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Lee S, Arffman RK, Komsi EK, Lindgren O, Kemppainen JA, Metsola H, Rossi HR, Ahtikoski A, Kask K, Saare M, Salumets A, Piltonen TT. AI-algorithm training and validation for identification of endometrial CD138+ cells in infertility-associated conditions; polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and recurrent implantation failure (RIF). J Pathol Inform 2024; 15:100380. [PMID: 38827567 PMCID: PMC11140811 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpi.2024.100380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Endometrial CD138+ plasma cells serve as a diagnostic biomarker for endometrial inflammation, and their elevated occurrence correlates positively with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Infertility-related conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and recurrent implantation failure (RIF) are closely associated with systemic and local chronic inflammatory status, wherein endometrial CD138+ plasma cell accumulation could also contribute to endometrial pathology. Current methods for quantifying CD138+ cells typically involve laborious and time-consuming microscopic assessments of only a few random areas from a slide. These methods have limitations in accurately representing the entire slide and are susceptible to significant biases arising from intra- and interobserver variations. Implementing artificial intelligence (AI) for CD138+ cell identification could enhance the accuracy, reproducibility, and reliability of analysis. Methods Here, an AI algorithm was developed to identify CD138+ plasma cells within endometrial tissue. The AI model comprised two layers of convolutional neural networks (CNNs). CNN1 was trained to segment epithelium and stroma across 28,363 mm2 (2.56 mm2 of epithelium and 24.87 mm2 of stroma), while CNN2 was trained to distinguish stromal cells based on CD138 staining, encompassing 7345 cells in the object layers (6942 CD138- cells and 403 CD138+ cells). The training and performance of the AI model were validated by three experienced pathologists. We collected 193 endometrial tissues from healthy controls (n = 73), women with PCOS (n = 91), and RIF patients (n = 29) and compared the CD138+ cell percentages based on cycle phases, ovulation status, and endometrial receptivity utilizing the AI model. Results The AI algorithm consistently and reliably distinguished CD138- and CD138+ cells, with total error rates of 6.32% and 3.23%, respectively. During the training validation, there was a complete agreement between the decisions made by the pathologists and the AI algorithm, while the performance validation demonstrated excellent accuracy between the AI and human evaluation methods (intraclass correlation; 0.76, 95% confidence intervals; 0.36-0.93, p = 0.002) and a positive correlation (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient: 0.79, p < 0.01). In the AI analysis, the AI model revealed higher CD138+ cell percentages in the proliferative phase (PE) endometrium compared to the secretory phase or anovulatory PCOS endometrium, irrespective of PCOS diagnosis. Interestingly, CD138+ percentages differed according to PCOS phenotype in the PE (p = 0.03). On the other hand, the receptivity status had no impact on the cell percentages in RIF samples. Conclusion Our findings emphasize the potential and accuracy of the AI algorithm in detecting endometrial CD138+ plasma cells, offering distinct advantages over manual inspection, such as rapid analysis of whole slide images, reduction of intra- and interobserver variations, sparing the valuable time of trained specialists, and consistent productivity. This supports the application of AI technology to help clinical decision-making, for example, in understanding endometrial cycle phase-related dynamics, as well as different reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungbaek Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Research Center Oulu, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu 90220, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu 50406, Estonia
| | - Riikka K. Arffman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Research Center Oulu, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Elina K. Komsi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Research Center Oulu, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Outi Lindgren
- Department of Pathology, Oulu University Hospital, Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Janette A. Kemppainen
- Department of Pathology, Oulu University Hospital, Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Hanna Metsola
- Department of Pathology, Oulu University Hospital, Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Henna-Riikka Rossi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Research Center Oulu, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Anne Ahtikoski
- Department of Pathology, Turku University Hospital, Turku 20521, Finland
| | - Keiu Kask
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu 50406, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu 51014, Estonia
| | - Merli Saare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu 50406, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu 51014, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu 50406, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu 51014, Estonia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 14152, Sweden
| | - Terhi T. Piltonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Research Center Oulu, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu 90220, Finland
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Jia Y, Huang Y, Ai ZH, Dong YJ, Guo YH, Yang Y, Zhang D, Ye HX, Yang J. Exploring the effectiveness of endometrial receptivity array and immune profiling in patients with multiple implantation failure:A retrospective cohort study based on propensity score matching. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 163:104218. [PMID: 38422808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104218] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the endometrial receptivity array (ERA), endometrial immune profiling, and a combination of both in improving the pregnancy outcomes for multiple implantation failure patients. According to patients' willingness, 1429 women who incurred at least two or more consecutive implantation failures in IVF/ICSI treatment opted for frozen embryo transfer and were divided into four groups: 'No test', 'Immune Profiling', 'ERA' and 'ERA+ Immune Profiling'. Women in three test groups underwent timed endometrial biopsy for ERA, immune profiling, a combination of both. We observed the overall incidence rates of the displaced window of implantation (WOI) and endometrial immune dysregulation were 75.14% and 79.29%, respectively. After 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM), our data revealed that the 'ERA' and 'ERA + Immune Profiling' groups demonstrated significantly higher rates of biochemical, clinical, ongoing pregnancy, and implantation compared to the 'No test' group (p < 0.01). The 'Immune Profiling' group showed a higher implantation rate compared to 'No test' group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, when comparing three test groups, the 'ERA + Immune Profiling' group exhibited notably higher rates of clinical and ongoing pregnancy compared to the 'Immune Profiling' group (p < 0.017). However, there was no association between endometrial immune profiling and ERA phases, and their results did not differ between embryo implantation and non-implantation in these patients. Our findings underline the increased implantation rates by use of ERA and endometrial immune profiling in patients with multiple implantation failure, either individually or corporately. Moreover, a combination of both could improve their pregnancy outcomes significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jia
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Department of Reproductive Immunology, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Zhong-Hua Ai
- Institute of Health Studies, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, PR China
| | - Ya-Jun Dong
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yan-Hua Guo
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Hong-Xia Ye
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Department of Reproductive Immunology, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
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Hue HJ, Choi H, Lee HK, Lee JR, Jee BC, Choo CW, Kim SK. Prevalence and confounders of chronic endometritis diagnosed using CD138 in patients with recurrent implantation failure. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2024; 51:163-169. [PMID: 38263588 PMCID: PMC11140256 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2023.06170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prevalence of chronic endometritis, diagnosed using CD138 immunohistochemistry, among infertile women and to assess the association between chronic endometritis and recurrent implantation failure (RIF). METHODS In total, 266 patients who underwent hysteroscopy due to infertility between 2019 and 2020 were included in the analysis. Of these, 136 patients with RIF and 130 non-RIF patients were included in the study. CD138 immunohistochemistry test results, blood biomarkers (including natural killer cells, white blood cells, and the lymphocyte-to-neutrophil ratio), and data on pregnancy outcomes were obtained. If the CD138 test yielded a positive result, the patients received antibiotic treatment. RESULTS The overall proportion of CD138-positive patients was 32.7% (87/266). The CD138 positivity rate was not related to the number of cycles with implantation failure. In the RIF patient group, no significant associations were found between CD138 positivity and peripheral blood markers. The clinical pregnancy rates were similar between infertile women treated with antibiotics for chronic endometritis and those without chronic endometritis. CONCLUSION To improve the pregnancy rate in infertile patients, it may be helpful to combine CD138 testing with other laboratory tests and administer antibiotic treatment if the result is positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jeong Hue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunji Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Kyoung Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Ryeol Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Chul Jee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Woo Choo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul Maria Fertility Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seul Ki Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Zhang H, Qiu H, Liu Z, Yu S, Chen C, Zeng Y, Li Y. Endometrial preparation protocols did not impact pregnancy outcomes of patients with cured chronic endometritis. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103753. [PMID: 38520803 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103753] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Do endometrial preparation protocols have an effect on pregnancy outcomes in patients with cured chronic endometritis? DESIGN A retrospective study was conducted on 3721 infertile patients from December 2018 to August 2020. Endometrial tissues obtained during the proliferative phase were immunostained for CD138. The presence of CD138-positive cells within the stromal cells indicated chronic endometritis. All patients diagnosed with chronic endometritis received oral antibiotics. Patients underwent endometrial preparation and frozen embryo transfer once chronic endometritis was cured. This study compared various endometrial preparation protocols to assess their effects on pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, it aimed to investigate differences in pregnancy outcomes between patients without chronic endometritis and patients with cured chronic endometritis while following the same endometrial preparation protocol. RESULTS Almost no differences in pregnancy outcomes were observed between natural cycle, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist-HRT (GnRH agonist-HRT) protocols in patients without chronic endometritis and patients with cured chronic endometritis. The only notable difference was that, among women without chronic endometritis, the early miscarriage rate was higher for the GnRH agonist-HRT protocol (25.8%) compared with the natural cycle (17.4%) and HRT (17.7%) protocols (P = 0.025). However, this difference was not significant after adjusting for confounders (adjusted OR 1.383, 95% CI 0.931-2.055). The live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate, ectopic pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy rate did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between patients without chronic endometritis and patients with cured chronic endometritis who underwent natural cycle, HRT and GnRH agonist-HRT protocols. CONCLUSION Endometrial preparation protocols had no impact on pregnancy outcomes in patients with cured chronic endometritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhan Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Qiu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyi Yu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuye Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
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Yoneda E, Kim S, Tomita K, Minase T, Kayano M, Watanabe H, Tetsuka M, Sasaki M, Iwayama H, Sanai H, Muranishi Y. Evaluation of Lipopolysaccharide and Interleukin-6 as Useful Screening Tool for Chronic Endometritis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2017. [PMID: 38396694 PMCID: PMC10888589 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042017] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Universal diagnostic criteria for chronic endometritis (CE) have not been established due to differences in study design among researchers and a lack of typical clinical cases. Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) have been reported to cause inflammation in the reproductive systems of several animals. This study aimed to elucidate the influence of LPS in the pathogenesis of CE in humans. We investigated whether LPS affected cytokine production and cell proliferation in the endometrium using in vivo and in vitro experiments. LPS concentrations were analyzed between control and CE patients using endometrial tissues. LPS administration stimulated the proliferation of EM-E6/E7 cells derived from human endometrial cells. High LPS concentrations were detected in CE patients. LPS concentration was found to correlate with IL-6 gene expression in the endometrium. Inflammation signaling evoked by LPS led to the onset of CE, since LPS stimulates inflammatory responses and cell cycles in the endometrium. We identified LPS and IL-6 as suitable candidate markers for the diagnosis of CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erina Yoneda
- Department of Life and Food Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan (S.K.); (K.T.); (H.W.); (M.T.)
