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Manohar-Sindhu S, Merfeld-Clauss S, Goddard Y, March KL, Traktuev DO. Diminished vasculogenesis under inflammatory conditions is mediated by Activin A. Angiogenesis 2023; 26:423-436. [PMID: 36977946 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-023-09873-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Severe inflammatory stress often leads to vessel rarefaction and fibrosis, resulting in limited tissue recovery. However, signaling pathways mediating these processes are not completely understood. Patients with ischemic and inflammatory conditions have increased systemic Activin A level, which frequently correlates with the severity of pathology. Yet, Activin A's contribution to disease progression, specifically to vascular homeostasis and remodeling, is not well defined. This study investigated vasculogenesis in an inflammatory environment with an emphasis on Activin A's role. Exposure of endothelial cells (EC) and perivascular cells (adipose stromal cells, ASC) to inflammatory stimuli (represented by blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors activated with lipopolysaccharide, aPBMC) dramatically decreased EC tubulogenesis or caused vessel rarefaction compared to control co-cultures, concurrent with increased Activin A secretion. Both EC and ASC upregulated Inhibin Ba mRNA and Activin A secretion in response to aPBMC or their secretome. We identified TNFα (in EC) and IL-1β (in EC and ASC) as the exclusive inflammatory factors, present in aPBMC secretome, responsible for induction of Activin A. Similar to ASC, brain and placental pericytes upregulated Activin A in response to aPBMC and IL-1β, but not TNFα. Both these cytokines individually diminished EC tubulogenesis. Blocking Activin A with neutralizing IgG mitigated detrimental effects of aPBMC or TNFα/IL-1β on tubulogenesis in vitro and vessel formation in vivo. This study delineates the signaling pathway through which inflammatory cells have a detrimental effect on vessel formation and homeostasis, and highlights the central role of Activin A in this process. Transitory interference with Activin A during early phases of inflammatory or ischemic insult, with neutralizing antibodies or scavengers, may benefit vasculature preservation and overall tissue recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahana Manohar-Sindhu
- UF Center for Regenerative Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, UF College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, PO Box 100277, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Stephanie Merfeld-Clauss
- UF Center for Regenerative Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, UF College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, PO Box 100277, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Yana Goddard
- UF Center for Regenerative Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, UF College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, PO Box 100277, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Keith L March
- UF Center for Regenerative Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, UF College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, PO Box 100277, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Dmitry O Traktuev
- UF Center for Regenerative Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, UF College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, PO Box 100277, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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Progesterone: A Unique Hormone with Immunomodulatory Roles in Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031333. [PMID: 35163255 PMCID: PMC8835837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone is well known for its numerous endocrinologic roles in pregnancy but is also endowed with fascinating immunomodulatory capabilities. It can downregulate the induction of inflammatory reactions, the activation of immune cells and the production of cytokines, which are critical mediators of immune responses. These features appear to be critical to the success of pregnancy, given the ability of maternal immune reactivity to interfere with pregnancy and to contribute to several pregnancy complications. This review summarizes the contribution of maternal immune effectors in general, and cytokines in particular, to pregnancy complications such as recurrent miscarriage, pre-eclampsia and preterm labor; it describes the promise offered by supplementation with progesterone and the oral progestogen dydrogesterone, as well as the progesterone-induced blocking factor in the prevention and/or treatment of these serious complications.
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Inside the Endometrial Cell Signaling Subway: Mind the Gap(s). Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092477. [PMID: 30134622 PMCID: PMC6164241 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cells perceive and respond to their microenvironment forming the basis of endometrial homeostasis. Errors in endometrial cell signaling are responsible for a wide spectrum of endometrial pathologies ranging from infertility to cancer. Intensive research over the years has been decoding the sophisticated molecular means by which endometrial cells communicate to each other and with the embryo. The objective of this review is to provide the scientific community with the first overview of key endometrial cell signaling pathways operating throughout the menstrual cycle. On this basis, a comprehensive and critical assessment of the literature was performed to provide the tools for the authorship of this narrative review summarizing the pivotal components and signaling cascades operating during seven endometrial cell fate “routes”: proliferation, decidualization, implantation, migration, breakdown, regeneration, and angiogenesis. Albeit schematically presented as separate transit routes in a subway network and narrated in a distinct fashion, the majority of the time these routes overlap or occur simultaneously within endometrial cells. This review facilitates identification of novel trajectories of research in endometrial cellular communication and signaling. The meticulous study of endometrial signaling pathways potentiates both the discovery of novel therapeutic targets to tackle disease and vanguard fertility approaches.
