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Chang C, Chen YL, Wang YW, Chen HW, Hsu CW, Lin KC, Ou YC, Liu T, Chen WL, Chu CA, Ho CL, Lee CT, Chow NH. Aberrant trophoblastic differentiation in human cancer: An emerging novel therapeutic target (Review). Oncol Rep 2024; 51:43. [PMID: 38240107 PMCID: PMC10823338 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8701] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Various types of human cancer may develop aberrant trophoblastic differentiation, including histological changes and altered expression of β‑human chorionic gonadotropin (β‑hCG). Aberrant trophoblastic differentiation in epithelial cancer is usually associated with poor differentiation, tumor metastasis, unfavorable prognosis and treatment resistance. Since β‑hCG‑targeting vaccines have failed in an early phase II trial, it is crucial to obtain a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of trophoblastic differentiation in human cancer. The present review summarizes the clinical and translational research on this topic with the aim of accelerating the development of an effective targeted therapy. Ectopic expression of β‑hCG promotes proliferation, migration, invasion, vasculogenesis and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro, and enhances metastatic and tumorigenic capabilities in vivo. Signaling cascades modulated by β‑hCG include the TGF‑β receptor pathway, EMT‑related pathways, the c‑MET receptor tyrosine kinase and mitogen‑activated protein kinase/ERK pathways, and the SMAD2/4 pathway. Taken together, these findings indicated that TGF‑β receptors, c‑MET and ERK1/2 are potential therapeutic targets. Nevertheless, further investigation on the molecular basis of aberrant trophoblastic differentiation is mandatory to improve the design of precision therapy for this aggressive type of human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chang
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yi-Lin Chen
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Molecular Medicine Core Laboratory, Research Center of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yi-Wen Wang
- Department of Dental Technology, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung 821, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hui-Wen Chen
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Che-Wei Hsu
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Kun-Che Lin
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yin-Chien Ou
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tsunglin Liu
- The Institute of Bioinformatics and Biosignal Transduction, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Bioinformatics Core Laboratory, Research Center of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wan-Li Chen
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chien-An Chu
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chung-Liang Ho
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Molecular Medicine Core Laboratory, Research Center of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chung-Ta Lee
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Nan-Haw Chow
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Molecular Medicine Core Laboratory, Research Center of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- The Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Huang L, Tu Z, Wei L, Sun W, Wang Y, Bi S, He F, Du L, Chen J, Kzhyshkowska J, Wang H, Chen D, Zhang S. Generating Functional Multicellular Organoids from Human Placenta Villi. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2301565. [PMID: 37438660 PMCID: PMC10502861 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between trophoblasts, stroma cells, and immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface constitutes the functional units of the placenta, which is crucial for successful pregnancy outcomes. However, the investigation of this intricate interplay is restricted due to the absence of efficient experimental models. To address this challenge, a robust, reliable methodology for generating placenta villi organoids (PVOs) from early, late, or diseased pregnancies using air-liquid surface culture is developed. PVOs contain cytotrophoblasts that can self-renew and differentiate directly, along with stromal elements that retain native immune cells. Analysis of scRNA sequencing and WES data reveals that PVOs faithfully recapitulate the cellular components and genetic alterations of the corresponding source tissue. Additionally, PVOs derived from patients with preeclampsia exhibit specific pathological features such as inflammation, antiangiogenic imbalance, and decreased syncytin expression. The PVO-based propagation of primary placenta villi should enable a deeper investigation of placenta development and exploration of the underlying pathogenesis and therapeutics of placenta-originated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Zhaowei Tu
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Liudan Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Shilei Bi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Fang He
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Lili Du
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Jingsi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Julia Kzhyshkowska
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and ImmunologyMedical Faculty MannheimUniversity of Heidelberg68167MannheimGermany
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health ResearchDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversitySchool of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamen361005China
| | - Dunjin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong ProvinceGuangzhou510150China
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal‐Fetal MedicineGuangzhou510150China
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal‐Fetal MedicineGuangzhou510150China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
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Deng Q, He L, Xu F, Deng Q, Xu T, Jiang J, Hu Z, Yang J. Characterization of beta subunit variants of recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophin. Anal Biochem 2023; 668:115089. [PMID: 36858250 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115089] [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: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), an endogenous glycoprotein hormone, has been widely used for the treatment of infertility and corpus luteum defect in women. The biological specificity of hCG is essentially determined by its beta (β-) subunit, whereas the alpha (α-) subunit is a common subunit shared among the gonadotropin family. In development of a therapeutic recombinant hCG, the purity analysis showed that the beta (β-) subunit has two variants, β1 and β2. Structural characterization using a combination of analytical techniques has demonstrated that β1-subunit is derived from non-glycosylation at Asn 13, whereas β2-subunit is a normal species with complete N-glycosylation at both Asn 13 and Asn 30. In vivo Bioactivity evaluation of the r-hCG fractions with various ratios of β1-and β2-subunits showed that incomplete glycosylation at Asn 13 potentially reduced the biological activity of r-hCG to promote uterus growth. Although hCG has a long history of medicinal use, this is the first report to identify the structural difference of hCG β-subunit variants, as well as to preliminary establish the structure-activity relationship of this variation. The obtained results also suggest the importance of variant characterization and necessary quality control of product variants during the development of recombinant protein therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinpei Deng
- Livzon MabPharm Inc., Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Lixiu He
- Livzon MabPharm Inc., Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Fangyan Xu
- Livzon MabPharm Inc., Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Tongze Xu
- Livzon MabPharm Inc., Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
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Kaňková Š, Hlaváčová J, Roberts K, Benešová J, Havlíček J, Calda P, Dlouhá D, Roberts SC. Associations between nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, disgust sensitivity, and first-trimester maternal serum free β-hCG and PAPP-A. Horm Behav 2023; 152:105360. [PMID: 37062114 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Elevated levels of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) and disgust sensitivity have been observed in the first trimester and both are thought to have a protective function for the mother and her fetus. Their aetiology is not clear, however, with previous studies attributing elevated NVP and disgust to various factors including endocrine changes, immunological changes, and psychological variables. To date, no study has directly assessed the relationship between disgust and NVP. Here, we prospectively collected two independent samples (S1 and S2; n1 = 201, n2 = 391) of women in the first trimester of pregnancy, who completed the Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching and the Disgust Scale-Revised. We also measured free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) in maternal serum. Our results did not confirm any association between NVP and disgust; in addition, they indicate that NVP and disgust may have different proximate causes. Disgust sensitivity was significantly negatively correlated with free β-hCG and (only in S1) with PAPP-A. In contrast, NVP was significantly positively associated with free β-hCG levels and (only in S1) with PAPP-A. While low hCG levels seem to be an important indicator for activation of the behavioral immune system in the first trimester, increased hCG levels play a role in stronger symptoms of NVP, a result consistent with previous studies. Levels of PAPP-A are likely part of a larger network of immunological and endocrine responses and do not appear to provide sufficient information for predicting women's NVP and disgust sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Šárka Kaňková
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Jana Hlaváčová
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Roberts
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Benešová
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Havlíček
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Calda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General University Hospital, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Dlouhá
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - S Craig Roberts
- Division of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK
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Daggez M, Dolanbay M, Akgun H, Gülseren V, Keklikcioglu SA, Ozcelik B, Serin IS. Human chorionic gonadotropin expression in endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma: could it be a new marker? Int J Gynecol Cancer 2023; 33:707-712. [PMID: 37001896 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2023-004279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveHuman chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone expressed in a variety of tumors and is correlated with advanced stage disease and poor prognosis. This study aimed to determine hCG expression immunohistochemically in endometrial specimens obtained from patients with normal endometrium, endometrial hyperplasia, and endometrial carcinoma, and to determine if there is a correlation between invasiveness and hCG positivity.MethodsThe histologic materials and medical records for patients diagnosed with normal endometrium, endometrial hyperplasia with/without atypia, and endometrial carcinoma between September 2017 and September 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Immunohistochemical staining for hCG was performed and analyzed semi-quantitatively.ResultsA total of 96 patients were included: normal endometrium (27.1%) (n=26); endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (25%) (n=24); atypical endometrial hyperplasia (22.9%) (n=22); endometrioid endometrial cancer (25%) (n=24). Median age of the patients was 48 (range 28–81) years. hCG was positive in 8.3% of patients with endometrial hyperplasia without atypia, 18.2% in those with atypical endometrial hyperplasia, and 41.7% in those with endometrial cancer (p<0.001). None of the patients with normal endometrium had a positive hCG. The rate of endometrial cancer was 62.5% in the hCG-positive group and 17.5% in the hCG-negative group.ConclusionhCG is expressed to a significantly greater degree in patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma and it may be potentially used as a marker for these lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mine Daggez
- Gynecologic Oncology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Dolanbay
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Hulya Akgun
- Pathology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Varol Gülseren
- Gynecologic Oncology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | | | - Bulent Ozcelik
- Gynecologic Oncology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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Høj PH, Møller-Sørensen J, Wissing AL, Alatraktchi FA. Electrochemical biosensors for monitoring of selected pregnancy hormones during the first trimester: A systematic review. Talanta 2023; 258:124396. [PMID: 36870154 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124396] [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: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
The hormones human chorionic gonadotropin, progesterone, estrogen and four of its metabolites (estradiol, estrone, estriol, estetrol), as well as relaxin play an essential role in the development of the fetus during the first trimester. Imbalances in these hormones during the first trimester have been directly linked to miscarriages. However, frequent monitoring of the hormones is limited by the current conventional centralized analytical tools that do not allow a rapid response time. Electrochemical sensing is considered an ideal tool to detect hormones owing to its advantages such as quick response, user-friendliness, low economic costs, and possibility of use in point-of-care settings. Electrochemical detection of pregnancy hormones is an emerging field that has been demonstrated primarily at research level. Thus, it is timely with a comprehensive overview of the characteristics of the reported detection techniques. This is the first extensive review focusing on the advances related to electrochemical detection of hormones linked to the first trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, this review offers insights into the main challenges that must be addressed imminently to ensure progress from research to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernille Hagen Høj
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jon Møller-Sørensen
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
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Development of radioimmunoassay system for determination of human chorionic gonadotropin in human sera. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-023-08797-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThe main objective of this study was the preparation and evaluation of the primary reagents for the liquid phase human chorionic gonadotropin-radioimmunoassay (HCG-RIA) kit. Polyclonal antibody is specific and valid; monoclonal antibodies are more specific. In HCG-RIA technique, polyclonal antibodies for βHCG subunits with high binding and displacement % were used. 125I-HCG radioactive tracer was prepared with high yield 71.58 ± 0.92%, purity 99.2 ± 0.05%, and specific activity 170.42 ± 1.65 µCi/µg using chloramine T method, βHCG polyclonal antisera and HCG standards in assay buffer matrix were locally prepared. In-house HCG-RIA was developed with high sensitivity 0.5 mIU/ml, specificity (99%), precision (CV% < 6.4 and < 8.3 for intra-and inter-assay, respectively), and accuracy (recovery range 96.4–104.3%) could be used for quantitative estimation of HCG in human sera for monitoring pregnancy and diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic diseases.
