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Liu H, Franken A, Bielfeld AP, Fehm T, Niederacher D, Cheng Z, Neubauer H, Stamm N. Progesterone-induced progesterone receptor membrane component 1 rise-to-decline changes are essential for decidualization. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:20. [PMID: 38308254 PMCID: PMC10837943 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01188-9] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decidualization of endometrial cells is the prerequisite for embryo implantation and subsequent placenta formation and is induced by rising progesterone levels following ovulation. One of the hormone receptors contributing to endometrial homeostasis is Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 (PGRMC1), a non-classical membrane-bound progesterone receptor with yet unclear function. In this study, we aimed to investigate how PGRMC1 contributes to human decidualization. METHODS We first analyzed PGRMC1 expression profile during a regular menstrual cycle in RNA-sequencing datasets. To further explore the function of PGRMC1 in human decidualization, we implemented an inducible decidualization system, which is achieved by culturing two human endometrial stromal cell lines in decidualization-inducing medium containing medroxyprogesterone acetate and 8-Br-cAMP. In our system, we measured PGRMC1 expression during hormone induction as well as decidualization status upon PGRMC1 knockdown at different time points. We further conferred proximity ligation assay to identify PGRMC1 interaction partners. RESULTS In a regular menstrual cycle, PGRMC1 mRNA expression is gradually decreased from the proliferative phase to the secretory phase. In in vitro experiments, we observed that PGRMC1 expression follows a rise-to-decline pattern, in which its expression level initially increased during the first 6 days after induction (PGRMC1 increasing phase) and decreased in the following days (PGRMC1 decreasing phase). Knockdown of PGRMC1 expression before the induction led to a failed decidualization, while its knockdown after induction did not inhibit decidualization, suggesting that the progestin-induced 'PGRMC1 increasing phase' is essential for normal decidualization. Furthermore, we found that the interactions of prohibitin 1 and prohibitin 2 with PGRMC1 were induced upon progestin treatment. Knocking down each of the prohibitins slowed down the decidualization process compared to the control, suggesting that PGRMC1 cooperates with prohibitins to regulate decidualization. CONCLUSIONS According to our findings, PGRMC1 expression followed a progestin-induced rise-to-decline expression pattern during human endometrial decidualization process; and the correct execution of this expression program was crucial for successful decidualization. Thereby, the results of our in vitro model explained how PGRMC1 dysregulation during decidualization may present a new perspective on infertility-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailun Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Life Science Center, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - André Franken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Life Science Center, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexandra P Bielfeld
- Department of OB/GYN & REI, UniKiD, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Tanja Fehm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Life Science Center, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Dieter Niederacher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Life Science Center, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Zhongping Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Hans Neubauer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Life Science Center, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany.
| | - Nadia Stamm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Life Science Center, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany.
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Bielfeld AP, Schwarze JE, Verpillat P, Lispi M, Fischer R, Hayward B, Chuderland D, D'Hooghe T, Krussel JS. Effectiveness of recombinant human FSH: recombinant human LH combination treatment versus recombinant human FSH alone for assisted reproductive technology in women aged 35-40 years. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 48:103725. [PMID: 38593745 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103725] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION According to real-world data, is recombinant human FSH (r-hFSH) combined with recombinant human LH (r-hLH) or r-hFSH alone more effective for women of advanced maternal age (AMA) in terms of live birth? DESIGN Non-interventional study comparing the effectiveness of r-hFSH and recombinant r-hLH (2:1 ratio) versus r-hFSH alone for ovarian stimulation during ART treatment in women aged 35-40 years, using real-world data from the Deutsches IVF-Register. RESULTS Overall clinical pregnancy (29.8%, 95% CI 28.2 to 31.6 versus 27.8%, 95% CI 26.5 to 29.2) and live birth (20.3%, 95% CI 18.7 to 21.8 versus 18.0%, 95% CI 16.6 to 19.4) rates were not significantly different between the combined r-hFSH and r-hLH group and the r-hFSH alone group (P = 0.269 and P = 0.092, respectively). Treatment effect was significantly higher for combined r-hFSH and r-hLH compared with r-hFSH alone for clinical pregnancy (33.1%, 95% CI 31.0 to 35.0 versus 28.5%, 95% CI 26.6 to 30.4; P = 0.001, not adjusted for multiplicity) and live birth (22.5%, 95% CI 20.5 to 24.2 versus 19.4%, 95% CI 17.6 to 20.9; P = 0.014, not adjusted for multiplicity) in a post-hoc analysis of women with five to 14 oocytes retrieved (used as a surrogate for normal ovarian reserve), highlighting the potential benefits of combined r-hFSH and r-hLH for ovarian stimulation in women aged 35-40 years with normal ovarian reserve. CONCLUSIONS Women of AMA with normal ovarian response benefit from treatment with combined r-hFSH and r-hLH in a 2:1 ratio versus r-hFSH alone in terms of live birth rate. The effectiveness of treatments is best assessed by RCTs; however, real-world data are valuable for examining the effectiveness of fertility treatment, especially among patient groups that are not well represented in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra P Bielfeld
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, UniKiD Center for Reproductive Medicine (UniKiD), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Juan-Enrique Schwarze
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany.
