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Vidal MS, Menon R, Yu GFB, Amosco MD. Actions of Bisphenol A on Different Feto-Maternal Compartments Contributing to Preterm Birth. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052411. [PMID: 35269554 PMCID: PMC8910111 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth remains to be one of the most prevalent obstetric complications worldwide. Since there are multiple etiological factors associated with this disease process, an integrative literature search in PubMed and Scopus databases on possible mechanism of action and effect of bisphenols on exposure on human or animal placental samples in preterm birth was conducted. From 2332 articles on initial literature search, 63 studies were included for full data extraction. Altogether, several pathways were shown to be possibly affected by bisphenols, leading to dysregulations in structural and endocrine foundation in the placenta, potential induction of senescence and failure of decidualization in the decidua, and possible propagation of inflammation in the fetal membranes. Combined, these actions may eventually counteract bisphenol-induced relaxation of the myometrium and promote contractility alongside fetal membrane weakening. In totality, these individual impairments in gestation-critical processes may lead to failure of maintenance of pregnancy, and thus effecting preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel S. Vidal
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
- Correspondence:
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
| | - Gracia Fe B. Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines;
| | - Melissa D. Amosco
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines;
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2
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Navarro A, Bariani MV, Yang Q, Al-Hendy A. Understanding the Impact of Uterine Fibroids on Human Endometrium Function. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:633180. [PMID: 34113609 PMCID: PMC8186666 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.633180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are the most common benign gynecological tumors in women of reproductive age worldwide. They cause heavy menstrual bleeding, usually leading to severe anemia, pelvic pain/pressure, infertility, and other debilitating morbidities. Fibroids are believed to be monoclonal tumors arising from the myometrium, and recent studies have demonstrated that fibroids actively influence the endometrium globally. Studies suggest a direct relationship between the number of fibroids removed and fertility problems. In this review, our objective was to provide a complete overview of the origin of uterine fibroids and the molecular pathways and processes implicated in their development and growth, which can directly affect the function of a healthy endometrium. One of the most common characteristics of fibroids is the excessive production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, which contributes to the stiffness and expansion of fibroids. ECM may serve as a reservoir of profibrotic growth factors such as the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and a modulator of their availability and actions. Fibroids also elicit mechanotransduction changes that result in decreased uterine wall contractility and increased myometrium rigidity, which affect normal biological uterine functions such as menstrual bleeding, receptivity, and implantation. Changes in the microRNA (miRNA) expression in fibroids and myometrial cells appear to modulate the TGF-β pathways and the expression of regulators of ECM production. Taken together, these findings demonstrate an interaction among the ECM components, TGF-β family signaling, miRNAs, and the endometrial vascular system. Targeting these components will be fundamental to developing novel pharmacotherapies that not only treat uterine fibroids but also restore normal endometrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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3
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Khader N, Shchuka VM, Shynlova O, Mitchell JA. Transcriptional control of parturition: insights from gene regulation studies in the myometrium. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaab024. [PMID: 33823545 PMCID: PMC8126590 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The onset of labour is a culmination of a series of highly coordinated and preparatory physiological events that take place throughout the gestational period. In order to produce the associated contractions needed for foetal delivery, smooth muscle cells in the muscular layer of the uterus (i.e. myometrium) undergo a transition from quiescent to contractile phenotypes. Here, we present the current understanding of the roles transcription factors play in critical labour-associated gene expression changes as part of the molecular mechanistic basis for this transition. Consideration is given to both transcription factors that have been well-studied in a myometrial context, i.e. activator protein 1, progesterone receptors, oestrogen receptors, and nuclear factor kappa B, as well as additional transcription factors whose gestational event-driving contributions have been demonstrated more recently. These transcription factors may form pregnancy- and labour-associated transcriptional regulatory networks in the myometrium to modulate the timing of labour onset. A more thorough understanding of the transcription factor-mediated, labour-promoting regulatory pathways holds promise for the development of new therapeutic treatments that can be used for the prevention of preterm labour in at-risk women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawrah Khader