| | - Sangwoo Kim
- Department of Life and Food Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan (S.K.); (K.T.); (H.W.); (M.T.)
| | - Kisaki Tomita
- Department of Life and Food Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan (S.K.); (K.T.); (H.W.); (M.T.)
| | - Takashi Minase
- Sapporo Clinical Laboratory Inc., Sapporo 060-0005, Hokkaido, Japan;
| | - Mitsunori Kayano
- Research Center for Global Agro-Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan;
| | - Hiroyuki Watanabe
- Department of Life and Food Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan (S.K.); (K.T.); (H.W.); (M.T.)
| | - Masafumi Tetsuka
- Department of Life and Food Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan (S.K.); (K.T.); (H.W.); (M.T.)
| | - Motoki Sasaki
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan;
| | - Hiroshi Iwayama
- Obihiro ART Clinic, Obihiro 080-0803, Hokkaido, Japan; (H.I.); (H.S.)
| | - Hideomi Sanai
- Obihiro ART Clinic, Obihiro 080-0803, Hokkaido, Japan; (H.I.); (H.S.)
| | - Yuki Muranishi
- Department of Life and Food Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan (S.K.); (K.T.); (H.W.); (M.T.)
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
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Ughade PA, Shrivastava D. Unveiling the Role of Endometrial CD-138: A Comprehensive Review on Its Significance in Infertility and Early Pregnancy. Cureus 2024; 16:e54782. [PMID: 38529432 PMCID: PMC10961243 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This review comprehensively examines the role of endometrial CD-138 (syndecan-1) in the context of infertility and early pregnancy. The endometrium, a dynamic tissue responsive to hormonal cues, plays a central role in fertility, and understanding the molecular intricacies governing its function is crucial. CD-138, a cell surface proteoglycan, emerges as a critical player expressed by various endometrial cell types. Our exploration encompasses a brief overview of the endometrium, introducing CD-138 as a significant molecular entity. The rationale for the review underscores the importance of elucidating endometrial factors in fertility and addresses existing knowledge gaps related to CD-138. Throughout the review, we unravel the multifaceted nature of CD-138 and its involvement in infertility, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic marker. Furthermore, insights into CD-138's role during early pregnancy, including trophoblast-endothelial interactions, are discussed. In conclusion, the findings underscore the clinical implications of CD-138, suggesting its utility in diagnostics and offering prospects for targeted therapeutic interventions. The identified knowledge gaps propel future research directions, promising to deepen our understanding of this enigmatic molecule and its transformative potential in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prachi A Ughade
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Deepti Shrivastava
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research, Wardha, IND
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Wei L, Zhao Y, Xu S, Zhang C. Association Between Endometritis and Endometrial Polyp: A Mendelian Randomization Study. Int J Womens Health 2023; 15:1963-1970. [PMID: 38144947 PMCID: PMC10749105 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s434299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endometrial polyps (EPs) are one of the most common intrauterine benign tumors, and are an important cause of uterine bleeding and female infertility. Previous studies have suggested that endometritis may contribute to the onset of EPs. This study aims to reveal the causal effect of endometritis on EPs by a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study. Methods Utilizing summarized statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in the European population, we conducted a Mendelian randomization study. In order to select suitable instrumental variables (IVs) that were significantly related to the exposures, a number of quality control approaches were used. For endometritis, 2144 cases and 111,858 controls were included, while for EPs, 2252 cases and 460,758 controls. Utilizing the inverse variance weighted (IVW) as the primary analysis, the data were subjected to a two-sample MR analysis, and the weighted median (WM) technique and MR-Egger regression were carried out additionally. The sensitivity analysis revealed neither heterogeneity nor horizontal pleiotropy. Results Four independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from endometritis GWAS as IVs were selected. The IVW data did not agree to a causal association between endometritis and EPs (β=1.11e-04, standard error [SE] =4.88e-04, P = 0.82). Directional pleiotropy did not affect the outcome, according to the MR-Egger regression (intercept = 0.09, P = 0.10); Additionally, it showed no causation association between endometritis and EPs (β= -3.28e-03, SE = 3.54e-03, P = 0.45). Similar results were obtained using the weighted-median method (β=8.56e-05, SE=5.97e-04, P = 0.89). No proof of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy between IV estimates was discovered. Conclusion In conclusion, by large scale genetic data, the results of this MR analysis provided suggestive evidence that the presence of endometritis is not associated with higher EPs risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longlong Wei
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Siyue Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cuilian Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
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Chu M, He S, Zhao H, Yin S, Liu Z, Zhang W, Liu X, Bao H. Increasing expression of STING by ERα antagonizes LCN2 downregulation during chronic endometritis. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 160:104167. [PMID: 37952294 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.104167] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Chronic endometritis has a high incidence in infertile women, which is caused by endometrial microbiome infection. In response to microbial infection, the role of defensins during chronic endometritis need explored. Besides, the expression of estrogen and its receptors vary in different menstrual cycles, but their roles in chronic endometritis are still unclear. In this study, we used the human endometrial tissues to examine the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) α-defensin hNP-1 and β-defensins hBD-1, hBD-2, hBD-3, hBD-4 and LCN2. We found the expression of hBD-1 and LCN2 were downregulated in endometritis tissues, while the expressions of hBD-2, hBD-3, hBD-4, hNP-1, and estrogen and ERα were upregulated in chronic endometritis tissues compared to normal tissues. The expression and phosphorylation of STING, which is a crucial mediator of mammalian innate immunity in response to pathogens, was regulated with the treatment of ERα inhibitor raloxifene (Rx). Furthermore, using with the estrogen receptor inhibitor Rx and STING inhibitor H-151 significantly decreases the LCN2 expression. Taken together, these results suggested ERα was upregulated to modulate STING expression inducing LCN2 antimicrobial peptide expression to modulate the mucosal immunity during chronic endometritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding Estern Road, Yantai 264000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shunzhi He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding Estern Road, Yantai 264000, People's Republic of China
| | - Huishan Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding Estern Road, Yantai 264000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyuan Yin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding Estern Road, Yantai 264000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenteng Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding Estern Road, Yantai 264000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding Estern Road, Yantai 264000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding Estern Road, Yantai 264000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongchu Bao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding Estern Road, Yantai 264000, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Tian Y, Zeng Q, Cheng Y, Wang XH, Cao D, Yeung WSB, Liu Q, Duan YG, Yao YQ. Follicular helper T lymphocytes in the endometria of patients with reproductive failure: Association with pregnancy outcomes and inflammatory status of the endometria. