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Boizet-Bonhoure B, Déjardin S, Girard M, Durix Q, Poulat F, Philibert P. Adenomyotic Lesions Are Induced in the Mouse Uterus after Exposure to NSAID and EE2 Mixtures at Environmental Doses. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2003. [PMID: 38396681 PMCID: PMC10889173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effect of exposure to environmentally relevant doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; ibuprofen, and diclofenac) and 17β-ethinylestradiol (EE2) on the mouse uterus. NSAID-EE2 mixtures were administered in the drinking water from gestational day 8 until 8 weeks post-birth (i.e., during embryo development, lactation, puberty, and sexual maturity). The incidence of adenomyosis lesions (presence of endometrial glands in the inner myometrium) increased up to 60% in the uterus of 8-week-old exposed females (F1) and to 85% in F2 females (exposed father). Histological analysis revealed aberrant proliferation and apoptosis, vacuolization of epithelial cells, and increased incidence of abnormal glands in the luminal and glandular epithelium in F1 and F2 uteri. Moreover, myofibroblast proportion (alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression analysis) and collagen expression (Picrosirius red stain; a fibrosis hallmark) were increased in F1 and F2 endometrium. Connexin-43 was aberrantly distributed in the endometrial stroma and glands of F1 and F2 uteri. Conversely, uterine 17β-estradiol and progesterone levels were not affected in F1 and F2 females. These findings demonstrated that in mice, chronic exposure to NSAID and EE2 mixtures at environmental doses intergenerationally affects uterine physiology, particularly the endometrium. It may serve as a model to study the pathophysiology of human adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Boizet-Bonhoure
- Développement et Pathologie de la Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier UMR9002, 34090 Montpellier, France; (S.D.); (M.G.); (F.P.)
| | - Stéphanie Déjardin
- Développement et Pathologie de la Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier UMR9002, 34090 Montpellier, France; (S.D.); (M.G.); (F.P.)
| | - Mélissa Girard
- Développement et Pathologie de la Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier UMR9002, 34090 Montpellier, France; (S.D.); (M.G.); (F.P.)
| | - Quentin Durix
- IExplore-RAM, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France;
| | - Francis Poulat
- Développement et Pathologie de la Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier UMR9002, 34090 Montpellier, France; (S.D.); (M.G.); (F.P.)
| | - Pascal Philibert
- Développement et Pathologie de la Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier UMR9002, 34090 Montpellier, France; (S.D.); (M.G.); (F.P.)
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Hôpital Carémeau, CHU de Nîmes, 30029 Nîmes, France
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Yu J, Berga SL, Zou E, Schrepf AD, Clauw DJ, As-Sanie S, Taylor RN. Neurotrophins and Their Receptors, Novel Therapeutic Targets for Pelvic Pain in Endometriosis, Are Coordinately Regulated by IL-1β via the JNK Signaling Pathway. Am J Pathol 2023; 193:1046-1058. [PMID: 37164275 PMCID: PMC10433690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Pelvic pain in women with endometriosis is attributed to neuroinflammation and afferent nociceptor nerves in ectopic and eutopic endometrium. The hypothesis that uterine nociception is activated by IL-1β, a prominent cytokine in endometriosis, was tested herein. Immunofluorescence histochemistry confirmed the presence of neurons in human endometrial tissue. Expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and their receptors in endometrial tissue and cells was validated by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Isolated endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) were subjected to dose-response and time-course experiments with IL-1β and kinase inhibitors to characterize in vitro biomarkers. Neural biomarkers were co-localized in endometrial nerve fibers. NGF, BDNF, and their receptors tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) A, TrkB, and p75 neurotrophin receptor were all expressed in primary ESCs. IL-1β stimulated higher TrkA/B expression in ESCs derived from endometriosis cases (2.8- ± 0.2-fold) than cells from controls (1.5- ± 0.3-fold, t-test, P < 0.01), effects that were mediated via the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. BDNF concentrations trended higher in peritoneal fluid of endometriosis cases but were not statistically different from controls (P = 0.16). The results support the hypothesis that NGF and BDNF and their corresponding receptors orchestrate innervation of the endometrium, which is augmented by IL-1β. We postulate that JNK inhibitors, such as SP600125, have the potential to reduce neuroinflammation in women with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Sarah L Berga
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Eric Zou
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Andrew D Schrepf
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Daniel J Clauw
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sawsan As-Sanie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Robert N Taylor
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
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Shan J, Li DJ, Wang XQ. Towards a Better Understanding of Endometriosis-Related Infertility: A Review on How Endometriosis Affects Endometrial Receptivity. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030430. [PMID: 36979365 PMCID: PMC10046640 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is the most common cause of infertility. Endometrial receptivity has been suggested to contribute to infertility and poor reproductive outcomes in affected women. Even though experimental and clinical data suggest that the endometrium differs in women with endometriosis, the pathogenesis of impaired endometrial receptivity remains incomplete. Therefore, this review summarizes the potential mechanisms that affect endometrial function and contribute to implantation failure. Contemporary data regarding hormone imbalance, inflammation, and immunoregulatory dysfunction will be reviewed here. In addition, genetic, epigenetic, glycosylation, metabolism and microRNA in endometriosis-related infertility/subfertility will be summarized. We provide a brief discussion and perspectives on their future clinical implications in the diagnosis and therapy to improve endometrial function in affected women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Shan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Da-Jin Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hainan Medical College Affiliated Hospital, Haikou 571100, China
- Correspondence: (D.-J.L.); (X.-Q.W.)
| | - Xiao-Qiu Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Correspondence: (D.-J.L.); (X.-Q.W.)
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Kutova OM, Pospelov AD, Balalaeva IV. The Multifaceted Role of Connexins in Tumor Microenvironment Initiation and Maintenance. Biology (Basel) 2023; 12. [PMID: 36829482 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Today's research on the processes of carcinogenesis and the vital activity of tumor tissues implies more attention be paid to constituents of the tumor microenvironment and their interactions. These interactions between cells in the tumor microenvironment can be mediated via different types of protein junctions. Connexins are one of the major contributors to intercellular communication. They form the gap junctions responsible for the transfer of ions, metabolites, peptides, miRNA, etc., between neighboring tumor cells as well as between tumor and stromal cells. Connexin hemichannels mediate purinergic signaling and bidirectional molecular transport with the extracellular environment. Additionally, connexins have been reported to localize in tumor-derived exosomes and facilitate the release of their cargo. A large body of evidence implies that the role of connexins in cancer is multifaceted. The pro- or anti-tumorigenic properties of connexins are determined by their abundance, localization, and functionality as well as their channel assembly and non-channel functions. In this review, we have summarized the data on the contribution of connexins to the formation of the tumor microenvironment and to cancer initiation and progression.