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Carrarelli P, Funghi L, Ciarmela P, Centini G, Reis FM, Dela Cruz C, Mattei A, Vannuccini S, Petraglia F. Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis and Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Express High Levels of Myostatin and Its Receptors Messenger RNAs. Reprod Sci 2017; 24:1577-1582. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719117698579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Carrarelli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Lucia Funghi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Pasquapina Ciarmela
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gabriele Centini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fernando M. Reis
- Division of Human Reproduction, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cynthia Dela Cruz
- Division of Human Reproduction, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Alberto Mattei
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Vannuccini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Human Decidual Stromal Cells as a Component of the Implantation Niche and a Modulator of Maternal Immunity. J Pregnancy 2016; 2016:8689436. [PMID: 27239344 PMCID: PMC4864559 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8689436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The human decidua is a specialized tissue characterized by embryo-receptive properties. It is formed during the secretory phase of menstrual cycle from uterine mucosa termed endometrium. The decidua is composed of glands, immune cells, blood and lymph vessels, and decidual stromal cells (DSCs). In the process of decidualization, which is controlled by oestrogen and progesterone, DSCs acquire specific functions related to recognition, selection, and acceptance of the allogeneic embryo, as well as to development of maternal immune tolerance. In this review we discuss the relationship between the decidualization of DSCs and pathological obstetrical and gynaecological conditions. Moreover, the critical influence of DSCs on local immune cells populations as well as their relationship to the onset and maintenance of immune tolerance is described.
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Coutinho LM, Vieira EL, Dela Cruz C, Casalechi M, Teixeira AL, Del Puerto HL, Reis FM. Apoptosis modulation by activin A and follistatin in human endometrial stromal cells. Gynecol Endocrinol 2016; 32:161-5. [PMID: 26494397 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2015.1103222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A is a growth factor that stimulates decidualization and is abundantly expressed in endometrial proliferative disorders. Nevertheless, whether it directly affects endometrial cell survival is still unknown. This study investigated the effects of activin A on total death and apoptosis rates and on tumor necrosis factor (TNF) release by human endometrial stromal cells (HESC). We performed a controlled prospective in vitro study using primary HESC cultures obtained from healthy reproductive age women (n = 11). Cells were treated with medium alone (control) or activin A (25 ng/mL) or activin A (25 ng/mL) and its antagonist follistatin (250 ng/mL). Apoptosis and total cell death were measured by flow cytometry, while TNF concentrations in culture media were quantified by ELISA. Activin A decreased the percentage of apoptotic/dead cells from 31% to 22% (p < 0.05, paired t-test) and reduced TNF levels in culture medium by 14%, but there was no linear correlation between TNF release and apoptotic rates. Both effects of activin A were reversed by follistatin. These findings indicate that activin A promotes HESC survival, possibly by a TNF-independent pathway. This mechanism may be critical to the actions of activin A upon stromal cell growth and differentiation in physiology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa M Coutinho
- a Division of Human Reproduction , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil and
| | - Erica L Vieira
- b Neuroscience Branch, Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Cynthia Dela Cruz
- a Division of Human Reproduction , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil and
| | - Maíra Casalechi
- a Division of Human Reproduction , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil and
| | - Antonio L Teixeira
- b Neuroscience Branch, Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Helen L Del Puerto
- a Division of Human Reproduction , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil and
| | - Fernando M Reis
- a Division of Human Reproduction , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil and
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Borges LE, Bloise E, Dela Cruz C, Massai L, Ciarmela P, Apa R, Luisi S, Severi FM, Petraglia F, Reis FM. Expression, localization and control of activin A release from human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Growth Factors 2015; 33:243-9. [PMID: 26340032 DOI: 10.3109/08977194.2015.1071809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Activin-A is a member of the TGFβ superfamily found in maternal and umbilical cord blood throughout gestation. We investigated whether human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) express activin-A in vivo and tested the effects of vasoactive (endothelin-1), pro-inflammatory (interferon-γ, interleukin-8) and anti-inflammatory (dexamethasone, urocortin) factors on activin-A release by isolated HUVEC in vitro. Activin βA subunit protein and mRNA were strongly localized in the endothelial cells of umbilical veins and were also detectable in scattered cells of the cord connective tissue. Dimeric activin-A was detected in the HUVEC culture medium at picomolar concentrations. Activin-A release by HUVEC decreased after cell incubation with urocortin (p < 0.01), whereas no effect was observed with interleukin-8, interferon-γ, endothelin-1 or dexamethasone. In summary, activin-A is present in the human umbilical vein endothelium in vivo and is produced and released by isolated HUVEC. Activin-A secretion is inhibited in vitro by urocortin, a neuropeptide with predominantly anti-inflammatory action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia E Borges
