5p, miR-363-3p were significantly differentially expressed between patients with different reproductive outcomes. CONCLUSION Our study highlights the non-invasive value of plasma microRNAs in predicting BPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Shen
- Reproductive Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hong Zeng
- Reproductive Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Yu Fu
- Reproductive Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Wenmin Ma
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Xiaoling Guo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Guoqun Luo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Rui Hua
- Reproductive Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiaocong Wang
- Reproductive Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiao Shi
- Reproductive Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Biao Wu
- Reproductive Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chen Luo
- Reproductive Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Song Quan
- Reproductive Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Kirschen GW, Hessami K, AlAshqar A, Afrin S, Lulseged B, Borahay M. Uterine Transcriptome: Understanding Physiology and Disease Processes. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:634. [PMID: 37106834 PMCID: PMC10136129 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, transcriptomics has enabled us to gain a deeper understanding of fundamental reproductive physiology, including the menstrual cycle, through a more precise molecular analysis. The endometrial mRNA transcript levels fluctuate during the normal menstrual cycle, indicating changes in the relative recruitment and abundance of inflammatory cells, as well as changes in the receptivity and remodeling of the endometrium. In addition to providing a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular underpinnings of pathological gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, leiomyomas, and adenomyosis through RNA sequencing, this has allowed researchers to create transcriptome profiles during both normal menstrual cycles and pathological gynecological conditions. Such insights could potentially lead to more targeted and personalized therapies for benign gynecological conditions. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in transcriptome analysis of normal and pathological endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory W. Kirschen
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Kamran Hessami
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Abdelrahman AlAshqar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Sadia Afrin
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | | | - Mostafa Borahay
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Shan J, Li DJ, Wang XQ. Towards a Better Understanding of Endometriosis-Related Infertility: A Review on How Endometriosis Affects Endometrial Receptivity. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030430. [PMID: 36979365 PMCID: PMC10046640 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is the most common cause of infertility. Endometrial receptivity has been suggested to contribute to infertility and poor reproductive outcomes in affected women. Even though experimental and clinical data suggest that the endometrium differs in women with endometriosis, the pathogenesis of impaired endometrial receptivity remains incomplete. Therefore, this review summarizes the potential mechanisms that affect endometrial function and contribute to implantation failure. Contemporary data regarding hormone imbalance, inflammation, and immunoregulatory dysfunction will be reviewed here. In addition, genetic, epigenetic, glycosylation, metabolism and microRNA in endometriosis-related infertility/subfertility will be summarized. We provide a brief discussion and perspectives on their future clinical implications in the diagnosis and therapy to improve endometrial function in affected women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Shan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Da-Jin Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hainan Medical College Affiliated Hospital, Haikou 571100, China
- Correspondence: (D.-J.L.); (X.-Q.W.)
| | - Xiao-Qiu Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Correspondence: (D.-J.L.); (X.-Q.W.)
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From Retrograde Menstruation to Endometrial Determinism and a Brave New World of "Root Treatment" of Endometriosis: Destiny or a Fanciful Utopia? Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020336. [PMID: 36830705 PMCID: PMC9953699 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Practically unknown outside of China, the "endometrial determinism" theory was proposed to account for the apparent gap between the relatively low prevalence of endometriosis and nearly universal retrograde menstruation. Attracting uncritical advocacy, the theory culminates in a recent consensus by elite Chinese gynecologists in favor of "root treatment", intended to nip endometriosis in the bud. Correcting endometrial "defects" can gain further momentum by the presence of cancer-driver mutations such as KRAS mutations in the endometrium of women with endometriosis and the recent introduction of therapeutics aiming to rectify the effect of these mutations for cancer treatment. We provide a critical appraisal of evidence for endometrial aberrations in endometriosis and relevant experimental evidence. All available evidence of endometrial "defect" is invariably post hoc and may well be secondary to induced endometriosis. We propose that the theory of "endometrial determinism" needs to demonstrate a clear causal and a phylogenetic relationship between endometrial aberrations and endometriosis. We argue that while it is highly likely that endometriosis is a consequence of retrograde menstruation, the case that molecular aberrations as a sole or a necessary determinant remains to be proven. "Root treatment" is a worthy ambition but as of now it is close to a fanciful Utopia.
