1
|
Waita IM, Nyachieo A, Chai D, Muuo S, Maina N, Kariuki D, Kyama CM. Genetic polymorphisms in eostrogen and progesterone receptor genes in <i>Papio anubis</i> induced with endometriosis during early stage of the disease. AIMS Molecular Science 2021. [DOI: 10.3934/molsci.2021007] [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: 11/18/2022] Open
|
2
|
Mwongeli Waita I, Nyachieo A, Chai D, Muuo S, Maina N, Kariuki D, M. Kyama C. Differential expression and functional analysis of micro RNAs in <em>Papio anubis</em> induced with endometriosis for early detection of the disease. AIMS Molecular Science 2020. [DOI: 10.3934/molsci.2020015] [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: 11/18/2022] Open
|
3
|
Simsa P, Mihalyi A, Kyama CM, Mwenda JM, Fülöp V, D'Hooghe TM. Selective Estrogen-Receptor Modulators and Aromatase Inhibitors: Promising New Medical Therapies for Endometriosis? Womens Health (Lond Engl) 2016; 3:617-28. [DOI: 10.2217/17455057.3.5.617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease and estrogen-related pathways are imbalanced in women with endometriosis. One of the key enzymes in estrogen synthesis is aromatase. Inhibiting this pathway at several points is a promising idea for the treatment of endometriosis. The third generation of aromatase inhibitors is becoming more potent in efficacy, with fewer side effects than previous generations, but cotreatment with other hormones is needed to inhibit ovarian stimulation. Other components that promote estrogen synthesis such as COX-2 can also be potentially targeted. Selective estrogen-receptor modulators could also be interesting in view of their tissue-specific effect. However, all these new drugs are still in an early phase of development. At present, it is too early to conclude that aromatase inhibitors, COX-2 inhibitors or selective estrogen-receptor modulators really present any added value compared with the existing drugs that can be used to achieve hormonal suppression in the medical treatment of endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Simsa
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium, Tel: +32 1634 3624; Fax: +32 1634 3607
- National Institute of Health, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Mihalyi
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium, Tel: +32 1634 3624; Fax: +32 1634 3607
| | - Cleophas M Kyama
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium, Tel: +32 1634 3624; Fax: +32 1634 3607
- Institute of Primate Research, Division of Reproduction, PO Box 24481, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Thomas M D'Hooghe
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium, Tel: +32 1634 3624; Fax: +32 1634 3607
- Institute of Primate Research, Division of Reproduction, PO Box 24481, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hussein M, Chai DC, Kyama CM, Mwenda JM, Palmer SS, Gotteland JP, D'Hooghe TM. c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase inhibitor bentamapimod reduces induced endometriosis in baboons: an assessor-blind placebo-controlled randomized study. Fertil Steril 2015; 105:815-824.e5. [PMID: 26654972 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor (JNKI) bentamapimod (AS602801/PGL5001) can reduce induced endometriosis in baboons. DESIGN Prospective randomized placebo-controlled study. SETTING Nonhuman primate research center. ANIMAL(S) Twenty baboons each underwent four laparoscopies. Initial screening laparoscopy (L1) was followed after one rest cycle by an endometriosis-induction laparoscopy (L2). Fifty days after L2, the baboons were randomized just before staging laparoscopy (L3). Treatment lasted for 60 days, followed by a post-treatment staging laparoscopy (L4). INTERVENTION(S) Randomization before a 60-day treatment in four groups: daily placebo (n = 5), daily oral administration of 20 mg/kg JNKI (n = 5), concomitant daily oral administration of 20 mg/kg JNKI and 10 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA; n = 5), or subcutaneous administration of 3 mg cetrorelix every 3 days (n = 5). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Type, surface area and volume of endometriotic lesions, and revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine score and stage were recorded during L3 and L4. Menstrual cycle length and serum hormonal concentration were recorded before and after treatment. RESULT(S) Compared with placebo, treatment with JNKI, JNKI + PMA, or cetrorelix resulted in lower total surface area and volume of endometriotic lesions. Remodeling of red active lesions into white lesions was observed more frequently in baboons treated with JNKI + MPA than in baboons treated with JNKI only. Menstrual cycle length and serum hormonal concentration were similar between placebo and JNKI groups. CONCLUSION(S) JNKI alone was as effective as JNKI + MPA or cetrorelix in reducing induced endometriosis in baboons, but without severe side effects or effect on cycle length or serum reproductive hormones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Hussein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assiut University Hospitals, Assiut, Egypt; Institute of Primate Research, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel C Chai
- Institute of Primate Research, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | - Thomas M D'Hooghe