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Zhou H, Zhao C, Wang P, Yang W, Zhu H, Zhang S. Regulators involved in trophoblast syncytialization in the placenta of intrauterine growth restriction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1107182. [PMID: 36798658 PMCID: PMC9927020 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1107182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Placental dysfunction refers to the insufficiency of placental perfusion and chronic hypoxia during early pregnancy, which impairs placental function and causes inadequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, affecting fetal development and health. Fetal intrauterine growth restriction, one of the most common outcomes of pregnancy-induced hypertensions, can be caused by placental dysfunction, resulting from deficient trophoblast syncytialization, inadequate trophoblast invasion and impaired vascular remodeling. During placental development, cytotrophoblasts fuse to form a multinucleated syncytia barrier, which supplies oxygen and nutrients to meet the metabolic demands for fetal growth. A reduction in the cell fusion index and the number of nuclei in the syncytiotrophoblast are found in the placentas of pregnancies complicated by IUGR, suggesting that the occurrence of IUGR may be related to inadequate trophoblast syncytialization. During the multiple processes of trophoblasts syncytialization, specific proteins and several signaling pathways are involved in coordinating these events and regulating placental function. In addition, epigenetic modifications, cell metabolism, senescence, and autophagy are also involved. Study findings have indicated several abnormally expressed syncytialization-related proteins and signaling pathways in the placentas of pregnancies complicated by IUGR, suggesting that these elements may play a crucial role in the occurrence of IUGR. In this review, we discuss the regulators of trophoblast syncytialization and their abnormal expression in the placentas of pregnancies complicated by IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjing Zhou
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenqiong Zhao
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peixin Wang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weijie Yang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Zhu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Songying Zhang, ; Haiyan Zhu,
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Songying Zhang, ; Haiyan Zhu,
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Gauster M, Moser G, Wernitznig S, Kupper N, Huppertz B. Early human trophoblast development: from morphology to function. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:345. [PMID: 35661923 PMCID: PMC9167809 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04377-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human pregnancy depends on the proper development of the embryo prior to implantation and the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall. During the pre-implantation phase, formation of the morula is followed by internalization of blastomeres that differentiate into the pluripotent inner cell mass lineage, while the cells on the surface undergo polarization and differentiate into the trophectoderm of the blastocyst. The trophectoderm mediates apposition and adhesion of the blastocyst to the uterine epithelium. These processes lead to a stable contact between embryonic and maternal tissues, resulting in the formation of a new organ, the placenta. During implantation, the trophectoderm cells start to differentiate and form the basis for multiple specialized trophoblast subpopulations, all of which fulfilling specific key functions in placentation. They either differentiate into polar cells serving typical epithelial functions, or into apolar invasive cells that adapt the uterine wall to progressing pregnancy. The composition of these trophoblast subpopulations is crucial for human placenta development and alterations are suggested to result in placenta-associated pregnancy pathologies. This review article focuses on what is known about very early processes in human reproduction and emphasizes on morphological and functional aspects of early trophoblast differentiation and subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Gerit Moser
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Wernitznig
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Nadja Kupper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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Than NG, Posta M, Györffy D, Orosz L, Orosz G, Rossi SW, Ambrus-Aikelin G, Szilágyi A, Nagy S, Hupuczi P, Török O, Tarca AL, Erez O, Papp Z, Romero R. Early pathways, biomarkers and four distinct molecular subclasses of preeclampsia: The intersection of clinical, pathological and high dimensional biology studies. Placenta 2022; 125:10-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Nikbakht K, Habibizad J, Meamar M. Effect of GnRH and hCG injection on the reproductive performance and serum progesterone concentration of ewes during spring season. VETERINARY RESEARCH FORUM : AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL 2022; 13:553-561. [PMID: 36686859 PMCID: PMC9840796 DOI: 10.30466/vrf.2021.527306.3158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the effect of different hormonal programs on the reproductive parameters and serum progesterone concentration of Lake-Ghashghaei ewes in spring season. In this study, 144 ewes were selected from two large nomadic herds. The ewes were synchronized using progesterone sponges. One day before harvesting the sponges, all ewes were injected intramuscularly with 400 IU of eCG. Then ewes were divided into six groups (12 ewes). In the first herd, 1 (GnRH-1 group), 2 (GnRH-2 group), 5 (GnRH-5 group), 7 (GnRH-7 group) and 12 days (GnRH-12 group) after estrus observation, 25.00 µg GnRH was injected intramuscularly to the ewes. In the second herd, the ewes were received 500 IU of hCG on days 1 (hCG-1), 2 (hCG-2), 5 (hCG-5), 7 (hCG-7) and 12 (hCG-12). In each herd, a group of 12 ewes received only eCG and progesterone sponges and was considered as control group. The results showed that twinning rate, the number of born lambs, fecundity and prolificacy rate were higher GnRH and hCG received groups on the second day compared to other groups. The serum progesterone concentration was significantly higher in all groups received GnRH and hCG compared to control group. In general, the results showed that GnRH and hCG two days after mating improved different reproductive activities in addition to increasing serum progesterone concentration. On the other hand, hCG had a greater effect on progesterone concentration, the number of born lambs and the fecundity rate compared to GnRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kolsoom Nikbakht
- MSc Graduate, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran;
| | - Javad Habibizad
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran.,Correspondence Javad Habibizad. PhD,Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran E-mail:
| | - Mehrdad Meamar
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran.
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Gallelli MF, Bianchi C, Zampini E, Bertuzzi M, Aba M, Neild D, Miragaya M. Effect of hCG administration on Day 7 post-mating on accessory corpus luteum development and progesterone concentration in llamas. Theriogenology 2021; 180:154-160. [PMID: 34973647 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.12.026] [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: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A high embryo loss rate has been reported in llamas. As strategies that lead to an increase in plasma progesterone (P4) concentration might improve fertility, the aim of the present study was to evaluate if the administration of hCG on Day 7 post-mating is useful to develop an accessory corpus luteum (CL), increasing plasma P4 concentration. Twenty (n = 20) female llamas, ranging between 5 and 10 years of age and four (n = 4) males of proven fertility, ranging between 8 and 10 years of age were included in the study. Accessory CL developed in all treated llamas after hCG administration and plasma P4 concentration was significantly greater in treated than in control females (P˂0.0001). The diameter and vascularization of the original CL were not affected by treatment in pregnant llamas. However, in treated non-pregnant llamas, corpus luteum diameter was greater than in the control group from Day 14 post-mating until the end of the study (P˂0.001). In treated llamas, the accessory CL was detected throughout the study in pregnant and non-pregnant females, but its vascularization started to decrease around Day 16 post-mating in non-pregnant animals (P˂0.05). In conclusion, hCG treatment on Day 7 post mating was useful to induce an accessory CL and increase plasma P4 concentration in llamas. Thus, this treatment could be considered as a useful strategy to improve pregnancy rates in llama herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Florencia Gallelli
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Carolina Bianchi
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Endocrinología, CIVETAN, Fac. de Cs. Veterinarias, UNCPBA, Tandil, Argentina
| | - Enzo Zampini
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Bertuzzi
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Aba
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología, CIVETAN, Fac. de Cs. Veterinarias, UNCPBA, Tandil, Argentina
| | - Deborah Neild
- Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Miragaya
- Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Stern C, Schwarz S, Moser G, Cvitic S, Jantscher-Krenn E, Gauster M, Hiden U. Placental Endocrine Activity: Adaptation and Disruption of Maternal Glucose Metabolism in Pregnancy and the Influence of Fetal Sex. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312722. [PMID: 34884524 PMCID: PMC8657775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is an endocrine fetal organ, which secretes a plethora of steroid- and proteo-hormones, metabolic proteins, growth factors, and cytokines in order to adapt maternal physiology to pregnancy. Central to the growth of the fetus is the supply with nutrients, foremost with glucose. Therefore, during pregnancy, maternal insulin resistance arises, which elevates maternal blood glucose levels, and consequently ensures an adequate glucose supply for the developing fetus. At the same time, maternal β-cell mass and function increase to compensate for the higher insulin demand. These adaptations are also regulated by the endocrine function of the placenta. Excessive insulin resistance or the inability to increase insulin production accordingly disrupts physiological modulation of pregnancy mediated glucose metabolism and may cause maternal gestational diabetes (GDM). A growing body of evidence suggests that this adaptation of maternal glucose metabolism differs between pregnancies carrying a girl vs. pregnancies carrying a boy. Moreover, the risk of developing GDM differs depending on the sex of the fetus. Sex differences in placenta derived hormones and bioactive proteins, which adapt and modulate maternal glucose metabolism, are likely to contribute to this sexual dimorphism. This review provides an overview on the adaptation and maladaptation of maternal glucose metabolism by placenta-derived factors, and highlights sex differences in this regulatory network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Stern
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.S.); (S.S.); (E.J.-K.)
| | - Sarah Schwarz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.S.); (S.S.); (E.J.-K.)
| | - Gerit Moser
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Silvija Cvitic
- Research Unit of Analytical Mass Spectrometry, Cell Biology and Biochemistry of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Evelyn Jantscher-Krenn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.S.); (S.S.); (E.J.-K.)
| | - Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (U.H.); Tel.: +43-316385-71896 (M.G.); +43-136385-17837 (U.H.)
| | - Ursula Hiden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.S.); (S.S.); (E.J.-K.)
