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Sadeghi S, Mosaffa N, Huang B, Ramezani Tehrani F. Protective role of stem cells in POI: Current status and mechanism of action, a review article. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23271. [PMID: 38169739 PMCID: PMC10758796 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23271] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) has far-reaching consequences on women's life quality. Due to the lack of full recognition of the etiology and complexity of this disease, there is no appropriate treatment for infected patients. Recently, stem cell therapy has attracted the attention of regenerative medicine scholars and offered promising outcomes for POI patients. Several kinds of stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been used for the treatment of ovarian diseases. However, their potential protective mechanisms are still unknown. Undoubtedly, a better understanding of the therapeutic molecular and cellular mechanisms of stem cells will address uncover strategies to increase their clinical application for multiple disorders such as POI. This paper describes a detailed account of the potential properties of different types of stem cells and provides a comprehensive review of their protective mechanisms, particularly MSC, in POI disorder. In addition, ongoing challenges and several strategies to improve the efficacy of MSC in clinical use are addressed. Therefore, this review will provide proof-of-concept for further clinical application of stem cells in POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somaye Sadeghi
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nariman Mosaffa
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Boxian Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- The Foundation for Research & Education Excellence, AL, USA
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2
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Wang S, Duan H. The role of the junctional zone in the management of adenomyosis with infertility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1246819. [PMID: 37886646 PMCID: PMC10598341 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1246819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The junctional zone (JZ) is an important structure in the myometrium that maintains uterine fertility. Changes in the junctional zone are closely related to infertility and adenomyosis (ADS). As an increasing number of young women are affected by ADS, the disease is no longer considered typical of women over 40. With these changes, an increasing number of patients refuse hysterectomy and desire fertility preservation treatment. At the same time, ADS is a crucial factor causing female infertility. Therefore, the treatment of ADS-related infertility and preservation of reproductive function is one of the other major challenges facing clinicians. For these young patients, preserving fertility and even promoting reproduction has become a new challenge. Therefore, we searched and summarized these studies on PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords such as "adenomyosis", "junctional zone", and "infertility" to explore infertility causes, diagnosis, and treatment of ADS patients who wish to preserve their uterus or fertility and become pregnant, focusing on the junctional zone, to obtain a full appreciation of the new perspective on this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hua Duan
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
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3
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Marla S, Mortlock S, Yoon S, Crawford J, Andersen S, Mueller MD, McKinnon B, Nguyen Q, Montgomery GW. Global Analysis of Transcription Start Sites and Enhancers in Endometrial Stromal Cells and Differences Associated with Endometriosis. Cells 2023; 12:1736. [PMID: 37443771 PMCID: PMC10340717 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying tissue-specific molecular signatures of active regulatory elements is critical to understanding gene regulatory mechanisms. In this study, transcription start sites (TSS) and enhancers were identified using Cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE) across endometrial stromal cell (ESC) samples obtained from women with (n = 4) and without endometriosis (n = 4). ESC TSSs and enhancers were compared to those reported in other tissue and cell types in FANTOM5 and were integrated with RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data from the same samples for regulatory activity and network analyses. CAGE tag count differences between women with and without endometriosis were statistically tested and tags within close proximity to genetic variants associated with endometriosis risk were identified. Over 90% of tag clusters mapping to promoters were observed in cells and tissues in FANTOM5. However, some potential cell-type-specific promoters and enhancers were also observed. Regions of open chromatin identified using ATAC-seq provided further evidence of the active transcriptional regions identified by CAGE. Despite the small sample number, there was evidence of differences associated with endometriosis at 210 consensus clusters, including IGFBP5, CALD1 and OXTR. ESC TSSs were also located within loci associated with endometriosis risk from genome-wide association studies. This study provides novel evidence of transcriptional differences in endometrial stromal cells associated with endometriosis and provides a valuable cell-type specific resource of active TSSs and enhancers in endometrial stromal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushma Marla
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.M.); (S.M.); (B.M.); (Q.N.)
| | - Sally Mortlock
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.M.); (S.M.); (B.M.); (Q.N.)
| | - Sohye Yoon
- The Genome Innovation Hub, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.Y.); (J.C.); (S.A.)
| | - Joanna Crawford
- The Genome Innovation Hub, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.Y.); (J.C.); (S.A.)
| | - Stacey Andersen
- The Genome Innovation Hub, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.Y.); (J.C.); (S.A.)
| | - Michael D. Mueller
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland;
| | - Brett McKinnon
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.M.); (S.M.); (B.M.); (Q.N.)
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland;
| | - Quan Nguyen
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.M.); (S.M.); (B.M.); (Q.N.)
| | - Grant W. Montgomery
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.M.); (S.M.); (B.M.); (Q.N.)
- The Genome Innovation Hub, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.Y.); (J.C.); (S.A.)