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Xu L, Li YH, Zhao WJ, Sang YF, Chen JJ, Li DJ, Du MR. RhoB Promotes Endometrial Stromal Cells Decidualization Via Semaphorin3A/PlexinA4 Signaling in Early Pregnancy. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6679730. [PMID: 36047434 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial decidualization refers to a series of morphological changes and functional remodeling of the uterine endometrium to accept the embryo under the effect of estrogen and progesterone secreted by ovaries after ovulation. During decidualization, endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) proliferate and differentiate into decidual stromal cells, undergoing cytoskeletal rearrangement-mediated morphological changes and expressing decidualization markers, such as insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 and prolactin. Ras homology (Rho) proteins, a family of small G proteins, are well known as regulators of cellular morphology and involved in multiple other cellular processes. In this study, we found ras homolog family member B (RHOB) was the most significantly upregulated gene in the Rho protein family after the in vitro decidualization of human primary ESCs. RhoB expression was induced mainly by 3',5'-cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate (cAMP) / protein kinase A (PKA) / cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element binding protein signaling and partly by progesterone signaling. Knockdown of RhoB in ESCs greatly inhibited actin cytoskeletal rearrangement, cell morphological transformation, and upregulation of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1, suggesting an indispensable role of RhoB in decidualization. Mechanistically, the downstream target of RhoB was semaphorin3A (Sema3A), which mediated its signaling via interacting with the receptor, plexinA4. More importantly, decreased expression of RhoB, Sema3A, and plexinA4 were detected in deciduas from patients with unexplained spontaneous miscarriage. Collectively, our results indicate that RhoB/Sema3A/plexinA4 signaling plays a positive role in endometrial decidualization and relates to unexplained spontaneous miscarriage, which is worthy of further exploration so as to provide new insights into therapeutic strategies for pregnancy diseases associated with poor decidualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Xu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Hong Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Jie Zhao
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Fei Sang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Jia Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Da-Jin Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei-Rong Du
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
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Aikaterini B, Sophia Z, Fanourios M, Panagiotis D, Timur G, Antonios M. Aging, a modulator of human endometrial stromal cell proliferation and decidualization. A role for implantation? Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:202-210. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Yu J, Berga SL, Meng Q, Xia M, Kohout TA, van Duin M, Taylor RN. Cabergoline Stimulates Human Endometrial Stromal Cell Decidualization and Reverses Effects of Interleukin-1β In Vitro. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:3591-3604. [PMID: 34260712 PMCID: PMC8864758 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Human embryonic implantation is regulated by neuroendocrine hormones, ovarian steroids, growth factors, and cytokines. Sympathetic innervation of the uterus also may play a role. OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that cabergoline (Cb), an agonist of type 2 dopamine receptors (DRD2), could influence endometrial decidualization in vitro. METHODS Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of catecholaminergic neurons in human uterine tissue. DRD2 mRNA and protein expression in endometrial tissue and cells were validated by quantitative RT-PCR, cDNA microarrays, RNA sequencing, and Western blotting. Isolated human endometrial stromal cells (ESC) were subjected to dose-response and time-course experiments in the absence or presence of decidualizing hormones (10 nM estradiol, 100 nM progesterone, and 0.5 mM dibutyryl cAMP). In some cases, interleukin (IL)-1β (0.1 nM) was used as an inflammatory stimulus. Well-characterized in vitro biomarkers were quantified. RESULTS DRD2 were maximally expressed in vivo in the mid-secretory phase of the cycle and upregulated in ESC in response to decidualizing hormones, as were classical (eg, prolactin) and emerging (eg, VEGF and connexin 43) differentiation biomarkers. Cabergoline treatment more than doubled decidual biomarker expression, whereas risperidone, a dopamine receptor antagonist, inhibited ESC differentiation by >50%. Cabergoline induced characteristic decidual morphology changes and blocked detrimental effects of IL-1β on decidual cytology. CONCLUSION Our results support the hypothesis that dopaminergic neurons modulate decidualization in situ. We postulate that dopamine agonists, like Cb, could be developed as therapeutic agents to enhance implantation in couples with inflammation-associated infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Sarah L Berga
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Qingying Meng
- Ferring Research Institute, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Mingjing Xia
- Emory Integrated Genomics Core, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Robert N Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Departments of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Correspondence: Robert N. Taylor, MD, PhD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Translational Research Center, 875 Ellicott Street, Room 6088, University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
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Fu X, Yao M, Ye C, Fang T, Wu R. Osteopontin Regulates Endometrial Stromal Cell Migration in Endometriosis through the PI3K Pathway : Osteopontin Regulates Endometrial Cell Migration in Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:435-446. [PMID: 32909189 PMCID: PMC7808973 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00301-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is generally characterized as a tumor-like disease because of its potential for distant metastasis and local tissue invasion, while whether osteopontin (OPN) plays a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis has not been thoroughly investigated. We investigated the expression of OPN, urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), and phospho-PI3 kinase (p-PI3K) in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). The serum concentration of OPN was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). OPN was downregulated to explore the corresponding change of uPA, p-PI3K, F-actin, and α-tubulin. The expression of OPN, uPA, PI3K, and p-PI3K was evaluated by western blot and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and the expression of F-actin and α-tubulin was confirmed by immunofluorescence assay. The proliferation and migration abilities of ESCs were investigated by CCK8, transwell, and wound scratch assays. Endometrial OPN, p-PI3K, and uPA expressions and serum OPN levels were increased in patients with endometriosis compared with the control. The expressions of p-PI3K, uPA, and α-tubulin were decreased by siRNA-OPN interference in ectopic ESCs. Activation and inhibition of the PI3K pathway apparently upregulate and downregulate uPA expression. Knockdown of OPN and inhibition of the PI3K pathway remarkably inhibited cell migration in ectopic ESCs. Meanwhile, activation of the PI3K pathway promoted the migration ability of ectopic ESCs. OPN may regulate the expression of uPA through the PI3K signal pathway to affect the migration ability of ESCs, indicating that OPN, uPA, and the PI3K pathway may be potential targets for interrupting development of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyun Yao
- Institute of Burn Research, South-West Hospital, State Key Lab of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Chongqing Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chaoshuang Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruijin Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.
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Yu J, Berga SL, Zou W, Rajakumar A, Man M, Sidell N, Taylor RN. Human Endometrial Stromal Cell Differentiation is Stimulated by PPARβ/δ Activation: New Targets for Infertility? J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:dgaa413. [PMID: 32594141 PMCID: PMC7373326 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Implantation is a reproductive bottleneck in women, regulated by fluctuations in ovarian steroid hormone concentrations. However, other nuclear receptor ligands are modifiers of endometrial differentiation leading to successful pregnancy. In the present study we analyzed the effects of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ) activation on established cellular biomarkers of human endometrial differentiation (decidualization). OBJECTIVE The objective of this work is to test the effects of PPARβ/δ ligation on human endometrial cell differentiation. DESIGN Isolated primary human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) were treated with synthetic (GW0742) or natural (all trans-retinoic acid, RA) ligands of PPARβ/δ, and also with receptor antagonists (GSK0660, PT-S58, and ST247) in the absence or presence of decidualizing hormones (10 nM estradiol, 100 nM progesterone, and 0.5 mM dibutyryl cAMP [3',5'-cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate]). In some cases interleukin (IL)-1β was used as an inflammatory stimulus. Time course and dose-response relationships were evaluated to determine effects on panels of well characterized in vitro biomarkers of decidualization. RESULTS PPARβ/δ, along with estrogen receptor α (ERα) and PR-A and PR-B, were expressed in human endometrial tissue and isolated ESCs. GW0742 treatment enhanced hormone-mediated ESC decidualization in vitro as manifested by upregulation of prolactin, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1, IL-11, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and also increased expression of ERα, PR-A and PR-B, and connexin 43 (Cx43). RA treatment also increased VEGF, ERα, PR-A, and PR-B and an active, nonphosphorylated isoform of Cx43. IL-1β and PPARβ/δ antagonists inhibited biomarkers of endometrial differentiation. CONCLUSION Ligands that activate PPARβ/δ augment the in vitro expression of biomarkers of ESC decidualization. By contrast, PPARβ/δ antagonists impaired decidualization markers. Drugs activating these receptors may have therapeutic benefits for embryonic implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah L Berga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Wei Zou
- Department of Bioengineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Augustine Rajakumar
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mingfei Man
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Neil Sidell