| | - Patrice Verpillat
- Global Epidemiology, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany
| | - Monica Lispi
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany; PhD School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Viale A. Allegri 9. 42121, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | | | - Brooke Hayward
- EMD Serono, One Technology Place, Rockland, Massachusetts, 02370, USA, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Dana Chuderland
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany; Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University Medical School, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Jan-Steffan Krussel
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, UniKiD Center for Reproductive Medicine (UniKiD), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
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Scheliga I, Baston-Buest DM, Poschmann G, Stuehler K, Kruessel JS, Bielfeld AP. Closer to the Reality-Proteome Changes Evoked by Endometrial Scratching in Fertile Females. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13577. [PMID: 37686380 PMCID: PMC10488085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713577] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial scratching (ES) has been widely used in assisted reproductive technology to possibly improve pregnancy rates, but its exact mechanism is still not understood or investigated, and its benefits are controversially discussed. Hypothetically, ES may trigger a local immune response, leading to an improved endometrial receptivity. So far, it has been shown that ES affects the gene expression of cytokines, growth factors, and adhesive proteins, potentially modulating inflammatory pathways and adhesion molecule expression. Our pilot study applying proteomic analysis reveals that ES probably has an impact on the proteins involved in immune response pathways and cytoskeleton formation, which could potentially increase endometrial receptivity. Specifically, proteins that are involved in the immune response and cytoskeleton regulation showed a trend toward higher abundance after the first ES. On the other hand, proteins with a decreasing abundance after the first ES play roles in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and cellular processes such as intracellular transport, apoptosis, and autophagy. These trends in protein changes suggest that ES may affect endometrial tissue stiffness and extracellular matrix remodeling, potentially enhancing the embryos' implantation. To our knowledge, this pilot study provides, for the first time, data investigating potential changes in the endometrium due to the scratching procedure that might explain its possible benefit for patients in infertility treatment. Furthermore, the proteome of a group of patients suffering from repeated implantation failure was compared to that of the fertile group in order to transfer the basic science to clinical routine and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Scheliga
- Department of OB/GYN and REI (UniKiD), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, 40255 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Dunja M Baston-Buest
- Department of OB/GYN and REI (UniKiD), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, 40255 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Gereon Poschmann
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Kai Stuehler
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biomedical Research Centre (BMFZ), Heinrich-Heine-University, Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan-Steffen Kruessel
- Department of OB/GYN and REI (UniKiD), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, 40255 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexandra P Bielfeld
- Department of OB/GYN and REI (UniKiD), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, 40255 Duesseldorf, Germany
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Platt F, Moyer J, Singer BB, Baston-Büst D, Wennemuth G, Bielfeld AP, Grümmer R. Forskolin versus cAMP-Induced Decidualization and Survival of Endometrial Stromal Cells of Endometriosis Patients. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2680-2691. [PMID: 37046153 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01235-7] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Impairment of decidualization of eutopic human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) may cause an increase in cell survival of endometrial tissue in the peritoneal cavity constituting a precondition for endometriosis development. Decidualization is a physiological process involving progesterone action and cAMP signaling. We here evaluated the effect of 8-Br-cAMP, the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin and of the progestin progesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) alone and in combination on decidualization induction using prolactin ELISA, and on cell size, cell granularity, and cell survival via flow cytometry in hESCs of patients with and without endometriosis. While progestins alone did not induce functional decidualization in hESCs, 8-Br-cAMP and forskolin induced decidualization in hESCs from both cohorts, whereas the induction of FOXO1 transcription and prolactin secretion by forskolin was significantly lower than by 8-Br-cAMP. 8-Br-cAMP- and forskolin-induced prolactin secretion was significantly enhanced by MPA, but not by progesterone. Decidualization entailed a decrease in cell size and in cell granularity. In general, hESCs from women with mild (ASRM I/II) as well as severe (ASRM III/IV) endometriosis in trend displayed a higher granularity, whereas mainly hESCs from severe endometriosis showed a stronger resistance to the induction of cell death after decidualization induction. In both cohorts, the amount of the decidual marker protein prolactin rather exhibited an anti-proportional correlation to cell death induction during six day treatment. This study contributes to widen our understanding of the connection of decidualization and cell death in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farina Platt