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Izadpanah M, Rahbarghazi R, Seghinsara AM, Abedelahi A. Novel Approaches Used in Ovarian Tissue Transplantation for Fertility Preservation: Focus on Tissue Engineering Approaches and Angiogenesis Capacity. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:1082-1093. [PMID: 35962303 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01048-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Due to the impact of the modern lifestyle, female infertility has been reduced because of different reasons. For example, in combined chemotherapeutic therapies, a small fraction of cancer survivors has faced different post-complications and side effects such as infertility. Besides, in modern society, delayed age of childbearing has also affected fertility. Nowadays, ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation (OTC/T) is considered one of the appropriate strategies for the restoration of ovarian tissue and bioactivity in patients with the loss of reproductive function. In this regard, several procedures have been considered to improve the efficacy and safety of OTT. Among them, a surgical approach is used to transplant ovaries into the optimal sites, but the existence of ischemic changes and lack of appropriate revascularization can lead to bulk follicular atresia. Besides, the role of OTC/T is limited in women of advanced maternal age undergoing lifesaving chemo-radiation. As a correlate, the development of de novo approaches with efficacious regenerative outcomes is highly welcomed. Tissue engineering shows high therapeutic potentialities to restore fertility in males and females using the combination of biomaterials, cells, and growth factors. Unfortunately, most synthetic and natural materials are at the experimental stage and only the efficacy has been properly evaluated in limited cases. Along with these descriptions, strategies associated with the induction of angiogenesis in transplanted ovaries can diminish the injuries associated with ischemic changes. In this review, the authors tried to summarize recent techniques, especially tissue engineering approaches for improving ovarian function and fertility by focusing on angiogenesis and neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melika Izadpanah
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 5166714766, Iran
| | - Reza Rahbarghazi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abbas Majdi Seghinsara
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 5166714766, Iran
| | - Ali Abedelahi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 5166714766, Iran.
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Pang WJ, Feng X, Wang X, Wang L, Sun NX. Analysis of the effect of phloroglucinol on pregnancy outcomes involving frozen embryo transfers in patients with endometriosis: A retrospective case-control study. Front Surg 2023; 9:994775. [PMID: 36684314 PMCID: PMC9852602 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.994775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Abnormal contraction of uterus and vascular smooth muscle lead to the formation of hypoxia environment in uterus. Abnormal contraction may be the basis of dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, infertility and other diseases. Phloroglucinol is a non-atropine and non-papaverine smooth muscle spasmolytic agent, which can reduce the abnormal contraction of uterine smooth muscle. This study investigated the effect of phloroglucinol on frozen embryo transfer in patients with endometriosis. Methods The data of patients with endometriosis who underwent a frozen embryo transfer in Shanghai Changzheng Hospital from August 2018 to August 2021, comprising a total of 453 cycles, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients for whom phloroglucinol was included over 217 cycles were administered intramuscully 40 mg phloroglucinol starting on the day of progesterone administration, then once daily up to day 7 after the embryo transfer. Those for whom phloroglucinol was not administered over 236 cycles were used as the control group. The age of 35 years was used as a boundary in this study to observe the pregnancy outcomes of patients in the two different age groups. Results The biochemical pregnancy rate (63.13% vs. 51.27%), embryo implantation rate (44.64% vs. 33.60%), clinical pregnancy rate (59.64% vs. 48.30%), and live birth rate (52.99% vs. 36.86%) after the administration of phloroglucinol were higher than for patients in the control group, and the early abortion rate (7.75% vs. 20.18%) was also lower. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In particular, in the age group <35 years old, the embryo implantation rate (51.81% vs. 39.38%), clinical pregnancy rate (69.34% vs. 57.55%), and the live birth rate (63.50% vs. 44.60%) after phloroglucinol intervention rose significantly, and the abortion rate dropped (6.32% vs. 17.5%), indicating a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). However, pregnancy outcomes showed no difference in the age group ≥35 years old (P > 0.05). Conclusion Continuous low-dose phloroglucinol pretreatment before and after frozen embryo transfer can improve both the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates and reduce the risk of abortion in younger infertile patients with endometriosis.
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Leyendecker G, Wildt L, Laschke MW, Mall G. Archimetrosis: the evolution of a disease and its extant presentation : Pathogenesis and pathophysiology of archimetrosis (uterine adenomyosis and endometriosis). Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 307:93-112. [PMID: 35596746 PMCID: PMC9836992 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06597-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This article presents a novel concept of the evolution and, thus, the pathogenesis of uterine adenomyosis as well as peritoneal and peripheral endometriosis. Presently, no unifying denomination of this nosological entity exists. METHODS An extensive search of the literature on primate evolution was performed. This included comparative functional morphology with special focus on the evolution of the birthing process that fundamentally differs between the haplorrhine primates and most of the other eutherian mammals. The data were correlated with the results of own research on the pathophysiology of human archimetrosis and with the extant presentation of the disease. RESULTS The term Archimetrosis is suggested as a denomination of the nosological entity. Archimetrosis occurs in human females and also in subhuman primates. There are common features in the reproductive process of haplorrhine primates such as spontaneous ovulation and corpus luteum formation, spontaneous decidualization and menstruation. These have fused Müllerian ducts resulting in a uterus simplex. Following a usually singleton pregnancy, the fetus is delivered in the skull position. Some of these features are shared by other mammals, but not in that simultaneous fashion. In haplorrhine primates, with the stratum vasculare, a new myometrial layer has evolved during the time of the Cretaceous-Terrestrial Revolution (KTR) that subserves expulsion of the conceptus and externalization of menstrual debris in non-conceptive cycles. Hypercontractility of this layer has evolved as an advantage with respect to the survival of the mother and the birth of a living child during delivery and may be experienced as primary dysmenorrhea during menstruation. It may result in tissue injury by the sheer power of the contractions and possibly by the associated uterine ischemia. Moreover, the lesions at extra-uterine sites appear to be maintained by biomechanical stress. CONCLUSIONS Since the pathogenesis of archimetrosis is connected with the evolution of the stratum vasculare, tissue injury and repair (TIAR) turns out to be the most parsimonious explanation for the development of the disease based on clinical, experimental and evolutionary evidence. Furthermore, a careful analysis of the published clinical data suggests that, in the risk population with uterine hypercontractility, the disease develops with a yet to be defined latency phase after the onset of the biomechanical injury. This opens a new avenue of prevention of the disease in potentially affected women that we consider to be primarily highly fertile.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthias W. Laschke
- Institut für Klinisch-Experimentelle Chirurgie, Universität des Saarlandes, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Mall
- Wiesenbacher Str. 10, 69151 Neckargemünd, Germany
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Abdulghani MA, Alshehade SA, Kamran S, Alshawsh MA. Effect of monosodium glutamate on serum sex hormones and uterine histology in female rats along with its molecular docking and in-silico toxicity. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10967. [PMID: 36237979 PMCID: PMC9552117 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is commonly used worldwide as a food flavour enhancer by the food industry. The current study investigated the in vivo toxic effects of MSG on the uterus in adult female Sprague Dawley rats and in vitro using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, computational toxicity and molecular docking. The average levels of progesterone and oestrogen in the MSG-treated animals significantly altered. Besides, the average uterine lumen area (μm2) was smaller than the control group. MSG showed high-affinity binding to acetylcholine receptors and disrupted the normal nerve signal with a predicted LD50 of 4500 mg/kg. MSG also demonstrated good binding affinity to human oestrogen receptors beta and some other proteins that have an oxidative stress role in the female reproductive organs. Therefore, a precaution should be taken when utilising this compound, especially for females under the risk factor of hormonal abnormality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahfoudh A.M. Abdulghani
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Aden, Yemen,Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Al Qassim 51911, Saudi Arabia,Corresponding author.