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023:e13708. [PMID: 37095737 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13708] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The phenotypes and functions of B and CD4+ T-helper cell subsets during chronic inflammation of the endometria remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and functions of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells to understand the pathological mechanisms of chronic endometritis (CE). METHOD OF STUDY Eighty patients who underwent hysteroscopic and histopathological examinations for CE were divided into three groups-those with positive results for hysteroscopy and CD138 staining (DP), negative results for hysteroscopy but positive CD138 staining (SP), and negative results for hysteroscopy and CD138 staining (DN). The phenotypes of B cells and CD4+ T-cell subsets were analyzed using flow cytometry. RESULTS CD38+ and CD138+ cells were mainly expressed in the non-leukocyte population of the endometria, and the endometrial CD19+ CD138+ B cells were fewer than the CD3+ CD138+ T cells. The percentage of Tfh cells increased with chronic inflammation in the endometria. Additionally, the elevated percentage of Tfh cells correlated with the number of miscarriages. CONCLUSIONS CD4+ T cells, particularly Tfh cells, may be critical in chronic endometrial inflammation and affect its microenvironment, thereby regulating endometrial receptivity, compared to B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qunxiong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanfei Cheng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dandan Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William Shu-Biu Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qingzhi Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuan-Qing Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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10
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Li J, Xu D, Ma L, Li L, Yang L. Adverse impact of CD138+ cells in proliferative-phase endometrium on pregnancy outcomes in fresh IVF/ICSI cycles. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33106. [PMID: 36897723 PMCID: PMC9997799 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the impact of Syndecan-1 (CD138) in proliferative-phase endometrium on pregnancy outcomes in fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF)/ intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. This retrospective cohort study contained 273 patients who underwent IVF/ICSI with fresh embryo transfer following an endometrial curettage from January 2020 to May 2022. Endometrial curettage was performed on all patients within 3 to 5 days following menstruation and endometrial tissue was acquired for detection of plasma cells by immunohistochemistry. Subsequent pregnancy outcomes of all cycles were traced and analyzed. A total of 149 patients became pregnant (i.e., pregnant group) in the fresh transfer IVF/ICSI cycles and 124 did not become pregnant (i.e., nonpregnant group). The number of CD138 + cells/ high-power field (HPF) of the nonpregnant group was significantly higher than the pregnant group (2.36 ± 4.24 vs 1.31 ± 3.41, P = .008). The cut off value of CD138 + cells/HPF was 2 by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.572. Compared with the negative group (i.e., CD138 + cells/HPF < 2, n = 204), the positive group (i.e., CD138 + cells/HPF ≥ 2, n = 69) had a significantly lower clinical pregnancy rate (71.8% vs 40.6%, P < .001). The clinical pregnancy rate revealed a gradually decreasing trend with the increase in CD138 + cells. Proliferative-phase endometrial CD138 + cells may be an adverse indicator for pregnancy outcomes in fresh IVF/ICSI cycles, with a certain value in predicting non-pregnancy. Pregnancy outcome was poor when CD138 + cells/HPF ≥ 2 in the endometrium and may worsen with the increase in CD138 + cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- The Reproductive Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Dujuan Xu
- The Reproductive Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Ling Ma
- The Reproductive Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Lin Li
- The Reproductive Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Lijuan Yang
- The Reproductive Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
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11
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Xiong Z, Zhang W, Liu S, Liu K, Wang J, Qin P, Liu Y, Jiang Q. The combination of CD138/MUM1 dual-staining and artificial intelligence for plasma cell counting in the diagnosis of chronic endometritis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13671. [PMID: 36544330 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the utility of combination of CD138/MUM1 dual-staining (DS) and artificial intelligence (AI) for plasma cell (PC) counting in the diagnosis of chronic endometritis (CE). METHODS Two hundred ninety-eight infertile women underwent endometrial biopsy were included. In 100 women, three successive sections were cut from each paraffin-embedded tissue block for CD138 immunohistochemical (IHC) single-staining (SS), MUM1 SS and CD138/MUM1 DS. The prevalence of CE and the sensitivity/specificity in the diagnosis of CE with different methods was studied. These sections diagnosed as CE with DS were collected to train artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostic system. In other 198 women, their tissue sections stained with CD138/MUM1 DS were used to test the AI system in the diagnosis of CE. RESULTS CD138/MUM1 DS revealed that the cell membranes and nuclei of PCs were simultaneously labelled by CD138 and MUM1, respectively. The positive rate of ECs identified by CD138/MUM1 DS (38%, 38/100) was lower than CD138 SS (52%, 52/100) and MUM1 SS (62%, 62/100) (p < .05). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CD138/MUM1 DS in the diagnosis of ECs reached 100%. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rates of AI diagnostic system of ECs were 100%, 83.3% and 91.4%, respectively. The 17 cases over-diagnosed as EC with the AI were corrected quickly by pathologists reviewing these false PC pictures listed by the AI. CONCLUSION The combination of CD138/MUM1 DS and AI is a promising method to improve the accuracy and efficiency of CE diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongtang Xiong
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoyan Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Cells Vision (Guangzhou) Medical Technology Inc., Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Cells Vision (Guangzhou) Medical Technology Inc., Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Qin
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuping Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingping Jiang
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Wu X, Niu S, Zhao T. Establishment and verification of hysteroscopic scoring system for chronic endometritis in infertile patients. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2023; 52:46-53. [PMID: 37283117 PMCID: PMC10407986 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2022-0513] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To establish and verify a hysteroscopic scoring system for the diagnosis of chronic endometritis (CE) in infertile patients. METHODS A total of 238 infertile patients who underwent hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy in the Reproductive Medicine Center, Shijiazhuang Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University from October 1 to December 31, 2019 were enrolled in the study. According to the results of CD138 immunohistochemistry, the patients were divided into CE group (n=73) and non-CE group (n=165). Univariate and binary logistic regression analyses were used to screen the risk factors of CE and a nomogram was establish for hysteroscopic scoring. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve and Bootstrap resampling method were used to evaluate and verify the system. RESULTS Univariate and binary logistic regression analyses showed that hyperemia area (HA) degree ≥2, micropolyps, polypoid hyperplasia of endometrium and history of ectopic pregnancy were independent risk factors for CE (all P<0.05). A nomogram was generated to establish a hysteroscopy scoring system based on the above four factors. The area under ROC curve of the hysteroscopy scoring system for predicting CE was 0.801 (95%CI:0.742-0.861), the sensitivity was 74.0% and the specificity was 73.9%. The calibration curve showed that the predicting value of the scoring system was highly consistent with the actual value. In the internal verification, the C-index was 0.7811. The predicting value of the verification group in the calibration curve was basically consistent with the actual value, indicating that the scoring system had good stability. CONCLUSIONS The hysteroscopic scoring system composed of HA, micropolyp, polypoid hyperplasia of endometrium and history of ectopic pregnancy can effectively and intuitively predict CE, which is conducive to improving the diagnosis of CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shijiazhuang Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050035, China.