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (U.H.); Tel.: +43-316385-71896 (M.G.); +43-136385-17837 (U.H.)
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14
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Li H, Cai T, Ren Y, Huang J, Jiang H, Hou Y, Tang C, Yang J, Zhao J, Yu P. A simple unlabeled human chorionic gonadotropin biosensor based on a peptide aptamer. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2021; 13:4442-4451. [PMID: 34490875 DOI: 10.1039/d1ay01105g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
As an essential biochemical indicator in the fields of pregnancy and oncology, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) can be evaluated using colloidal gold immunochromatographic paper and quantified using a biochemical analyzer based on the principle of the antibody sandwich method. In view of the inaccuracy of the former and the complication of the latter, this study constructed an accurate, sensitive and simple unlabeled biosensor based on peptide aptamer CGGGPPLRINRHILTR for HCG detection. Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) was used to simulate the aptamer and protein docking, and western blot (WB) was used to verify the binding effect and ratio. The peptide aptamer was characterized and was then reduced with tris-(2-carboxyethyl)-phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP). After electrochemical deposition of chloroauric acid on the screen-printed electrode (SPE), the aptamer was self-assembled on the electrode surface under optimal conditions. The active site of the electrode surface was blocked with 6-mercapto-1-hexanol (MCH) and BSA. The electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS) was used to quantify HCG in the matrix. Showing a good linear relationship in the range of 5-1500 mIU mL-1, with a detection limit of 1 mIU mL-1, the biosensor remained stable at room temperature for 14 days. Because of its small size, stability, sensitivity and accuracy, this biosensor has great potential to become a portable diagnostic device for HCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Li
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, No. 172, Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Tongji Cai
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, No. 172, Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yi Ren
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, No. 172, Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, No. 172, Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Hanbing Jiang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, No. 172, Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yucui Hou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, No. 172, Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chunhua Tang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, No. 172, Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, No. 172, Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- Changsha Cinotohi Technology Co., Ltd, No. 229, West Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Peng Yu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, No. 172, Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
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15
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Kupper N, Pritz E, Siwetz M, Guettler J, Huppertz B. Placental Villous Explant Culture 2.0: Flow Culture Allows Studies Closer to the In Vivo Situation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147464. [PMID: 34299084 PMCID: PMC8308011 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, freely floating placental villi are adapted to fluid shear stress due to placental perfusion with maternal plasma and blood. In vitro culture of placental villous explants is widely performed under static conditions, hoping the conditions may represent the in utero environment. However, static placental villous explant culture dramatically differs from the in vivo situation. Thus, we established a flow culture system for placental villous explants and compared commonly used static cultured tissue to flow cultured tissue using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) measurements. The data revealed a better structural and biochemical integrity of flow cultured tissue compared to static cultured tissue. Thus, this new flow system can be used to simulate the blood flow from the mother to the placenta and back in the most native-like in vitro system so far and thus can enable novel study designs.
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16
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Wadhwa L, Rani A. Impact of Intrauterine Administration of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin before Intrauterine Insemination in Infertile Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Hum Reprod Sci 2021; 14:156-161. [PMID: 34316231 PMCID: PMC8279052 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_196_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Implantation is the rate-limiting step in the success of both intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization cycles. Numerous interventions that target various local signals have been tried to improve the implantation and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR). The most significant of these signals is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which acts as immunomodulator and improves implantation by decidualization of the endometrial stromal cells, trophoblast invasion, proliferation of uterine natural killer cells, stimulation of endometrial angiogenesis, and maintenance of progesterone secretion by the corpus luteum. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of intrauterine hCG administration before IUI on CPR. Settings and Design: A prospective parallel randomized control study was done from September 2017 to February 2019. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 eligible women planned for IUI were randomly divided just before IUI into 2 groups. A computer-generated randomization list with block size of 10 with 1:1 allocation was used to randomize the patients. Experimental group received 0.5 ml containing 500 IU hCG, on the other hand control group received 0.5 ml of normal saline 2–3 min before IUI in single sitting. The main outcomes were CPR, miscarriage rate, and ongoing pregnancy rate. Statistical Analysis: It was performed using statistical software version SPSS 17.0. Results: Patient's demographic and baseline characteristics were comparable in both the groups. CPR in experimental group was significantly high compared to control group (26% vs. 9%, P = 0.002). Ongoing pregnancy rate was also significantly higher in experimental group (23%) compared to control group (7%) (P = 0.003). No significant difference in miscarriage rate was seen between the two groups. No cases of ectopic pregnancy, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or multiple pregnancy were reported. Conclusion: Intrauterine hCG administration is a simple procedure that can be used to improve pregnancy outcome in IUI cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Wadhwa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IVF and Fertility Research Centre, ESI-PGIMSR, New Delhi, India
| | - Anupama Rani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IVF and Fertility Research Centre, ESI-PGIMSR, New Delhi, India
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Oyatogun O, Sandhu M, Barata-Kirby S, Tuller E, Schust DJ. A rational diagnostic approach to the "phantom hCG" and other clinical scenarios in which a patient is thought to be pregnant but is not. Ther Adv Reprod Health 2021; 15:26334941211016412. [PMID: 34179786 PMCID: PMC8207263 DOI: 10.1177/26334941211016412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The scenario in which a patient tests positive for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the absence of pregnancy can pose a diagnostic dilemma for clinicians. The term “phantom hCG” refers to persistently positive hCG levels on diagnostic testing in a nonpregnant patient and such results often lead to a false diagnosis of malignancy and subsequent inappropriate treatment with chemotherapy or hysterectomy. There remains a need for a consistent and rational diagnostic approach to the “phantom hCG.” This article aims to review the different etiologies of positive serum hCG testing in nonpregnant subjects and concludes with a practical, stepwise diagnostic approach to assist clinicians encountering this clinical dilemma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwafunmilayo Oyatogun
- Institute for Women's Health Research and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, 500 North Keene St Suite 203, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Mandeep Sandhu
- Institute for Women's Health Research and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Stephanie Barata-Kirby
- Institute for Women's Health Research and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Erin Tuller
- Institute for Women's Health Research and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Danny J Schust
- Institute for Women's Health Research and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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18
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McMahon LM, Stewart WW, Cuthill L. Human chorionic gonadotrophin assays to monitor GTD. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2021; 74:109-121. [PMID: 34074603 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Hydatidiform mole (HM) occurs in 1:500-1000 pregnancies and are generally characterised as a benign proliferative disorder of chorionic villous trophoblast. HM belongs to the group of disorders, collectively known as gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), which include invasive mole, choriocarcinoma, placental site trophoblastic tumour and epitheloid trophoblastic tumour. Patients with HM are at increased risk of developing these malignant forms and hence accurate diagnosis is very important for monitoring persistent diseases and informing correct patient management. In this review, we describe the current model for HM follow-up in the UK, with special emphasis on the in-house human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) radioimmunoassay (RIA) currently employed for monitoring women in our programme. We briefly discuss the structure, function and significance of hCG monitoring in GTD and the limitations and benefits of the current assays used for measuring oncology hCG. In particular, we describe the preliminary work evaluating a replacement antibody for the current gold-standard UK-RIA method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley M McMahon
- Hydatidiform Mole Follow-Up Service (HMFUS), Ninewells Hospital and Medical Teaching School, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 9SY, UK.
| | - Wilson W Stewart
- Hydatidiform Mole Follow-Up Service (HMFUS), Ninewells Hospital and Medical Teaching School, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Lyndsey Cuthill
- Hydatidiform Mole Follow-Up Service (HMFUS), Ninewells Hospital and Medical Teaching School, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 9SY, UK
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Abstract
Gonadotropins are glycoprotein sex hormones regulating development and reproduction and bind to specific G protein–coupled receptors expressed in the gonads. Their effects on multiple signaling cascades and intracellular events have recently been characterized using novel technological and scientific tools. The impact of allosteric modulators on gonadotropin signaling, the role of sugars linked to the hormone backbone, the detection of endosomal compartments supporting signaling modules, and the dissection of different effects mediated by these molecules are areas that have advanced significantly in the last decade. The classic view providing the exclusive activation of the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) and the steroidogenic pathway by these hormones has been expanded with the addition of novel signaling cascades as determined by high-resolution imaging techniques. These new findings provided new potential therapeutic applications. Despite these improvements, unanswered issues of gonadotropin physiology, such as the intrinsic pro-apoptotic potential to these hormones, the existence of receptors assembled as heteromers, and their expression in extragonadal tissues, remain to be studied. Elucidating these issues is a challenge for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
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20
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Ismail N, Zainudin AM, Hua GS. Normalisation of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels in a patient with partial molar pregnancy with a uterine mass without chemotherapy: impact of using herbal remedies. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 18:859-863. [PMID: 33818024 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2019-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Level of βhCG and the presence of any uterine mass of hydatidiform mole need a careful review or monitoring in order to prevent metastasis, provide an early treatment and avoid unnecessary chemotherapy. CASE PRESENTATION A 36-year old fifth gravida patient who had a missed abortion was diagnosed as having a molar pregnancy with beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (βhCG) level of 509,921 IU/L. Her lung field was clear and she underwent suction and curettage (S & C) procedure. However, after six weeks, AA presented to the emergency department with a massive bleeding, although her βhCG level had decreased to 65,770 IU/L. A trans-abdominal ultrasound indicated the presence of an intra-uterine mass (3.0 × 4.4 cm). Nevertheless, her βhCG continued to show a declining trend (8,426 IU/L). AA was advised to undergo a chemotherapy but she refused, citing preference for alternative medicine like herbs instead. She opted for an "at own risk" (AOR) discharge with scheduled follow up. Subsequently, her condition improved with her βhCG showing a downward trend. Surprisingly, at six months post S & C, her βhCG ameliorated to 0 IU/L with no mass detected by ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS Brucea javanica fruits, Pereskia bleo and Annona muricata leaves can potentially be useful alternatives to chemotherapy and need further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norzila Ismail
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Aida Maziha Zainudin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Gan Siew Hua
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
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21
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Oliveira MDMS, Salgado CDM, Viana LR, Gomes-Marcondes MCC. Pregnancy and Cancer: Cellular Biology and Mechanisms Affecting the Placenta. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1667. [PMID: 33916290 PMCID: PMC8037654 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer during pregnancy is rarely studied due to its low incidence (1:1000). However, as a result of different sociocultural and economic changes, women are postponing pregnancy, so the number of pregnant women with cancer has been increasing in recent years. The importance of studying cancer during pregnancy is not only based on maternal and foetal prognosis, but also on the evolutionary mechanisms of the cell biology of trophoblasts and neoplastic cells, which point out similarities between and suggest new fields for the study of cancer. Moreover, the magnitude of how cancer factors can affect trophoblastic cells, and vice versa, in altering the foetus's nutrition and health is still a subject to be understood. In this context, the objective of this narrative review was to show that some researchers point out the importance of supplementing branched-chain amino acids, especially leucine, in experimental models of pregnancy associated with women with cancer. A leucine-rich diet may be an interesting strategy to preserve physiological placenta metabolism for protecting the mother and foetus from the harmful effects of cancer during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lais Rosa Viana
- Nutrition and Cancer Laboratory, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Sao Paulo 13083-862, Brazil; (M.d.M.S.O.); (C.d.M.S.)