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Virlana M Shchuka
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Oksana Shynlova
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer A Mitchell
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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4
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Banerjee H, Roy B, Chaudhury K, Srinivasan B, Chakraborty S, Ren H. Frequency-induced morphology alterations in microconfined biological cells. Med Biol Eng Comput 2018; 57:819-835. [PMID: 30415434 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-018-1908-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Low-intensity therapeutic ultrasound has demonstrated an impetus in bone signaling and tissue healing for decades now. Though this technology is clinically well proven, still there are breaches in studies to understand the fundamental principle of how osteoblast tissue regenerates physiologically at the cellular level with ultrasound interaction as a form of acoustic wave stimuli. Through this article, we illustrate an analysis for cytomechanical changes of cell membrane periphery as a basic first physical principle for facilitating late downstream biochemical pathways. With the help of in situ single-cell direct analysis in a microfluidic confinement, we demonstrate that alteration of low-intensity pulse ultrasound (LIPUS) frequency would physically perturb cell membrane and establish inherent cell oscillation. We experimentally demonstrate here that, at LIPUS resonance near 1.7 MHz (during 1-3 MHz alteration), cell membrane area would expand to 6.85 ± 0.7% during ultrasound exposure while it contracts 44.68 ± 0.8% in post actuation. Conversely, cell cross-sectional area change (%) from its previous morphology during and after switching off LIPUS was reversibly different before and after resonance. For instance, at 1.5 MHz, LIPUS exposure produced 1.44 ± 0.5% expansion while in contrast 2 MHz instigates 1.6 ± 0.3% contraction. We conclude that alteration of LIPUS frequency from 1-3 MHz keeping other ultrasound parameters like exposure time, pulse repetition frequency (PRF), etc., constant, if applied to a microconfined biological single living cell, would perturb physical structure reversibly based on the system resonance during and post exposure ultrasound pulsing. We envision, in the near future, our results would constitute the foundation of mechanistic effects of low-intensity therapeutic ultrasound and its allied potential in medical applications. Graphical Abstract Frequency Dependent Characterization of Area Strain in Cell Membrane by Microfluidic Based Single Cell Analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hritwick Banerjee
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Village Palaj Simkheda, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India. .,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore, 117575, Singapore. .,Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SINAPSE), Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, #05-COR, Singapore, 117456, Singapore.
| | - Bibhas Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India.,Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, T-Lab, #10-01 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Kaustav Chaudhury
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India.,National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India
| | - Babji Srinivasan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Village Palaj Simkheda, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Village Palaj Simkheda, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India
| | - Suman Chakraborty
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India.,School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Hongliang Ren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore, 117575, Singapore. .,Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SINAPSE), Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, #05-COR, Singapore, 117456, Singapore. .,National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute (NUSRI), Wuzhong Dist., Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
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5