| | - Shufang Niu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shijiazhuang Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050035, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shijiazhuang Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050035, China
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13
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Qu D, Liu Y, Zhou H, Wang Z. Chronic endometritis increases the recurrence of endometrial polyps in premenopausal women after hysteroscopic polypectomy. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:88. [PMID: 36841768 PMCID: PMC9960172 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02232-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reported recurrence rate of endometrial polyps (EPs) after hysteroscopic polypectomy varied widely, and the factors influencing the recurrence of EPs are still controversial. Furthermore, the known definite independent risk factors are almost unchangeable, such as the number of EPs and previous polypectomy history. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of chronic endometritis (CE) on the recurrence of EPs in premenopausal women who underwent hysteroscopic polypectomy. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted at a university-affiliated hospital. Premenopausal women who underwent hysteroscopic polypectomy were enrolled, and those with definite confounding factors for polyp recurrence were excluded, including endometriosis and previous polypectomy history. A total of 233 women were enrolled in this study, including 64 (27.5%) cases with CE and 169 (72.5%) cases without CE. CE was diagnosed via immunohistochemical detection of CD138 on the endometrial specimen. Comparison of the recurrence rate of EPs was performed in women with or without CE at each monitoring stage (i.e., at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) after hysteroscopic polypectomy. RESULTS The recurrence rates of EPs at one year in patients with and without CE were 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 15.8-37.4%) and 9.5% (95% CI 5.0-14.0%), respectively, with an overall recurrence rate of 14.2% (95% CI 9.7-18.7%). The hazard ratio (HR) for EPs recurrence in the EPs with CE cohort versus the EPs without CE cohort was 3.08 (95% CI 1.56-6.09) (P = 0.001). Similarly, the recurrence rate of EPs was significantly higher in women with CE than in those without CE at each monitoring stage (i.e., 3, 6 and 9 months). CE and multiple EPs were risk factors for EPs recurrence. The HR for EPs recurrence in the EPs with CE cohort compared with the EPs without CE cohort was 3.06, after adjustment for the number of EPs. CONCLUSIONS CE was a harmful factor for the recurrence of EPs in premenopausal women after hysteroscopic polypectomy. Thus, routine screening for CE during hysteroscopic polypectomy was needed. Frequent monitoring was needed for multiple EPs as the number of EPs also contributed to polyp recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dacheng Qu
- grid.203458.80000 0000 8653 0555State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China ,grid.203458.80000 0000 8653 0555Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China ,grid.413387.a0000 0004 1758 177XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Non-Invasive and Micro-Invasive Laboratory of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000 China ,grid.413387.a0000 0004 1758 177XNon-Invasive and Micro-Invasive Laboratory of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000 China
| | - Yue Liu
- grid.413387.a0000 0004 1758 177XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Non-Invasive and Micro-Invasive Laboratory of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000 China
| | - Honggui Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Non-Invasive and Micro-Invasive Laboratory of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China. .,Non-Invasive and Micro-Invasive Laboratory of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China.
| | - Zhibiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China. .,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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14
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Qiao X, Wu L, Liu D, Pei T, Huang W. Existence of chronic endometritis and its influence on pregnancy outcomes in infertile women with minimal/mild endometriosis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 160:628-634. [PMID: 35780459 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of chronic endometritis (CE) in women with minimal/mild endometriosis and to analyze whether CE affects their pregnancy outcomes. METHODS This retrospective study included 201 infertile women who were diagnosed with minimal/mild endometriosis after undergoing hysteroscopy combined with laparoscopy from January 2016 to December 2018. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect CD138 and CD38, which are specific markers of plasma cells in the endometrial stroma to diagnose CE. Subsequently, we investigated the prevalence of CE and the effects of CE on spontaneous cumulative pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and miscarriage rate within 24 months after surgery. RESULTS The prevalence of CE in infertile women with minimal/mild endometriosis was 24.38%. Patients diagnosed with CE showed a significantly lower cumulative pregnancy rate and live birth rate compared with women without CE (46.51% vs. 71.13% [P = 0.004]; 44.19% vs. 63.38% [P = 0.025]). However, the rate of miscarriage in women with CE was also lower than in women without CE (0 vs. 7.04%, P = 0.074). CONCLUSION Since CE had an adverse effect on cumulative pregnancy rate and live birth rate in infertile women with minimal/mild endometriosis, we suggested that diagnosis and treatment of CE may improve their pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Qiao
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lukanxuan Wu
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianjiao Pei
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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15
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The Correlation between Chronic Endometritis and Tubal-Factor Infertility. J Clin Med 2022; 12:jcm12010285. [PMID: 36615085 PMCID: PMC9821727 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the prevalence and risk factors for chronic endometritis (CE) with tubal factors and the correlation between chronic endometritis and tubal factors among infertile populations. METHOD A total of 52 patients with chronic endometritis (CE group) who underwent laparoscopy and hysteroscopic surgery were recruited between July 2020 and December 2021. A total of 38 patients without chronic endometritis (non-CE group) were included as a control. Patients with endometriosis and intra-uterine abnormalities were excluded. Endometrial samples were collected during surgery for CD138 immunohistochemistry staining for the diagnosis of CE. Preoperative information (including age, reproductive health characteristics, previous medical and surgical history), intra-operative information (including the patency of the fallopian tube, the presence of hydrosalpinx, score and the grade of tubal lesion condition) and post-operative information (counts of CD138-positive HPF in the endometrial specimen) were collected. RESULT A multivariate analysis revealed that tubal factors with unilateral or bilateral occlusion were significantly higher in the CE group (OR 3.066, 95% CI 1.020-9.213, p = 0.046). The bilateral occlusion of fallopian tubes (OR 8.785, 95% CI 1.408-54.818, p = 0.020) rather than unilateral occlusion (OR 2.860, 95% CI 0.893-9.162, p = 0.077) was significantly associated with chronic endometritis. The presence of a hydrosalpinx on one side (OR 7.842, 95% CI 1.279-48.086, p = 0.026) or both sides (OR 9.450, 95% CI 1.037-86.148, p = 0.046) was significantly associated with chronic endometritis. The comparison of CD138-positive HPF counts among the tubal occlusion patients without hydrosalpinx, patients with unilateral hydrosalpinx and patients with bilateral hydrosalpinx were as follows: 1 HPF (50.00% vs. 12.50% vs. 11.11%, p = 0.051), 2 HPF (38.89% vs. 25.00% vs. 22.22%, p = 0.615), ≥3 HPF (11.11% vs. 62.50% vs. 66.67%, p = 0.005). The stage of tubal condition was positively correlated with CD138-positive HPF counts in women with chronic endometritis (r = 0.460, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION CE was closely related to the blockage of fallopian tubes and hydrosalpinx. The severity degree of the fallopian lesion condition was associated with inflammation of the endometrium.
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16
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Wei L, Xu C, Zhao Y, Zhang C. Higher Prevalence of Chronic Endometritis in Women with Cesarean Scar Defect: A Retrospective Study Using Propensity Score Matching. J Pers Med 2022; 13:jpm13010039. [PMID: 36675699 PMCID: PMC9863930 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: A cesarean scar defect may cause localized inflammation of the endometrial tissue, and various researchers believe that the presence of a cesarean scar defect is associated with chronic endometritis. However, there is no report on the possible association between cesarean scar defects and chronic endometritis thus far. This study aimed to assess the role of having a cesarean scar defect in a person's susceptibility to chronic endometritis. (2) Methods: This retrospective propensity-score-matched study comprised 1411 patients with chronic endometritis that were admitted to Henan Provincial People's Hospital in China from 2020 to 2022. Based on whether a cesarean scar defect was present or not, all cases were assigned to the cesarean scar defect group or the control group. (3) Results: Of the 1411 patients, 331 patients with a cesarean scar defect were matched to 170 controls. All unbalanced covariates between groups were balanced after matching. Before matching, the prevalence of chronic endometritis in the cesarean scar defect group and in the control group was 28.8% and 19.6%, respectively. After correcting for all confounding factors, a logistic regression analysis showed that cesarean scar defect occurrence may increase the risk of chronic endometritis (odds ratio (OR), 1.766; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.217-2.563; p = 0.003). After matching, the prevalence of chronic endometritis was 28.8% in the cesarean scar defect group and 20.5% in the control group. Thus, even after correcting for all confounding factors, the logistic regression analysis still showed that a cesarean scar defect remained an independent risk factor for chronic endometritis prevalence (OR, 1.571; 95% CI, 1.021-2.418; p = 0.040). The findings were consistent throughout the sensitivity analyses. (4) Conclusions: The present results suggest that the onset of a cesarean scar defect may increase the risk of chronic endometritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longlong Wei
- Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Chunyu Xu
- Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Cuilian Zhang
- Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
- Correspondence:
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17
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Liu WJ, Huang J, Sun L, Huang L, Zhang QY, Nong YQ, Wei JH, Wu KH, Liu FH. New biopsy after antibiotic treatment: effect on outcomes of assisted reproduction in patients with infertility and chronic endometritis. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:1167-1175. [PMID: 36462787 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the effect of chronic endometritis on patients with infertility, the necessity of endometrial re-examination and the effect of improving chronic endometritis after one cycle of antibiotic treatment on pregnancy outcomes? DESIGN Infertile patients (n = 4003) who underwent IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment were included. Pregnancy outcomes of groups positive for chronic endometritis were compared with groups that were negative (group 1). Patients that were positive were divided into the chronic endometritis new biopsy group (group 2) and chronic endometritis non-re-examination group (group 3). After doxycycline treatment and re-examination, the chronic endometritis new biopsy group was divided into improved chronic endometritis group (ICE) and not-improved chronic endometritis group (NICE), and their general indicators and reproductive outcomes were compared. RESULTS No significant difference was observed in embryo implantation, early or late pregnancy loss, ectopic pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates between groups 2 and 3. The clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in the NICE group were significantly lower than those in the ICE group (P = 0.008 and P = 0.001, respectively). After controlling for potential confounding factors, age, average number of high-quality embryos, endometrial thickness on the day of embryo transfer and number and type of embryo transfer were factors associated with live birth rates. CONCLUSIONS Endometrial re-examination of women with chronic endometritis treated with doxycycline had no effect on pregnancy outcomes. The first cycle of doxycycline treatment could effectively improve reproductive outcomes of women with five or more CD138+ cells/high-power field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Juan Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 613 Huangpu Avenue West, Tianhe District, Guangzhou Guangdong Province 510630, China; Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, No. 521 Xingnan Road, Guangzhou Guangdong Province 511400, China
| | - Ju Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 613 Huangpu Avenue West, Tianhe District, Guangzhou Guangdong Province 510630, China; Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, No. 521 Xingnan Road, Guangzhou Guangdong Province 511400, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, No. 521 Xingnan Road, Guangzhou Guangdong Province 511400, China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, No. 521 Xingnan Road, Guangzhou Guangdong Province 511400, China
| | - Qian-Yu Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, No. 521 Xingnan Road, Guangzhou Guangdong Province 511400, China
| | - Ying-Qi Nong
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, No. 521 Xingnan Road, Guangzhou Guangdong Province 511400, China
| | - Jia-Hui Wei
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, No. 521 Xingnan Road, Guangzhou Guangdong Province 511400, China
| | - Kun-He Wu
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, No. 521 Xingnan Road, Guangzhou Guangdong Province 511400, China
| | - Feng-Hua Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 613 Huangpu Avenue West, Tianhe District, Guangzhou Guangdong Province 510630, China; Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, No. 521 Xingnan Road, Guangzhou Guangdong Province 511400, China.