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Chen ML, Fan L, Huang GR, Sun ZF. Knockdown of miR-150-5p reduces hypoxia-induced autophagy and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of endometriotic cells via regulating the PDCD4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Cytokine 2023; 162:156086. [PMID: 36427469 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.156086] [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: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia is an important microenvironmental factor that induces Endometriosis (EMs), but its mechanism remains unclear. Our study aims to investigate the mechanisms of miR-150-5p on hypoxia-induced EMs. METHODS Ovarian endometriosis cyst wall stromal cell lines CRL-7566 cells were treated with hypoxia. Cell migration ability was measured by Transwell assay. qRT-PCR was performed to detect miR-150-5p and PDCD4 expression. The autophagy-related proteins (LC3-I, LC3-II, Beclin-1, and p62), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin) and NF-κB signaling pathway related proteins p65 expression were measured by western blot. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay verified the binding relationship between miR-150-5p and PDCD4. RESULTS After hypoxia treatment, the miR-150-5p expression was up-regulated in CRL-7566 cells, while the expression of PDCD4 was down-regulated. In CRL-7566 cells, autophagy, migration and EMT were increased after hypoxia treatment. The autophagy inhibitor 3-MA inhibited hypoxia-induced the autophagy, migration and EMT of CRL-7566 cells. Hypoxia-induced autophagy and EMT of CRL-7566 cells were inhibited after knocking down miR-150-5p. Then miR-150-5p negatively regulated PDCD4 expression. PDCD4 knockdown reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-150-5p silencing on hypoxia-induced autophagy and EMT of CRL-7566 cells. Inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway weakened the effect of PDCD4 knockdown on hypoxia-induced autophagy and EMT of CRL-7566 cells. CONCLUSION MiR-150-5p silencing inhibited hypoxia-induced autophagy and EMT of endometriotic cells by regulating the PDCD4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Ling Chen
- Biomedical Engineering College, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei Province, PR China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei Province, PR China; Gynecology Department, Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518100, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Li Fan
- Gynecology Department, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Guang-Rong Huang
- Gynecology Department, Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518100, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Zhi-Feng Sun
- Biomedical Engineering College, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei Province, PR China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei Province, PR China; Hubei Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei Province, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei Province, PR China.
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Guo F, Huang Y, Fernando T, Shi Y. Altered Molecular Pathways and Biomarkers of Endometrial Receptivity in Infertile Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3335-3345. [PMID: 35006579 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00845-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Anovulation is the most prominent cause of infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. Although ovulation can be corrected pharmacologically, the number of pregnancies remains low. Even if excellent embryos are transferred by IVF, it does not change the high miscarriage rate of PCOS patients. These facts collectively indicate that there is a disorder of endometrial development and receptivity to the embryo in PCOS patients, including the decrease of receptive ability, inhibition of embryo adhesion, undersupply of energy, poor blood perfusion, and pro-inflammatory status in the endometrium. However, it has never received the same attention as ovulatory dysfunction. Here we list some alternations of endometrial receptivity in women with PCOS, discuss the underlying intricate mechanisms, and try to find out the possible therapeutic targets, which may bring new perspectives to those who are able to provide high-quality embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Guo
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yufan Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Mindong Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Ningde, 355000, Fujian, China
| | - Taniya Fernando
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yingli Shi
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Vargas E, García-Moreno E, Aghajanova L, Salumets A, Horcajadas JA, Esteban FJ, Altmäe S. The mid-secretory endometrial transcriptomic landscape in endometriosis: a meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2022:hoac016. [PMID: 35464885 PMCID: PMC9022214 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do women with endometriosis have a different endometrial gene expression profile at the time of embryo implantation than women without endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER The endometrial gene expression profile of women with endometriosis differs from that of women without endometriosis at the mid-secretory phase, although the differences are small. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY About 50% of women with endometriosis suffer infertility. Several molecular studies have suggested impaired endometrial receptivity in women with endometriosis, while others have detected no dysregulation of endometrial receptivity. Nevertheless, the previous endometrial transcriptome studies comparing women with and without endometriosis have been performed in small sample size with limited statistical power. We set out to systematically search and compile data of endometrial gene expression signatures at the receptive phase in women with endometriosis versus control women. Based on the obtained data, we conducted a meta-analysis of differentially expressed genes in order to raise the power of the analysis for identifying the molecular profiles of receptive phase endometria in endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A systematic literature search was conducted up to February 2022 following PRISMA criteria and included PubMed, Cochrane and Web of Science databases. For the systematic search, the term ‘endometriosis’ was paired with the terms ‘transcriptomics’, ‘transcriptome’, ‘gene expression’, ‘RNA-seq’, ‘sequencing’ and ‘array’, by using the Boolean operator ‘AND’ to connect them. Articles written in English were screened and interrogated for data extraction. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A meta-analysis was performed on the selected studies to extract the differentially expressed genes described at the mid-secretory phase in women with endometriosis versus women without endometriosis in natural cycles, using the robust rank aggregation method. In total, transcriptome data of 125 women (78 patients and 47 controls) were meta-analysed, with a special focus on endometrial receptivity-specific genes based on commercial endometrial receptivity tests. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In total, 8 studies were eligible for the quantitative meta-analysis, gathering transcriptome data from the mid-secretory phase endometria of 125 women. A total of 7779 differentially expressed transcripts between the study groups were retrieved (3496 up-regulated and 4283 down-regulated) and were meta-analysed. After stringent multiple correction, there was no differential expression of any single molecule in the endometrium of women with endometriosis versus controls, while enrichment analysis detected that the pathways of chemotaxis and locomotion are dysregulated in endometriosis. Further analysis of endometrial receptivity-specific genes highlighted dysregulation of C4BPA, MAOA and PAEP and enrichment of immune and defence pathways in women with endometriosis. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Most of the studies included into the meta-analysis were relatively small and had different study designs, which might have contributed to a bias. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The current meta-analysis supports the hypothesis that endometrial receptivity is altered in women with endometriosis, although the changes are small. The molecules and pathways identified could serve as future biomarkers and therapeutical targets in detecting and treating endometriosis-associated infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The authors declare no competing interests. This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport [grant FPU15/01193] and the Margarita Salas program for the Requalification of the Spanish University system [grant UJAR01MS]; Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (MINECO) and European Regional Development Fund (FEDER): grants RYC-2016-21199 and ENDORE SAF2017-87526-R; Programa Operativo FEDER Andalucía (B-CTS-500-UGR18; A-CTS-614-UGR20); the Junta de Andalucía [BIO-302; and PAIDI P20_00158]; the University of Jaén [PAIUJA-EI_CTS02_2017]; the University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigación 2016, Excellence actions: Units of Excellence; Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES), and by the Junta de Andalucía, Consejería de Conocimiento, Investigación y Universidades and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), ref. SOMM17/6107/UGR; the Estonian Research Council (grant PRG1076); Horizon 2020 innovation (ERIN, grant no. EU952516) of the European Commission and Enterprise Estonia (grant EU48695). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The systematic review was registered at PROSPERO (identifier: CRD42020122054).
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Affiliation(s)
- E Vargas
- Systems Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, 23003, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, 18071, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Granada, 18014, Spain
| | - E García-Moreno
- Immunology Unit,Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Cádiz, 11009, Spain
| | - L Aghajanova
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford School of Medicine, Sunnyvale, CA, 94305, USA
| | - A Salumets
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, 50410, Estonia
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gyneaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, 50406, Estonia
| | - J A Horcajadas
- University Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Sevilla, 41013, Spain
| | - F J Esteban
- Systems Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, 23003, Spain
| | - S Altmäe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, 18071, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Granada, 18014, Spain
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford School of Medicine, Sunnyvale, CA, 94305, USA
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Endometrial cytokines in patients with and without endometriosis evaluated for infertility. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:629-640. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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10
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Gharibeh N, Aghebati-Maleki L, Madani J, Pourakbari R, Yousefi M, Ahmadian Heris J. Cell-based therapy in thin endometrium and Asherman syndrome. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:33. [PMID: 35090547 PMCID: PMC8796444 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02698-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous treatment strategies have so far been proposed for treating refractory thin endometrium either without or with the Asherman syndrome. Inconsistency in the improvement of endometrial thickness is a common limitation of such therapies including tamoxifen citrate as an ovulation induction agent, acupuncture, long-term pentoxifylline and tocopherol or tocopherol only, low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin during endometrial preparation, aspirin, luteal gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist supplementation, and extended estrogen therapy. Recently, cell therapy has been proposed as an ideal alternative for endometrium regeneration, including the employment of stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, and growth factors as therapeutic agents. The mechanisms of action of cell therapy include the cytokine induction, growth factor production, natural killer cell activity reduction, Th17 and Th1 decrease, and Treg cell and Th2 increase. Since cell therapy is personalized, dynamic, interactive, and specific and could be an effective strategy. Despite its promising nature, further research is required for improving the procedure and the safety of this strategy. These methods and their results are discussed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Gharibeh