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El-Azzamy H, Balogh A, Romero R, Xu Y, LaJeunesse C, Plazyo O, Xu Z, Price TG, Dong Z, Tarca AL, Papp Z, Hassan SS, Chaiworapongsa T, Kim CJ, Gomez-Lopez N, Than NG. Characteristic Changes in Decidual Gene Expression Signature in Spontaneous Term Parturition. J Pathol Transl Med 2017; 51:264-283. [PMID: 28226203 PMCID: PMC5445200 DOI: 10.4132/jptm.2016.12.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Revised: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The decidua has been implicated in the “terminal pathway” of human term parturition, which is characterized by the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways in gestational tissues. However, the transcriptomic changes in the decidua leading to terminal pathway activation have not been systematically explored. This study aimed to compare the decidual expression of developmental signaling and inflammation-related genes before and after spontaneous term labor in order to reveal their involvement in this process. Methods Chorioamniotic membranes were obtained from normal pregnant women who delivered at term with spontaneous labor (TIL, n = 14) or without labor (TNL, n = 15). Decidual cells were isolated from snap-frozen chorioamniotic membranes with laser microdissection. The expression of 46 genes involved in decidual development, sex steroid and prostaglandin signaling, as well as pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways, was analyzed using high-throughput quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Chorioamniotic membrane sections were immunostained and then semi-quantified for five proteins, and immunoassays for three chemokines were performed on maternal plasma samples. Results The genes with the highest expression in the decidua at term gestation included insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1), galectin-1 (LGALS1), and progestogen-associated endometrial protein (PAEP); the expression of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), homeobox A11 (HOXA11), interleukin 1β (IL1B), IL8, progesterone receptor membrane component 2 (PGRMC2), and prostaglandin E synthase (PTGES) was higher in TIL than in TNL cases; the expression of chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2), CCL5, LGALS1, LGALS3, and PAEP was lower in TIL than in TNL cases; immunostaining confirmed qRT-PCR data for IL-8, CCL2, galectin-1, galectin-3, and PAEP; and no correlations between the decidual gene expression and the maternal plasma protein concentrations of CCL2, CCL5, and IL-8 were found. Conclusions Our data suggests that with the initiation of parturition, the decidual expression of anti-inflammatory mediators decreases, while the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and steroid receptors increases. This shift may affect downstream signaling pathways that can lead to parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haidy El-Azzamy
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Andrea Balogh
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Immunology, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yi Xu
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Olesya Plazyo
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Zhonghui Xu
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Theodore G Price
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Zhong Dong
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Adi L Tarca
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Zoltan Papp
- Maternity Private Department, Kutvolgyi Clinical Block, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nandor Gabor Than
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Maternity Private Department, Kutvolgyi Clinical Block, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Systems Biology of Reproduction Lendulet Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,First Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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6
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Jin K, Sukumar S. HOX genes: Major actors in resistance to selective endocrine response modifiers. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2016; 1865:105-10. [PMID: 26803986 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Long term treatment with therapies aimed at blocking the estrogen- (ER) or androgen receptor (AR) action often leads to the development of resistance to selective modulators of the estrogen receptor (SERMs) in ERα-positive breast cancer, or of the androgen receptor (SARMs) in AR-positive prostate cancer. Many underlying molecular events that confer resistance are known, but a unifying theme is yet to be revealed. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) such EGFR, ERBB2 and IGF1R are major mediators that can directly alter cellular response to the SERM, tamoxifen, but the mechanisms underlying increased expression of RTKs are not clear. A number of HOX genes and microRNAs and non-coding RNAs residing in the HOX cluster, have been identified as important independent predictors of endocrine resistant breast cancer. Recently, convincing evidence has accumulated that several members belonging to the four different HOX clusters contribute to endocrine therapy resistant breast cancer, but the mechanisms remain obscure. In this article, we have reviewed recent progress in understanding of the functioning of HOX genes and regulation of their expression by hormones. We also discuss, in particular, the contributions of several members of the HOX gene family to endocrine resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kideok Jin
- Breast Cancer Program, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins, 720 Rutland Avenue, 617 Traylor Bldg., Baltimore, MD 21205, United States.