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Robert N Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Yu J, Berga SL, Zou W, Taylor RN. Interleukin-1β inhibits estrogen receptor-α, progesterone receptors A and B and biomarkers of human endometrial stromal cell differentiation: implications for endometriosis. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 25:625-637. [PMID: 31408162 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human blastocyst nidation in the uterus and successful pregnancy require coordinated endometrial expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-α, progesterone receptors (PR)-A and -B and the gap junction protein, connexin (Cx)43. Our prior work established that inflammation associated with conditions of reduced fecundity, particularly endometriosis, can perturb eutopic decidual function. In the current studies, we have modeled endometrial decidualization in primary human endometrial stromal cell cultures derived from normal controls (NESC) and from the eutopic endometria of women with endometriosis (EESC) to test the hypothesis that a proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin (IL)-1β, can disrupt stromal cell differentiation. The cells were grown under a standard protocol with hormones (10 nM 17β-estradiol, 100 nM progesterone and 0.5 mM dibutyryl cAMP) for up to 7 days in the absence or presence of IL-1β. Time-course experiments showed that IL-1β compromised decidual function in both NESC and EESC, which was accompanied by rapid phosphorylation of ER-α, PR and Cx43 and their cellular depletion. Inhibition of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 pathway by a selective pharmacological blocker (PD98059) or siRNA interference, or the addition of hormones themselves, blocked the phosphorylation of ERK mediators; increased the production of steroid receptors, Cx43, prolactin, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP)-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and accelerated the differentiation. The results indicate that inhibition of IL-1β can enhance decidualization in NESC and EESC in vitro. Strategies to interfere with this pathway might be implemented as an in vivo approach to enhance fertility in women with endometriosis and, potentially, other inflammatory pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Sarah L Berga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Wei Zou
- Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050018, China
| | - Robert N Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
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Reis FM, Coutinho LM, Vannuccini S, Batteux F, Chapron C, Petraglia F. Progesterone receptor ligands for the treatment of endometriosis: the mechanisms behind therapeutic success and failure. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:565-585. [PMID: 32412587 PMCID: PMC7317284 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite intense research, it remains intriguing why hormonal therapies in general and progestins in particular sometimes fail in endometriosis. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We review here the action mechanisms of progesterone receptor ligands in endometriosis, identify critical differences between the effects of progestins on normal endometrium and endometriosis and envisage pathways to escape drug resistance and improve the therapeutic response of endometriotic lesions to such treatments. SEARCH METHODS We performed a systematic Pubmed search covering articles published since 1958 about the use of progestins, estro-progestins and selective progesterone receptor modulators, to treat endometriosis and its related symptoms. Two reviewers screened the titles and abstracts to select articles for full-text assessment. OUTCOMES Progesterone receptor signalling leads to down-regulation of estrogen receptors and restrains local estradiol production through interference with aromatase and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1. Progestins inhibit cell proliferation, inflammation, neovascularisation and neurogenesis in endometriosis. However, progesterone receptor expression is reduced and disrupted in endometriotic lesions, with predominance of the less active isoform (PRA) over the full-length, active isoform (PRB), due to epigenetic abnormalities affecting the PGR gene transcription. Oxidative stress is another mechanism involved in progesterone resistance in endometriosis. Among the molecular targets of progesterone in the normal endometrium that resist progestin action in endometriotic cells are the nuclear transcription factor FOXO1, matrix metalloproteinases, the transmembrane gap junction protein connexin 43 and paracrine regulators of estradiol metabolism. Compared to other phenotypes, deep endometriosis appears to be more resistant to size regression upon medical treatments. Individual genetic characteristics can affect the bioavailability and pharmacodynamics of hormonal drugs used to treat endometriosis and, hence, explain part of the variability in the therapeutic response. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Medical treatment of endometriosis needs urgent innovation, which should start by deeper understanding of the disease core features and diverse phenotypes and idiosyncrasies, while moving from pure hormonal treatments to drug combinations or novel molecules capable of restoring the various homeostatic mechanisms disrupted by endometriotic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando M Reis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics II and Reproductive Medicine, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Larissa M Coutinho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Careggi University Hospital University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Vannuccini
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Careggi University Hospital University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics II and Reproductive Medicine, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Batteux
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Charles Chapron
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics II and Reproductive Medicine, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Careggi University Hospital University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Kaushik T, Mishra R, Singh RK, Bajpai S. Role of connexins in female reproductive system and endometriosis. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2020; 49:101705. [PMID: 32018041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2020.101705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Gap junction form channels between the cells and facilitate the function of cellular cross talk. Connexins, the gap junction proteins play an essential role in female reproductive health and its expression anomalies are correlated with female reproductive disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome, recurrent miscarriage, pre-term birth and endometriosis. Endometriosis is a chronic gynecologic disorder caused by ectopic endometrial lesions growing outside the uterine cavity. Embryonic implantation is adversely affected in case of endometriosis leading to infertility. Endometriosis also interferes with ovulatory functions, reduces fertilization and impaires blastocyst implantation. There lies a lacunae in understanding of the role of gap junctions protein connexins in endometriosis. Therefore, this study discusses the role of connexins in improving female fertility by taming the processes of oogenesis, germ line development, uterine receptivity, placental growth, implantation, decidualization and concludes by focusing the role of connexins in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tripti Kaushik
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnolgy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Rakesh Mishra
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), NCBS Campus, Bengaluru, 560065, Karnataka, India
| | - Rakesh K Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Surabhi Bajpai
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnolgy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, 304022, Rajasthan, India.
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13
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Chowdhury I, Banerjee S, Driss A, Xu W, Mehrabi S, Nezhat C, Sidell N, Taylor RN, Thompson WE. Curcumin attenuates proangiogenic and proinflammatory factors in human eutopic endometrial stromal cells through the NF-κB signaling pathway. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:6298-6312. [PMID: 30259980 PMCID: PMC6344303 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological inflammatory disorder in which immune system dysregulation is thought to play a role in its initiation and progression. Due to altered sex steroid receptor concentrations and other signaling defects, eutopic endometriotic tissues have an attenuated response to progesterone. This progesterone-resistance contributes to lesion survival, proliferation, pain, and infertility. The current agency-approved hormonal therapies, including synthetic progestins, GnRH agonists, and danazol are often of limited efficacy and counterproductive to fertility and cause systemic side effects due to suppression of endogenous steroid hormone levels. In the current study, we examined the effects of curcumin (CUR, diferuloylmethane), which has long been used as an anti-inflammatory folk medicine in Asian countries for this condition. The basal levels of proinflammatory and proangiogenic chemokines and cytokines expression were higher in primary cultures of stromal cells derived from eutopic endometrium of endometriosis (EESC) subjects compared with normal endometrial stromal cells (NESC). The treatment of EESC and NESC with CUR significantly and dose-dependently reduced chemokine and cytokine secretion over the time course. Notably, CUR treatment significantly decreased phosphorylation of the IKKα/β, NF-κB, STAT3, and JNK signaling pathways under these experimental conditions. Taken together, our findings suggest that CUR has therapeutic potential to abrogate aberrant activation of chemokines and cytokines, and IKKα/β, NF-κB, STAT3, and JNK signaling pathways to reduce inflammation associated with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrajit Chowdhury
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Saswati Banerjee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Adel Driss
- Department of Physiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Physiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sherifeh Mehrabi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ceana Nezhat
- Nezhat Medical Center, Atlanta Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery and Reproductive Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Neil Sidell
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Robert N Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Winston E Thompson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.,Department of Physiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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14
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Grund S, Grümmer R. Direct Cell⁻Cell Interactions in the Endometrium and in Endometrial Pathophysiology. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2227. [PMID: 30061539 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell contacts exhibit a considerable influence on tissue physiology and homeostasis by controlling paracellular and intercellular transport processes, as well as by affecting signaling pathways. Since they maintain cell polarity, they play an important role in cell plasticity. The knowledge about the junctional protein families and their interactions has increased considerably during recent years. In contrast to most other tissues, the endometrium undergoes extensive physiological changes and reveals an extraordinary plasticity due to its crucial role in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. These complex changes are accompanied by changes in direct cell–cell contacts to meet the various requirements in the respective developmental stage. Impairment of this sophisticated differentiation process may lead to failure of implantation and embryo development and may be involved in the pathogenesis of endometrial diseases. In this article, we focus on the knowledge about the distribution and regulation of the different junctional proteins in the endometrium during cycling and pregnancy, as well as in pathologic conditions such as endometriosis and cancer. Decoding these sophisticated interactions should improve our understanding of endometrial physiology as well as of the mechanisms involved in pathological conditions.