| | - Salah Abdulrazak Alshehade
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Penang, Malaysia,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sareh Kamran
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohammed Abdullah Alshawsh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Corresponding author.
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Phytomedicinal therapeutics for male infertility: critical insights and scientific updates. J Nat Med 2022; 76:546-573. [PMID: 35377028 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-022-01619-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a significant cause of anxiety, depression, and social stigma among couples and families. In such cases, male reproductive factors contribute widely to the extent of 20-70%. Male infertility is a multifactorial disease with several complications contributing to its diagnosis. Although its management encompasses both modern and traditional medicine arenas, the first line of treatment, adopted by most males, focuses on the reasonably successful medicinal plant-based conventional therapies. Phyto-therapeutics, which relies on active ingredients from traditionally known herbs, influences sexual behavior and male fertility factors. The potency of these phyto-actives depends on their preparation methods and forms of consumption, including decoctions, extracts, semi-purified compounds, etc., as inferred from in vitro and in vivo (laboratory animal models and human) studies. The mechanisms of action therein involve the testosterone pathway for stimulation of spermatogenesis, reduction of oxidative stress, inhibition of inflammation, activation of signaling pathways in the testes [extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK)/protein kinase B(PKB)/transformation of growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells NF-kB signaling pathways] and mediation of sexual behavior. This review critically focuses on the medicinal plants and their potent actives, along with the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that modulate vital pathways associated with the successful management of male infertility. Such intrinsic knowledge will significantly further studies on medicinal plants that improve male reproductive health.
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Perioperative Suppression of Schwann Cell Dedifferentiation Reduces the Risk of Adenomyosis Resulting from Endometrial–Myometrial Interface Disruption in Mice. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061218. [PMID: 35740240 PMCID: PMC9219744 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently demonstrated that endometrial–myometrial interface (EMI) disruption (EMID) can cause adenomyosis in mice, providing experimental evidence for the well-documented epidemiological finding that iatrogenic uterine procedures increase the risk of adenomyosis. To further elucidate its underlying mechanisms, we designed this study to test the hypothesis that Schwann cells (SCs) dedifferentiating after EMID facilitate the genesis of adenomyosis, but the suppression of SC dedifferentiation perioperatively reduces the risk. We treated mice perioperatively with either mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular-signal regulated protein kinase (ERK) or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitors or a vehicle 4 h before and 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after the EMID procedure. We found that EMID resulted in progressive SCs dedifferentiation, concomitant with an increased abundance of epithelial cells in the myometrium and a subsequent epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). This EMID-induced change was abrogated significantly with perioperative administration of JNK or MEK/ERK inhibitors. Consistently, perioperative administration of a JNK or a MEK/ERK inhibitor reduced the incidence by nearly 33.5% and 14.3%, respectively, in conjunction with reduced myometrial infiltration of adenomyosis and alleviation of adenomyosis-associated hyperalgesia. Both treatments significantly decelerated the establishment of adenomyosis and progression of EMT, fibroblast-to-myofibroblast trans-differentiation and fibrogenesis in adenomyotic lesions. Thus, we provide the first piece of evidence strongly implicating the involvement of SCs in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis induced by EMID.
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Milewski N, Haug S. At risk of reproductive disadvantage? Exploring fertility awareness among migrant women in Germany. REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE & SOCIETY ONLINE 2022; 14:226-238. [PMID: 35169640 PMCID: PMC8828951 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbms.2021.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
This study examined awareness about fertility among immigrant women and non-migrants in Germany. The social relevance of infertility and fertility treatment is increasing in Western countries due to continually low overall birth rates, a high rate of childlessness, and a gap between the desired and actual numbers of children. While there is growing interest in infertility and reproductive medicine in general, previous studies have rarely included immigrant or ethnic minorities in Europe. This study investigated whether knowledge on the age-related fertility decline (ARFD) varies between migrant groups and the majority group, and the role of education. Working hypotheses were drawn from theoretical considerations on frameworks of migrant assimilation. The analysis was based on data collected in a social science pilot study on reproductive medicine, representative of the general population ('NeWiRe' 2014-2015). The sample included 962 women aged 18-50 years living in Germany. Approximately 81% of the sample were immigrants who originated from Turkey, Poland, the Balkan countries or countries of the (post-Soviet) Commonwealth of Independent States. While rather poor overall, knowledge on ARFD was found to be significantly lower in the migrant groups compared with the majority group. This minority-group disadvantage cannot be explained by sociodemographic or cultural variables. Future research should include minority groups in empirical studies on awareness about fertility in order to better understand the causes of this disadvantage, and the potential reproductive needs of migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Milewski
- Federal Institute for Population Research, Wiesbaden, Germany
- Corresponding author.