| | - Saraswati Sukumar
- Breast Cancer Program, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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7
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Du H, Taylor HS. The Role of Hox Genes in Female Reproductive Tract Development, Adult Function, and Fertility. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2015; 6:a023002. [PMID: 26552702 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a023002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
HOX genes convey positional identity that leads to the proper partitioning and adult identity of the female reproductive track. Abnormalities in reproductive tract development can be caused by HOX gene mutations or altered HOX gene expression. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) and other endocrine disruptors cause Müllerian defects by changing HOX gene expression. HOX genes are also essential regulators of adult endometrial development. Regulated HOXA10 and HOXA11 expression is necessary for endometrial receptivity; decreased HOXA10 or HOXA11 expression leads to decreased implantation rates. Alternation of HOXA10 and HOXA11 expression has been identified as a mechanism of the decreased implantation associated with endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, leiomyoma, polyps, adenomyosis, and hydrosalpinx. Alteration of HOX gene expression causes both uterine developmental abnormalities and impaired adult endometrial development that prevent implantation and lead to female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongling Du
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
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8
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Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome affects 6 to 15% of reproductive age women worldwide. It is associated with increased risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm delivery, and birth of small for gestational age infant. Many studies on issues relating to pathophysiology and management of these complications have been published recently. These issues are being reviewed here using relevant articles retrieved from Pubmed database, especially from those published in recent past.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thozhukat Sathyapalan
- Department of Academic Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hull York Medical School, Hull, United Kingdom
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9
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Leach RE, Jessmon P, Coutifaris C, Kruger M, Myers ER, Ali-Fehmi R, Carson SA, Legro RS, Schlaff WD, Carr BR, Steinkampf MP, Silva S, Leppert PC, Giudice L, Diamond MP, Armant DR. High throughput, cell type-specific analysis of key proteins in human endometrial biopsies of women from fertile and infertile couples. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:814-28. [PMID: 22215622 PMCID: PMC3279126 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Revised: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although histological dating of endometrial biopsies provides little help for prediction or diagnosis of infertility, analysis of individual endometrial proteins, proteomic profiling and transcriptome analysis have suggested several biomarkers with altered expression arising from intrinsic abnormalities, inadequate stimulation by or in response to gonadal steroids or altered function due to systemic disorders. The objective of this study was to delineate the developmental dynamics of potentially important proteins in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, utilizing a collection of endometrial biopsies from women of fertile (n = 89) and infertile (n = 89) couples. METHODS AND RESULTS Progesterone receptor-B (PGR-B), leukemia inhibitory factor, glycodelin/progestagen-associated endometrial protein (PAEP), homeobox A10, heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor, calcitonin and chemokine ligand 14 (CXCL14) were measured using a high-throughput, quantitative immunohistochemical method. Significant cyclic and tissue-specific regulation was documented for each protein, as well as their dysregulation in women of infertile couples. Infertile patients demonstrated a delay early in the secretory phase in the decline of PGR-B (P < 0.05) and premature mid-secretory increases in PAEP (P < 0.05) and CXCL14 (P < 0.05), suggesting that the implantation interval could be closing early. Correlation analysis identified potential interactions among certain proteins that were disrupted by infertility. CONCLUSIONS This approach overcomes the limitations of a small sample number. Protein expression and localization provided important insights into the potential roles of these proteins in normal and pathological development of the endometrium that is not attainable from transcriptome analysis, establishing a basis for biomarker, diagnostic and targeted drug development for women with infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E. Leach
- Michigan State University-Spectrum Health Medical Group, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Philip Jessmon
- Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bruce R. Carr
- University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Susan Silva
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Linda Giudice
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - D. Randall Armant
- Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, USA
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10