| | - Maria Cristina Cintra Gomes-Marcondes
- Nutrition and Cancer Laboratory, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Sao Paulo 13083-862, Brazil; (M.d.M.S.O.); (C.d.M.S.)
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22
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Querat B. Unconventional Actions of Glycoprotein Hormone Subunits: A Comprehensive Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:731966. [PMID: 34671318 PMCID: PMC8522476 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.731966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The glycoprotein hormones (GPH) are heterodimers composed of a common α subunit and a specific β subunit. They act by activating specific leucine-rich repeat G protein-coupled receptors. However, individual subunits have been shown to elicit responses in cells devoid of the receptor for the dimeric hormones. The α subunit is involved in prolactin production from different tissues. The human chorionic gonadotropin β subunit (βhCG) plays determinant roles in placentation and in cancer development and metastasis. A truncated form of the thyrotropin (TSH) β subunit is also reported to have biological effects. The GPH α- and β subunits are derived from precursor genes (gpa and gpb, respectively), which are expressed in most invertebrate species and are still represented in vertebrates as GPH subunit paralogs (gpa2 and gpb5, respectively). No specific receptor has been found for the vertebrate GPA2 and GPB5 even if their heterodimeric form is able to activate the TSH receptor in mammals. Interestingly, GPA and GPB are phylogenetically and structurally related to cysteine-knot growth factors (CKGF) and particularly to a group of antagonists that act independently on any receptor. This review article summarizes the observed actions of individual GPH subunits and presents the current hypotheses of how these actions might be induced. New approaches are also proposed in light of the evolutionary relatedness with antagonists of the CKGF family of proteins.
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Effect of punicalagin and human chorionic gonadotropin on body weight and reproductive traits in maiden rabbit does. Vet Anim Sci 2020; 10:100140. [PMID: 32995661 PMCID: PMC7501459 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2020.100140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Punicalagin as a potential antioxidant against free radicals in combination with human chorionic gonadotropin as an auxiliary factor in increasing progesterone levels from accessory corpus luteum enhance reproductive and pregnancy health in young does. Free radicals produced from reproductive processes may disturb oocyte and embryo growth. Injection of punicalagin (PL) alone or in combination with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) had significant impacts on maternal body weight (MBW), conception rate (CR), gestation length (GL), kindling rate (KR), total litter size (TLS), live litter size (LLS), kit weight (KW) and progesterone (P4) concentrations during 1st/2nd gestation periods.
Little is known about the effect of punicalagin extracted from pomegranate or in combination with human chorionic gonadotropin on enhancing the productive and reproductive performance in rabbits that gestate for the first time. The impact of punicalagin alone or in combination with human chorionic gonadotropin on maiden doe body weight, progesterone concentrations, conception rate, gestation rate, litter size, and kit weight was investigated in this study. A completely randomized and balanced experimental design was used to allocate 21 naturally mated maiden does at 6 months of age into the following three treatment groups of 7 does each: Control - intramuscular injection with sterilized water only; Treatment 1 - pre-mating intramuscular injection with punicalagin (100 µg/doe) twice a week and once 3 days post-mating; and Treatment 2 - pre-mating intramuscular injection with punicalagin twice a week and human chorionic gonadotropin (25 IU/doe) once 3 days post-mating. Progesterone was assayed from blood samples taken from the ear marginal vein at mating, post-mating, gestation, and post-kindling phases when all does were weighed. Results indicated significantly positive impacts of punicalagin alone or in combination with human chorionic gonadotropin on all doe reproductive traits, birth, and weaning weights of kits. The study clearly demonstrated an improvement in doe fertility, reproductive performance, and kit survival to weaning. In conclusion, PL and PL+HCG improved maternal body weights and their offspring as well as pregnancy outcomes of young rabbits particularly in the 2nd pregnancy, hence findings of this study could be recommended for improving reproductive health and fertility in maiden rabbit does.
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Human Recombinant FSH and Its Biosimilars: Clinical Efficacy, Safety, and Cost-Effectiveness in Controlled Ovarian Stimulation for In Vitro Fertilization. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13070136. [PMID: 32605133 PMCID: PMC7407829 DOI: 10.3390/ph13070136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Exogenous human follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH), either derived from extraction and purification from the urine or obtained by recombinant technology in the form of follitropin α, β and δ (rFSH), has been used for decades in the treatment of infertility. The main applications of FSH treatment in the woman have been, and still are, ovulation induction in oligo-anovulatory subjects, and stimulation of the development of a cohort of follicles in patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for in vitro fertilization (IVF). In the last years, two biosimilars of follitropin alfa, rFSH compounds structurally and functionally similar to the originator, have been approved and marketed for clinical use in Europe. Moreover, some other rFSH biosimilars are currently under investigation. The objective of this article is to review the available evidences comparing the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of rFSH follitropin alpha originator with its biosimilars, discussing the clinical trials that allowed biosimilars to get registration and marketing authorization.
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Bhattacharya B, Home P, Ganguly A, Ray S, Ghosh A, Islam MR, French V, Marsh C, Gunewardena S, Okae H, Arima T, Paul S. Atypical protein kinase C iota (PKCλ/ι) ensures mammalian development by establishing the maternal-fetal exchange interface. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:14280-14291. [PMID: 32513715 PMCID: PMC7322033 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1920201117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In utero mammalian development relies on the establishment of the maternal-fetal exchange interface, which ensures transportation of nutrients and gases between the mother and the fetus. This exchange interface is established via development of multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast cells (SynTs) during placentation. In mice, SynTs develop via differentiation of the trophoblast stem cell-like progenitor cells (TSPCs) of the placenta primordium, and in humans, SynTs are developed via differentiation of villous cytotrophoblast (CTB) progenitors. Despite the critical need in pregnancy progression, conserved signaling mechanisms that ensure SynT development are poorly understood. Herein, we show that atypical protein kinase C iota (PKCλ/ι) plays an essential role in establishing the SynT differentiation program in trophoblast progenitors. Loss of PKCλ/ι in the mouse TSPCs abrogates SynT development, leading to embryonic death at approximately embryonic day 9.0 (E9.0). We also show that PKCλ/ι-mediated priming of trophoblast progenitors for SynT differentiation is a conserved event during human placentation. PKCλ/ι is selectively expressed in the first-trimester CTBs of a developing human placenta. Furthermore, loss of PKCλ/ι in CTB-derived human trophoblast stem cells (human TSCs) impairs their SynT differentiation potential both in vitro and after transplantation in immunocompromised mice. Our mechanistic analyses indicate that PKCλ/ι signaling maintains expression of GCM1, GATA2, and PPARγ, which are key transcription factors to instigate SynT differentiation programs in both mouse and human trophoblast progenitors. Our study uncovers a conserved molecular mechanism, in which PKCλ/ι signaling regulates establishment of the maternal-fetal exchange surface by promoting trophoblast progenitor-to-SynT transition during placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaswati Bhattacharya
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Pratik Home
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Avishek Ganguly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Soma Ray
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Ananya Ghosh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Md Rashedul Islam
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Valerie French
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Courtney Marsh
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Soumen Paul
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160;
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
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Casarini L, Crépieux P, Reiter E, Lazzaretti C, Paradiso E, Rochira V, Brigante G, Santi D, Simoni M. FSH for the Treatment of Male Infertility. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072270. [PMID: 32218314 PMCID: PMC7177393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) supports spermatogenesis acting via its receptor (FSHR), which activates trophic effects in gonadal Sertoli cells. These pathways are targeted by hormonal drugs used for clinical treatment of infertile men, mainly belonging to sub-groups defined as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism or idiopathic infertility. While, in the first case, fertility may be efficiently restored by specific treatments, such as pulsatile gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) or choriogonadotropin (hCG) alone or in combination with FSH, less is known about the efficacy of FSH in supporting the treatment of male idiopathic infertility. This review focuses on the role of FSH in the clinical approach to male reproduction, addressing the state-of-the-art from the little data available and discussing the pharmacological evidence. New compounds, such as allosteric ligands, dually active, chimeric gonadotropins and immunoglobulins, may represent interesting avenues for future personalized, pharmacological approaches to male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; (C.L.); (E.P.); (V.R.); (G.B.); (D.S.); (M.S.)
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0593961705; Fax: +39-0593962018
| | - Pascale Crépieux
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC), Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation (IFCE), Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France; (P.C.); (E.R.)
| | - Eric Reiter
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC), Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation (IFCE), Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France; (P.C.); (E.R.)
| | - Clara Lazzaretti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; (C.L.); (E.P.); (V.R.); (G.B.); (D.S.); (M.S.)