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18
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Yasuo T, Kitaya K. Challenges in Clinical Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Endometritis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:2711. [PMID: 36359553 PMCID: PMC9689541 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic endometritis (CE) is a local mucosal infectious and inflammatory disorder characterized by unusual filtration of CD138(+) endometrial stromal plasmacytes. CE is attracting attention due to its potential association with infertility of unknown etiology, repeated implantation failure, recurrent pregnancy loss, and several maternal/neonatal complications. Due to the variance in study design among researchers, universal diagnostic criteria remain to be established for the clinical diagnosis and management of CE. This review article aims to summarize current knowledge and provide insights into unsolved questions on CE to establish clinical guidelines for the disease from the viewpoint of human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadahiro Yasuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Otsu City Hospital, Otsu 520-0804, Japan
| | - Kotaro Kitaya
- Infertility Center, Kouseikai Mihara Hospital/Katsura Mihara Clinic, 6–8 Kamikatsura Miyanogo-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8227, Japan
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19
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Vitagliano A, Laganà AS, De Ziegler D, Cicinelli R, Santarsiero CM, Buzzaccarini G, Chiantera V, Cicinelli E, Marinaccio M. Chronic Endometritis in Infertile Women: Impact of Untreated Disease, Plasma Cell Count and Antibiotic Therapy on IVF Outcome-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12092250. [PMID: 36140651 PMCID: PMC9498271 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the impact of chronic endometritis (CE) and its therapy on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. Additionally, we aim to investigate whether various degrees of CE severity may exert a different effect on IVF outcome. Ongoing-pregnancy rate/live-birth-rate (OPR/LBR), clinical-pregnancy rate (CPR), and miscarriage rate (MR) were calculated. A total number of 4145 patients (from ten studies) were included. Women with CE had lower OPR/LBR (OR 1.97, p = 0.02) and CPR (OR 2.28, p = 0.002) compared to those without CE. CE cure increased OPR/LBR (OR 5.33, p < 0.0001) and CPR (OR 3.64, p = 0.0001). IVF outcome was comparable between women with cured CE and those without CE (OPR/LBR, CPR and MR: p = ns). Women with severe CE had lower OPR/LBR (OR 0.43, p = 0.003) and CPR (OR 0.40, p = 0.0007) compared to those mild CE. Mild CE showed no influence on the IVF outcome as compared to women without CE (OPR/LBR, CPR and MR: p = ns). Based on this data analysis, CE significantly reduces OPR/LBR and CPR in women undergoing IVF. Importantly, CE resolution after antibiotic therapy may improves IVF outcome, leading to similar OPR/LBR and CPR as compared to unaffected patients. The negative effects of CE on IVF outcome may be restricted to severe disease, whereas mild CE may have no influence on IVF success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amerigo Vitagliano
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Human Oncologic Science, University of Bari, 70100 Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, ARNAS “Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli”, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Dominique De Ziegler
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine, Hospital Foch, Faculté de Médecine Paris Ouest (UVSQ), 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Rossana Cicinelli
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Human Oncologic Science, University of Bari, 70100 Bari, Italy
| | - Carla Mariaflavia Santarsiero
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Human Oncologic Science, University of Bari, 70100 Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Buzzaccarini
- Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Women and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Vito Chiantera
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, ARNAS “Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli”, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Ettore Cicinelli
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Human Oncologic Science, University of Bari, 70100 Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Marinaccio
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Human Oncologic Science, University of Bari, 70100 Bari, Italy
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Abudukeyoumu A, Lai ZZ, Lu JJ, Zhang X, Hou DY, Dong J, Wu JN, Li MQ, Xie F. A LIGHT-HVEM/LTβR axis contributes to the fibrosis of intrauterine adhesion. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 153:103693. [PMID: 35987137 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103693] [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: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a fibrotic disease, with complex and multifactorial process, causing menstrual disorders, pregnancy loss or infertility. LIGHT (also named TNFSF14), mainly expressed by immune cells, has been reported to be associated with tissue fibrosis. However, the features of immunocyte subsets, the expression and roles of LIGHT and its receptor HVEM (herpes virus entry mediator) and LTβR (lymphotoxin beta receptor) in IUA remain largely unknown. Compared with the control group, we observed increased ratios of CD45+ cells, neutrophils, T cells, macrophages and decreased natural killer cells proportion, and high LIGHT expression on CD4+ T cells and macrophages in IUA endometrium. Further analysis showed there was a positive correlation between upregulated profibrotic factors (e.g., ɑ-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor β1) and HVEM in IUA endometrial tissue. More importantly, recombinant human LIGHT protein directly up-regulated the expression of HVEM, LTβR, profibrotic and proinflammatory factors expression in human endometrial stromal cells. These findings reveal abnormal changes of immune cell subsets proportion and the overexpression of LIGHT-HVEM/LTβR axis in IUA endometrium, should contribute to inflammation and fibrosis formation of IUA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayitila Abudukeyoumu
- Medical Center of Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical and Intrauterine Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Lai
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Jing Lu
- Medical Center of Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical and Intrauterine Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Medical Center of Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical and Intrauterine Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Ding-Yu Hou
- Medical Center of Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical and Intrauterine Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Dong
- Medical Center of Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical and Intrauterine Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Nan Wu
- Clinical Epidemiology, Clinical Research Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China; NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Feng Xie
- Medical Center of Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical and Intrauterine Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Management of chronic endometritis before in vitro fertilization: lights and shadows. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:347-348. [PMID: 35878946 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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22
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Does antibiotic therapy for chronic endometritis improve clinical outcomes of patients with recurrent implantation failure in subsequent IVF cycles? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1797-1813. [PMID: 35829835 PMCID: PMC9428097 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02558-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to assess whether antibiotic therapy for chronic endometritis (CE) could improve subsequent IVF outcomes in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). METHODS Studies that explore CE treatment in patients with RIF were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Wanfang, and Google Scholar up to Jan 31, 2022. All retrieved studies were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The main outcome measures include implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), ongoing pregnancy rate/live birth rate (OPR/LBR), and miscarriage rate (MR). Odds ratios (ORs) were analyzed for pregnancy outcomes with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS Nine articles were enrolled in this study. Patients receiving oral antibiotic administration (OAA) did not show any advantage over patients without CE with regard to IR, OPR/LBR, and MR, but they showed a higher CPR. Patients with cured CE after OAA therapy had significantly higher CPR, IR, and OPR/LBR compared with patients without CE. Patients with persistent CE after OAA therapy had significantly lower IR, CPR, and OPR/LBR compared with patients without CE. Patients with cured CE had significantly higher IR, CPR, and OPR/LBR compared with persistent CE patients. CONCLUSIONS Antibiotic treatment may improve the pregnancy outcomes of RIF patients in subsequent IVF cycles only if the condition of CE is confirmed cured in a control biopsy afterwards. Otherwise, no sufficient evidence has shown improvements in clinical outcomes in RIF patients with persistent CE.