| | - Sonja Haug
- Eastern Bavarian Technical University, Regensburg, Germany
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11
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Hosseini Aghdam S, Ghasemzadeh A, Farzadi L, Hamdi K, Navali N, Hakimi P, Baradaran-Binazir M, Nouri M, Fattahi A, Dittrich R. Growth Hormone: A Potential Treatment of Patients with Refractory Thin Endometrium: A Clinical Trial Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2022; 16:251-255. [PMID: 36273309 PMCID: PMC9627013 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2022.541389.1210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growth hormone (GH) is a potential treatment in the assisted reproductive technology (ART) to improve endometrial receptivity and thickness. In the current study, we investigated the effect of the intrauterine administration of GH on the endometrial thickness (EMT) and ART outcomes in the patients with refractory thin endometrium. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this clinical trial study, women with a refractory thin endometrium and a history of one or more frozen embryo transfer (FET) cancellation who were referred to the infertility center of the Tabriz Al-Zahra hospital (Tabriz, Iran) and Milad Infertility Clinic (Tabriz, Iran) received intrauterine injections of GH every other day from day 14 of the menstrual cycle until the EMT reached ≥7 mm in addition to the routine endometrium preparation protocol. EMT was evaluated during the treatment and in the cases with EMT ≥7 mm, biochemical/clinical pregnancy was evaluated after embryo transfer. RESULTS Thirty-one women aged 35.29 ± 6.21 years were included in this study. The mean amount of EMT was significantly increased following the GH treatment (7.03 ± 1.23 mm) vs. before treatment (5.14 ± 1.1 mm, P<0.001). The EMT reached ≥7 mm in the 65% patients (20/31). Also, the embryo transfer resulted in pregnancy in the patients, biochemical pregnancy: 9/20 (45%) and clinical pregnancy: 7/20 (35%). There was a positive correlation between EMT on the day 13 of cycle (before the treatment) and the maximum EMT (r=0.577 and P=0.001). The EMT was statistically different on the embryo transfer day between clinically pregnant and non-pregnant women (7.18 ± 0.56 vs. 6.21 ± 0.72 mm, P=0.007). CONCLUSION The intrauterine administration of GH could be an appropriate therapeutic strategy for patients with refractory thin endometrium. This treatment could significantly increase the EMT as well as implantation and pregnancy rates in these patients (registration number: IRCT20210220050429N1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Soghra Hosseini Aghdam
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Department of Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alyeh Ghasemzadeh
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Department of Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,P.O.Box: 5138665793Women’s Reproductive Health
Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
Emails:,
| | - Laya Farzadi
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Department of Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kobra Hamdi
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Department of Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nazli Navali
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Department of Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parvin Hakimi
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Department of Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Marayam Baradaran-Binazir
- Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Fattahi
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,P.O.Box: 5138665793Women’s Reproductive Health
Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
Emails:,
| | - Ralf Dittrich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University of
Erlangen–Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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12
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Dinsdale NL, Crespi BJ. Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome are diametric disorders. Evol Appl 2021; 14:1693-1715. [PMID: 34295358 PMCID: PMC8288001 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolutionary and comparative approaches can yield novel insights into human adaptation and disease. Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) each affect up to 10% of women and significantly reduce the health, fertility, and quality of life of those affected. PCOS and endometriosis have yet to be considered as related to one another, although both conditions involve alterations to prenatal testosterone levels and atypical functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Here, we propose and evaluate the novel hypothesis that endometriosis and PCOS represent extreme and diametric (opposite) outcomes of variation in HPG axis development and activity, with endometriosis mediated in notable part by low prenatal and postnatal testosterone, while PCOS is mediated by high prenatal testosterone. This diametric disorder hypothesis predicts that, for characteristics shaped by the HPG axis, including hormonal profiles, reproductive physiology, life-history traits, and body morphology, women with PCOS and women with endometriosis will manifest opposite phenotypes. To evaluate these predictions, we review and synthesize existing evidence from developmental biology, endocrinology, physiology, life history, and epidemiology. The hypothesis of diametric phenotypes between endometriosis and PCOS is strongly supported across these diverse fields of research. Furthermore, the contrasts between endometriosis and PCOS in humans parallel differences among nonhuman animals in effects of low versus high prenatal testosterone on female reproductive traits. These findings suggest that PCOS and endometriosis represent maladaptive extremes of both female life-history variation and expression of sexually dimorphic female reproductive traits. The diametric disorder hypothesis for endometriosis and PCOS provides novel, unifying, proximate, and evolutionary explanations for endometriosis risk, synthesizes diverse lines of research concerning the two most common female reproductive disorders, and generates future avenues of research for improving the quality of life and health of women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bernard J. Crespi
- Department of Biological SciencesSimon Fraser UniversityBurnabyBCCanada
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13