- Department of Anatomy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Janine Moyer
- Department of Anatomy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Bernhard B Singer
- Department of Anatomy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Dunja Baston-Büst
- Düsseldorf University Hospital, Department of OB/GYN and REI (UniKiD), 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gunther Wennemuth
- Department of Anatomy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexandra P Bielfeld
- Düsseldorf University Hospital, Department of OB/GYN and REI (UniKiD), 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ruth Grümmer
- Department of Anatomy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany.
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Baston-Büst DM, Scheliga I, Bielfeld AP. Setup of a cryobank for ovarian tissue in a university-based setting. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1193178. [PMID: 37305049 PMCID: PMC10248428 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1193178] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Establishing and maintaining a newly set-up cryobank for ovarian tissue in a university setting requires at least 1 year's notice to start financial, spatial, lab equipment, and employee acquisition planning. Right before and after the start of the cryobank, the newly founded team should introduce itself to the hospitals and local and national health systems via mail, print flyers, and symposia in order to share the possibilities and the knowledge. Potential referrers should be provided with standard operating procedures and advice on getting used to the new system. Especially in the first year after the establishment, all procedures should be internally audited in order to avoid possible difficulties.
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Bielfeld AP, Schwarze JE, Verpillat P, Lispi M, Fischer R, Hayward B, Chuderland D, D'Hooghe T, Krussel JS. Effectiveness of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH): recombinant human luteinizing hormone versus r-hFSH alone in assisted reproductive technology treatment cycles among women aged 35-40 years: A German database study. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 89:102350. [PMID: 37320996 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102350] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This non-interventional study compared the effectiveness of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) and recombinant human luteinizing hormone (r-hLH) (2:1 ratio) versus r-hFSH alone for ovarian stimulation (OS) during assisted reproductive technology treatment in women aged 35-40 years, using real-world data from the Deutsches IVF-Register (D·I·R). Numerically higher clinical pregnancy (29.8% [95% CI 28.2, 31.6] vs. 27.8% [26.5, 29.2]) and live birth (20.3% [18.7, 21.8] vs. 18.0% [16.6, 19.4]) rates were observed with r-hFSH:r-hLH versus r-hFSH alone. The treatment effect was consistently higher for r-hFSH:r-hLH compared with r-hFSH alone in terms of clinical pregnancy (relative risk [RR] 1.16 [1.05, 1.26]) and live birth (RR 1.16 [1.02, 1.31]) in a post-hoc analysis of women with 5-14 oocytes retrieved (used as a surrogate for normal ovarian reserve), highlighting the potential benefits of r-hFSH:r-hLH for OS in women aged 35-40 years with normal ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Bielfeld
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, UniKiD Center for Reproductive Medicine (UniKiD), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany.
| | - J E Schwarze
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany.
| | - P Verpillat
- Global Epidemiology, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany.
| | - M Lispi
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany; PhD School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Viale A. Allegri 9. 42121, Emilia-Romagna, Italy.
| | - R Fischer
- Fertility Centre Hamburg, 20095, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - B Hayward
- EMD Serono, One Technology Place, Rockland, MA 02370, USA, and affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
| | - D Chuderland
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany.
| | - T D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany; Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University Medical School, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - J S Krussel
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, UniKiD Center for Reproductive Medicine (UniKiD), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany.