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23
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Wang S, Li F, Zhang W, Sui X, Hao C. Investigation of the Relationship between Chronic Endometritis Manifestations under Hysteroscope and CD138 Expression. Appl Bionics Biomech 2022; 2022:8323017. [PMID: 35911610 PMCID: PMC9337969 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8323017] [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: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Methods This study was performed to retrospectively analyze clinical cases of 523 CE patients from January 2018 to June 2020 that were confirmed by hysteroscopy before in vitro fertilization. Based on manifestations of CE under hysteroscopy, the cases were divided into three cohorts, i.e., hyperemia cohort where the patients had diffuse endometrium hyperemia; endometrial micropolyp cohort, and endometrial stroma edema and hyperplasia cohort. Small amount of endometrial tissue was collected from the patients, and CD138 IHC examination was performed. According to the results of CD138 IHC, positive patients were given antibiotic treatment (doxycycline 100 mg BID orally for 14 days), and hysteroscopy was performed again after treatment to check the efficacy of antibiotics. Results In the comparison of overall status for all patient cohorts, infertility type, BMI, bFSH, bLH, bP, bT, PRL, AMH, and CA125 were varied markedly across all cohorts (P < 0.05), with predominant incidences of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) peaking within hyperemia cohort. Incidence/diagnostic rate for CD138 within hyperemia cohort was 10.06%, which was lower than the 63.16% in micropolyp cohort and 74% in edema and hyperplasia cohort (P < 0.05). No major variation existed within CD138 across micropolyp cohort/edema and hyperplasia cohort (P > 0.05). After CD138-positive CE patients were treated with antibiotics, the effective rate (0/16) within hyperemia cohort was lower than micropolyp cohort (73.61%, 53/72) and edema and hyperplasia cohort (83.24%, 154/185) (P < 0.05). The effective rate across micropolyp cohort/edema and hyperplasia cohort was not significantly different (P > 0.05). Conclusion Cases of diffuse endometrial hyperemia under hysteroscope had the lowest positive rate of CD138, and the effect of antibiotic treatment on these patients was poor. The positive rate of CD138 in patients with endometrial micropolyps and endometrial stroma edema and hyperplasia under hysteroscope was high, and the effect of antibiotic treatment was better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wang
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - FengHua Li
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - XiaoLong Sui
- Department of Pathology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - CuiFang Hao
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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24
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Murtinger M, Wirleitner B, Spitzer D, Bralo H, Miglar S, Schuff M. Diagnosing chronic endometritis: when simplification fails to clarify. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2022:hoac023. [PMID: 35722504 PMCID: PMC9202642 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoac023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive immunology has grown in importance in recent years and has even developed into a discipline of its own within the field of reproductive medicine. Many aspects of reproductive failure such as repeated implantation failure or recurrent miscarriages are, meanwhile, seen as a consequence of aberrant expression of immunological factors. This is reflected by the increasing number of tests for assessing and quantifying different immune cell types as well as by a wide range of immune therapies offered to a clientele consisting of desperate patients requesting additional ‘IVF tools’: first, what is still usually disregarded is the enormous plasticity and fluctuation of most immune cells in the genital tract; second, their still poorly characterized functions in the endometrial cycle: further, their partially unknown role in embryo implantation and in establishing a pregnancy; and third, the fact that one of the fundamental hypotheses of reproductive immunology—of note—the Medawar concept or ‘Medawar's Paradox’ of semi-allogeneic graft embryo, is partially based on an erroneous assumption, i.e. the immunologic rejection and tolerance of an embryo. In the present opinion article, we comment on the diagnostic procedures and therapy approaches for chronic endometritis within the scope of reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Helena Bralo
- Next Fertility IVF Prof. Zech—Bregenz , Bregenz, Austria
| | - Susanna Miglar
- Next Fertility IVF Prof. Zech—Salzburg , Salzburg, Austria
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Lledo B, Fuentes A, Lozano FM, Cascales A, Morales R, Hortal M, Sellers F, Palacios-Marques A, Bermejo R, Quereda F, Martínez-Escoriza JC, Bernabeu R, Bernabeu A. Identification of vaginal microbiome associated with IVF pregnancy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6807. [PMID: 35474343 PMCID: PMC9042930 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10933-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The factors that cause a preterm birth (PTB) are not completely understood up to date. Moreover, PTB is more common in pregnancies achieved by in-vitro fertilization (IVF) than in spontaneous pregnancies. Our aim was to compare the composition of vaginal microbiome at 12 weeks of gestation between women who conceived naturally or through IVF in order to study whether IVF PTB-risk could be related to vaginal microbiome composition. We performed an observational, prospective and multicentre study among two public hospitals and a fertility private clinic in Spain. Vaginal swabs from 64 pregnant women at 12 weeks of gestation were collected to analyse the microbiome composition by sequencing the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA. Our results showed that the vaginal microbiome signature at 12 weeks of pregnancy was different from women who conceived naturally or through IVF. The beta diversity and the genus composition were different between both cohorts. Gardnerella, Neisseria, Prevotella, and Staphylococcus genus were enriched genus in the vaginal microbiome from the IVF group, allowing us to create a balance model to predict both cohorts. Moreover, at species level the L. iners abundance was higher and L. gasseri was lower in the IVF group. As a conclusion, our findings were consistent with a proposed framework in which IVF pregnancy are related to risk for preterm birth (PTB) suggesting vaginal microbiome could be the reason to the relation between IVF pregnancy and risk for PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lledo
- Molecular Biology, Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynecology, Avda. Albufereta, 31, 03016, Alicante, Spain.
| | - A Fuentes
- Reproductive Medicine, Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynecology, 03016, Alicante, Spain
| | - F M Lozano
- Molecular Biology, Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynecology, Avda. Albufereta, 31, 03016, Alicante, Spain
| | - A Cascales
- Molecular Biology, Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynecology, Avda. Albufereta, 31, 03016, Alicante, Spain
| | - R Morales
- Molecular Biology, Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynecology, Avda. Albufereta, 31, 03016, Alicante, Spain
| | - M Hortal
- Molecular Biology, Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynecology, Avda. Albufereta, 31, 03016, Alicante, Spain
| | - F Sellers
- Reproductive Medicine, Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynecology, 03016, Alicante, Spain.,Obstetrics, Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynecology, 03016, Alicante, Spain
| | - A Palacios-Marques
- Obstetrics, Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynecology, 03016, Alicante, Spain.,Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, 03010, Alicante, Spain.,ISABIAL (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante), Alicante, Spain
| | - R Bermejo
- Division of Gynecology, Hospital Universitario San Juan de Alicante, 03550, Alicante, Spain.,Division of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
| | - F Quereda
- Division of Gynecology, Hospital Universitario San Juan de Alicante, 03550, Alicante, Spain.,Division of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
| | - J C Martínez-Escoriza
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, 03010, Alicante, Spain.,ISABIAL (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante), Alicante, Spain
| | - R Bernabeu
- Reproductive Medicine, Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynecology, 03016, Alicante, Spain
| | - A Bernabeu
- Reproductive Medicine, Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynecology, 03016, Alicante, Spain
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Cicinelli E, Haimovich S, De Ziegler D, Raz N, Ben-Tzur D, Andrisani A, Ambrosini G, Picardi N, Cataldo V, Balzani M, Cicinelli R, Noventa M, Marin L, Greco P, Resta L, Saccardi C, Buzzaccarini G, Vitagliano A. MUM-1 immunohistochemistry has high accuracy and reliability in the diagnosis of chronic endometritis: a multi-centre comparative study with CD-138 immunostaining. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:219-226. [PMID: 34791588 PMCID: PMC8866577 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02356-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The current gold standard for chronic endometritis (CE) diagnosis is immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CD-138. However, IHC for CD-138 is not exempt from diagnostic limitations. The aim of our study was to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of MUM-1 IHC, as compared with CD-138. METHODS This is a multi-centre, retrospective, observational study, which included three tertiary hysteroscopic centres in university teaching hospitals. One hundred ninety-three consecutive women of reproductive age were referred to our hysteroscopy services due to infertility, recurrent miscarriage, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial polyps or myomas. All women underwent hysteroscopy plus endometrial biopsy. Endometrial samples were analysed through histology, CD138 and MUM-1 IHC. The primary outcome was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MUM-1 IHC for CE, as compared with CD-138 IHC. RESULTS Sensitivity and specificity of CD-138 and MUM-1 IHC were respectively 89.13%, 79.59% versus 93.48% and 85.03%. The overall diagnostic accuracy of MUM-1 and CD-138 IHC were similar (AUC = 0.893 vs AUC = 0.844). The intercorrelation coefficient for single measurements was high between the two techniques (ICC = 0.831, 0.761-0.881 95%CI). However, among CE positive women, MUM-1 allowed the identification of higher number of plasma cells/hpf than CD-138 (6.50 [SD 4.80] vs 5.05 [SD 3.37]; p = 0.017). Additionally, MUM-1 showed a higher inter-observer agreement as compared to CD-138. CONCLUSION IHC for MUM-1 and CD-138 showed a similar accuracy for detecting endometrial stromal plasma cells. Notably, MUM-1 showed higher reliability in the paired comparison of the individual samples than CD-138. Thus, MUM-1 may represent a novel, promising add-on technique for the diagnosis of CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Cicinelli
- Department of Biomedical and Human Oncological Science (DIMO), 2nd Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Sergio Haimovich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital del Mar, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera. The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Hadera, Israel
| | - Dominique De Ziegler
- Department of Gynaecology Obstetrics II and Reproductive Medicine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Universitaire Paris Centre, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Nili Raz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera. The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Hadera, Israel
| | - Dana Ben-Tzur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera. The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Hadera, Israel
| | - Alessandra Andrisani
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, via Nicolò Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Guido Ambrosini
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, via Nicolò Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Nico Picardi
- Department of Biomedical and Human Oncological Science (DIMO), 2nd Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Viviana Cataldo
- Department of Biomedical and Human Oncological Science (DIMO), 2nd Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Balzani
- Department of Biomedical and Human Oncological Science (DIMO), 2nd Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Rossana Cicinelli
- Department of Biomedical and Human Oncological Science (DIMO), 2nd Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Noventa
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, via Nicolò Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Loris Marin
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, via Nicolò Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Pantaleo Greco
- Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Leonardo Resta
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicinecs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo Saccardi
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, via Nicolò Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanni Buzzaccarini
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, via Nicolò Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padua, Italy.