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Liu Y, Yuan Q, Wang Z, Ding L, Kong N, Liu J, Hu Y, Zhang Y, Li C, Yan G, Jiang Y, Sun H. A high level of KLF12 causes folic acid-resistant neural tube defects by activating the Shh signalling pathway in mice. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:837-845. [PMID: 34104947 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab111] [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: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although adequate periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation has reduced the occurrence of pregnancies affected by neural tube defects (NTDs), the mechanisms underlying FA-resistant NTDs are poorly understood, and thus NTDs still remain a global public health concern. A high level of Krüppel-like factor 12 (KLF12) exerts deleterious effects on heath in most cases, but evidence for its roles in development has not been published. We observed KLF12-overexpressing mice showed disturbed neural tube development. KLF12-overexpressing foetuses died in utero at approximately 10.5 days post coitus, with 100% presenting cranial NTDs. Neither FA nor formate promoted normal neural tube closure in mutant foetuses. The RNA-seq results showed that a high level of KLF12 caused NTDs in mice via overactivating the sonic hedgehog (Shh) signalling pathway, leading to the upregulation of patched 1, GLI-Krüppel family member GLI1, hedgehog-interacting protein, etc., while FA metabolism-related enzymes did not express differently. PF-5274857, an antagonist of the Shh signalling pathway, significantly promoted dorsolateral hinge point formation and partially rescued the NTDs. The regulatory hierarchy between a high level of KLF12 and FA-resistant NTDs might provide new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of unexplained NTDs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhilong Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijun Ding
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Kong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyu Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yali Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaojun Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Guijun Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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14
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Characterization of the Endometrial MSC Marker Ectonucleoside Triphosphate Diphosphohydrolase-2 (NTPDase2/CD39L1) in Low- and High-Grade Endometrial Carcinomas: Loss of Stromal Expression in the Invasive Phenotypes. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11050331. [PMID: 33922226 PMCID: PMC8146812 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11050331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-2 (NTPDase2/CD39L1) has been described in human non-pathological endometrium in both epithelial and stromal components without changes along the cycle. It was identified as a stromal marker of basalis. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate NTPDase2 distribution, using immunolabeling and in situ enzyme activity approaches, in endometrial carcinoma (EC) at different tumor grades. NTPDase2 was present in tumor epithelial EC cells, as in the non-pathological endometria, but the expression underwent changes in subcellular distribution and also tended to decrease with the tumor grade. In stroma, NTPDase2 was identified exclusively at the tumor-myometrial junction but this expression was lost in tumors of invasive phenotype. We have also identified in EC samples the presence of the perivascular population of endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs) positive for sushi domain containing 2 (SUSD2) and for NTPDase2, already described in non-tumoral endometrium. Our results point to NTPDase2 as a histopathological marker of tumor invasion in EC, with diagnostic relevance especially in cases of EC coexisting with other endometrial disorders, such as adenomyosis, which occasionally hampers the assessment of tumor invasion parameters.
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Masumoto T, Onishi K, Harada T, Amano H, Otani S, Kurozawa Y. Plasma Oxytocin Concentrations During and After Gestation in Japanese Pregnant Women Affected by Anxiety Disorder and Endometriosis. Yonago Acta Med 2020; 63:301-307. [PMID: 33253338 DOI: 10.33160/yam.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background Oxytocin has a key role in mother-infant bonding, maternal care, social interaction, and stress-related psychiatric disorders. However, the factors determining oxytocin concentrations during and after pregnancy such as medical history related to nursing or parental behavior are unknown. To elucidate these, we analyzed the relationships between oxytocin concentrations during and after pregnancy, and medical history assessed in the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). Methods We then selected the pregnant women with a medical history of anxiety disorder and endometriosis as cases and pregnant women without medical history as controls adjusting the cohort for age and parity for a nested case-control study, after which 162 women remained for analysis. We evaluated 162 pregnant women from JECS using answers provided in a questionnaire and by measuring plasma oxytocin concentration by ELISA during the first (T1) and second (T2) trimesters of pregnancy, and after childbirth (T3). Results Oxytocin concentration increased in a time dependent manner, consistent with previous reports. There were weak negative correlations between oxytocin concentration at T1 and the mother's age and height, but no correlation with other factors. The mean oxytocin concentrations of pregnant women with a history of an anxiety disorder (n = 7) and endometriosis (n = 13) were significantly lower than those of pregnant women with no such history at T2 and T3. Conclusion These results suggest that oxytocin concentrations during and after pregnancy were affected by a past history of anxiety disorder and endometriosis. This is the first study of the relationship between oxytocin concentration and endometriosis. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms, further study is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshio Masumoto
- Division of Health Administration and Promotion, Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Kazunari Onishi
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Tasuku Harada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Center for Bioscience and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Hiroki Amano
- Division of Health Administration and Promotion, Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Shinji Otani
- International Platform for Dryland Research and Education, Tottori University, Tottori 680-0001, Japan
| | - Youichi Kurozawa
- Division of Health Administration and Promotion, Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
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16
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Liu C, Li Y, Li L, Shui S, Yang L, Sui C, Zhang H. Aberrant expression of oxytocin receptor in endometrium and decidua in women who have experienced recurrent implantation failure. F&S SCIENCE 2020; 1:183-187. [PMID: 35559926 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To detect the oxytocin receptor (OTR) expression levels in the endometrium and decidua from women who have experienced recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and fertile women. DESIGN Laboratory study using human endometrial and decidual samples. SETTINGS University-affiliated hospital. PATIENT(S) Six patients with RIF and six fertile women were recruited for endometrial sampling on day 20-24 of the menstrual cycle. Decidual tissues were collected from women who had a history of RIF and experienced a spontaneous abortion at 6-8 weeks of gestation (n = 8) and women with healthy pregnancies that terminated for nonmedical reasons (n = 8). INTERVENTION None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) OTR expression in the endometrial and decidual tissues was detected with the use of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. RESULT(S) OTR protein and mRNA were significantly increased in the endometria of RIF patients. In the decidua, OTR protein was significantly up-regulated in the RIF group, whereas mRNA was significantly decreased in this group. CONCLUSION(S) Women who experienced RIF presented with an aberrant expression pattern of OTR in the endometria and decidua.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuehan Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Linshuang Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shike Shui