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15
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Yu J, Francisco AMC, Patel BG, Cline JM, Zou E, Berga SL, Taylor RN. IL-1β Stimulates Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Production in Eutopic Endometriosis Stromal Cell Cultures: A Model for Cytokine Regulation of Neuroangiogenesis. Am J Pathol 2018; 188:2281-2292. [PMID: 30031725 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis implants are comprised of glandular and stromal elements, macrophages, nerves, and blood vessels and are commonly accompanied by pelvic pain. We propose that activated macrophages are recruited to and infiltrate nascent lesions, where they secrete proinflammatory cytokines, promoting the production of chemokines, neurotrophins, and angiogenic growth factors that sustain an inflammatory microenvironment. Immunohistochemical evaluation of endometriosis lesions reveals in situ colocalization of concentrated macrophages, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve fibers. These observations were coupled with biochemical analyses of primary eutopic endometriosis stromal cell (EESC) cultures, which allowed defining potential pathways leading to the neuroangiogenic phenotype of these lesions. Our findings indicate that IL-1β potently (EC50 = 7 ± 2 ng/mL) stimulates production of EESC BDNF at the mRNA and protein levels in an IL-1 receptor-dependent fashion. Selective kinase inhibitors demonstrate that this IL-1β effect is mediated by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), NF-κB, and mechanistic target of rapamycin signal transduction pathways. IL-1β regulation of regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), a prominent EESC chemokine, also relies on JNK and NF-κB. An important clinical implication of the study is that interference with BDNF and RANTES production, by selectively targeting the JNK and NF-κB cascades, may offer a tractable therapeutic strategy to mitigate the pain and inflammation associated with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Antônio M C Francisco
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Health Sciences School, University of Vale do Sapucaí, Pouso Alegre, Brazil
| | - Bansari G Patel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - J Mark Cline
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Molecular Medicine and Translational Sciences Program, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Eric Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Sarah L Berga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Robert N Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Molecular Medicine and Translational Sciences Program, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
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16
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Jiang Y, Chen L, Taylor RN, Li C, Zhou X. Physiological and pathological implications of retinoid action in the endometrium. J Endocrinol 2018; 236:R169-R188. [PMID: 29298821 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Retinol (vitamin A) and its derivatives, collectively known as retinoids, are required for maintaining vision, immunity, barrier function, reproduction, embryogenesis and cell proliferation and differentiation. Despite the fact that most events in the endometrium are predominantly regulated by steroid hormones (estrogens and progesterone), accumulating evidence shows that retinoid signaling is also involved in the development and maintenance of the endometrium, stromal decidualization and blastocyst implantation. Moreover, aberrant retinoid metabolism seems to be a critical factor in the development of endometriosis, a common gynecological disease, which affects up to 10% of reproductive age women and is characterized by the ectopic localization of endometrial-like tissue in the pelvic cavity. This review summarizes recent advances in research on the mechanisms and molecular actions of retinoids in normal endometrial development and physiological function. The potential roles of abnormal retinoid signaling in endometriosis are also discussed. The objectives are to identify limitations in current knowledge regarding the molecular actions of retinoids in endometrial biology and to stimulate new investigations toward the development potential therapeutics to ameliorate or prevent endometriosis symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwen Jiang
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Lu Chen
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Robert N Taylor
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Molecular Medicine and Translational SciencesWake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chunjin Li
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- College of Animal SciencesJilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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17
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Yu J, Berga SL, Zou W, Yook DG, Pan JC, Andrade AA, Zhao L, Sidell N, Bagchi IC, Bagchi MK, Taylor RN. IL-1β Inhibits Connexin 43 and Disrupts Decidualization of Human Endometrial Stromal Cells Through ERK1/2 and p38 MAP Kinase. Endocrinology 2017; 158:4270-4285. [PMID: 28938400 PMCID: PMC5711380 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation can interfere with endometrial receptivity. We examined how interleukin 1β (IL-1β) affects expression of the uterine gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43), which is known to be critical for embryonic implantation. We used an in vitro model of human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), Western blotting, and a combination of validated, selective kinase inhibitors to evaluate five canonical IL-1β signaling pathways. Cx43 and two other markers of ESC differentiation (prolactin and VEGF) were inhibited predominantly via IL-1β-activated ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinase cascades. The findings were corroborated using small interfering RNA to silence critical genes in either pathway. By contrast, upregulation of endogenous pro-IL-1α and pro-IL-1β following recombinant IL-1β treatment was mediated via the Jun N-terminal kinase pathway. The clinicopharmacological significance of our findings is that multiple signaling cascades may need to be neutralized to reverse deleterious effects of IL-1β on human endometrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
| | - Sarah L. Berga
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
| | - Wei Zou
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Hebei 050018, China
| | - D. Grace Yook
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
| | - Joshua C. Pan
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
| | - Aurora Arroyo Andrade
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
- Departamento de Farmacología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México 07360
| | - Lijuan Zhao
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Shijiazhuang Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Neil Sidell
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Indrani C. Bagchi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois 61801
| | - Milan K. Bagchi
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois 61801
| | - Robert N. Taylor
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
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18
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Abstract
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease in which progesterone resistance and inflammation have been found to be major mechanisms responsible for its development and progression. When compared to eutopic endometrium, key molecules have been found to be differentially expressed, which contribute to these mechanisms. One pathway that is aberrant in endometriotic tissue when compared to eutopic endometrium is the retinoic acid signaling pathway. This review focuses on the role of the retinoid signaling pathway in endometriosis and summarizes evidence that supports the use of retinoid compounds for the stimulation of pro-apoptotic activity in these cells.
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Conrad KP, Rabaglino MB, Post Uiterweer ED. Emerging role for dysregulated decidualization in the genesis of preeclampsia. Placenta 2017; 60:119-29. [PMID: 28693893 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In normal human placentation, uterine invasion by trophoblast cells and subsequent spiral artery remodeling depend on cooperation among fetal trophoblasts and maternal decidual, myometrial, immune and vascular cells in the uterine wall. Therefore, aberrant function of anyone or several of these cell-types could theoretically impair placentation leading to the development of preeclampsia. Because trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodeling occur during the first half of pregnancy, the molecular pathology of fetal placental and maternal decidual tissues following delivery may not be informative about the genesis of impaired placentation, which transpired months earlier. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the emerging prospective evidence supporting the concept that deficient or defective endometrial maturation in the late secretory phase and during early pregnancy, i.e., pre-decidualization and decidualization, respectively, may contribute to the genesis of preeclampsia. The first prospectively-acquired data directly supporting this concept were unexpectedly revealed in transcriptomic analyses of chorionic villous samples (CVS) obtained during the first trimester of women who developed preeclampsia 5 months later. Additional supportive evidence arose from investigations of Natural Killer cells in first trimester decidua from elective terminations of women with high resistance uterine artery indices, a surrogate for deficient trophoblast invasion. Last, circulating insulin growth factor binding protein-1, which is secreted by decidual stromal cells was decreased during early pregnancy in women who developed preeclampsia. We conclude this review by making recommendations for further prospectively-designed studies to corroborate the concept of endometrial antecedents of preeclampsia. These studies could also enable identification of women at increased risk for developing preeclampsia, unveil the molecular mechanisms of deficient or defective (pre)decidualization, and lead to preventative strategies designed to improve (pre)decidualization, thereby reducing risk for preeclampsia development.