| | - Amerigo Vitagliano
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, via Nicolò Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padua, Italy
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Liu Z, Liu X, Li F, Sun Y, Yu L, Zhang W, Zhu P, Ma D, Wang X, Lai S, Bao H. Overexpression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and excessive vascularization in the peri-implantation endometrium of infertile women with chronic endometritis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1001437. [PMID: 36531509 PMCID: PMC9751377 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1001437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic endometritis (CE) contributes to impaired endometrial receptivity and is closely associated with poor in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. However, the mechanisms underlying CE are unclear. Here, we investigated the role of the hypoxic microenvironment and endometrial vascularization in the peri-implantation endometrium of infertile women with CE. METHODS This retrospective study involved 15 fertile women and 77 infertile patients diagnosed with CE based on CD138+ ≥1/10 high-power fields (HPFs). The CE patients were divided into Group 1 (CD138+ 1-4/10 HPFs, 53 cases) and Group 2 (CD138+ ≥5/10 HPFs, 24 cases). The expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in peri-implantation endometrium were assessed by qRT-PCR and western blot analyses. Spatial levels of HIF1α, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 in various endometrial compartments was determined using immunohistochemistry and H-score analysis. Microvascular density (MVD) was determined using CD34 staining and scored using Image J. Finally, we used qRT-PCR to assess changes in the expression of HIF1α, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 in CE patients after treatment with first-line antibiotics. RESULTS Relative to Group 1 and control group, during the implantation window, protein and mRNA levels of HIF1α, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 were markedly high in Group 2 (P<0.05). H-score analysis showed that HIF1α, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 in the luminal, glandular epithelium, and stromal compartments were markedly elevated in Group 2, comparing to control group and Group 1 (P<0.05). Moreover, markedly elevated MVD levels were observed in Group 2. Notably, the above indexes did not differ significantly in the control group versus Group 1. Treatment with antibiotics significantly suppressed the endometrial HIF1α and VEGFA levels in CE-cured patients. CONCLUSIONS Here, we for the first time report the upregulation of HIF1α, VEGFA, and VEGFR2, as well as excessive endometrial vascularization in the peri-implantation endometrium of CE patients. Our findings offer new insights into reduced endometrial receptivity in CE-associated infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shoucui Lai
- *Correspondence: Shoucui Lai, ; Hongchu Bao,
| | - Hongchu Bao
- *Correspondence: Shoucui Lai, ; Hongchu Bao,
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28
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Shen M, O’Donnell E, Leon G, Kisovar A, Melo P, Zondervan K, Granne I, Southcombe J. The role of endometrial B cells in normal endometrium and benign female reproductive pathologies: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Open 2021; 2022:hoab043. [PMID: 35146127 PMCID: PMC8825379 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoab043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the similarities and differences in endometrial B cells in the normal human endometrium and benign reproductive pathologies? SUMMARY ANSWER Endometrial B cells typically constitute <5% of total endometrial CD45+ lymphocytes, and no more than 2% of total cells in the normal endometrium, and while their relative abundance and phenotypes vary in benign gynaecological conditions, current evidence is inconsistent. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY B cells are vitally important in the mucosal immune environment and have been extensively characterized in secondary lymphoid organs and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), with the associated microenvironment germinal centre. However, in the endometrium, B cells are largely overlooked, despite the crucial link between autoimmunity and reproductive pathologies and the fact that B cells are present in normal endometrium and benign female reproductive pathologies, scattered or in the form of lymphoid aggregates (LAs). A comprehensive summary of current data investigating B cells will facilitate our understanding of endometrial B cells in the endometrial mucosal immune environment. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This systematic review retrieved relevant studies from four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science Core Collection and CINAHL) from database inception until November 2021. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The search strategy combined the use of subject headings and relevant text words related to ‘endometrium’, ‘B cells’ and B-cell derivatives, such as ‘antibody’ and ‘immunoglobulin’. Non-benign diseases were excluded using cancer-related free-text terms, and searches were limited to the English language and human subjects. Only peer-reviewed research papers were included. Each paper was graded as ‘Good’, ‘Fair’ or ‘Poor’ quality based on the NEWCASTLE-OTTAWA quality assessment scale. Only ‘Good’ quality papers were included. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Twenty-seven studies met the selection criteria and were included in this review: 10 cross-sectional studies investigated B cells in the normal endometrium; and 17 case–control studies compared the characteristics of endometrial B cells in control and benign female reproductive pathologies including endometritis, endometriosis, infertility, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial polyps and uterine fibroids. In all studies, B cells were present in the endometrium, scattered or in the form of LAs. CD20+ B cells were more abundant in patients with endometritis, but the data were inconsistent as to whether B-cell numbers were increased in endometriosis and patients with reproductive pathologies. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although only ‘good’ quality papers were included in this systematic review, there were variations in patients’ age, diagnostic criteria for different diseases and sample collection time among included studies. Additionally, a large number of the included studies only used immunohistochemistry as the identification method for endometrial B cells, which may fail to provide an accurate representation of the numbers of endometrial B cells. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Histological studies found that endometrial B cells are either scattered or surrounded by T cells in LAs: the latter structure seems to be under hormonal control throughout the menstrual cycle and resembles TLSs that have been observed in other tissues. Further characterization of endometrial B cells and LAs could offer insights to endometrial B-cell function, particularly in the context of autoimmune-associated pathologies, such as endometriosis. Additionally, clinicians should be aware of the limited value of diagnosing plasma cell infiltration using only CD138. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by Finox Biotech. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO in January 2020 (PROSPERO ID: CRD42020152915).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengni Shen
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elizabeth O’Donnell
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Gabriela Leon
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ana Kisovar
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pedro Melo
- Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Krina Zondervan
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ingrid Granne
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer Southcombe
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Vitagliano A, Cialdella M, Cicinelli R, Santarsiero CM, Greco P, Buzzaccarini G, Noventa M, Cicinelli E. Association between Endometrial Polyps and Chronic Endometritis: Is It Time for a Paradigm Shift in the Pathophysiology of Endometrial Polyps in Pre-Menopausal Women? Results of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:2182. [PMID: 34943419 PMCID: PMC8700534 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11122182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic endometritis (CE) and endometrial polyps (EPs) are common conditions in reproductive age women. CE is an infectious disorder of the endometrium characterized by signs of chronic inflammation at hysteroscopic and histological analyses. EPs are abnormal endometrial growths containing glands, stroma and blood vessels projecting from the lining of the uterus. During the last years, different authors have investigated the correlation between CE and EPs, with controversial results. The aim of this study was to summarize available evidence on the potential correlation between CE and EPs. DESIGN Systematic literature review and meta-analysis. METHODS Observational-studies were identified by searching electronic databases from their inception to September 2021. Only studies on pre-menopausal women were included. Statistical analysis was performed using MedCalc 16.4.3 (Ostend, Belgium) and Review Manager version 5.3 (Nordic Cochrane Centre, Cochrane Collaboration). The summary measures were reported as pooled proportion or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The primary outcome was to evaluate the prevalence of CE in women with EPs. The secondary outcome was to determine the prevalence of CD-138-positive EPs among EPs. Tertiary outcomes were to compare the prevalence of CE in women with EPs versus women with a non-polypoid endometrium and to compare the prevalence of CE in women with a single EP versus women with multiple EPs. RESULTS Eight observational studies (n = 3225 patients) were included in quantitative synthesis. Pooled prevalence of CE among women with EPs was 51.35% (95% CI, 27.24-75.13%). Pooled proportion of CD-138-positive EPs among EPs was 70.73% (95% CI, 55.73-83.68%). Women with EPs showed higher prevalence of CE compared to women without EPs (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.59-5.95). Women with ≥3 EPs had higher prevalence of CE then women with a single EP (OR 3.43, 95% CI 1.83-6.46). CONCLUSIONS In pre-menopausal women, CE and EPs may have a dependent relationship and may represent two consequent steps of a common pathological process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amerigo Vitagliano
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.B.); (M.N.)