- Institute of Primate Research, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya; Leuven University Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Endometriosis is a benign, estrogen-dependent disease and is now recognized as an enigmatic disease owing to its various clinical manifestations and locations. The lack of a reliable and specific method for the early detection of endometriosis often results in delayed diagnosis. So far, research has born inadequate findings regarding understanding the basic etiology or pathophysiology of endometriosis. Animal models that accurately represent the cellular and molecular changes associated with the initiation and progression of human endometriosis have significant potential to facilitate the development of better methods for the early detection and treatment of endometriosis. A number of animal model systems have been developed for the study of this disease. These models replicate many of the known salient features of human endometriosis. This review provides an insight into the use of the baboon model for studies focused on understanding human endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cleophas M Kyama
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Although the prevalence of endometriosis is well documented in women living in developed countries, studies on the prevalence of this disease among African women are still wanting. The current view is that endometriosis rarely affects women of African descent. However, in African-American women in the USA, endometriosis is one of the common indications for major gynecological surgery and hysterectomy and is associated with a long hospitalization and high hospital charges. Endometriosis may be more commonly found in infertile Caucasian or African-American women than in African-Indigenous women, but it is likely that the true prevalence of endometriosis in African-Indigenous women is under reported owing to inadequate facilities and demands of specialized skills for adequate assessment of the pelvis and recognition of the various types and appearances of the disease. Understanding the prevalence of endometriosis among African women will be instrumental in proper management of this disease in the African continent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cleophas M Kyama
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fassbender A, Waelkens E, Verbeeck N, Kyama CM, Bokor A, Vodolazkaia A, Van de Plas R, Meuleman C, Peeraer K, Tomassetti C, Gevaert O, Ojeda F, De Moor B, D'Hooghe T. Proteomics analysis of plasma for early diagnosis of endometriosis. Obstet Gynecol 2012; 119:276-85. [PMID: 22270279 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0b013e31823fda8d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that differential surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry protein or peptide expression in plasma can be used in infertile women with or without pelvic pain to predict the presence of laparoscopically and histologically confirmed endometriosis, especially in the subpopulation with a normal preoperative gynecologic ultrasound examination. METHODS Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis was performed on 254 plasma samples obtained from 89 women without endometriosis and 165 women with endometriosis (histologically confirmed) undergoing laparoscopies for infertility with or without pelvic pain. Data were analyzed using least squares support vector machines and were divided randomly (100 times) into a training data set (70%) and a test data set (30%). RESULTS Minimal-to-mild endometriosis was best predicted (sensitivity 75%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 63-89; specificity 86%, 95% CI 71-94; positive predictive value 83.6%, negative predictive value 78.3%) using a model based on five peptide and protein peaks (range 4.898-14.698 m/z) in menstrual phase samples. Moderate-to-severe endometriosis was best predicted (sensitivity 98%, 95% CI 84-100; specificity 81%, 95% CI 67-92; positive predictive value 74.4%, negative predictive value 98.6%) using a model based on five other peptide and protein peaks (range 2.189-7.457 m/z) in luteal phase samples. The peak with the highest intensity (2.189 m/z) was identified as a fibrinogen β-chain peptide. Ultrasonography-negative endometriosis was best predicted (sensitivity 88%, 95% CI 73-100; specificity 84%, 95% CI 71-96) using a model based on five peptide peaks (range 2.058-42.065 m/z) in menstrual phase samples. CONCLUSION A noninvasive test using proteomic analysis of plasma samples obtained during the menstrual phase enabled the diagnosis of endometriosis undetectable by ultrasonography with high sensitivity and specificity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Fassbender