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Baston-Büst DM, Bielfeld AP. Fertility preservation in the pediatric population-experience from a German Cryobank for ovarian tissue. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:995172. [PMID: 36440191 PMCID: PMC9687368 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.995172] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Counseling children on the possibility of fertility preservation prior to a gonadotoxic treatment supports the decision-making process, taking into account that the patients are in a very vulnerable and mentally exhausting situation following the diagnosis. Referral to specialists can be optimized on-site by routing slips with contact addresses, phone numbers, and mail contacts; available time slots for consultation; possibly offers for cost coverage; and an easy-to-understand information leaflet about the different options available. Some of the options for fertility preservation in the prepubertal population especially are still experimental. The unique possibility of fertility preservation before the onset of the gonadotoxic therapy, which may cause premature ovarian insufficiency or azoospermia in the future, should be highlighted.
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Freitag N, Baston-Buest DM, Kruessel JS, Markert UR, Fehm TN, Bielfeld AP. Eutopic endometrial immune profile of infertility-patients with and without endometriosis. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 150:103489. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Birke L, Baston-Büst DM, Kruessel JS, Fehm TN, Bielfeld AP. Can TSH level and premenstrual spotting constitute a non-invasive marker for the diagnosis of endometriosis? BMC Womens Health 2021; 21:336. [PMID: 34544404 PMCID: PMC8454006 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01474-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To date, there is no reliable non-invasive marker for the early detection and diagnosis of endometriosis available possibly resulting in a delayed diagnosis and consequently an unnecessary long ordeal for the individual woman. Therefore, the primary objective of the current study was to evaluate whether the combination of a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level > 2.5 µlU/ml and premenstrual spotting could serve as non-invasive markers of endometriosis. A secondary objective was to determine whether typical symptoms of endometriosis like dysmenorrhea and/or dyspareunia could increase the diagnostic reliability. Methods We conducted a retrospective, case–control study with 167 female patients at the Department of OB/GYN and REI (UniKiD) of the medical center of the University of Düsseldorf, between January 2015 and December 2016. 107 women with surgically confirmed endometriosis were compared to 60 without endometriosis (controls). To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, we considered sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. In order to assess the association between the non-invasive markers and endometriosis an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval was calculated. Results In our cohort, diagnosis of endometriosis with non-invasive markers according to their sensitivity yielded the following ranking: increased TSH level, premenstrual spotting, combination of both previous parameters, addition of dysmenorrhea, addition of dyspareunia and combination of all parameters. Conclusion The existence of endometriosis should be taken into consideration when a patient suffers from thyroid dysfunction and premenstrual spotting. Apart from an increased TSH level, the presence of premenstrual spotting underlines the possible diagnosis of endometriosis with non-invasive markers and therefore, the patient´s history needs to be taken into account carefully. Trial registration The retrospective study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the medical faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany, Registration number Düsseldorf: 5371R (approved: April 04th, 2016). Since the design of the study was retrospective no written informed consent was necessary.