- Student's Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Javad Madani
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ramin Pourakbari
- Student's Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Javad Ahmadian Heris
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Pediatric Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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11
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Zeng H, Fu Y, Shen L, Quan S. MicroRNA signatures in plasma and plasma exosome during window of implantation for implantation failure following in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:180. [PMID: 34876134 PMCID: PMC8650536 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00855-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that are dysregulated in many diseases and can act as biomarkers. Although well-studied in cancer, the role of miRNAs in embryo implantation is poorly understood. Approximately 70% of embryos fail to implant following in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, 10% of patients experienced recurrent implantation failure. However, there are no well-established biomarkers that can predict implantation failure. Our purpose is to investigate distinct miRNA profiles in plasma and plasma exosomes during the window of implantation between patients with failed implantation and successful implantation. METHODS We select a nested case-control population of 12 patients with implantation failure or successfully clinical pregnancy using propensity score matching. RNA was extracted from plasma and plasma exosomes collected during the window of implantation (WOI). MicroRNA expression in all samples was quantified using microRNA sequencing. The intersection of differently expressed miRNAs in plasma and exosomes were further validated in the GEO dataset. Significantly altered microRNAs in both plasma and plasma exosomes were then subjected to target prediction and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses to search for key signaling pathways. WGCNA analysis was performed to identify hub miRNAs associated with implantation. RESULTS 13 miRNAs were differentially expressed in both plasma and plasma exosomes in patients with implantation failure. Among them, miR-150-5p, miR-150-3p, miR-149-5p, and miR-146b-3p had consistent direction changes in endometrium of patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF), miR-342-3p had consistent direction changes in blood samples of patients with RIF. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs are enriched in pathways related to embryo implantation. WGCNA analysis indicated that miR-150-5p, miR-150-3p, miR-146b-3p, and miR-342-3p are hub miRNAs. CONCLUSIONS Implantation failure is associated with distinct miRNA profiles in plasma and plasma exosomes during WOI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zeng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Fu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Lang Shen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Song Quan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
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12
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Leonova A, Turpin VE, Agarwal SK, Leonardi M, Foster WG. A critical appraisal of the circulating levels of differentially expressed microRNA in endometriosis†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:1075-1085. [PMID: 34244742 PMCID: PMC8599033 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition characterized by estrogen dependence, chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and diagnostic delay of between 5.4 and 12 years. Despite extensive study, no biomarker, either alone or in combination with other markers, has proven superior to laparoscopy for the diagnosis of endometriosis. Recent studies report that circulating levels of differentially expressed microRNA (miRNA) in women with endometriosis compared with controls are potential diagnostic tools. However, the lack of replication and absence of validated differential expression in novel study populations have led some to question the diagnostic value of miRNA. To elucidate potential reasons for the lack of replication of study results and explore future directions to enhance replicability of circulating miRNA results, we carried out an electronic search of the miRNA literature published between 2000 and 2020. Eighteen studies were identified in which 63 different miRNAs were differentially expressed in the circulation of women with endometriosis compared with controls. However, the differential expressions of only 14 miRNAs were duplicated in one or more studies. While individual miRNAs lacked diagnostic value, miRNA panels yielded sensitivity and specificity equal to or better than laparoscopy in five studies. Important differences in study design, sample processing, and analytical methods were identified rendering direct comparisons across studies problematic and could account for the lack of reproducibility of study results. We conclude that while the results of miRNA studies to date are encouraging, refinements to study design and analytical methods should enhance the reliability of circulating miRNA for the diagnosis of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Leonova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria E Turpin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sanjay K Agarwal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and the Center for Endometriosis Research and Treatment, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Mathew Leonardi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Warren G Foster
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and the Center for Endometriosis Research and Treatment, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
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13