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Patel BG, Rudnicki M, Yu J, Shu Y, Taylor RN. Progesterone resistance in endometriosis: origins, consequences and interventions. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2017; 96:623-632. [DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bansari G. Patel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Wake Forest School of Medicine; Winston-Salem NC USA
| | - Martin Rudnicki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Odense University Hospital; Odense Denmark
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Wake Forest School of Medicine; Winston-Salem NC USA
| | - Yimin Shu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Wake Forest School of Medicine; Winston-Salem NC USA
| | - Robert N. Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Wake Forest School of Medicine; Winston-Salem NC USA
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21
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Yu HF, Yue ZP, Wang K, Yang ZQ, Zhang HL, Geng S, Guo B. Gja1 acts downstream of Acvr1 to regulate uterine decidualization via Hand2 in mice. J Endocrinol 2017; 233:145-157. [PMID: 28219934 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Although Gja1 has been proved to play an important role in uterine decidualization, its regulatory mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we showed that Gja1 was highly expressed in the decidual cells and promoted the proliferation of uterine stromal cells and expression of Prl8a2 and Prl3c1, which were two well-known differentiation markers for decidualization. Further analysis revealed that Gja1 might act downstream of Acvr1 and cAMP to regulate the differentiation of uterine stromal cells. Administration of cAMP analog 8-Br-cAMP to Acvr1 siRNA-transfected stromal cells resulted in an obvious increase of Gja1 expression, whereas PKA inhibitor H89 impeded the induction of Gja1 elicited by Acvr1 overexpression, indicating that cAMP-PKA signal mediates the regulation of Acvr1 on Gja1 expression. In uterine stromal cells, knockdown of Gja1 blocked the cAMP induction of Hand2 Moreover, siRNA-mediated downregulation of Hand2 impaired the stimulatory effects of Gja1 overexpression on the expression of Prl8a2 and Prl3c1, whereas constitutive expression of Hand2 reversed the inhibitory effects of Gja1 siRNA on stromal differentiation. Meanwhile, Gja1 might play a vital role in the crosstalk between Acvr1 and Hand2 Collectively, Gja1 may act downstream of cAMP-PKA signal to mediate the effects of Acvr1 on the differentiation of uterine stromal cells through targeting Hand2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Fan Yu
- College of Veterinary MedicineJilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhan-Peng Yue
- College of Veterinary MedicineJilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Wang
- College of Veterinary MedicineJilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhan-Qing Yang
- College of Veterinary MedicineJilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Liang Zhang
- College of Veterinary MedicineJilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Geng
- College of Veterinary MedicineJilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Guo
- College of Veterinary MedicineJilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
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Greaves E, Critchley HOD, Horne AW, Saunders PTK. Relevant human tissue resources and laboratory models for use in endometriosis research. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2017; 96:644-658. [PMID: 28233896 PMCID: PMC5485163 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is characterized by the growth of endometrium‐like tissue outside the uterus, most commonly on the pelvic peritoneum and ovaries. Although it may be asymptomatic in some women, in others it can cause debilitating pain, infertility or other symptoms including fatigue. Current research is directed both at understanding the complex etiology and pathophysiology of the disorder and at the development of new nonsurgical approaches to therapy that lack the unwanted side effects of current medical management. Tools for endometriosis research fall into two broad categories; patient‐derived tissues, and fluids (and cells isolated from these sources) or models based on the use of cells or animals. In this review, we discuss the literature that has reported data from the use of these tools in endometriosis research and we highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each. Although many different models are reported in the literature, hypothesis‐driven research will only be facilitated with careful experimental design and selection of the most appropriate human tissue from patients with and without endometriosis and combinations of physiologically relevant in vitro and in vivo laboratory models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Greaves
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hilary O D Critchley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew W Horne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
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Johnson ML, Redmer DA, Reynolds LP, Grazul-Bilska AT. Gap junctional connexin messenger RNA expression in the ovine uterus and placenta: effects of estradiol-17β-treatment, early pregnancy stages, and embryo origin. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2017; 58:104-112. [PMID: 27835804 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions play a major role in direct, contact-dependent cell-cell communication, and they have been implicated in the regulation of cellular metabolism and the coordination of cellular functions during growth and differentiation of organs and tissues. Gap junctional channels, composed of connexin (Cx) proteins, have been detected and shown to be influenced by hormones (eg, estrogen and progesterone) in uterine and placental tissues in several species. We hypothesized that (1) the messenger RNA (mRNA) for Cx26, Cx32, Cx37, and Cx43 is expressed in the uterus of ovariectomized sheep treated with estradiol-17β (E2) and in ovine placenta during early pregnancy, (2) E2-treatment of ovariectomized ewes would cause time-specific changes in Cx26, Cx32, Cx37, and Cx43 mRNA expression (experiment 1), and (3) expression of these 4 Cx would vary across the days of early pregnancy (experiment 2) and will be affected by embryo origin (ie, after application of assisted reproductive technologies [ARTs]; experiment 3). Thus, we collected uterine tissues at 0 to 24 h after E2 treatments (experiment 1), and placental tissues during days 14 to 30 of early pregnancy after natural (NAT) breeding (experiment 2) and on day 22 of early pregnancy established after transfer of embryos generated through natural breeding (NAT-ET), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or in vitro activation (IVA, parthenotes; experiment 3). In experiment 1, the expression of Cx26, Cx37, and Cx43 mRNA increased (P < 0.05) and Cx32 mRNA decreased (P < 0.06) in both caruncular and intercaruncular tissues after E2 treatment. In experiment 2, during early pregnancy, there were significant changes (P < 0.01) across days in the expression of Cx26, Cx37, and Cx43 mRNA in the maternal placenta, accompanied by changes (P < 0.001) in Cx37 and Cx43 mRNA in the fetal placenta. In experiment 3, in maternal placenta, Cx32 mRNA expression was decreased (P < 0.001) in NAT-ET, IVF, and IVA groups compared to the NAT group; but in fetal placenta, Cx32 mRNA expression was increased (P < 0.05) in NAT-ET, IVF and IVF groups, and Cx26 mRNA expression was increased (P < 0.05) in IVA compared to NAT group. These data suggest that Cx26, Cx32, Cx37, and Cx43 play specific roles in E2-regulated uterine function and in placental development during early gestation both after natural mating and with application of ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Johnson
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - D A Redmer
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - L P Reynolds
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - A T Grazul-Bilska
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA.