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Freitag N, Pour SJ, Fehm TN, Toth B, Markert UR, Weber M, Togawa R, Kruessel JS, Baston-Buest DM, Bielfeld AP. Are uterine natural killer and plasma cells in infertility patients associated with endometriosis, repeated implantation failure, or recurrent pregnancy loss? Arch Gynecol Obstet 2020; 302:1487-1494. [PMID: 32666129 PMCID: PMC7584523 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05679-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Infertility is a debilitating situation that millions of women around the world suffer from, but the causal relationship between infertility and endometriosis is still unclear. We hypothesize that the immune cell populations of uterine natural killer cells (uNK) and plasma cells (PC) which define chronic endometritis could differ in patients with or without endometriosis and therefore be the link to endometriosis-associated infertility. METHODS Our retrospective study includes 173 patients that underwent an endometrial scratching in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle and subsequently immunohistochemical examination for uNK cells and PC. Sixty-seven patients were diagnosed with endometriosis, 106 served as the control cohort. RESULTS The risk for an elevated number of uNK cells in women with endometriosis is not increased as compared to the control group. Our findings suggest that patients with endometriosis are 1.3 times more likely to have chronic endometritis (CE) as compared to those without and that the treatment with doxycycline might increase pregnancy rates. Endometriosis and an increased number of uNK cells seem to be unrelated. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to the lately published connection between endometriosis, infertility and increased uNK cells, we could not find any evidence that patients with endometriosis are more prone to elevated uterine uNK cells. Counting of PC in endometrial biopsies might be a new approach in the search of biomarkers for the nonsurgical diagnosis of endometriosis since our findings suggest a connection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Freitag
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and REI (UniKiD), Medical Faculty, Medical Center University of Düsseldorf, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sarah J Pour
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and REI (UniKiD), Medical Faculty, Medical Center University of Düsseldorf, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tanja N Fehm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center University of Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bettina Toth
- Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Udo R Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07740, Jena, Germany
| | - Maja Weber
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07740, Jena, Germany
| | - Riku Togawa
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Karls-Ruprecht University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan-Steffen Kruessel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and REI (UniKiD), Medical Faculty, Medical Center University of Düsseldorf, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dunja M Baston-Buest
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and REI (UniKiD), Medical Faculty, Medical Center University of Düsseldorf, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Alexandra P Bielfeld
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and REI (UniKiD), Medical Faculty, Medical Center University of Düsseldorf, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Gougoula C, Bielfeld AP, Pour SJ, Krüssel JS, Götte M, Benten WPM, Baston-Büst DM. Physiological and anatomical aspects of the reproduction of mice with reduced Syndecan-1 expression. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:28. [PMID: 30825879 PMCID: PMC6397749 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0470-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syndecan-1 is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan acting as a co-receptor for cytokines and growth factors mediating developmental, immunological and angiogenic processes. In human, the uteroplacental localization of Syndecan-1 and its reduced expression in pregnancy-associated pathologies, such as the intrauterine growth restriction, suggests an influence of Syndecan-1 in embryo-maternal interactions. The aim of the present study was to identify the effect of a reduced expression of Syndecan-1 on the reproductive phenotype of mice and their progenies. METHODS Reproductive characteristics have been investigated using animals with reduced Syndecan-1 and their wildtype controls after normal mating and after vice versa embryo transfers. Female mice were used to measure the estrus cycle length and the weight gain during pregnancy, as well as for histological examination of ovaries. Male mice were examined for the concentration, motility, viability and morphology of spermatozoa. Organs like heart, lung, liver, kidney, spleen, brain and ovaries or testes and epididymis of 6-month-old animals were isolated and weighed. Statistical analyses were performed using two-tailed students t-test with P < .05 and P < .02, chi square test (P < .05) and Fisher's Exact Test (P < .05). A linear and a non-linear mixed-effects model were generated to analyze the weight gain of pregnant females and of the progenies. RESULTS Focusing on the pregnancy outcome, the Syndecan-1 reduced females gave birth to larger litters. However, regarding the