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Enrrico Bloise
- b Laboratory of Translational Endocrinology , Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Cynthia Dela Cruz
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Lauretta Massai
- c Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences , University of Siena , Italy
| | - Pasquapina Ciarmela
- d Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine , Polytechnic University of Marche , Ancona , Italy
| | - Rosanna Apa
- e Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy , and
| | - Stefano Luisi
- f Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine , Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Filiberto M Severi
- f Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine , Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- f Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine , Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Fernando M Reis
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
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Saqui-Salces M, Covés-Datson E, Veniaminova NA, Waghray M, Syu LJ, Dlugosz AA, Merchant JL. Inflammation and Gli2 suppress gastrin gene expression in a murine model of antral hyperplasia. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48039. [PMID: 23110168 PMCID: PMC3480483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2012] [Accepted: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation in the stomach can lead to gastric cancer. We previously reported that gastrin-deficient (Gast−/−) mice develop bacterial overgrowth, inflammatory infiltrate, increased Il-1β expression, antral hyperplasia and eventually antral tumors. Since Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is active in gastric cancers but its role in precursor lesions is poorly understood, we examined the role of inflammation and Hh signaling in antral hyperplasia. LacZ reporter mice for Sonic hedgehog (Shh), Gli1, and Gli2 expression bred onto the Gast−/− background revealed reduced Shh and Gli1 expression in the antra compared to wild type controls (WT). Gli2 expression in the Gast−/− corpus was unchanged. However in the hyperplastic Gast−/− antra, Gli2 expression increased in both the mesenchyme and epithelium, whereas expression in WT mice remained exclusively mesenchymal. These observations suggested that Gli2 is differentially regulated in the hyperplastic Gast−/− antrum versus the corpus and by a Shh ligand-independent mechanism. Moreover, the proinflammatory cytokines Il-1β and Il-11, which promote gastric epithelial proliferation, were increased in the Gast−/− stomach along with Infγ. To test if inflammation could account for elevated epithelial Gli2 expression in the Gast−/− antra, the human gastric cell line AGS was treated with IL-1β and was found to increase GLI2 but decrease GLI1 levels. IL-1β also repressed human GAST gene expression. Indeed, GLI2 but not GLI1 or GLI3 expression repressed gastrin luciferase reporter activity by ∼50 percent. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation of GLI2 in AGS cells confirmed that GLI2 directly binds to the GAST promoter. Using a mouse model of constitutively active epithelial GLI2 expression, we found that activated GLI2 repressed Gast expression but induced Il-1β gene expression and proliferation in the gastric antrum, along with a reduction of the number of G-cells. In summary, epithelial Gli2 expression was sufficient to stimulate Il-1β expression, repress Gast gene expression and increase proliferation, leading to antral hyperplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Saqui-Salces
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Evelyn Covés-Datson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Natalia A. Veniaminova
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Meghna Waghray
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Li-Jyun Syu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Andrzej A. Dlugosz
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Juanita L. Merchant
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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9
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Reid S, Casikar I, Barnhart K, Condous G. Serum biomarkers for ectopic pregnancy diagnosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 6:153-65. [DOI: 10.1517/17530059.2012.664130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Zhao X, Cang M, Yuan J, Wang Z, Yang M, Gao X, Zhu B, Liang H, Liu D. Interleukin-6 and its receptor in the development of in vitro fertilized ovine embryos. Small Rumin Res 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2011.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Florio P, Reis FM, Battista R, Luisi S, Moncini I, Bocchi C, Severi FM, Petraglia F. Serum activin A levels are lower in tubal than intrauterine spontaneously conceived pregnancies. Gynecol Endocrinol 2011; 27:391-5. [PMID: 21204609 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2010.495430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure serum activin A levels together with progesterone and hCG, in women with overt clinical signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy (EP) and, in gestational age-matched intrauterine pregnancy (IUP). DESIGN Retrospective case-control study. SETTING Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy. POPULATION The study group was composed by 30 women with an EP; the control group was composed by 30 women with a sonographic evidence of a single spontaneous IUP. METHODS Clinical examination; transvaginal ultrasound scan; hCG, progesterone and activin-A measurements; laparoscopy; uterine curettage; histological examination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Pregnancy outcome; sensitivity and specificity of hCG, progesterone, and activin A for EP. RESULTS Serum hCG levels did not differ significantly between tubal EP and IUP, while P concentrations were significantly (P < 0.001) lower in tubal EP than IUP. Serum levels of activin A were significantly (P < 0.0001) lower in tubal EP than in IUP and, at the cutoff 0.43 ng/mL achieved a sensitivity of 96.7% and a specificity of 100% for EP. CONCLUSION Activin A secretion in EP is reduced and measurement of its serum levels may have the potential clinical advantage to signal the presence of EP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Florio