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fassbender A, Verbeeck N, Börnigen D, Kyama CM, Bokor A, Vodolazkaia A, Peeraer K, Tomassetti C, Meuleman C, Gevaert O, Van de Plas R, Ojeda F, De Moor B, Moreau Y, Waelkens E, D'Hooghe TM. Combined mRNA microarray and proteomic analysis of eutopic endometrium of women with and without endometriosis. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:2020-9. [PMID: 22556377 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An early semi-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis has the potential to allow early treatment and minimize disease progression but no such test is available at present. Our aim was to perform a combined mRNA microarray and proteomic analysis on the same eutopic endometrium sample obtained from patients with and without endometriosis. METHODS mRNA and protein fractions were extracted from 49 endometrial biopsies obtained from women with laparoscopically proven presence (n= 31) or absence (n= 18) of endometriosis during the early luteal (n= 27) or menstrual phase (n= 22) and analyzed using microarray and proteomic surface enhanced laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, respectively. Proteomic data were analyzed using a least squares-support vector machines (LS-SVM) model built on 70% (training set) and 30% of the samples (test set). RESULTS mRNA analysis of eutopic endometrium did not show any differentially expressed genes in women with endometriosis when compared with controls, regardless of endometriosis stage or cycle phase. mRNA was differentially expressed (P< 0.05) in women with (925 genes) and without endometriosis (1087 genes) during the menstrual phase when compared with the early luteal phase. Proteomic analysis based on five peptide peaks [2072 mass/charge (m/z); 2973 m/z; 3623 m/z; 3680 m/z and 21133 m/z] using an LS-SVM model applied on the luteal phase endometrium training set allowed the diagnosis of endometriosis (sensitivity, 91; 95% confidence interval (CI): 74-98; specificity, 80; 95% CI: 66-97 and positive predictive value, 87.9%; negative predictive value, 84.8%) in the test set. CONCLUSION mRNA expression of eutopic endometrium was comparable in women with and without endometriosis but different in menstrual endometrium when compared with luteal endometrium in women with endometriosis. Proteomic analysis of luteal phase endometrium allowed the diagnosis of endometriosis with high sensitivity and specificity in training and test sets. A potential limitation of our study is the fact that our control group included women with a normal pelvis as well as women with concurrent pelvic disease (e.g. fibroids, benign ovarian cysts, hydrosalpinges), which may have contributed to the comparable mRNA expression profile in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis and controls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Fassbender
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leuven University Fertility Center, UZ Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
de Graaff AA, Delvoux B, Van de Vijver KK, Kyama CM, D'Hooghe TM, Dunselman GAJ, Romano A. Paired-box gene 2 is down-regulated in endometriosis and correlates with low epidermal growth factor receptor expression. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:1676-84. [PMID: 22473392 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paired-box 2 (Pax2) is involved in the development of the female genital tract and has been associated with endometrial pathologies. The expression of Pax2 is induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and estrogens. In the present study, Pax2 expression and regulation were investigated in endometriosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Pax2 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in the eutopic (i.e. inside the uterus) and ectopic tissue (endometriosis) from 11 patients. Immunoreactivity was high in the endometrium, with strong epithelial and weaker stromal staining. Similar expression patterns of Pax2 were observed in the endometrium of women without endometriosis (n = 12). The mRNA level of Pax2 was assessed by real-time PCR in the eutopic and ectopic endometria of 14 patients and in the endometrium from women without endometriosis (n = 20). Pax2 expression was lower in endometriotic lesions than that in the eutopic endometrium of patients (P< 0.001) and controls (P= 0.007). Three possible mechanisms determining low Pax2 expression were investigated: EGF signalling, CpG DNA methylation of the Pax2 promoter and steroid response. The mRNA level of the EGF receptor (EGFR1) was assessed in the samples used for Pax2 mRNA assessment. A significant correlation between EGFR1 and Pax2 in both eutopic and ectopic tissues was observed (R = 0.58; slope regression line, 0.81; 95% CI: 0.09-1.52 and R = 0.54; slope regression line, 2.51; 95% CI: 0.02-4.99, respectively). CpG DNA methylation was analyzed by methyl-specific PCR in two regions of the Pax2 promoter but they were unmethylated in all samples. Steroid responsiveness was assessed using endometrial explant cultures and Pax2 was not regulated by either 17β-estradiol or progesterone. CONCLUSIONS In endometriosis patients, Pax2 is down-regulated in the lesions compared with the eutopic tissue, possibly due to low EGF signalling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A A de Graaff