- International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Elia Paradiso
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; (C.L.); (E.P.); (V.R.); (G.B.); (D.S.); (M.S.)
- International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Rochira
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; (C.L.); (E.P.); (V.R.); (G.B.); (D.S.); (M.S.)
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Brigante
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; (C.L.); (E.P.); (V.R.); (G.B.); (D.S.); (M.S.)
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; (C.L.); (E.P.); (V.R.); (G.B.); (D.S.); (M.S.)
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; (C.L.); (E.P.); (V.R.); (G.B.); (D.S.); (M.S.)
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC), Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation (IFCE), Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France; (P.C.); (E.R.)
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
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Balakier H, Kuznyetsova I, Librach CL. The impact of hyaluronan-enriched culture medium and intrauterine infusion of human chorionic gonadotropin on clinical outcomes in blastocyst transfer cycles. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2020; 66:79-88. [PMID: 32129683 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2020.1727995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, advances in ovarian hormonal stimulation, embryology laboratory technologies and embryo genetic testing, have significantly enhanced clinical outcomes in human assisted reproduction technologies (ART). However, embryo implantation remains a major bottleneck in achieving better pregnancy and live birth rates. Thus, there is growing interest in establishing new approaches to enhance implantation efficiency after embryo transfer. With advanced molecular techniques, many promising biomarkers associated with embryonic and endometrial changes occurring prior to and during embryo implantation have been identified. However, despite the progress in applying novel procedures into IVF practice, clinical evaluation of those biomarkers has so far reached modest predictive value for enhancing blastocyst developmental potential and endometrial receptivity. Therefore, other simpler strategies have also been introduced to increase the rates of successful clinical pregnancies and live births. One of these approaches is to investigate the impact of using embryo transfer medium containing high concentrations of an adherence compound, such as hyaluronic acid (HA), on IVF outcomes. Additionally, intrauterine infusion of a small volume of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) at the time of embryo transfer (ET) has also been proposed as a technique that might be advantageous for increasing the clinical outcomes, considering the fact that hCG plays a critical role in synchronizing endometrial and fetal development. However, the current findings from both interventions remain controversial, demonstrating a mixture of positive and indifferent results of these treatments in ART cycles. Further research will be crucial for a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of cross-talk between the blastocyst and the maternal endometrium during the optimal implantation period when using either hyaluronan-enriched medium or hCG infusion before embryo transfers. Therefore, this review aims to present existing literature related to both treatments, emphasizing their effects on blastocyst implantation.Abbreviations: ART: assisted reproduction technologies; HA: hyaluronic acid; hCG: human chorionic gonadotrophin; IVF: in vitro Fertilization; ET: embryo transfer; pH: hydrogen ions; CO2: Carbone dioxide; O2: Oxygen; PGT: pre-implantation genetic testing; FET: frozen embryo transfer; PCOS: Polycystic ovarian syndrome; DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid; miRNA: micro-ribonucleic acid; EVs: extracellular vesicles; ERA: endometrial receptivity array; CD44 and RHAMM: primary hyaluronan surface receptors; RCT: randomized clinical trials; LBR: life birth rate; CPR: clinical pregnancy rate; IR: implantation rate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Clifford L Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Gynecology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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28
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Gallardo V, González M, Toledo F, Sobrevia L. Role of heme oxygenase 1 and human chorionic gonadotropin in pregnancy associated diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165522. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Al-Khikani F, Kadem B. Unusual false-negative serum human chorionic gonadotropin detected by qualitative immunoassay: a case report of two Iraqi women. JOURNAL OF MEDICINE IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/jmisr.jmisr_30_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
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30
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Forstner D, Maninger S, Nonn O, Guettler J, Moser G, Leitinger G, Pritz E, Strunk D, Schallmoser K, Marsche G, Heinemann A, Huppertz B, Gauster M. Platelet-derived factors impair placental chorionic gonadotropin beta-subunit synthesis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2019; 98:193-207. [PMID: 31863152 PMCID: PMC7007904 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-019-01866-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Abstract During histiotrophic nutrition of the embryo, maternal platelets may be the first circulating maternal cells that find their way into the placental intervillous space through narrow intertrophoblastic gaps within the plugs of spiral arteries. Activation of platelets at the maternal-fetal interface can influence trophoblast behavior and has been implicated in serious pregnancy pathologies. Here, we show that platelet-derived factors impaired expression and secretion of the human chorionic gonadotropin beta-subunit (βhCG) in human first trimester placental explants and the trophoblast cell line BeWo. Impaired βhCG synthesis was not the consequence of hampered morphological differentiation, as assessed by analysis of differentiation-associated genes and electron microscopy. Platelet-derived factors did not affect intracellular cAMP levels and phosphorylation of CREB, but activated Smad3 and its downstream-target plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 in forskolin-induced BeWo cell differentiation. While TGF-β type I receptor inhibitor SB431542 did not restore impaired βhCG production in response to platelet-derived factors, Smad3 inhibitor SIS3 interfered with CREB activation, suggesting an interaction of cAMP/CREB and Smad3 signaling. Sequestration of transcription co-activators CBP/p300, known to bind both CREB and Smad3, may limit βhCG production, since CBP/p300 inhibitor C646 significantly restricted its forskolin-induced upregulation. In conclusion, our study suggests that degranulation of maternal platelets at the early maternal-fetal interface can impair placental βhCG production, without substantially affecting morphological and biochemical differentiation of villous trophoblasts. Key messages Maternal platelets can be detected on the surface of the placental villi and in intercellular gaps of trophoblast cell columns from gestational week 5 onwards. Platelet-derived factors impair hCG synthesis in human first trimester placenta. Platelet-derived factors activate Smad3 in trophoblasts. Smad3 inhibitor SIS3 interferes with forskolin-induced CREB signaling. Sequestration of CBP/p300 by activated Smad3 may limit placental hCG production.
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00109-019-01866-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Désirée Forstner
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, II, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Sabine Maninger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, II, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Olivia Nonn
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, II, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Jacqueline Guettler
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, II, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Gerit Moser
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, II, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Gerd Leitinger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, II, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Pritz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, II, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Dirk Strunk
- Cell Therapy Institute, Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Katharina Schallmoser
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gunther Marsche
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Akos Heinemann
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, II, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, II, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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Massimiani M, Lacconi V, La Civita F, Ticconi C, Rago R, Campagnolo L. Molecular Signaling Regulating Endometrium-Blastocyst Crosstalk. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:E23. [PMID: 31861484 PMCID: PMC6981505 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Implantation of the embryo into the uterine endometrium is one of the most finely-regulated processes that leads to the establishment of a successful pregnancy. A plethora of factors are released in a time-specific fashion to synchronize the differentiation program of both the embryo and the endometrium. Indeed, blastocyst implantation in the uterus occurs in a limited time frame called the "window of implantation" (WOI), during which the maternal endometrium undergoes dramatic changes, collectively called "decidualization". Decidualization is guided not just by maternal factors (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormone), but also by molecules secreted by the embryo, such as chorionic gonadotropin (CG) and interleukin-1β (IL-1 β), just to cite few. Once reached the uterine cavity, the embryo orients correctly toward the uterine epithelium, interacts with specialized structures, called pinopodes, and begins the process of adhesion and invasion. All these events are guided by factors secreted by both the endometrium and the embryo, such as leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), integrins and their ligands, adhesion molecules, Notch family members, and metalloproteinases and their inhibitors. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the factors and mechanisms regulating implantation, with a focus on those involved in the complex crosstalk between the blastocyst and the endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micol Massimiani
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (V.L.); (F.L.C.)
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro, 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Lacconi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (V.L.); (F.L.C.)
| | - Fabio La Civita
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (V.L.); (F.L.C.)
| | - Carlo Ticconi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Rocco Rago
- Physiopathology of Reproduction and Andrology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Via dei Monti Tiburtini 385/389, 00157 Rome, Italy;
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (V.L.); (F.L.C.)