survival of the offspring, a higher percentage of pups with less Syndecan-1 died during the first postnatal days. Even though the ovaries and the testes of Syndecan-1 reduced mice showed no histological differences and the ovaries showed a similar number of primary and secondary follicles and corpora lutea, the spermatozoa of Syndecan-1 reduced males showed more tail and midpiece deficiencies. Concerning the postnatal and juvenile development the pups with reduced Syndecan-1 expression remained lighter and smaller regardless whether carried by mothers with reduced Syndecan-1 or wildtype foster mothers. With respect to anatomical differences kidneys of both genders as well as testes and epididymis of male mice with reduced syndecan-1 expression weighed less compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS These data reveal that the effects of Syndecan-1 reduction are rather genotype- than parental-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Gougoula
- 0000 0001 2176 9917grid.411327.2Central Unit for Animal Research and Animal Welfare Affairs (ZETT) of the Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexandra P. Bielfeld
- 0000 0000 8922 7789grid.14778.3dDepartment of OB/GYN and REI (UniKiD), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sarah J. Pour
- 0000 0000 8922 7789grid.14778.3dDepartment of OB/GYN and REI (UniKiD), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan-S. Krüssel
- 0000 0000 8922 7789grid.14778.3dDepartment of OB/GYN and REI (UniKiD), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Martin Götte
- 0000 0004 0551 4246grid.16149.3bDepartment of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - W. Peter M. Benten
- 0000 0001 2176 9917grid.411327.2Central Unit for Animal Research and Animal Welfare Affairs (ZETT) of the Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dunja M. Baston-Büst
- 0000 0000 8922 7789grid.14778.3dDepartment of OB/GYN and REI (UniKiD), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Bielfeld AP, Pour SJ, Poschmann G, Stühler K, Krüssel JS, Baston-Büst DM. A Proteome Approach Reveals Differences between Fertile Women and Patients with Repeated Implantation Failure on Endometrial Level⁻Does hCG Render the Endometrium of RIF Patients? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20020425. [PMID: 30669470 PMCID: PMC6358950 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The molecular signature of endometrial receptivity still remains barely understood, especially when focused on the possible benefit of therapeutical interventions and implantation-related pathologies. Therefore, the protein composition of tissue and isolated primary cells (endometrial stromal cells, ESCs) from endometrial scratchings of ART (Assisted Reproductive Techniques) patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF) was compared to volunteers with proven fertility during the time of embryo implantation (LH + 7). Furthermore, an analysis of the endometrial tissue of fertile women infused with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was conducted. Methods: Endometrial samples (n = 6 RIF, n = 10 fertile controls) were split into 3 pieces: 1/3 each was frozen in liquid nitrogen, 1/3 fixed in PFA and 1/3 cultured. Protein lysates prepared from fresh frozen tissue were processed for mass spectrometric analysis. Results: Three proteins (EPPK1, BCLAF1 and PTMA) showed a statistically altered abundance in the endometrial tissue of RIF patients. Furthermore, pathways like metabolism, immune system, ferroptosis and the endoplasmic reticulum were altered in RIF patients. Remarkably, endometrial tissues of RIF patients showed a significantly higher (p-value = 9 × 10−8) protein intensity correlation (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.95) compared to fertile women (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.88). The in vivo infusion of hCG stimulated proteins of endocytosis, HIF1 signalling and chemokine production. Notably, patients suffering from RIF had a clinical pregnancy rate of 19% after the intrauterine infusion of hCG before embryo transfer (ET) compared to their failed previous cycles. Conclusion: Our study showed for the first time that the endometrial proteome composition of RIF patients differs from fertile controls during the window of implantation. The intrauterine infusion of hCG prior to an embryo transfer might improve the chemokine triggered embryo-endometrial dialogue and intensify the angiogenesis and immune response. From a clinical point of view, the hCG infusion prior to an embryo transfer might increase the pregnancy rate of RIF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra P Bielfeld
- Medical Center University of Düsseldorf, Department of OB/GYN and REI (UniKiD), Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Sarah Jean Pour
- Medical Center University of Düsseldorf, Department of OB/GYN and REI (UniKiD), Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Gereon Poschmann
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biomedical Research Centre (BMFZ), Heinrich-Heine-University, Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Kai Stühler
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biomedical Research Centre (BMFZ), Heinrich-Heine-University, Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Jan-Steffen Krüssel
- Medical Center University of Düsseldorf, Department of OB/GYN and REI (UniKiD), Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Dunja M Baston-Büst