| | - Mariangela Cialdella
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Human Oncologic Science, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.C.); (R.C.); (C.M.S.); (E.C.)
| | - Rossana Cicinelli
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Human Oncologic Science, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.C.); (R.C.); (C.M.S.); (E.C.)
| | - Carla Mariaflavia Santarsiero
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Human Oncologic Science, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.C.); (R.C.); (C.M.S.); (E.C.)
| | - Pantaleo Greco
- Department of Translational and for Romagna Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Buzzaccarini
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.B.); (M.N.)
| | - Marco Noventa
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.B.); (M.N.)
| | - Ettore Cicinelli
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Human Oncologic Science, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.C.); (R.C.); (C.M.S.); (E.C.)
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Peng J, Guo F, Liu H, Gu Z, Zeng Z, Li M, Zeng H, Liang X. Correlation between hysteroscopy findings in patients with hydrosalpinx and chronic endometritis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2021; 157:471-475. [PMID: 34418100 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the role of hydrosalpinx in susceptibility to chronic endometritis (CE). METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study, which includes 624 patients with hydrosalpinx (group A) and 789 patients without hydrosalpinx (group B) undergoing laparoscopy and hysteroscopy simultaneously. Endometrial morphology was recorded under hysteroscopy. Endometrial biopsy was obtained after hysteroscopy, and immunohistochemical staining for syndecan-1 (CD138) was carried out. RESULTS No significantly statistical differences were found between the two groups when comparing the incidence of endometrial hyperemia or endometrial micro-polyps under hysteroscopy (P > 0.05). Hydrosalpinx had a significant impact on the incidence of CE (P < 0.05) (plasma cell count: no plasma cells: odds ratio [OR] 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58-0.88, P = 0.002; ≥1/high-power field [HPF]: OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.14-1.74, P = 0.002; ≥3/HPF: OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.18-1.91, P = 0.001; ≥5/HPF: OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.27-2.21, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the comparison of plasma cell count between the unilateral hydrosalpinx group (274 patients) and the bilateral hydrosalpinx group (350 patients) (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION The presence of hydrosalpinx increased the incidence of CE. Bilateral hydrosalpinx did not significantly increase the incidence of CE compared with unilateral hydrosalpinx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintao Peng
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Guo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huijun Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongjia Gu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Zeng
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Manchao Li
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haitao Zeng
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liang
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Makrigiannakis A, Makrygiannakis F, Vrekoussis T. Approaches to Improve Endometrial Receptivity in Case of Repeated Implantation Failures. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:613277. [PMID: 33796523 PMCID: PMC8007915 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.613277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeated implantation failures are a constant challenge in reproductive medicine with a significant impact both on health providers and on infertile couples. Several approaches have been proposed so far as effective; however, accumulative data have clarified that most of the treatment options do not have the evidence base for a generalized application to be suggested by the relevant societies. Implantation failures are attributed to either poor quality embryos or to defected endometrial receptivity. The current review aims to summarize in a systematic way all the new trends in managing RIF via interference with endometrial receptivity. The authors focus mainly, but not exclusively, on endometrial injury prior to embryo transfer and endometrial priming with autologous cells or biological agents. To this direction, a systematic search of the Pubmed database has been conducted taking into account the emerged evidence of the last two decades. All the suggested interventions are herein presented and analyzed in terms of reproductive outcomes. It is evident that properly powered and designed randomized trials are needed to support a new standard approach in RIF treatment that will safely be incorporated in national and international guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis Makrigiannakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Thomas Vrekoussis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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Hirata K, Kimura F, Nakamura A, Kitazawa J, Morimune A, Hanada T, Takebayashi A, Takashima A, Amano T, Tsuji S, Kaku S, Kushima R, Murakami T. Histological diagnostic criterion for chronic endometritis based on the clinical outcome. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2021; 21:94. [PMID: 33663485 PMCID: PMC7934457 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01239-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnostic criteria of chronic endometritis remain controversial in the treatment for infertile patients. METHODS A prospective observational study was conducted in a single university from June 2014 to September 2017. Patients who underwent single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer with a hormone replacement cycle after histological examination for the presence of chronic endometritis were enrolled. Four criteria were used to define chronic endometritis according to the number of plasma cells in the same group of patients: 1 or more (≥ 1) plasma cells, 2 or more (≥ 2), 3 or more (≥ 3), or 5 or more (≥ 5) in 10 high-power fields. Pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and miscarriage rates of the non-chronic endometritis and the chronic endometritis groups defined with each criterion were calculated. A logistic regression analysis was performed for live births using eight explanatory variables (seven infertility factors and chronic endometritis). A receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn and the optimal cut-off value was calculated. RESULTS A total of 69 patients were registered and 53 patients were finally analyzed after exclusion. When the diagnostic criterion was designated as the presence of ≥ 1 plasma cell in the endometrial stroma per 10 high-power fields, the pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and miscarriage rate were 63.0% vs. 30.8%, 51.9% vs. 7.7%, and 17.7% vs. 75% in the non-chronic and chronic endometritis groups, respectively. This criterion resulted in the highest pregnancy and live birth rates among the non-chronic endometritis and the smallest P values for the pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and miscarriage rates between the non-chronic and chronic endometritis groups. In the logistic regression analysis, chronic endometritis was an explanatory variable negatively affecting the objective variable of live birth only when chronic endometritis was diagnosed with ≥ 1 or ≥ 2 plasma cells per 10 high-power fields. The optimal cut-off value was obtained when one or more plasma cells were found in 10 high-power fields (sensitivity 87.5%, specificity 64.9%). CONCLUSIONS Chronic endometritis should be diagnosed as the presence of ≥ 1 plasma cells in 10 high-power fields. According to this diagnostic criterion, chronic endometritis adversely affected the pregnancy rate and the live birth rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimiko Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-Cho, Otsu, Shifga, 520-2192, Japan.,Goto Ladies Clinic, 4-13 Hakubaicho, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-1116, Japan
| | - Fuminori Kimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-Cho, Otsu, Shifga, 520-2192, Japan.
| | - Akiko Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-Cho, Otsu, Shifga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Jun Kitazawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-Cho, Otsu, Shifga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Aina Morimune
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-Cho, Otsu, Shifga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Hanada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-Cho, Otsu, Shifga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Akie Takebayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-Cho, Otsu, Shifga, 520-2192, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Hospital Organization Shiga Hospital, 255 Gochi-cho, Higashioumi, Shiga, 527-8505, Japan
| | - Akiko Takashima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-Cho, Otsu, Shifga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Tsukuru Amano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-Cho, Otsu, Shifga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Shunichiro Tsuji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-Cho, Otsu, Shifga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Shoji Kaku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-Cho, Otsu, Shifga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Ryoji Kushima
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine and Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-Cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Takashi Murakami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-Cho, Otsu, Shifga, 520-2192, Japan
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