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Sui
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanwang Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Junctional zone endometrium alterations in gynecological and obstetrical disorders and impact on diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2020; 31:418-427. [PMID: 31573995 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To investigate the JZE alterations in gynecological and obstetrical disorders and impact on diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS JZE was found to be significantly extended in patients with endometriosis, leading to the conclusion that endometriosis is a primary disease of the uterus, much like adenomyosis. Statistical correlation was then demonstrated between the severity of endometriosis and the depth of the adenomyosis infiltrates, hence the thickening of the JZE. Stem cells, predominantly found in the JZE were also found in histological sections of leiomyoma, suggested to be the origin of leiomyoma. This reservoir of JZE stem cells is influenced by different stressors leading to their differentiation into leiomyoma, endometriosis, adenomyosis or endometrial cancer, according to the stressor. The variability in presentation was hypothesized to be connected to genetic and epigenetic factors. JZE was also suggested to act as a barrier, stopping endometrial carcinoma cells invasion and metastasis. In addition, JZE plays a major role in conception, pregnancy and postpartum. SUMMARY JZE is an important anatomical landmark of the uterus contributing to normal uterine function under the influence of ovarian hormones. Alterations of the JZE thickness and contractility can be used as pathognomonic clinical markers in infertility and chronic pelvic pain, for subendometrial and myometrial disorders, for example, adenomyosis and fibroids. Prospective randomized control trials will clarify the diagnostic steps, imaging modalities to follow and probably triage the patients between medical and surgical treatments.
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18
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The Role of Ankaferd Blood Stopper and Oxytocin as Potential Therapeutic Agents in Endometriosis: A Rat Model. Curr Med Sci 2020; 40:556-562. [PMID: 32681259 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-020-2213-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the potential effect of Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) and oxytocin (OT) in an experimental endometriosis model, 18 female Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study. The animals were divided randomly into three groups after surgical induction of endometriosis: group 1: control group (isotonic NaCl, 1 mL/kg/day, intramuscular, n=6); group 2: OT group (OT, 80 U/kg/day, intramuscular, n=6); group 3: ABS group (ABS, 1.5 mL/kg/day, intraperitoneal, n=6). Each group was treated for four weeks (two times per week). Volumes of endometriotic explants were measured in biopsy samples for histopathological analysis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels were measured in plasma and peritoneal fluid. Endometriotic explant volumes were significantly decreased after OT administration (P<0.0001). The epithelial score was significantly decreased in both treatment groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). TUNEL immunohistochemistry showed more apoptotic changes in the endometriosis foci (gland epithelium and surrounding tissue) in the OT group than in the control group (P<0.05). The levels of VEGF, MCP-1, and TNF-α were significantly reduced in the OT group (P<0.05), whereas no significant changes in protein levels were found in the ABS-applied group. The results indicate that OT has greater potential as a therapeutic agent in experimentally induced peritoneal endometriosis, where ABS, which is a VEGF modulator, appears to act through different mechanisms to show its palliative effects on a rat model of peritoneal endometriosis.
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19
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Racca A, Drakopoulos P, Neves AR, Polyzos NP. Current Therapeutic Options for Controlled Ovarian Stimulation in Assisted Reproductive Technology. Drugs 2020; 80:973-994. [DOI: 10.1007/s40265-020-01324-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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20
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Ștefan MG, Kiss B, Gutleb AC, Loghin F. Redox metabolism modulation as a mechanism in SSRI toxicity and pharmacological effects. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:1417-1441. [PMID: 32246176 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02721-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Depressive disorders are amongst the greatest mental health challenges, with an increasing number of patients being diagnosed each year. Though it has not yet been fully elucidated, redox metabolism imbalances and oxidative stress seem to play a major role in the pathogenesis of depressive disorders. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most prescribed antidepressants, considered to have a better tolerability. However, several adverse effects have been reported and the mechanisms involved in their pharmacological activity are not entirely understood. SSRIs have been shown to influence the redox metabolism, which could be involved in their toxicity and pharmacological effects. A comparative analysis of published in vivo and in vitro data regarding the activity of SSRIs on the redox metabolism pathways has been performed in this paper, with an emphasis on mechanistical aspects. Furthermore, a comparison between oxidative stress biomarker levels reported by different studies was attempted. The reviewed data point towards both pro- and antioxidant effects of SSRIs, dependent on tissue/cell type and dose/concentration, suggest a redox modulating potential of these compounds. In hepatic and testicular tissue, the majority of reviewed studies reported pro-oxidant effects, with possible implications towards the hepatotoxicity and sexual dysfunction that were reported following SSRI treatment; while in brain, the most common findings were antioxidant effects that could partially explain their antidepressant activity. However, given the heterogeneity of the reviewed data, further research is needed to fully understand the impact of SSRIs on redox metabolism and its implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Georgia Ștefan
- Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Béla Kiss
- Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Arno C Gutleb
- Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, Environmental Health Group, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Felicia Loghin
- Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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21