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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12
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Rocha ALL, Carrarelli P, Novembri R, Sabbioni L, Luisi S, Reis FM, Petraglia F. Altered expression of activin, cripto, and follistatin in the endometrium of women with endometrioma. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:2241-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.03.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Revised: 03/01/2011] [Accepted: 03/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Bloise E, Cassali G, Ferreira M, Ciarmela P, Petraglia F, Reis F. Activin-related proteins in bovine mammary gland: Localization and differential expression during gestational development and differentiation. J Dairy Sci 2010; 93:4592-601. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.jds.2009-2981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2009] [Accepted: 07/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Florio P, Gabbanini M, Borges LE, Bonaccorsi L, Pinzauti S, Reis FM, Boy Torres P, Rago G, Litta P, Petraglia F. Activins and related proteins in the establishment of pregnancy. Reprod Sci 2010; 17:320-30. [PMID: 20228378 DOI: 10.1177/1933719109353205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Activin A and related proteins (inhibins, follistatin [FS], follistatin-related gene [FLRG], endometrial bleeding associated factors [ebaf]) are involved in the complex mechanisms allowing the establishment and the maintenance of pregnancy. As a consequence of ovarian progesterone stimuli, activin A is expressed and secreted by the stromal endometrial cells, which locally induces the decidualization process, a prerequisite for implantation. Moreover, activin A does influence the implantation phase, also enhancing cytotrophoblast differentiation, indirectly, by increasing the expression of other molecules involved in embryo implantation, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). The local derangement of activin A pathway in some pregnancy disorders (incomplete and complete miscarriages, recurrent abortion, and ectopic pregnancy [EP]) further sustains the hypothesis that activin A and its related proteins play a relevant role in the establishment of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Florio
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Siena, Italy.
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15
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Florio P, Bruni L, Galleri L, Reis FM, Borges LE, Bocchi C, Litta P, De Leo V, Petraglia F. Evaluation of endometrial activin A secretion for prediction of pregnancy after intrauterine insemination. Fertil Steril 2010; 93:2316-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.12.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2008] [Revised: 12/21/2008] [Accepted: 12/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Torres PB, Florio P, Galleri L, Reis FM, Borges LE, Petraglia F. Activin A, Activin Receptor Type II, Nodal, and Cripto mRNA Are Expressed by Eutopic and Ectopic Endometrium in Women With Ovarian Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2009; 16:727-33. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719109334967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo B. Torres
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Pasquale Florio
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy,
| | - Letizia Galleri
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fernando M. Reis
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Lavinia E. Borges
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Phillips DJ, de Kretser DM, Hedger MP. Activin and related proteins in inflammation: not just interested bystanders. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2009; 20:153-64. [PMID: 19261538 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2009.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, is released rapidly into the circulation during inflammation. This review examines the evidence that activin is a critical mediator of inflammation and immunity. Activin modulates several aspects of the inflammatory response, including release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide production and immune cell activity. Crucially, inhibiting activin with follistatin, a high affinity binding protein, alters the pattern of cytokines released and improves survival in a mouse model of endotoxic shock. Serum and tissue concentrations of activin are elevated in a wide range of pathological conditions. The utility of activin as a diagnostic marker of clinical inflammation and the use of follistatin to block activin actions therapeutically are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Phillips
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
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18
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Activin βA subunit, follistatin and follistatin-like 3 are expressed in the endometrium of ovariectomized rats and regulated by estrogen replacement. J Mol Histol 2008; 39:535-41. [DOI: 10.1007/s10735-008-9194-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2008] [Accepted: 08/26/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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