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Babakhanzadeh E, Danaei H, Abedinzadeh M, Ashrafzadeh HR, Ghasemi N. Association of miR-146a and miR196a2 genotype with susceptibility to idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss in Iranian women: A case-control study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2021; 19:725-732. [PMID: 34568733 PMCID: PMC8458919 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v19i8.9620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is the most common complaint of pregnancy in females with a prevalence of 5%. Numerous documents have shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms are able to change miRNA transcription and/or maturation, which may alter the incidence of disorders such as RPL. Objective To assess the relationship of miR-146aC > G (rs2910164) and miR-196a2T > C (rs11614913) with RPL susceptibility in Iranian women. Materials and Methods Blood samples were collected from 214 women who had experienced at least two consecutive spontaneous miscarriages (case) and 147 normal individuals without a history of miscarriage (control). MiR-146aC > G and miR-196a2T > C genotypes were evaluated via the restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Results The genotypes incidence did not show a significant difference in pre-miR-146aC > G polymorphism CC vs CG + GG (p = 0.854; OR = 0.933; 95% CI) and CC + CG vs GG (p = 0.282; OR = 1.454; 95% CI). Also, no significant difference was observed between pre-miR-196a2T > C polymorphism TT vs TC + CC (p = 0.862; OR = 0.938; 95% CI) and TT + TC vs CC and (p = 0.291; OR = 1.462; 95% CI) in both the case and control groups. Conclusion The results showed that although the distribution of miR-146aC > G and miR-196a2T > C was different between the unknown RPL and control groups, these variances were not statistically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad Babakhanzadeh
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Medical Genetics Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Hamid Danaei
- Abortion Research Centre, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abedinzadeh
- Abortion Research Centre, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Ashrafzadeh
- Abortion Research Centre, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Nasrin Ghasemi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Abortion Research Centre, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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14
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Butler AE, Cunningham TK, Ramachandran V, Diboun I, Halama A, Sathyapalan T, Najafi-Shoushtari SH, Atkin SL. Association of microRNAs With Embryo Development and Fertilization in Women Undergoing Subfertility Treatments: A Pilot Study. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:719326. [PMID: 36303988 PMCID: PMC9580729 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.719326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Small non-coding RNAs, known as microRNAs (miRNAs), have emerging regulatory functions within the ovary that have been related to fertility. This study was undertaken to determine if circulating miRNAs reflect the changes associated with the parameters of embryo development and fertilization.Methods: In this cross-sectional pilot study. Plasma miRNAs were collected from 48 sequentially presenting women in the follicular phase prior to commencing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Circulating miRNAs were measured using locked nucleic acid (LNA)-based quantitative PCR (qPCR), while an updated miRNA data set was used to determine their level of expression.Results: Body mass index and weight were associated with the miRNAs let7b-3p and miR-375, respectively (p < 0.05), with the same relationship being found between endometrium thickness at oocyte retrieval and miR-885-5p and miR-34a-5p (p < 0.05). In contrast, miR-1260a was found to be inversely associated with anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH; p = 0.007), while miR-365a-3p, miR122-5p, and miR-34a-5p correlated with embryo fertilization rates (p < 0.05). However, when omitting cases of male infertility (n = 15), miR122-5p remained significant (p < 0.05), while miR-365a-3p and miR-34a-5p no longer differed; interestingly, however, miR1260a and mir93.3p became significant (p = 0.0087/0.02, respectively). Furthermore, age was negatively associated with miR-335-3p, miR-28-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-501-3p, and miR-497-5p (p < 0.05). Live birth rate was negatively associated with miR-335-3p, miR-100-5p, miR-497-5p, let-7d, and miR-574-3p (p < 0.05), but these were not significant when age was accounted for.However, with the exclusion of male factor infertility, all those miRNAs were no longer significant, though miR.150.5p emerged as significant (p = 0.042). A beta-regression model identified miR-1260a, miR-486-5p, and miR-132-3p (p < 0.03, p = 0.0003, p < 0.00001, respectively) as the most predictive for fertilization rate. Notably, changes in detectable miRNAs were not linked to cleavage rate, top quality embryos (G3D3), and blastocyst or antral follicle count. An ingenuity pathway analysis showed that miRNAs associated with age were also associated with the variables found in reproductive system diseases.Conclusion: Plasma miRNAs prior to the IVF cycle were associated with differing demographic and IVF parameters, including age, and may be predictive biomarkers of fertilization rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E. Butler
- Research Department, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Adliya, Bahrain
- *Correspondence: Alexandra E. Butler ;
| | - Thomas Keith Cunningham
- Academic Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
- The Hull IVF Unit. Women's and Children's Hospital, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Vimal Ramachandran
- Division of Research, MicroRNA Core Laboratory, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ilhame Diboun
- Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Anna Halama
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Thozhukat Sathyapalan
- Academic Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - S. Hani Najafi-Shoushtari
- Division of Research, MicroRNA Core Laboratory, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Stephen L. Atkin
- Research Department, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Adliya, Bahrain
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15