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Hollis B, Day FR, Busch AS, Thompson DJ, Soares ALG, Timmers PRHJ, Kwong A, Easton DF, Joshi PK, Timpson NJ, Ong KK, Perry JRB. Genomic analysis of male puberty timing highlights shared genetic basis with hair colour and lifespan. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1536. [PMID: 32210231 PMCID: PMC7093467 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14451-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The timing of puberty is highly variable and is associated with long-term health outcomes. To date, understanding of the genetic control of puberty timing is based largely on studies in women. Here, we report a multi-trait genome-wide association study for male puberty timing with an effective sample size of 205,354 men. We find moderately strong genomic correlation in puberty timing between sexes (rg = 0.68) and identify 76 independent signals for male puberty timing. Implicated mechanisms include an unexpected link between puberty timing and natural hair colour, possibly reflecting common effects of pituitary hormones on puberty and pigmentation. Earlier male puberty timing is genetically correlated with several adverse health outcomes and Mendelian randomization analyses show a genetic association between male puberty timing and shorter lifespan. These findings highlight the relationships between puberty timing and health outcomes, and demonstrate the value of genetic studies of puberty timing in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Hollis
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Felix R Day
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Alexander S Busch
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen O, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Deborah J Thompson
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ana Luiza G Soares
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Paul R H J Timmers
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Usher Institute for Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Alex Kwong
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- IUMSP, Biopôle, Secteur Vennes-Bâtiment SV-A, Route de la Corniche 10, 1010, Lausanne, Switzerland
- School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Centre for Multilevel Modelling, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Doug F Easton
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter K Joshi
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Usher Institute for Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Nicholas J Timpson
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ken K Ong
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus Box 181, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
| | - John R B Perry
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
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22
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Tanos V, Lingwood L, Balami S. The importance of the junctional zone of the endometrium in human reproduction. HUM FERTIL 2020; 25:4-12. [PMID: 32024409 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2020.1720316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Junctional zone endometrium (JZE) thickness and contractility seem to determine gamete and embryo transportation and implantation. Proper function depends on concentration levels, mode and timing of oestrogen and progesterone production. Most probably, the remodelling of spiral arteries, and the development of endometrium and decidua are also highly dependent on JZE activity. Fibroids that are adjacent to JZE affect JZE contractility contributing to abnormal or failed implantation. Disruption of the JZE continuity provokes adenomyosis, a condition that causes chronic inflammation and fibrosis, which negatively affects the normal function of JZE. Imaging by magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional sonography can diagnose JZE abnormal appearance, alterations in thickening and contractility frequency, usually in the advanced stage of the disease. Failures of assisted reproduction, and adverse early pregnancy outcomes have also been associated with abnormal JZE. Altered uterine contractions due to JZE changes are strongly associated with poor reproductive outcome and early pregnancy loss. Endometriosis and adenomyosis prevalently co-exist, with clear relation and negative effects on the JZE. The presence of endometriosis should alert to the possibility of coexisting adenomyosis. Co-existence of endometriosis may mask the extent of the negative impact of adenomyosis in infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasilios Tanos
- Aretaeio Hospital, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Lee Lingwood
- St George's, University of London, London, UK.,University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Safinez Balami
- St George's, University of London, London, UK.,University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
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23
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Song Y, Han J, Cao F, Ma H, Cao B, An X. Endometrial genome-wide DNA methylation patterns of Guanzhong dairy goats at days 5 and 15 of the gestation period. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 208:106124. [PMID: 31405455 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Uterine receptivity for the embryo is established and maintained through a series of precise cellular and molecular events, such as DNA methylation. There have been no studies to elucidate entire genome DNA methylation changes associated with embryo receptivity development of the endometrium (RE). In the present study, there was development of a complete genome-wide DNA methylome maps of the RE using whole-genome bisulphite sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. As many as 163.06 Gb of sequencing data averaging 81.53 Gb per sample were obtained for genome bisulphite sequencing of endometrium samples. There were distinct genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in pre-receptive endometrium (PE; Day 5 of gestation) and RE (Day 15 of gestation). There were as many as 16,467 differentially methylated regions (DMRs); 21,391 DMRs were less methylated in RE samples compared with PE samples (P-values ≤ 0.05 and |log2 (fold change)| ≥ 2). Compared with PE samples, methylation ratios of IGF2BP2, ACOX2, PTGDS, VEGFB and PTGDR2 genes were markedly less in RE samples (P-value ≤ 0.05 and |log2 (fold change)| ≥ 2). Conversely, in RE samples there was a markedly greater methylation ratio of IGFBP3 and IGF1R genes. The results of KEGG analysis indicated that these genes were involved in the signalling pathways for insulin, mitogen-activated protein kinase, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, vascular endothelial growth factor and progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, which participated in differential regulation of goat endometrial development during receptive and prereceptive phases. The results of previous and the present study indicate resulting proteins of IGF2BP2, PTGDS, VEGFB, PGR, IGFBP3 and IGF1R gene expression may have important functions in regulating endometrial receptivity for the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Jincheng Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Fangjun Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Haidong Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Binyun Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Xiaopeng An
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China.