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Rall K, Barresi G, Walter M, Poths S, Haebig K, Schaeferhoff K, Schoenfisch B, Riess O, Wallwiener D, Bonin M, Brucker S. A combination of transcriptome and methylation analyses reveals embryologically-relevant candidate genes in MRKH patients. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2011; 6:32. [PMID: 21619687 PMCID: PMC3123171 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-6-32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2011] [Accepted: 05/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is present in at least 1 out of 4,500 female live births and is the second most common cause for primary amenorrhea. It is characterized by vaginal and uterine aplasia in an XX individual with normal secondary characteristics. It has long been considered a sporadic anomaly, but familial clustering occurs. Several candidate genes have been studied although no single factor has yet been identified. Cases of discordant monozygotic twins suggest that the involvement of epigenetic factors is more likely. METHODS Differences in gene expression and methylation patterns of uterine tissue between eight MRKH patients and eight controls were identified using whole-genome microarray analyses. Results obtained by expression and methylation arrays were confirmed by qRT-PCR and pyrosequencing. RESULTS We delineated 293 differentially expressed and 194 differentially methylated genes of which nine overlap in both groups. These nine genes are mainly embryologically relevant for the development of the female genital tract. CONCLUSION Our study used, for the first time, a combined whole-genome expression and methylation approach to reveal the etiology of the MRKH syndrome. The findings suggest that either deficient estrogen receptors or the ectopic expression of certain HOXA genes might lead to abnormal development of the female reproductive tract. In utero exposure to endocrine disruptors or abnormally high maternal hormone levels might cause ectopic expression or anterior transformation of HOXA genes. It is, however, also possible that different factors influence the anti-Mullerian hormone promoter activity during embryological development causing regression of the Müllerian ducts. Thus, our data stimulate new research directions to decipher the pathogenic basis of MRKH syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Rall
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Gianmaria Barresi
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Michael Walter
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Medical Genetics, Microarray Facility, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sven Poths
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Medical Genetics, Microarray Facility, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Karina Haebig
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Medical Genetics, Microarray Facility, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Karin Schaeferhoff
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Medical Genetics, Microarray Facility, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Birgitt Schoenfisch
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Olaf Riess
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Medical Genetics, Microarray Facility, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Diethelm Wallwiener
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Michael Bonin
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Medical Genetics, Microarray Facility, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sara Brucker
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tuebingen, Germany
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11
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Zanatta A, Rocha AM, Carvalho FM, Pereira RMA, Taylor HS, Motta ELA, Baracat EC, Serafini PC. The role of the Hoxa10/HOXA10 gene in the etiology of endometriosis and its related infertility: a review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2010; 27:701-10. [PMID: 20821045 PMCID: PMC2997955 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-010-9471-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2010] [Accepted: 08/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE endometriosis and its associated infertility have been the object of continuous research for over a century. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease, it has become necessary to determine the aspects of its etiology that are not explained by the retrograde menstruation theory. This could in turn elucidate how various clinical and surgical treatments might affect the evolution and remission of the disease. METHODS this review is focused on the most recent clinical and laboratory findings regarding the association of HOXA10 with endometriosis and infertility. RESULT the homebox (Hox/HOX) proteins are highly conserved transcription factors that determine segmental body identities in multiple species, including humans. Hoxa10/HOXA10 is directly involved in the embryogenesis of the uterus and embryo implantation via regulation of downstream genes. Cyclical endometrial expression of Hoxa10/HOXA10, with a peak of expression occurring during the window of implantation, is observed in the adult in response to estrogen and progesterone. Women with endometriosis do not demonstrate the expected mid-luteal rise of HOXA10 expression, which might partially explain the infertility observed in many of these patients. Recent studies also demonstrated HOXA10 expression in endometriotic foci outside the Müllerian tract. CONCLUSIONS multiple lines of evidence suggest that the actions of the homeobox A10 (Hoxa10/HOXA10) gene could account for some aspects of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysson Zanatta
- Huntington Medicina Reprodutiva, Av. República do Líbano, 529-Ibirapuera, 04501-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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12
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Abstract
The establishment of pregnancy requires an intimate physical interaction and a molecular dialogue between the conceptus and the maternal reproductive tract that commences at implantation and continues until the placenta is formed and fully functional. Failure of the regulatory processes that ensure the fidelity of this relationship can precipitate a catastrophic pregnancy loss. One of the earliest identified molecular mediators of blastocyst implantation is heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (HBEGF), which signals between the endometrium and implanting trophoblast cells to synchronize their corresponding developmental programs. HBEGF expression by trophoblast cells of the developing placenta appears to regulate extravillous differentiation and provide cytoprotection in a sometimes-hostile environment. This versatile member of the EGF signaling system will be examined in light of its associations with key events during early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Jessmon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201-1405, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, P.O. Box 2008063, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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