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Herndon CN, Aghajanova L, Balayan S, Erikson D, Barragan F, Goldfien G, Vo KC, Hawkins S, Giudice LC. Global Transcriptome Abnormalities of the Eutopic Endometrium From Women With Adenomyosis. Reprod Sci 2016; 23:1289-303. [PMID: 27233751 PMCID: PMC6344825 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116650758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adenomyosis is a clinical disorder defined by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium, the pathogenesis of which is poorly understood. We postulate that dysregulation of genes and pathways in eutopic endometrium may predispose to ectopic implantation. No study, to our knowledge, has examined the global transcriptome of isolated eutopic endometrium from women with clinically significant adenomyosis. DESIGN Laboratory-based study with full institutional review board approval and consents. MATERIAL AND METHODS Endometrial sampling was performed on hysterectomy specimens (proliferative phase) from symptomatic women with pathologically confirmed diffuse adenomyosis (n = 3). Controls (n = 5) were normo-ovulatory patients without adenomyosis. All patients were free from leiomyoma, endometriosis, and hormonal exposures. Isolated purified total RNA was subjected to microarray analysis using the Gene 1.0 ST Affymetrix platform. Data were analyzed with GeneSpring and Ingenuity Pathway analysis. Validation of several genes was undertaken by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Comparison of transcriptomes of proliferative endometrium from women with and without adenomyosis revealed 140 upregulated and 884 downregulated genes in samples from women with adenomyosis compared to controls. Highly differentially expressed genes include those involved in regulation of apoptosis, steroid hormone responsiveness, and proteins involved in extracellular matrix remodeling as well as microRNAs of unknown significance. Affected canonical pathways included eukaryotic initiation factor 2 signaling, oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial dysfunction, estrogen receptor signaling, and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. CONCLUSION The eutopic endometrium in patients with adenomyosis has fundamental abnormalities that may predispose to invasion and survival beyond the myometrial interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher N Herndon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lusine Aghajanova
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shaina Balayan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David Erikson
- Endocrine Technologies Support Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Fatima Barragan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gabriel Goldfien
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kim Chi Vo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shannon Hawkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Linda C Giudice
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Wongwananuruk T, Sato T, Kajihara T, Matsumoto S, Akita M, Tamura K, Brosens JJ, Ishihara O. Endometrial androgen signaling and decidualization regulate trophoblast expansion and invasion in co-culture: A time-lapse study. Placenta 2016; 47:56-62. [PMID: 27780540 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To elucidate whether trophoblast expansion and invasion are modulated by androgen signaling in an in vitro co-culture model system with decidualizing endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). METHODS We employed an in vitro co-culture model of early embryo implantation, consisting of human ESCs (EtsT499 cells) and spheroids generated by extravillous trophoblast (EVT) derived HTR8/Svneo. The ESCs were decidualized with 8-bromo-cAMP (8-br-cAMP) in the presence or absence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) at various concentrations for 5 days before co-culture with EVT spheroids. Trophoblast expansion was monitored by fluorescent time-lapse imaging microscopy. ESCs motility was visualized by using CellTracker™ Orange CMRA fluorescent probe. Apoptosis of ESCs was detected by CellEvent™ Caspase-3/7® green detection reagent. Invasion assays were performed to quantify EVT invasion through a chemotaxis cell membrane. RESULTS Expansion of EVT spheroids was significantly enhanced by decidualized compared to undifferentiated ESCs. This process was further stimulated if ESCs were first decidualized in the presence of DHT. In contrast to decidualized ESCs, undifferentiated cells actively migrated away from expanding EVT spheroids. Invasiveness of EVT toward decidualized ESCs was significantly attenuated in comparison to undifferentiated ESCs. DHT had no effect on EVT invasion. However, an inhibitor of intercellular gap junction communication significantly enhanced EVT invasion towards decidualized ESCs. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate distinct roles for androgen signaling and gap junction formation in decidual cells in regulating trophoblast expansion and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanyarat Wongwananuruk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama, Iruma-gun, Saitama, Japan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tomomi Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama, Iruma-gun, Saitama, Japan; Department of Anatomy, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama, Iruma-gun, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kajihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama, Iruma-gun, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Sachiko Matsumoto
- Biomedical Research Center, Division of Morphological Science, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama, Iruma-gun, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masumi Akita
- Biomedical Research Center, Division of Morphological Science, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama, Iruma-gun, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Tamura
- Department of Endocrine and Neural Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy & Life Sciences, Horinouchi 1432-1, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Osamu Ishihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama, Iruma-gun, Saitama, Japan
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Yu J, Berga SL, Johnston-MacAnanny EB, Sidell N, Bagchi IC, Bagchi MK, Taylor RN. Endometrial Stromal Decidualization Responds Reversibly to Hormone Stimulation and Withdrawal. Endocrinology 2016; 157:2432-46. [PMID: 27035651 PMCID: PMC4891781 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Human endometrial stromal decidualization is required for embryo receptivity, angiogenesis, and placentation. Previous studies from our laboratories established that connexin (Cx)-43 critically regulates endometrial stromal cell (ESC) differentiation, whereas gap junction blockade prevents it. The current study evaluated the plasticity of ESC morphology and Cx43 expression, as well as other biochemical markers of cell differentiation, in response to decidualizing hormones. Primary human ESC cultures were exposed to 10 nM estradiol, 100 nM progesterone, and 0.5 mM cAMP for up to 14 days, followed by hormone withdrawal for 14 days, mimicking a biphasic ovulatory cycle. Reversible differentiation was documented by characteristic changes in cell shape. Cx43 was reversibly up- and down-regulated after the estradiol, progesterone, and cAMP treatment and withdrawal, respectively, paralleled by fluctuations in prolactin, vascular endothelial growth factor, IL-11, and glycodelin secretion. Markers of mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), and its counterpart epithelial-mesenchymal transition, followed reciprocal patterns corresponding to the morphological changes. Incubation in the presence of 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid, an inhibitor of gap junctions, partially reversed the expression of decidualization and MET markers. In the absence of hormones, Cx43 overexpression promoted increases in vascular endothelial growth factor and IL-11 secretion, up-regulated MET markers, and reduced N-cadherin, an epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker. The combined results support the hypothesis that Cx43-containing gap junctions and endocrine factors cooperate to regulate selected biomarkers of stromal decidualization and MET and suggest roles for both phenomena in endometrial preparation for embryonic receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.Y., S.L.B., E.B.J.-M., R.N.T.), Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.Y., R.N.T.), and Molecular Medicine and Translational Sciences Program (R.N.T.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics (N.S.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322; and Departments of Comparative Biosciences (I.C.B.) and Molecular and Integrative Physiology (M.K.B.), University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign, Illinois 61801
| | - Sarah L Berga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.Y., S.L.B., E.B.J.-M., R.N.T.), Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.Y., R.N.T.), and Molecular Medicine and Translational Sciences Program (R.N.T.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics (N.S.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322; and Departments of Comparative Biosciences (I.C.B.) and Molecular and Integrative Physiology (M.K.B.), University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign, Illinois 61801
| | - Erika B Johnston-MacAnanny
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.Y., S.L.B., E.B.J.-M., R.N.T.), Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.Y., R.N.T.), and Molecular Medicine and Translational Sciences Program (R.N.T.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics (N.S.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322; and Departments of Comparative Biosciences (I.C.B.) and Molecular and Integrative Physiology (M.K.B.), University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign, Illinois 61801
| | - Neil Sidell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.Y., S.L.B., E.B.J.-M., R.N.T.), Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.Y., R.N.T.), and Molecular Medicine and Translational Sciences Program (R.N.T.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics (N.S.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322; and Departments of Comparative Biosciences (I.C.B.) and Molecular and Integrative Physiology (M.K.B.), University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign, Illinois 61801
| | - Indrani C Bagchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.Y., S.L.B., E.B.J.-M., R.N.T.), Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.Y., R.N.T.), and Molecular Medicine and Translational Sciences Program (R.N.T.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics (N.S.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322; and Departments of Comparative Biosciences (I.C.B.) and Molecular and Integrative Physiology (M.K.B.), University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign, Illinois 61801
| | - Milan K Bagchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.Y., S.L.B., E.B.J.-M., R.N.T.), Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.Y., R.N.T.), and Molecular Medicine and Translational Sciences Program (R.N.T.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics (N.S.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322; and Departments of Comparative Biosciences (I.C.B.) and Molecular and Integrative Physiology (M.K.B.), University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign, Illinois 61801
| | - Robert N Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.Y., S.L.B., E.B.J.-M., R.N.T.), Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.Y., R.N.T.), and Molecular Medicine and Translational Sciences Program (R.N.T.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics (N.S.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322; and Departments of Comparative Biosciences (I.C.B.) and Molecular and Integrative Physiology (M.K.B.), University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign, Illinois 61801
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Igietseme JU, Omosun Y, Stuchlik O, Reed MS, Partin J, He Q, Joseph K, Ellerson D, Bollweg B, George Z, Eko FO, Bandea C, Liu H, Yang G, Shieh WJ, Pohl J, Karem K, Black CM. Role of Epithelial-Mesenchyme Transition in Chlamydia Pathogenesis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0145198. [PMID: 26681200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection in women causes serious adverse reproductive complications, and is a strong co-factor for human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated cervical epithelial carcinoma. We tested the hypothesis that Chlamydia induces epithelial-mesenchyme transition (EMT) involving T cell-derived TNF-alpha signaling, caspase activation, cleavage inactivation of dicer and dysregulation of micro-RNA (miRNA) in the reproductive epithelium; the pathologic process of EMT causes fibrosis and fertility-related epithelial dysfunction, and also provides the co-factor function for HPV-related cervical epithelial carcinoma. Using a combination of microarrays, immunohistochemistry and proteomics, we showed that chlamydia altered the expression of crucial miRNAs that control EMT, fibrosis and tumorigenesis; specifically, miR-15a, miR-29b, miR-382 and MiR-429 that maintain epithelial integrity were down-regulated, while miR-9, mi-R-19a, miR-22 and miR-205 that promote EMT, fibrosis and tumorigenesis were up-regulated. Chlamydia induced EMT in vitro and in vivo, marked by the suppression of normal epithelial cell markers especially E-cadherin but up-regulation of mesenchymal markers of pathological EMT, including T-cadherin, MMP9, and fibronectin. Also, Chlamydia upregulated pro-EMT regulators, including the zinc finger E-box binding homeobox protein, ZEB1, Snail1/2, and thrombospondin1 (Thbs1), but down-regulated anti-EMT and fertility promoting proteins (i.e., the major gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43), Mets1, Add1Scarb1 and MARCKSL1). T cell-derived TNF-alpha signaling was required for chlamydial-induced infertility and caspase inhibitors prevented both infertility and EMT. Thus, chlamydial-induced T cell-derived TNF-alpha activated caspases that inactivated dicer, causing alteration in the expression of reproductive epithelial miRNAs and induction of EMT. EMT causes epithelial malfunction, fibrosis, infertility, and the enhancement of tumorigenesis of HPV oncogene-transformed epithelial cells. These findings provide a novel understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of chlamydia-associated diseases, which may guide a rational prevention strategy.