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24
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Sztachelska M, Ponikwicka-Tyszko D, Sokolowska G, Anisimowicz S, Czerniecki J, Lebiedzinska W, Zbucka-Kretowska M, Zygmunt M, Wołczynski S, Pierzynski P. Oxytocin antagonism reverses the effects of high oestrogen levels and oxytocin on decidualization and cyclooxygenase activity in endometrial tissues. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:737-744. [PMID: 31548121 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the in-vitro effect of oxytocin receptor (OTR) antagonism on parameters of receptivity in human endometrial explants and endometrial stromal cell lines cultured in oestradiol-rich conditions mimicking ovarian stimulation? DESIGN Experimental in-vitro study on endometrial tissue explants collected by aspiration biopsy from 30 women undergoing fertility treatment and cultured endometrial tHESC cell line. The study examined the effects of high oestradiol, oxytocin and OTR antagonist on parameters of decidualization (cell viability and prolactin secretion) as well as cyclooxygenase-1/2 (COX-1/2) activity and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) secretion. Changes in expression of OXTR and COX-2 genes were examined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS In experiments on cultured endometrial cell line, high oestradiol and oxytocin similarly limited the viability of cells. In cultured endometrial explants both also decreased the secretion of prolactin (a marker of decidualization) and augmented endometrial COX-2 activity and formation of PGF2α. Oxytocin antagonist atosiban was confirmed to reverse the above effects, both in the endometrial line and endometrial explants. Addition of atosiban to cultures acted analogously in experiments employing both oxytocin and high oestradiol. CONCLUSIONS Oxytocin antagonist reversed the effects of high oestradiol and oxytocin on parameters related to endometrial receptivity in conditions mimicking ovarian stimulation. This might point to a novel, endometrium-related mechanism to support embryo implantation achieved by the application of oxytocin antagonist prior to embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sztachelska
- Department of Biology and Pathology of Human Reproduction, Białystok, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, Olsztyn 10-748, Poland
| | - Donata Ponikwicka-Tyszko
- Department of Biology and Pathology of Human Reproduction, Białystok, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, Olsztyn 10-748, Poland
| | - Gabriela Sokolowska
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Białystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, Białystok 15-276, Poland
| | | | - Jan Czerniecki
- Department of Biology and Pathology of Human Reproduction, Białystok, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, Olsztyn 10-748, Poland
| | - Weronika Lebiedzinska
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Białystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, Białystok 15-276, Poland
| | - Monika Zbucka-Kretowska
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Białystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, Białystok 15-276, Poland
| | - Marek Zygmunt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruchstrasse, Greifswald D-17489, Germany
| | - Slawomir Wołczynski
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Białystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, Białystok 15-276, Poland
| | - Piotr Pierzynski
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Białystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, Białystok 15-276, Poland.
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25
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Guo SW, Groothuis PG. Is it time for a paradigm shift in drug research and development in endometriosis/adenomyosis? Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:577-598. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Patrick G Groothuis
- Principal Scientist Pharmacology, Preclinical Department, Synthon Biopharmaceuticals bv, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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26
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Zhang F, Liu Q, Wang Z, Xie W, Sheng X, Zhang H, Yuan Z, Han Y, Weng Q. Seasonal Expression of Oxytocin and Oxytocin Receptor in the Scented Gland of Male Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus). Sci Rep 2017; 7:16627. [PMID: 29192229 PMCID: PMC5709462 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16973-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) can modulate multiple physiological functions via binding to the widely distributed oxytocin receptor (OTR). In this study, we investigated the seasonal expressions of OT, OTR and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling pathway components in the scented gland of muskrat during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Histologically, glandular cells, interstitial cells and excretory tubules were identified in the breeding season scented glands, whereas epithelial cells were sparse in the non-breeding season. Immunohistochemical results showed that OTR was present in epithelial cells and interstitial cells while OT, pERK1/2, ERK1/2 and c-fos were expressed in epithelial cells and glandular cells. The protein and mRNA expressions of OTR, OT and c-fos were significantly higher in the scented gland in the breeding season than in the non-breeding season. Importantly, the levels of OT in scented glands and serum were measured by hormone assays, and their concentrations were both significantly higher in the breeding season than in the non-breeding season. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis showed that the predicted targets of the differentially expressed microRNAs might include the genes encoding OTR, ERK1/2 and c-fos. These findings suggested that OT may regulate the function of muskrat scented glands by the locally expressed receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengwei Zhang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Liu
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Wenqian Xie
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Sheng
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Haolin Zhang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Han
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, 100083, Beijing, China.
| | - Qiang Weng
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, 100083, Beijing, China.
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27
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Dinsdale NL, Crespi BJ. Revisiting the wandering womb: Oxytocin in endometriosis and bipolar disorder. Horm Behav 2017; 96:69-83. [PMID: 28919554 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hippocrates attributed women's high emotionality - hysteria - to a 'wandering womb'. Although hysteria diagnoses were abandoned along with the notion that displaced wombs cause emotional disturbance, recent research suggests that elevated levels of oxytocin occur in both bipolar disorder and endometriosis, a gynecological condition involving migration of endometrial tissue beyond the uterus. We propose and evaluate the hypothesis that elevated oxytocinergic system activity jointly contributes to bipolar disorder and endometriosis. First, we provide relevant background on endometriosis and bipolar disorder, and then we examine evidence for comorbidity between these conditions. We next: (1) review oxytocin's associations with personality traits, especially extraversion and openness, and how they overlap with bipolar spectrum traits; (2) describe evidence for higher oxytocinergic activity in both endometriosis and bipolar disorder; (3) examine altered hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis functioning in both conditions; (4) describe data showing that medications that treat one condition can improve symptoms of the other; (5) discuss fitness-related impacts of endometriosis and bipolar disorder; and (6) review a pair of conditions, polycystic ovary syndrome and autism, that show evidence of involving reduced oxytocinergic activity, in direct contrast to endometriosis and bipolar disorder. Considered together, the bipolar spectrum and endometriosis appear to involve dysregulated high extremes of normally adaptive pleiotropy in the female oxytocin system, whereby elevated levels of oxytocinergic activity coordinate outgoing sociality with heightened fertility, apparently characterizing, overall, a faster life history. These findings should prompt a re-examination of how mind-body interactions, and the pleiotropic endocrine systems that underlie them, contribute to health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie L Dinsdale
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby V5A 1S6, BC, Canada; Department of Psychology, 9 Campus Drive, 154 Arts, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon S7N 5A5, SK, Canada.
| | - Bernard J Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby V5A 1S6, BC, Canada.
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