- School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vodolazkaia A, Bossuyt X, Fassbender A, Kyama CM, Meuleman C, Peeraer K, Tomassetti C, D'Hooghe TM. A high sensitivity assay is more accurate than a classical assay for the measurement of plasma CRP levels in endometriosis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2011; 9:113. [PMID: 21827658 PMCID: PMC3169460 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-9-113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is associated with chronic subclinical inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, could serve as a biomarker of endometriosis. We tested the hypothesis that a high sensitivity CRP assay (hsCRP) is more accurate than a classical CRP assay in the detection of subclinical inflammation in plasma of women with endometriosis. METHODS CRP levels were measured by hsCRP and classical CRP assays in plasma of 204 women with endometriosis and 91 women without endometriosis. Both assays were compared with respect to their value for the diagnosis of endometriosis. RESULTS The number of plasma samples with detectable CRP was significantly higher (100%) using the hsCRP assay when compared to the classical CRP assay (42.7%) (p < 0.0001). Significantly increased CRP plasma levels were found in women with endometriosis when compared with controls when the hsCRP assay was used in samples obtained during the luteal phase (p = 0.008). The highest discriminative ability for the diagnosis of endometriosis was also obtained using the hsCRP assay during the luteal phase, especially for moderate -severe endometriosis. At a cut-off level of hsCRP > 0.71 mg/L, moderate-severe stages were diagnosed with 80.7% sensitivity and 63.9% specificity during the luteal phase. Using a similar cut-off value for CRP analyzed by the classical method, moderate-severe endometriosis was diagnosed with lower sensitivity (67.7%, p = 0.06) and comparable specificity (63.9%). CONCLUSIONS The hsCRP assay was superior to the classical CRP assay for the detection of low CRP levels and for revealing subclinical inflammation in plasma of women with endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Vodolazkaia
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
- Experimental Gynaecology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KU Leuven, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Xavier Bossuyt
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Leuven University Hospital, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Amelie Fassbender
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
- Experimental Gynaecology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KU Leuven, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cleophas M Kyama
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya
- Experimental Gynaecology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KU Leuven, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christel Meuleman
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karen Peeraer
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carla Tomassetti
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas M D'Hooghe
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fassbender A, Overbergh L, Verdrengh E, Kyama CM, Vodolazakaia A, Bokor A, Meuleman C, Peeraer K, Tomassetti C, Waelkens E, Mathieu C, D'Hooghe T. How can macroscopically normal peritoneum contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis? Fertil Steril 2011; 96:697-9. [PMID: 21762896 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2011] [Revised: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
This study indicates that the immunobiology of macroscopically normal peritoneum is relevant to understand the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Peritoneal interleukin 6, interleukin 12, and ferritin were differentially expressed in women with and without endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Fassbender
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fassbender A, Simsa P, Kyama CM, Waelkens E, Mihalyi A, Meuleman C, Gevaert O, Van de Plas R, de Moor B, D'Hooghe TM. TRIzol treatment of secretory phase endometrium allows combined proteomic and mRNA microarray analysis of the same sample in women with and without endometriosis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2010; 8:123. [PMID: 20964823 PMCID: PMC2987945 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-8-123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 10/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to mRNA microarray, proteomics and other studies, biological abnormalities of eutopic endometrium (EM) are involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, but the relationship between mRNA and protein expression in EM is not clear. We tested for the first time the hypothesis that EM TRIzol extraction allows proteomic Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionisation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS) analysis and that these proteomic data can be related to mRNA (microarray) data obtained from the same EM sample from women with and without endometriosis. METHODS Proteomic analysis was performed using SELDI-TOF-MS of TRIzol-extracted EM obtained during secretory phase from patients without endometriosis (n = 6), patients with minimal-mild (n = 5) and with moderate-severe endometriosis (n = 5), classified according to the system of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. Proteomic data were compared to mRNA microarray data obtained from the same EM samples. RESULTS In our SELDI-TOF MS study 32 peaks were differentially expressed in endometrium of all women with endometriosis (stages I-IV) compared with all controls during the secretory phase. Comparison of proteomic results with those from microarray revealed no corresponding genes/proteins. CONCLUSION TRIzol treatment of secretory phase EM allows combined proteomic and mRNA microarray analysis of the same sample, but comparison between proteomic and microarray data was not evident, probably due to post-translational modifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Fassbender