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Da Broi MG, Plaça JR, Silva WAD, Ferriani RA, Navarro PA. Screening of Variants in the Transcript Profile of Eutopic Endometrium from Infertile Women with Endometriosis during the Implantation Window. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRÍCIA 2021; 43:457-466. [PMID: 34318471 PMCID: PMC10411168 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1730287] [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: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Abnormalities in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis may be related to disease-associated infertility. Although previous RNA-sequencing analysis did not show differential expression in endometrial transcripts of endometriosis patients, other molecular alterations could impact protein synthesis and endometrial receptivity. Our aim was to screen for functional mutations in the transcripts of eutopic endometria of infertile women with endometriosis and controls during the implantation window. METHODS Data from RNA-Sequencing of endometrial biopsies collected during the implantation window from 17 patients (6 infertile women with endometriosis, 6 infertile controls, 5 fertile controls) were analyzed for variant discovery and identification of functional mutations. A targeted study of the alterations found was performed to understand the data into disease's context. RESULTS None of the variants identified was common to other samples within the same group, and no mutation was repeated among patients with endometriosis, infertile and fertile controls. In the endometriosis group, nine predicted deleterious mutations were identified, but only one was previously associated to a clinical condition with no endometrial impact. When crossing the mutated genes with the descriptors endometriosis and/or endometrium, the gene CMKLR1 was associated either with inflammatory response in endometriosis or with endometrial processes for pregnancy establishment. CONCLUSION Despite no pattern of mutation having been found, we ponder the small sample size and the analysis on RNA-sequencing data. Considering the purpose of the study of screening and the importance of the CMKLR1 gene on endometrial modulation, it could be a candidate gene for powered further studies evaluating mutations in eutopic endometria from endometriosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Gomes Da Broi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Jessica Rodrigues Plaça
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Wilson Araújo da Silva
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Rui Alberto Ferriani
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Paula Andrea Navarro
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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16
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Li J, Ren L, Li M, Yang C, Chen J, Chen Q. Screening of Potential Key Genes Related to Tubal Factor Infertility Based on Competitive Endogenous RNA Network. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2021; 25:325-333. [PMID: 34003694 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2020.0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The molecular biological mechanism of tubal factor infertility (TFI) is still unclear. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are considered a major part of the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and have attracted growing attention. Our study aimed to explore the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs associated with TFI and screen potential key genes related to TFI. Materials and Methods: Differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by comparing normal and TFI expression patterns of lncRNAs and mRNAs in eutopic endometrial tissues obtained from 3 normal and 3 TFI patients during implantation. These data were used to develop a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs using the STRING online software. The identified DELs and DEGs were then used to construct a ceRNA network, and the Network Analyzer Tool Kit in Cytoscape was used to analyze the ceRNA network topology and stability. Finally, the overlapping genes present in both the ceRNA and PPI networks were selected as the potential key genes related to TFI. Results: Ninety-six DEGs (59 up and 37 down) and 45 DELs (28 up and 17 down) were identified. Thirty-four DEGs were mapped in a PPI network. A ceRNA network, including two lncRNAs (LINC00305 and DLX6-AS1), four microRNAs (hsa-miR-20b-5p, hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-107, and hsa-miR-24-3p), and four mRNAs (MAP3K3, HMGB3, FAM103A1, and TMEM209), was successfully constructed. Importantly, a potential key gene (TMEM209) related to TFI was identified. Conclusion: The construction of a ceRNA network related to TFI may help elucidate the regulatory mechanism by which genes and lncRNAs function as ceRNA networks. Importantly, TMEM209 may be further evaluated as potential therapeutic targets for TFI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzui Li
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fujian, P.R. China.,First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Lulu Ren
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Meina Li
- College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Cui Yang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Jiahao Chen
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Qionghua Chen
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fujian, P.R. China.,First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, P.R. China
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17