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Abstract
Endometriosis is a nonmalignant, but potentially metastatic, gynecological condition manifested by the extrauterine growth of inflammatory endometrial implants. Ten percent of reproductive-age women are affected and commonly suffer pelvic pain and/or infertility. The theories of endometriosis histogenesis remain controversial, but retrograde menstruation and metaplasia each infer mechanisms that explain the immune cell responses observed around the ectopic lesions. Recent findings from our laboratories and others suggest that retinoic acid metabolism and action are fundamentally flawed in endometriotic tissues and even generically in women with endometriosis. The focus of our ongoing research is to develop medical therapies as adjuvants or alternatives to the surgical excision of these lesions. On the basis of concepts put forward in this review, we predict that the pharmacological actions and anticipated low side-effect profiles of retinoid supplementation might provide a new treatment option for the long-term management of this chronic and debilitating gynecological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert N Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Maureen A Kane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Neil Sidell
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Roustan A, Perrin J, Debals-Gonthier M, Paulmyer-Lacroix O, Agostini A, Courbiere B. Surgical diminished ovarian reserve after endometrioma cystectomy versus idiopathic DOR: comparison of in vitro fertilization outcome. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:840-7. [PMID: 25740883 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does the live birth rate after IVF depend on the etiology of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR)? SUMMARY ANSWER IVF outcome and live birth rate are significantly impaired in women with DOR caused by a previous cystectomy for endometrioma compared with women with idiopathic DOR. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The safety of the surgical treatment of endometriomas is being discussed in terms of damage to ovarian reserve. Several studies have reported a poor response to controlled ovarian stimulation and a significantly impaired IVF outcome in women with DOR consecutive to an endometrioma cystectomy compared with women with tubal factor infertility. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Retrospective case-control study conducted in women aged under 40 treated in our Reproductive Medicine Center between January 2010 and January 2014 for a DOR defined by anti-Müllerian hormone level <2 ng/ml. Two groups of patients were selected: group A included patients with a DOR diagnosed after cystectomy(s) for endometrioma(s), group B included patients with an idiopathic DOR. In each group, subgroups of patients 'poor ovarian responders', based on the ESHRE criteria ('Bologna criteria'), have been established. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 51 patients in group A were matched to 116 patients in group B, representing respectively 125 and 243 IVF cycles. Among them, 39 patients in group A and 78 patients in group B validated strictly by the Bologna criteria, representing 99 and 189 IVF cycles, respectively. Each patient underwent a controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and IVF with fresh embryo transfer. Primary end-point was the live birth rate. Secondary end-points were the number of retrieved oocytes, fertilization rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, spontaneous abortion rate and cycle cancelation rate. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Significantly lower pregnancy (11.2% in group A versus 20.6% in group B, P = 0.02) and live birth (7.2 versus 16.9% respectively, P = 0.01) rates per cycle were assessed in women in group A compared with women in group B. The same results were obtained in the Bologna criteria subgroup analysis with a significantly lower pregnancy (9.1 versus 20.1%, P = 0.016) and live birth (5.1 versus 15.3%, P = 0.001) rates per cycle in women in subgroup A compared with women in subgroup B. Patients in group A required significantly higher gonadotrophins doses (2881 IU ± 1111 versus 2526 IU ± 795, P = 0.005), longer ovarian stimulation (10.6 Days ± 2.8 versus 9.9 Days ± 2.4, P = 0.019) and higher cancelation rate for poor response (12 versus 6.2%, P = 0.05). Despite a mean number of retrieved oocytes similar with the group B (5.4 ± 3.1 and 5.1 ± 3.2, NS), and a significantly higher fertilization rate (65.7 versus 47.2%, P < 0.001), women in group A showed a significantly lower implantation rate (7.2 versus 13.5%, P = 0.03). Abortion rate, ectopic pregnancy rate and multiple pregnancy rate were similar in both groups. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Data were collected retrospectively using the database of our Department. Sample size is relatively small but our study provides statistically significant evidence that the chances of IVF success are decreased in women with DOR after cystectomy for endometrioma. Further larger series are needed to confirm these findings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating IVF outcome in patients with DOR after cystectomy(s) for endometrioma(s) versus in patients with an idiopathic DOR. In addition to the risk of damaging ovarian reserve, we hypothesize that endometrioma surgery would not have qualitative benefits on results in IVF in patients with DOR. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Roustan
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetric and Reproductive Medicine, Gynepôle, AP-HM La Conception, 147 bd Baille, 13005 Marseille, France Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, IMBE UMR 7263, 13397 Marseille, France
| | - Jeanne Perrin
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetric and Reproductive Medicine, Gynepôle, AP-HM La Conception, 147 bd Baille, 13005 Marseille, France Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, IMBE UMR 7263, 13397 Marseille, France CECOS, Laboratory of Medical Reproduction, Department of Gynecology, Obstetric and Reproductive Medicine, Gynepôle, AP-HM La Conception, 147 bd Baille, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Mathias Debals-Gonthier
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit EA3279, Aix Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Odile Paulmyer-Lacroix
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetric and Reproductive Medicine, Gynepôle, AP-HM La Conception, 147 bd Baille, 13005 Marseille, France Department of Histology-Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Aubert Agostini
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetric and Reproductive Medicine, Gynepôle, AP-HM La Conception, 147 bd Baille, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Blandine Courbiere
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetric and Reproductive Medicine, Gynepôle, AP-HM La Conception, 147 bd Baille, 13005 Marseille, France Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, IMBE UMR 7263, 13397 Marseille, France
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Winterhager E, Kidder GM. Gap junction connexins in female reproductive organs: implications for women's reproductive health. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:340-52. [PMID: 25667189 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connexins comprise a family of ~20 proteins that form intercellular membrane channels (gap junction channels) providing a direct route for metabolites and signalling molecules to pass between cells. This review provides a critical analysis of the evidence for essential roles of individual connexins in female reproductive function, highlighting implications for women's reproductive health. METHODS No systematic review has been carried out. Published literature from the past 35 years was surveyed for research related to connexin involvement in development and function of the female reproductive system. Because of the demonstrated utility of genetic manipulation for elucidating connexin functions in various organs, much of the cited information comes from research with genetically modified mice. In some cases, a distinction is drawn between connexin functions clearly related to the formation of gap junction channels and those possibly linked to non-channel roles. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Based on work with mice, several connexins are known to be required for female reproductive functions. Loss of connexin43 (CX43) causes an oocyte deficiency, and follicles lacking or expressing less CX43 in granulosa cells exhibit reduced growth, impairing fertility. CX43 is also expressed in human cumulus cells and, in the context of IVF, has been correlated with pregnancy outcome, suggesting that this connexin may be a determinant of oocyte and embryo quality in women. Loss of CX37, which exclusively connects oocytes with granulosa cells in the mouse, caused oocytes to cease growing without acquiring meiotic competence. Blocking of CX26 channels in the uterine epithelium disrupted implantation whereas loss or reduction of CX43 expression in the uterine stroma impaired decidualization and vascularization in mouse and human. Several connexins are important in placentation and, in the human, CX43 is a key regulator of the fusogenic pathway from the cytotrophoblast to the syncytiotrophoblast, ensuring placental growth. CX40, which characterizes the extravillous trophoblast (EVT), supports proliferation of the proximal EVTs while preventing them from differentiating into the invasive pathway. Furthermore, women with recurrent early pregnancy loss as well as those with endometriosis exhibit reduced levels of CX43 in their decidua. The antimalaria drug mefloquine, which blocks gap junction function, is responsible for increased risk of early pregnancy loss and stillbirth, probably due to inhibition of intercellular communication in the decidua or between trophoblast layers followed by an impairment of placental growth. Gap junctions also play a critical role in regulating uterine blood flow, contributing to the adaptive response to pregnancy. Given that reproductive impairment can result from connexin mutations in mice, it is advised that women suffering from somatic disease symptoms associated with connexin gene mutations be additionally tested for impacts on reproductive function. Better knowledge of these essential connexin functions in human female reproductive organs is important for safeguarding women's reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Winterhager