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Schumacher A, Zenclussen AC. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin-Mediated Immune Responses That Facilitate Embryo Implantation and Placentation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2896. [PMID: 31921157 PMCID: PMC6914810 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) serves as one of the first signals provided by the embryo to the mother. Exactly at the time when the first step of the implantation process is initiated and the blastocyst adheres to the maternal endometrium, the embryonic tissue starts to actively secrete hCG. Shortly thereafter, the hormone can be detected in the maternal circulation where its concentration steadily increases throughout early pregnancy as it is continuously released by the forming placenta. Accumulating evidence underlines the critical function of hCG for embryo implantation and placentation. hCG not only regulates biological aspects of these early pregnancy events but also supports maternal immune cells in their function as helpers in the establishment of an adequate embryo-endometrial relationship. In view of its early presence in the maternal circulation, hCG has the potential to influence both local uterine immune cell populations as well as peripheral ones. The current review aims to summarize recent literature on the participation of innate and adaptive immune cells in embryo implantation and placentation with a specific focus on their regulation by hCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schumacher
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ana C Zenclussen
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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Milano-Foster J, Ray S, Home P, Ganguly A, Bhattacharya B, Bajpai S, Pal A, Mason CW, Paul S. Regulation of human trophoblast syncytialization by histone demethylase LSD1. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:17301-17313. [PMID: 31591264 PMCID: PMC6873176 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.010518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A successful pregnancy is critically dependent upon proper placental development and function. During human placentation, villous cytotrophoblast (CTB) progenitors differentiate to form syncytiotrophoblasts (SynTBs), which provide the exchange surface between the mother and fetus and secrete hormones to ensure proper progression of pregnancy. However, epigenetic mechanisms that regulate SynTB differentiation from CTB progenitors are incompletely understood. Here, we show that lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1; also known as KDM1A), a histone demethylase, is essential to this process. LSD1 is expressed both in CTB progenitors and differentiated SynTBs in first-trimester placental villi; accordingly, expression in SynTBs is maintained throughout gestation. Impairment of LSD1 function in trophoblast progenitors inhibits induction of endogenous retrovirally encoded genes SYNCYTIN1/endogenous retrovirus group W member 1, envelope (ERVW1) and SYNCYTIN2/endogenous retrovirus group FRD member 1, envelope (ERVFRD1), encoding fusogenic proteins critical to human trophoblast syncytialization. Loss of LSD1 also impairs induction of chorionic gonadotropin α (CGA) and chorionic gonadotropin β (CGB) genes, which encode α and β subunits of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone essential to modulate maternal physiology during pregnancy. Mechanistic analyses at the endogenous ERVW1, CGA, and CGB loci revealed a regulatory axis in which LSD1 induces demethylation of repressive histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9Me2) and interacts with transcription factor GATA2 to promote RNA polymerase II (RNA-POL-II) recruitment and activate gene transcription. Our study reveals a novel LSD1-GATA2 axis, which regulates human trophoblast syncytialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Milano-Foster
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Soma Ray
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Pratik Home
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Avishek Ganguly
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Bhaswati Bhattacharya
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Shilpika Bajpai
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Aratrika Pal
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Clifford W Mason
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Soumen Paul
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
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Ehrentraut S, Sauss K, Neumeister R, Luley L, Oettel A, Fettke F, Costa SD, Langwisch S, Zenclussen AC, Schumacher A. Human Miscarriage Is Associated With Dysregulations in Peripheral Blood-Derived Myeloid Dendritic Cell Subsets. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2440. [PMID: 31681319 PMCID: PMC6803452 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) are critically involved in decisions related to the acceptance or rejection of the foreign fetal antigens by the maternal immune system. However, particularly for human peripheral blood DCs (PBDC), available literature is rather inconsistent and the factors regulating these cells are ill-defined. Here, we investigated the phenotype and functionality of different human PBDC subsets during normal and pathologic pregnancies and studied an involvement of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in PBDC regulation. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from normal pregnant women in all three trimesters, from first trimester miscarriage patients and from healthy non-pregnant women. Samples were analyzed for plasma hCG levels, for regulatory T (Treg) cell numbers, for frequencies of total and mature plasmacytoid (PDC) and myeloid (MDC1 and MDC2) PBDC subsets and for their cytokine secretion. In vitro assays, culturing PDC, MDC1 or MDC2 in the presence of two trophoblast cell lines, placenta explant supernatants or two hCG preparations were performed. The Treg-inducing capability of hCG- or non-hCG-treated stimulated MDC1 was assessed. Total and mature MDC1 and MDC2 frequencies increased during the first and second trimester of normal pregnancy, respectively. Miscarriage was associated with a reduced MDC1 and an increased MDC2 activation profile. PDC were not altered neither during normal pregnancy progression nor during miscarriage. In vitro, the culture of isolated PBDC subsets in the presence of placenta-derived factors impaired the maturation of MDC1 and differentially affected PDC maturation. An inhibitory effect on MDC1 and PDC maturation was also proven for the urine-derived hCG preparation. Finally, we observed a Treg cell elevation during early normal pregnancy that was not present in miscarriages. Stimulated MDC1 induced Treg cells in vitro, however, hCG was not involved in this process. Our findings suggest that during normal pregnancy PBDC subsets are differentially regulated dependent on gestational age. Miscarriage seems to be associated with dysregulations in the myeloid PBDC subsets and with disturbances in Treg cell frequencies. Moreover, our results propose an interdependency between MDC1 and Treg cells during early pregnancy. hCG, although shown to impair MDC1 maturation, does not seem to be a key regulator of PBDC alterations during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Ehrentraut
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Karoline Sauss
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Lydia Luley
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,University Women's Clinic, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anika Oettel
- University Women's Clinic, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Fettke
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,University Women's Clinic, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Serban-Dan Costa
- University Women's Clinic, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Langwisch
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ana Claudia Zenclussen
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anne Schumacher
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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35
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Xu L, Wei Q, Wu Q, Zhong Y, Li Y, Xu J, Zhu Y. Higher ꞵ-human chorionic gonadotropin and estrogen levels during the first 6 weeks of pregnancy are associated with threatened abortion. Biosci Trends 2019; 13:245-252. [PMID: 31130576 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2019.01111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The associations of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estrogen, and progesterone levels with threatened abortion have not been fully studied. Eighty women with threatened abortion were recruited sequentially, and the levels in their pregnancy hormones during the first trimester were compared with that of 160 normal early pregnancy controls. The natural logarithm transformed (Ln) hCG and Lnestrogen of women with threatened abortion and gestational age ≤ 6 weeks were significantly higher than values for the normal controls of the same gestational age (8.6 ± 1.2 vs. 7.4 ± 1.7 mIU/mL and 5.8 ± 0.4 vs. 5.4 ± 0.5 pg/mL); the two hormones reached similar levels in the groups of gestational age > 6 weeks. Among the group with gestational age ≤ 6 weeks, a univariate logistic regression showed that LnhCG and Lnestrogen were associated with threatened abortion, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.85 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30-2.64] and 4.62 (95% CI: 1.67-12.80), respectively. The multivariate logistic regression model revealed that hCG and estrogen were mutually confounding factors, and only hCG was an independent factor for threatened abortion (OR 1.56; 95% CI: 1.06-2.28). None of the variables in the univariate or multivariate logistic regression was a factor associated with threatened abortion after 6 weeks gestational age. In conclusion, β-hCG and estrogen levels in the first half of the first trimester are factors associated with threatened abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Qun Wei
- Songjiang Maternity & Child Health Hospital of Shanghai
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Yanbo Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Yangfang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Yunheng Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University
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36
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Effect of Estriol, Chorionic Gonadotropin, and Oncostatin M on the Expression of Recombinase RAG-1 in Regulatory T Lymphocyte Subpopulations. Bull Exp Biol Med 2019; 167:57-61. [PMID: 31177451 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-019-04460-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We studied the effect of estriol, chorionic gonadotropin, oncostatin M, and hormone-cytokine combinations on the expression of recombinase RAG-1 in T-regulatory (Treg) and T helper 17 (Th17) lymphocytes. It was found that estriol in a concentration corresponding to the first trimester of pregnancy increased the level of Treg (CD4+FoxP3+) cells and suppressed the formation of Th17 (CD4+RORC+) lymphocytes. This effect was nor observed after individual administration of chorionic gonadotropin and oncostatin M, but some combinations of the studied hormones with oncostatin M increased the percentage of CD4+FOXP3+ cells. In the presence of oncostatin M, the studied hormones enhanced the expression of RAG-1 in CD4+FoxP3+ cells, but not in CD4+RORC+ cells, thereby initiating of Treg T-cell receptor (TCR) revision. The mechanisms of hormone cytokine control of induction of the immune tolerance during pregnancy are discussed.
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Piechowski J. Plausibility of trophoblastic-like regulation of cancer tissue. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:5033-5046. [PMID: 31213916 PMCID: PMC6549421 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s190932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Thus far, a well-established logical pattern of malignancy does not exist. The current approach to cancer properties is primarily descriptive with usually, for each of them, extensive analyses of the underlying associated biomolecular mechanisms. However, this remains a catalog and it would be valuable to determine the organizational chart that could account for their implementation, hierarchical links and input into tumor regulation. Hypothesis: Striking phenotypic similarities exist between trophoblast (invasive and expanding early placenta) and cancer regarding cell functions, logistics of development, means of protection and capacity to hold sway over the host organism. The concept of cancer cell trophoblastic-like transdifferentiation appears to be a rational proposal in an attempt to explain this analogy and provide a consistent insight into how cancer cells are functioning. Should this concept be validated, it could pave the way to promising research and therapeutic perspectives given that the trophoblastic properties are vital for the tumor while they are permanently epigenetically turned off in normal cells. Specifically targeting expression of the trophoblastic master genes could thereby be envisaged to jeopardize the tumor and its metastases without, in principle, inducing adverse side effects in the healthy tissues. Conclusion: A wide set of functional features of cancer tissue regulation, including some apparently paradoxical facts, was reviewed. Cancer cell misuse of physiological trophoblastic functions can clearly account for them, which identifies trophoblastic-like transdifferentiation as a likely key component of malignancy and makes it a potential relevant anticancer target.
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38
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Xu Z, Chen W, Chen C, Xiao Y, Chen X. Effect of intrauterine injection of human chorionic gonadotropin before frozen-thawed embryo transfer on pregnancy outcomes in women with endometriosis. J Int Med Res 2019; 47:2873-2880. [PMID: 31119991 PMCID: PMC6683888 DOI: 10.1177/0300060519848928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) intrauterine injection before frozen–thawed embryo transfer (FET) in women with endometriosis. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 45 women with endometriosis who underwent hCG intrauterine injection before FET; each woman was matched with three patients with endometriosis who did not receive hCG intrauterine injection (controls). Data on pregnancy and prenatal outcomes were extracted from medical records and compared. Results Patients in the hCG intrauterine injection group had significantly higher rates of pregnancy and clinical pregnancy (64.4% and 57.8%, respectively) than controls (47.4% and 39.3%, respectively). Neonatal birth weight for both singletons and twins was significantly higher in the hCG group (3486 ± 458 g and 2710 ± 437 g, respectively) than in the control group (3195 ± 401 g and 2419 ± 370 g, respectively). Conclusion Pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and birth weight were improved in women with endometriosis who underwent intrauterine hCG injection compared with those who did not receive hCG before FET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Xu
- 1 Reproductive Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenming Chen
- 2 Department of Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chune Chen
- 3 School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yikang Xiao
- 3 School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Chen
- 1 Reproductive Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
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39
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Bakhtyukov AA, Derkach KV, Dar'in DV, Shpakov AO. Conservation of Steroidogenic Effect of the Low-Molecular-Weight Agonist of Luteinizing Hormone Receptor in the Course of Its Long-Term Administration to Male Rats. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2019; 484:78-81. [PMID: 31012020 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672919010216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract-It was shown that the thienopyrimidine derivative TP03, a low-molecular-weight agonist of the luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), during the treatment of male rats for 7 days steadily increased the production of testosterone (T), whose elevated level was retained for 7 days, and increased the expression of the gene for LHR, which indicates the maintenance of the sensitivity of Leydig cells to gonadotropins. At the same time, the steroidogenic effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which significantly increased the T level on the first day of administration, was further weakened, which was accompanied by a decrease in the expression of the gene for LHR in the testes, indicating the development of resistance of Leydig cells to hCG. Along with this, in the case of hCG administration, a compensatory increase in the expression of genes of the steroidogenic enzymes, such as cytochrome P450scc and dehydrogenase 3β-HSD, was shown in the testes, while in the case of TP03 administration this effect was absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Bakhtyukov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - K V Derkach
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - D V Dar'in
- St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - A O Shpakov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223, St. Petersburg, Russia.