- Medical Center University of Düsseldorf, Department of OB/GYN and REI (UniKiD), Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Olesen MS, Starnawska A, Bybjerg-Grauholm J, Bielfeld AP, Agerholm I, Forman A, Overgaard MT, Nyegaard M. Biological age of the endometrium using DNA methylation. Reproduction 2017; 155:167-172. [PMID: 29162648 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0601] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Age has a detrimental effect on reproduction and as an increasing number of women postpone motherhood, it is imperative to assess biological age in terms of fertility prognosis and optimizing fertility treatment individually. Horvath's epigenetic clock is a mathematical algorithm that calculates the biological age of human cells, tissues or organs based on DNA methylation levels. The clock, however, was previously shown to be highly inaccurate for the human endometrium, most likely because of the hormonal responsive nature of this tissue. The aim of this study was to determine if epigenetically based biological age of the human endometrium correlated with chronological age, when strictly timed to the same time point in the menstrual cycle. Endometrial biopsies from nine women were obtained in two consecutive cycles, both strictly timed to the LH surge (LH + 7) and additionally, peripheral whole blood samples were analyzed. Using the Illumina HumanMethylation 450 K array and Horvath's epigenetic clock, we found a significant correlation between the biological age of the endometrium and the chronological age of the participants, although the endometrial biological age was accelerated by comparison with blood and chronological age. Moreover, similar biological ages were found in pairs of consecutive biopsies, indicating that an endometrial biopsy does not alter the biological age in the following cycle. In conclusion, as long as endometrial samples are timed to the same time point in the menstrual cycle, Horvath's epigenetic clock could be a powerful new biomarker of reproductive aging in the human endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia S Olesen
- The Fertility ClinicHorsens Regional Hospital, Horsens, Denmark
| | - Anna Starnawska
- Department of BiomedicineAarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.,iPSYCH: The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric ResearchAarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Alexandra P Bielfeld
- Department of GynaecologyObstetrics and REI (UniKiD), Medical Faculty, University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Inge Agerholm
- The Fertility ClinicHorsens Regional Hospital, Horsens, Denmark
| | - Axel Forman
- Department of Gynaecology and ObstetricsAarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
| | - Michael T Overgaard
- Department of Chemistry and BioscienceAalborg University, Aalborg E, Denmark
| | - Mette Nyegaard
- Department of BiomedicineAarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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Beyer I, van Rensburg R, Boeddecker S, Kruessel JS, Fehm T, Gruemmer R, Bielfeld AP. Differences in gene expression of eutopic endometrium from healthy women and endometriosis patients. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2016. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1592777] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Kliebisch TK, Bielfeld AP, Krüssel JS, Baston-Büst DM. The German Middleway as Precursor for Single Embryo Transfer. A Retrospective Data-analysis of the Düsseldorf University Hospital's Interdisciplinary Fertility Centre - UniKiD. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2016; 76:690-698. [PMID: 27365539 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-105747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Patients receiving fertility treatment in Germany appear to be disadvantaged in comparison to those in other countries due to the restrictive Embryo Protection Act ("Embryonenschutzgesetz, ESchG"), which prohibits the selection of a "top" embryo. The so-called German Middleway ("Deutscher Mittelweg, DMW") now provides for a liberal interpretation of the ESchG by allowing the culture of numerous pronuclear stages (2PN stage). Materials and Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 2 assisted reproduction treatment cycles in n = 400 patients between the ages of 21 and 45 years, either treated 2× conservatively or 1× conservatively and 1× liberally according to DMW. Results: Pregnancy was achieved in 35 % of patients in the DMW group and 31 % of controls. The birth rate among controls was 28.5 % and 30.5 % in the DMW group. Most pregnancies resulted from the culture of 4 × 2PN stages. Conclusion: Patients in the DMW group had significantly higher pregnancy and birth rates compared to their previous cycles despite significantly increased age and significantly fewer transferred embryos. Key factors were the number of 2PNs generated and the quality of embryos transferred. Thus it can be assumed that particularly older patients with adequate ovarian reserves will benefit from DMW, i.e. the transfer of fewer embryos of the best possible quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- T K Kliebisch
- Medical Research School der Medizinischen Fakultät der Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf
| | - A P Bielfeld
- Medical Center University of Düsseldorf, Dept. of OB/GYN/REI, Düsseldorf
| | - J S Krüssel
- Medical Center University of Düsseldorf, Dept. of OB/GYN/REI, Düsseldorf
| | - D M Baston-Büst
- Medical Center University of Düsseldorf, Dept. of OB/GYN/REI, Düsseldorf
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