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Clinics, 45211 Essen, Germany
| | - Gerald M Kidder
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario and Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario N6C 2V5, Canada
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Pierzchalski K, Taylor RN, Nezhat C, Jones JW, Napoli JL, Yang G, Kane MA, Sidell N. Retinoic acid biosynthesis is impaired in human and murine endometriosis. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:84. [PMID: 25143356 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.119677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma in extrauterine sites. Our objective was to determine whether endometriotic lesions (ELs) from women with endometriosis have altered retinoid levels compared with their eutopic endometrium, and to test the hypothesis that defects in all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) biosynthesis in EL is related to reduced expression of cellular retinol-binding protein type 1 (RBP1). Retinoids were evaluated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography in eutopic endometrial biopsies (EBs) and ELs from 42 patients with pathologically confirmed endometriosis. The ATRA levels were reduced, whereas the retinol and retinyl ester concentrations were elevated in EL compared with EB tissue. Similar results were found in a mouse model of endometriosis that used green fluorescent protein-positive endometrial tissue injected into the peritoneum of syngeneic hosts to mimic retrograde menses. The ATRA biosynthesis in vitro in retinol-treated primary human endometrial stromal cell (ESC) cultures derived from ELs was reduced compared with that of ESCs derived from patient-matched EBs. Correspondingly, RBP1 expression was reduced in tissue and ESCs derived from EL versus EB. Rbp1(-/-) mice showed reduced endometrial ATRA concentrations compared with wild type, associated with loss of tissue organization and hypercellularity. These findings provide the first quantitative measurements of ATRA in human endometrium and endometriosis, demonstrating reduced ATRA in ectopic tissue and corresponding ESC cultures. Quantitation of retinoids in murine endometriosis and in Rbp1(-/-) mice supports the contention that impaired ATRA synthesis caused by reduced RBP1 promotes an "endometriosis phenotype" that enables cells to implant and grow at ectopic sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keely Pierzchalski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robert N Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | | | - Jace W Jones
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Joseph L Napoli
- Department of Nutritional Science and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, California
| | - Guixiang Yang
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Maureen A Kane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Neil Sidell
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Abstract
Progesterone plays an essential role in the maintenance of the endometrium; it prepares the endometrium for pregnancy, promotes decidualization, and inhibits estrogen-dependent proliferation. Progesterone function is often dysregulated in endometrial disease states. In addition, the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is often overactive in endometrial pathologies and promotes the survival and proliferation of the diseased cells. Understanding how AKT influences progesterone action is critical in improving hormone-based therapies in endometrial pathologies. Here, we summarize recent studies investigating the crosstalk between the AKT pathway and progesterone receptor function in endometriosis and endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene I Lee
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - J Julie Kim
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Yu J, Berga SL, Zou W, Sun HY, Johnston-MacAnanny E, Yalcinkaya T, Sidell N, Bagchi IC, Bagchi MK, Taylor RN. Gap junction blockade induces apoptosis in human endometrial stromal cells. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:666-75. [PMID: 24753074 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
One of the most dynamic adult human tissues is the endometrium. Through coordinated, cyclical proliferation, differentiation, leukocyte recruitment, apoptosis, and desquamation, the uterine lining is expanded and shed monthly, unless pregnancy is established. Errors in these steps potentially cause endometrial dysfunction, abnormal uterine bleeding, failed embryonic implantation, infertility, or endometrial carcinoma. Our prior studies showed that gap junctions comprised of Gap junction alpha-1 (GJA1) protein, also known as connexin 43 (CX43), subunits are critical to endometrial stromal cell differentiation. The current studies were undertaken to explore the mechanism of endometrial dysfunction when gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is disrupted. Gap junction blockade by two distinct GJIC inhibitors, 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid (AGA) and octanol (OcOH), suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis in endometrial stromal cells, as manifested by reduced biomarkers of cell viability, increased TUNEL staining, caspase-3 activation, sub-G1 chromosomal DNA complement, as well as shortened telomere length. Unexpectedly, we also observed that the chemical inhibitors blocked CX43 gene expression. Moreover, when endometrial stromal cells were induced to undergo hormonal decidualization, following a 7-day exposure to 10 nM 17β-estradiol + 100 nM progesterone + 0.5 mM dibutyryl cAMP, characteristic epithelioid changes in cell shape and secretion of prolactin were blunted in the presence of AGA or OcOH, recapitulating effects of RNA interference of CX43. Our findings indicate that endometrial stromal cell proliferation and maintenance of decidualized endometrial function are GJIC-dependent, and that disruption of gap junctions induces endometrial stromal cell apoptosis. These observations may have important implications for several common clinical endometrial pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North California
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Shao R, Cao S, Wang X, Feng Y, Billig H. The elusive and controversial roles of estrogen and progesterone receptors in human endometriosis. Am J Transl Res 2014; 6:104-113. [PMID: 24489989 PMCID: PMC3902220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a complex and challenging disease that involves aberrant adhesion, growth, and progression of endometrial tissues outside of the uterine cavity, and there is evidence to suggest that estrogen plays a key role in its development and progression. Numerous in vivo clinical studies have described the ectopic expression and regulation of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in the different types of endometriosis compared to normal or eutopic endometrium. However, we have noticed that conflicting and contradictory results have been presented in terms of ER subtype (ERα and ERβ) and PR isoform (PRA and PRB) expression. Both ER and PR are transcription factors and ER/PR-mediated responses depend on the coordinated, opposing, and compensatory functions of ER subtypes and PR isoforms. Moreover, analysis of the uterine phenotypes of ERα/ERβ and PRA/PRB knockout mice indicates that different ER subtypes and PR isoforms mediate distinct responses to steroid hormones and play different roles in uterine function. In this review, we outline studies that have elucidated the molecules and signaling pathways that are linked to ER and/or PR signaling pathways in the development and progression of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijin Shao
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Shujun Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Songjiang Center Hospital, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of MedicineShanghai 201600, China
| | - Xiaoqin Wang
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburg 40530, Sweden
- BIOMATCELL VINN Excellence Center of Biomaterials and Cell Therapy, Department of Biomaterials, Institute of Clinical Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of GothenburgGothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Yi Feng
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburg 40530, Sweden
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Lab of Medical Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical College and Institute of Acupuncture Research (WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine), Institute of Brain Science, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
| | - Håkan Billig
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburg 40530, Sweden
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