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40
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Rayev MB, Zamorina SA, Litvinova LS, Yurova KA, Khaziakhmatova OG, Timganova VP, Bochkova MS, Kropaneva MD, Khramtsov PV. [The influence of chorionic gonadotropin on phenotype conversion and hTERT gene expression by T-lymphocytes of different degrees of differentiation]. BIOMEDIT︠S︡INSKAI︠A︡ KHIMII︠A︡ 2019; 63:539-545. [PMID: 29251616 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20176306539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The effects of chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the expression of the hTERT gene in combination with the conversion of the phenotype of naive T-cells and T-cells of immune memory in vitro were studied. hCG inhibited expression of hTERT mRNA in naive T-cells (CD45RA+) and immune memory T cells (CD45RO+), causing a decrease in the replicative potential of the cells. The presence of hCG in the culture led to the conversion of the phenotype of T-lymphocytes. hCG reduced the number of proliferating T-cells of immune memory, estimated by phenotypic signs by differential gating. hCG (10 IU/ml and 100 IU/ml) inhibited expression of CD25 by the studied populations, but did not modulate expression of the CD71 proliferation marker. Thus, hCG inhibited the functional activity of naive T-cells and T-cells of immune memory, which, in the context of pregnancy, can contribute to the formation of immune tolerance to the semi-allogenic fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Rayev
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms UB RAS, Perm, Russia; Perm State National Research University, Perm, Russia
| | - S A Zamorina
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms UB RAS, Perm, Russia; Perm State National Research University, Perm, Russia
| | | | - K A Yurova
- Kant Baltic federal university, Kaliningrad, Russia
| | | | - V P Timganova
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms UB RAS, Perm, Russia
| | - M S Bochkova
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms UB RAS, Perm, Russia
| | - M D Kropaneva
- Perm State National Research University, Perm, Russia
| | - P V Khramtsov
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms UB RAS, Perm, Russia; Perm State National Research University, Perm, Russia
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41
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Zhu P, Wang W, Zuo R, Sun K. Mechanisms for establishment of the placental glucocorticoid barrier, a guard for life. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:13-26. [PMID: 30225585 PMCID: PMC11105584 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2918-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The fetus is shielded from the adverse effects of excessive maternal glucocorticoids by 11β-HSD2, an enzyme which is expressed in the syncytial layer of the placental villi and is capable of converting biologically active cortisol into inactive cortisone. Impairment of this placental glucocorticoid barrier is associated with fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and development of chronic diseases in later life. Ontogeny studies show that the expression of 11β-HSD2 is initiated at a very early stage after conception and increases with gestational age but declines around term. The promoter for HSD11B2, the gene encoding 11β-HSD2, has a highly GC-rich core. However, the pattern of methylation on HSD11B2 may have already been set up in the blastocyst when the trophoblast identity is committed. Instead, hCG-initiated signals appear to be responsible for the upsurge of 11β-HSD2 expression during trophoblast syncytialization. By activating the cAMP/PKA pathway, hCG not only alters the modification of histones but also increases the expression of Sp1 which activates the transcription of HSD11B2. Adverse conditions such as stress, hypoxia and nutritional restriction can cause IUGR of the fetus. It appears that different causes of IUGR may attenuate HSD11B2 expression differentially in the placenta. While stress and nutritional restriction may reduce HSD11B2 expression by increasing its methylation, hypoxia may decrease HSD11B2 expression via alternative mechanisms rather than by methylation. Herein, we summarize the advances in the study of mechanisms underlying the establishment of the placental glucocorticoid barrier and the attenuation of this barrier by adverse conditions during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, No. 401 Hospital, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Wangsheng Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Rujuan Zuo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Kang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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42
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Bakhtyukov AA, Derkach KV, Dar’in DV, Shpakov AO. Thienopyrimidine Derivatives Specifically Activate Testicular Steroidogenesis but Do Not Affect Thyroid Functions. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093019010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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43
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Bozdag Z, Taslar AM, Tepe NB, Dizibuyuk OF, Ozcan HC, Karakök M. The re-awakening of hCG expression. Its role in the diagnosis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Saudi Med J 2018; 39:873-877. [PMID: 30251729 PMCID: PMC6201007 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2018.9.22710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To compare immunohistochemical detection of Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) expression in paraffin embedded tissue of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). Methods: The samples in this retrospective study were obtained from the archives of the Pathology Department at Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey, over the period from January 2012 to September 2016. The study group consisted of 55 cases of SCC and 45 cases of HSIL. Tissue expression of hCG was detected by specific binding of anti-hCG antibody using an automated immunohistochemistry staining device. The categorical variables of intensity and coverage were analyzed statistically using Pearson Chi-Square test. Results: High grade squamous cell lesions cases showed weak (84.4%, n=38/45) to no (15.6%, n=7/45) staining for hCG. None of the HSIL cases showed strong positivity. Strong positivity for hCG was detected in 90.9% (n=50/55) of SCC cases. Conclusion: Our study supports the association of ectopic hCG expression in cancer pathogenesis by demonstrating strong hCG immunoreactivity only in SCC cases. This finding can be helpful in supporting the diagnosis of invasive carcinoma in small or fragmented biopsies, which can on their own be confusing for the pathologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehra Bozdag
- Department of pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University. E-mail.
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44
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Michelsen TM, Henriksen T, Reinhold D, Powell TL, Jansson T. The human placental proteome secreted into the maternal and fetal circulations in normal pregnancy based on 4-vessel sampling. FASEB J 2018; 33:2944-2956. [PMID: 30335547 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801193r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We sought to identify proteins secreted by the human placenta into the maternal and fetal circulations. Blood samples from the maternal radial artery and uterine vein and umbilical artery and vein were obtained during cesarean section in 35 healthy women with term pregnancy. Slow off-rate modified aptamer (SOMA) protein-binding technology was used to quantify 1310 known proteins. The uteroplacental and umbilical venoarterial concentration differences were calculated. Thirty-four proteins were significantly secreted by the placenta into the maternal circulation, including placental growth factor, growth/differentiation factor 15, and matrix metalloproteinase 12. There were 341 proteins significantly secreted by the placenta into the fetal circulation. Only 7 proteins were secreted into both the fetal and maternal circulations, suggesting a distinct directionality in placental protein release. We examined changes across gestation in the proteins found to be significantly secreted by the placenta into the maternal circulation using serial blood samples from healthy women. Among the 34 proteins secreted into the maternal circulation, 8 changed significantly across gestation. The identified profiles of secreted placental proteins will allow us to identify novel minimally invasive biomarkers for human placental function across gestation and discover previously unknown proteins secreted by the human placenta that regulate maternal physiology and fetal development.-Michelsen, T. M., Henriksen, T., Reinhold, D., Powell, T. L., Jansson, T. The human placental proteome secreted into the maternal and fetal circulations in normal pregnancy based on 4-vessel sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond M Michelsen
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tore Henriksen
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Theresa L Powell
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Casarini L, Santi D, Brigante G, Simoni M. Two Hormones for One Receptor: Evolution, Biochemistry, Actions, and Pathophysiology of LH and hCG. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:549-592. [PMID: 29905829 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
LH and chorionic gonadotropin (CG) are glycoproteins fundamental to sexual development and reproduction. Because they act on the same receptor (LHCGR), the general consensus has been that LH and human CG (hCG) are equivalent. However, separate evolution of LHβ and hCGβ subunits occurred in primates, resulting in two molecules sharing ~85% identity and regulating different physiological events. Pituitary, pulsatile LH production results in an ~90-minute half-life molecule targeting the gonads to regulate gametogenesis and androgen synthesis. Trophoblast hCG, the "pregnancy hormone," exists in several isoforms and glycosylation variants with long half-lives (hours) and angiogenic potential and acts on luteinized ovarian cells as progestational. The different molecular features of LH and hCG lead to hormone-specific LHCGR binding and intracellular signaling cascades. In ovarian cells, LH action is preferentially exerted through kinases, phosphorylated extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) and phosphorylated AKT (also known as protein kinase B), resulting in irreplaceable proliferative/antiapoptotic signals and partial agonism on progesterone production in vitro. In contrast, hCG displays notable cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated steroidogenic and proapoptotic potential, which is masked by estrogen action in vivo. In vitro data have been confirmed by a large data set from assisted reproduction, because the steroidogenic potential of hCG positively affects the number of retrieved oocytes, and LH affects the pregnancy rate (per oocyte number). Leydig cell in vitro exposure to hCG results in qualitatively similar cAMP/PKA and pERK1/2 activation compared with LH and testosterone. The supposed equivalence of LH and hCG has been disproved by such data, highlighting their sex-specific functions and thus deeming it an oversight caused by incomplete understanding of clinical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Brigante
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
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Li M, Cheng W, Nie T, Lai H, Hu X, Luo J, Li F, Li H. Selenoprotein K Mediates the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Human Choriocarcinoma Cells by Negatively Regulating Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Expression via ERK, p38 MAPK, and Akt Signaling Pathway. Biol Trace Elem Res 2018; 184:47-59. [PMID: 28983820 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-017-1155-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Selenoprotein K (SelK), a member of selenoprotein family, is identified as a single endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transmembrane protein. Although over-expression of SelK inhibits adherence and migration of human gastric cancer BGC-823 cells, the effects of SelK in human choriocarcinoma (CCA) are not well understood. In this study, the expression levels of SelK in three CCA cell lines, BeWo, JEG-3, and JAR, were examined. The effects of silencing or over-expressing SelK on expression of human chorionic gonadotropin beta subunit (β-hCG) were detected by western blotting. The results show that the protein level of β-hCG was reciprocally regulated by down- or up-regulation of SelK (*P < 0.05; #P < 0.05). The proliferative, migratory, and invasive capabilities of JEG-3 cells with reduced or over-expressed SelK were then tested using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), wound healing, and transwell chamber assays. We found that these cellular activities were markedly increased by the loss of SelK in JEG-3 cells. Conversely, over-expressing SelK in JEG-3 cells suppressed these phenotypes. In addition, SelK expression after down- or up-regulation of β-hCG was also measured. Surprisingly, we found that level of SelK was affected by β-hCG (*P < 0.05; #P < 0.05). The proliferation, migration, and invasion were determined in JEG-3 cells after each over-expression and reduction of β-hCG. The results confirmed that β-hCG functions as a promoter of human choriocarcinoma. Furthermore, ERK/p38 MAPK and Akt signaling pathways were found to involve in these cellular functions. This work suggests that SelK may act as a tumor suppressor in human choriocarcinoma cells by negatively regulating β-hCG expression via ERK, p38 MAPK, and Akt signaling pathways. These findings revealed that selenoprotein K may serve as a novel target for human choriocarcinoma therapy in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Wanpeng Cheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qinhuangdao First Hospital, 258 Wenhua Road, Qinhuangdao, 066000, China
| | - Tingting Nie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Hehuan Lai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiaoyan Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Jincheng Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Fenglan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China.