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Osman EK, Wang T, Zhan Y, Juneau CR, Morin SJ, Seli E, Scott RT, Franasiak JM. Varying levels of serum estradiol do not alter the timing of the early endometrial secretory transformation. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:1637-1647. [PMID: 32613240 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do supraphysiologic estradiol (E2) levels in the ranges attained during normal and high response superovulation cycles modify the onset of endometrial secretory transformation? SUMMARY ANSWER Highly supraphysiologic levels of E2 do not alter the ability of physiologic levels of progesterone (P4) to induce secretory transformation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Previous studies have demonstrated that premature P4 elevations during IVF cycles are associated with a decrement in clinical pregnancy rates after fresh embryo transfer due to shifts in the window of implantation (WOI). However, alterations in the onset of secretory transformation may not apply uniformly to all patients. High responders with supraphysiologic E2 levels accompanied by similar subtle increases in P4 have not been shown to have decreased sustained implantation rates. This prospective investigation in which whole-genome transcriptomic and methylomic analysis of the endometrium is performed for individual patients under a range of E2 concentrations brings clarity to a long-debated issue. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A randomized, prospective and paired trial was conducted in which 10 participants were enrolled and randomized to the order in which they completed three distinct uterine stimulation cycles, each at a specific E2 concentration: physiologic (∼180 pg/ml), moderately supraphysiologic (600-800 pg/ml) or supraphysiologic (2000 pg/ml). Target E2 ranges were selected to mimic those seen in natural, controlled ovarian stimulation and IVF cycles. E2 valerate was administered in order to maintain stable E2 levels for 12 days followed by intramuscular P4 in oil 10 mg/day for two doses, after which an endometrial biopsy was performed. A total of 30 endometrial biopsies were included in a whole-genome transcriptomic and methylomic analysis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Healthy volunteers without a history of infertility were included in this study at a single large infertility center. DNA was isolated from the endometrial biopsy specimens and bisulfite sequencing was performed to construct a methylation array. Differential methylation analysis was conducted based on differences in M-values of individuals across treatment groups for each probe as well as carrying out t-tests. RNA was isolated for RNA-Seq analysis and gene expression values were compared using DESeq2. All analyses were performed in a pairwise fashion to compare among the three stimulation cycles within individuals and secondarily to compare all participants in each of the cycles. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The mean peak E2 and P4 levels were 275 pg/ml and 4.17 ng/ml in the physiologic group, 910 pg/ml and 2.69 ng/ml in the moderate group was, and 2043 pg/ml and 2.64 ng/ml in the supraphysiologic group, respectively. Principal component analysis of 834 913 CpG sites was performed on M-values of individuals within the low, moderate and supraphysiologic conditions in a paired approach. There were no differences in genome-wide methylation within participants across E2 groups. A paired analysis revealed that gene expression profiles did not differ within the same individual at each of the three E2 levels. No significant alterations in gene expression as related to endometrial physiology were identified between the low, moderate and supraphysiologic groups in an inter-participant analysis. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although each participant completed a physiologic cycle in which E2 levels were maintained in a range that would simulate a natural cycle, our findings are limited by lack of an unmedicated control to assess if there was a potential effect from E2V. Additionally, our results were obtained in fertile individuals, who may have a different endometrial response compared to an infertile population. Despite the whole genomic endometrial assessment and rigorous, paired study design, the sample size was limited. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Given that the endometrial response to P4 is unaffected by E2 levels in the supraphysiologic range, diminutions in implantation seen in stimulated cycles may result from embryonic-endometrial dyssynchrony following early P4 elevations or slowly blastulating embryos, which occur independently of the magnitude of the E2 rise. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by the Foundation for Embryonic Competence, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA. Dr E.S. reports consultancy work for The Foundation for Embryonic Competence, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA. The other authors declare no conflict of interests related to this topic. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02458404.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Osman
- IVI-RMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
| | - T Wang
- The Foundation for Embryonic Competence, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
| | - Y Zhan
- The Foundation for Embryonic Competence, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
| | | | - S J Morin
- IVI-RMA Northern California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - E Seli
- IVI-RMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA.,Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - R T Scott
- IVI-RMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
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18
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Joshi NR, Kohan-Ghadr HR, Roqueiro DS, Yoo JY, Fru K, Hestermann E, Yuan L, Ho SM, Jeong JW, Young SL, Lessey BA, Fazleabas AT. Genetic and epigenetic changes in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis: association with decreased endometrial αvβ3 integrin expression. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6163298. [PMID: 33693877 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
About 40% of women with infertility and 70% of women with pelvic pain suffer from endometriosis. The pregnancy rate in women undergoing IVF with low endometrial integrin αvβ3 (LEI) expression is significantly lower compared to the women with high endometrial integrin αvβ3 (HEI). Mid-secretory eutopic endometrial biopsies were obtained from healthy controls (C; n=3), and women with HEI (n=4) and LEI (n=4) and endometriosis. Changes in gene expression were assessed using human gene arrays and DNA methylation data were derived using 385 K Two-Array Promoter Arrays. Transcriptional analysis revealed that LEI and C groups clustered separately with 396 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (P<0.01: 275 up and 121 down) demonstrating that transcriptional and epigenetic changes are distinct in the LEI eutopic endometrium compared to the C and HEI group. In contrast, HEI vs C and HEI vs LEI comparisons only identified 83 and 45 DEGs, respectively. The methylation promoter array identified 1304 differentially methylated regions in the LEI vs C comparison. The overlap of gene and methylation array data identified 14 epigenetically dysregulated genes and quantitative RT-PCR analysis validated the transcriptomic findings. The analysis also revealed that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) was hypomethylated and significantly overexpressed in LEI samples compared to C. Further analysis validated that AHR transcript and protein expression are significantly (P<0.05) increased in LEI women compared to C. The increase in AHR, together with the altered methylation status of the 14 additional genes, may provide a diagnostic tool to identify the subset of women who have endometriosis-associated infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niraj R Joshi
- Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | | | | | - Jung Yoon Yoo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Karenne Fru
- Coastal Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Wilmington, NC, USA
| | | | - Lingwen Yuan
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Shuk-Mei Ho
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Steven L Young
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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19
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Devesa-Peiro A, Sebastian-Leon P, Garcia-Garcia F, Arnau V, Aleman A, Pellicer A, Diaz-Gimeno P. Uterine disorders affecting female fertility: what are the molecular functions altered in endometrium? Fertil Steril 2021; 113:1261-1274. [PMID: 32482256 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the molecular functions of genes exhibiting altered expression in the endometrium of women with uterine disorders affecting fertility. DESIGN Retrospective analysis integrating case and control data from multiple cohorts with endometrium gene expression in women with uterine disorders. SETTING Infertility research department affiliated with a university hospital. PATIENT(S) Two hundred and forty women, 121 of whom were controls, 119 of whom had endometrial adenocarcinoma (ADC), recurrent implantation failure (RIF), recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), or stage II-IV endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Genomewide gene expression and altered molecular functions in the endometrium of each uterine disorder. RESULT(S) Using robust analysis methods, we identified statistically significantly altered endometrial functions in all the uterine disorders. Cell cycle alterations were shared among all the pathologies investigated. Endometriosis was characterized by the down-regulation of ciliary processes. Among the endometriosis, ADC, and RIF samples, mitochondrial dysfunction and protein degradation were shared dysregulated processes. In addition, RPL had the most distinct functional profile, and 95% of affected functions were down-regulated. CONCLUSION(S) The most robust functions dysregulated in the endometrium of patients with uterine disorders across sample cohorts implicated an endometrial factor at the gene expression level. This shared endometrial factor affects endometrial receptivity processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almudena Devesa-Peiro
- Department of Genomic and Systems Reproductive Medicine, IVI-RMA (Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Reproductive Medicine Associates) IVI Foundation, Valencia, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Patricia Sebastian-Leon
- Department of Genomic and Systems Reproductive Medicine, IVI-RMA (Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Reproductive Medicine Associates) IVI Foundation, Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria INCLIVA, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Garcia-Garcia
- Unit of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe (CIPF), Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Arnau
- Department of Computer Science, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenierías, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain, Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia-CSIC, Paterna, Spain
| | - Alejandro Aleman
- Department of Genomic and Systems Reproductive Medicine, IVI-RMA (Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Reproductive Medicine Associates) IVI Foundation, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; IVI-RMA IVI Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Patricia Diaz-Gimeno
- Department of Genomic and Systems Reproductive Medicine, IVI-RMA (Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Reproductive Medicine Associates) IVI Foundation, Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria INCLIVA, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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20
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Wang X, Zhang J, Liu X, Wei B, Zhan L. Long noncoding RNAs in endometriosis: Biological functions, expressions, and mechanisms. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:6-14. [PMID: 32506425 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis refers to a benign chronic gynecological disorder, and is defined as the ectopic growth of endometrium in pelvic cavity. Endometriosis affects about 10% of reproductive-aged women. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of endometriosis remains obscure, and the disease witnesses a lack of effective therapy approaches. Therefore, more research needs to be performed to throw light on endometriosis, its pathogenesis, and therapy. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are defined as functional cellular RNA longer than 200 nucleotides, have been implicated in many chronic disorders. It has been suggested that lncRNAs are closely related to the endometriosis process. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms by which lncRNAs associate with endometriosis should be elucidated more detailed. In our brief review, we first exhibit the aberrant lncRNAs expression in endometriosis. Then, we talk about the molecular mechanisms underlying lncRNAs in endometriosis. Finally, we also present the potential of lncRNAs as biomarkers for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- Department of Scientific Research and Education, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bing Wei
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Zhan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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