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Wong MK, Shawky SA, Aryasomayajula A, Green MA, Ewart T, Selvaganapathy PR, Raha S. Extracellular matrix surface regulates self-assembly of three-dimensional placental trophoblast spheroids. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199632. [PMID: 29940046 PMCID: PMC6016924 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The incorporation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for generating in vitro models that truly represent the microarchitecture found in human tissues. However, the cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions in vitro remains poorly understood in placental trophoblast biology. We investigated the effects of varying the surface properties (surface thickness and stiffness) of two ECMs, collagen I and Matrigel, on placental trophoblast cell morphology, viability, proliferation, and expression of markers involved in differentiation/syncytial fusion. Most notably, thicker Matrigel surfaces were found to induce the self-assembly of trophoblast cells into 3D spheroids that exhibited thickness-dependent changes in viability, proliferation, syncytial fusion, and gene expression profiles compared to two-dimensional cultures. Changes in F-actin organization, cell spread morphologies, and integrin and matrix metalloproteinase gene expression profiles, further reveal that the response to surface thickness may be mediated in part through cellular stiffness-sensing mechanisms. Our derivation of self-assembling trophoblast spheroid cultures through regulation of ECM surface alone contributes to a deeper understanding of cell-ECM interactions, and may be important for the advancement of in vitro platforms for research or diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K. Wong
- Graduate Program in Medical Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah A. Shawky
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aditya Aryasomayajula
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Madeline A. Green
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tom Ewart
- Evik Diagnostics, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sandeep Raha
- Graduate Program in Medical Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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48
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Hormonal Regulation of Dendritic Cell Differentiation in the Thymus. Bull Exp Biol Med 2018; 165:230-234. [PMID: 29922998 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-018-4136-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
We studied the effect of hormones estriol, ghrelin, kisspeptin, and chorionic gonadotropin in concentrations corresponding to their content in the peripheral blood in each trimester of pregnancy on the expression of membrane molecules on myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells of the thymus. It was found that thymic myeloid dendritic cells are sensitive to the action of estriol and kisspeptin. Estriol in a concentration of the first trimester of pregnancy reduces the number of myeloid dendritic cells expressing receptor for thymic stromal lymphopoietin (CD11c+TSLP-R+) and inhibitory molecule B7-H3 (CD11c+CD276+). In contrast to estriol, kisspeptin regulates the processes of differentiation of thymic myeloid dendritic cells in concentrations typical of the second-third trimesters and reduced their total number (CD11c+) and the number of cells expressing TSLP-R (CD11c+TSLP-R+). Estriol and kisspeptin do not affect the total number of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (CD303+) and expression of TSLP-R and CD276 by these cells. Ghrelin and chorionic gonadotropin in the studied concentrations had no significant effect on the total number of thymic myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells and on the expression of membrane molecules of TSLP-R and CD276.
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Konishi Y, Kawamata F, Nishihara H, Homma S, Kato Y, Tsuda M, Kohsaka S, Einama T, Liu C, Yoshida T, Nagatsu A, Tanino M, Tanaka S, Kawamura H, Kamiyama T, Taketomi A. Tumor budding and human chorionic gonadotropin-β expression correlate with unfavorable patient outcome in colorectal carcinoma. Med Oncol 2018; 35:104. [PMID: 29892782 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-018-1164-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumor budding is thought to represent a manifestation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and it has been correlated with poor patient outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC). Our group recently demonstrated that human chorionic gonadotropin-β (hCGβ) modulates EMT in CRC. In the current study, based on the likely relationships between tumor budding and hCGβ expression, we examined their clinicopathologic significance in CRC. Twenty-eight of 80 (35.0%) CRC showed tumor budding. Tumor budding significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01), pathologic stage (P < 0.01), lymphatic invasion (P = 0.044), and vascular invasion (P = 0.013). Thirteen of 80 (16.3%) CRC were hCGβ positive on immunohistochemistry. More tumor buds were present in the hCGβ-positive cases (P < 0.01), and tumor budding was significantly correlated with hCGβ positivity (P < 0.01). Cases with both tumor budding and hCGβ expression had the poorest prognosis compared with all other groups (P < 0.01). In conclusion, tumor budding and hCGβ expression are closely associated with EMT, and they are independent prognostic factors in CRC. They identify patients with an "EMT phenotype" who may respond to targeted molecular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Konishi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Kita 14, Nishi 7, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Futoshi Kawamata
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Kita 14, Nishi 7, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Nishihara
- Genomics Unit, Keio Cancer Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigenori Homma
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Kita 14, Nishi 7, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Kato
- Genomics Unit, Keio Cancer Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masumi Tsuda
- Department of Cancer Pathology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shinji Kohsaka
- Department of Cellular Signaling, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Einama
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Kita 14, Nishi 7, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Cheng Liu
- Conjoint Gastroenterology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tadashi Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Kita 14, Nishi 7, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Akihisa Nagatsu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Kita 14, Nishi 7, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Mishie Tanino
- Department of Cancer Pathology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shinya Tanaka
- Department of Cancer Pathology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hideki Kawamura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Kita 14, Nishi 7, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Toshiya Kamiyama
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Kita 14, Nishi 7, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Akinobu Taketomi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Kita 14, Nishi 7, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
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50
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Riccetti L, Klett D, Ayoub MA, Boulo T, Pignatti E, Tagliavini S, Varani M, Trenti T, Nicoli A, Capodanno F, La Sala GB, Reiter E, Simoni M, Casarini L. Heterogeneous hCG and hMG commercial preparations result in different intracellular signalling but induce a similar long-term progesterone response in vitro. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:685-697. [PMID: 29044421 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are four urinary hCG/menotropin (hMG) and one recombinant preparation characterized by different molecular features and do they mediate specific intracellular signaling and steroidogenesis? SUMMARY ANSWER hCG and hMG preparations have heterogeneous compositions and mediate preparation-specific cell signaling and early steroidogenesis, although similar progesterone plateau levels are achieved in 24 h-treated human primary granulosa cells in vitro. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY hCG is the pregnancy hormone marketed as a drug for ARTs to induce final oocyte maturation and ovulation, and to support FSH action. Several hCG formulations are commercially available, differing in source, purification methods and biochemical composition. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Commercial hCG preparations for ART or research purposes were compared in vitro. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The different preparations were quantified by immunoassay with calibration against the hCG standard (Fifth IS; NIBSC 07/364). Immunoreactivity patterns, isoelectric points and oligosaccharide contents of hCGs were evaluated using reducing and non-reducing Western blotting, capillary isoelectric-focusing immunoassay and lectin-ELISA, respectively. Functional studies were performed in order to evaluate intracellular and total cAMP, progesterone production and β-arrestin 2 recruitment by ELISA and BRET, in both human primary granulosa lutein cells (hGLC) and luteinizing hormone (LH)/hCG receptor (LHCGR)-transfected HEK293 cells, stimulated by increasing hormone concentrations. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-test or Mann-Whitney's U-test as appropriate. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Heterogeneous profiles were found among preparations, revealing specific molecular weight patterns (20-75 KDa range), isoelectric points (4.0-9.0 pI range) and lectin binding (P < 0.05; n = 7-10). These drug-specific compositions were linked to different potencies on cAMP production (EC50 1.0-400.0 ng/ml range) and β-arrestin 2 recruitment (EC50 0.03-2.0 μg/ml) in hGLC and transfected HEK293 cells (P < 0.05; n = 3-5). In hGLC, these differences were reflected by preparation-specific 8-h progesterone production although similar plateau levels of progesterone were acheived by 24-h treatment (P ≥ 0.05; n = 3). LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The biological activity of commercial hCG/hMG preparations is provided in International Units (IU) by in-vivo bioassay and calibration against an International Standard, although it is an unsuitable unit of measure for in-vitro studies. The re-calibration against recombinant hCG,quantified in grams, is based on the assumption that all of the isoforms and glycosylation variants have similar immunoreactivity. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS hCG/hMG preparation-specific cell responses in vitro may be proposed to ART patients affected by peculiar ovarian response, such as that caused by polycystic ovary syndrome. Otherwise, all the preparations available for ART may provide a similar clinical outcome in healthy women. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by a grant of the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (PRIN 2015XCR88M). The authors have no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Riccetti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Danièle Klett
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Mohammed Akli Ayoub
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France
- LE STUDIUM® Loire Valley Institute for Advanced Studies, F-45000 Orléans, France
- Biology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Thomas Boulo
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Elisa Pignatti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Simonetta Tagliavini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL, NOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Varani
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL, NOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL, NOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Alessia Nicoli
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS-Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, via Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesco Capodanno
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS-Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, via Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista La Sala
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS-Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, via Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via del Pozzo 71, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Eric Reiter
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Geriatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, NOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
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