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Simsa
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cleophas M Kyama
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
- Division of Reproductive Health and Biology, Institute of Primate Research, P.O. Box 24481-00502 Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Etienne Waelkens
- Biochemistry Section, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Attila Mihalyi
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christel Meuleman
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Olivier Gevaert
- Department of Electrical Engineering, ESAT-SCD, K.U.Leuven, Kasteelpark-Arenberg 10, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Raf Van de Plas
- Department of Electrical Engineering, ESAT-SCD, K.U.Leuven, Kasteelpark-Arenberg 10, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Bart de Moor
- Department of Electrical Engineering, ESAT-SCD, K.U.Leuven, Kasteelpark-Arenberg 10, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Thomas M D'Hooghe
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
- Division of Reproductive Health and Biology, Institute of Primate Research, P.O. Box 24481-00502 Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kyama CM, Mihalyi A, Gevaert O, Waelkens E, Simsa P, Van de Plas R, Meuleman C, De Moor B, D'Hooghe TM. Evaluation of endometrial biomarkers for semi-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2010; 95:1338-43.e1-3. [PMID: 20800833 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.06.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 08/18/2009] [Revised: 06/24/2010] [Accepted: 06/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that specific proteins and peptides are expressed differentially in eutopic endometrium of women with and without endometriosis and at specific stages of the disease (minimal, mild, moderate, or severe) during the secretory phase. DESIGN Patients with endometriosis were compared with controls. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) A total of 29 patients during the secretory phase were selected for this study on the basis of cycle phase and presence or absence of endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S) Endometriosis was confirmed laparoscopically and histologically in 19 patients with endometriosis of revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine stages (9 minimal-mild and 10 moderate-severe), and the presence of a normal pelvis was documented by laparoscopy in 10 controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Protein expression of endometrium was evaluated with use of surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The differential expression of protein mass peaks was analyzed with use of support vector machine algorithms and logistic regression models. RESULT(S) Data preprocessing resulted in differential expression of 73, 30, and 131 mass peaks between controls and patients with endometriosis (all stages), with minimal-mild endometriosis, and with moderate-severe endometriosis, respectively. Endometriosis was diagnosed with high sensitivity (89.5%) and specificity (90%) with use of five down-regulated mass peaks (1.949 kDa, 5.183 kDa, 8.650 kDa, 8.659 kDa, and 13.910 kDa) obtained after support vector machine ranking and logistic regression classification. With use of a similar analysis, minimal-mild endometriosis was diagnosed with four mass peaks (two up-regulated: 35.956 kDa and 90.675 kDa and two down-regulated: 1.924 kDa and 2.504 kDa) with maximal sensitivity (100%) and specificity (100%). The 90.675-kDa and 35.956-kDa mass peaks were identified as T-plastin and annexin V, respectively. CONCLUSION(S) Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis of secretory phase endometrium combined with bioinformatics puts forward a prospective panel of potential biomarkers with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100% for the diagnosis of minimal to mild endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cleophas M Kyama
- Leuven University Fertility Center, and Experimental Gynecology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Simsa P, Mihalyi A, Schoeters G, Koppen G, Kyama CM, Den Hond EM, Fülöp V, D'Hooghe TM. Increased exposure to dioxin-like compounds is associated with endometriosis in a case-control study in women. Reprod Biomed Online 2010; 20:681-8. [PMID: 20211585 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2010.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2009] [Revised: 09/10/2009] [Accepted: 12/17/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Although endometriosis is thought to be an environmental disorder initiated by dioxin exposure, this association is controversial. This study was performed to test the hypothesis that endometriosis occurs more often in women exposed to higher concentrations of dioxin-like compounds (DLC) than in those women exposed to lower concentrations. Plasma samples collected prior to laparoscopic surgery from 96 women with endometriosis and 106 control patients with a normal pelvis were measured for DLC concentrations using the dioxin-responsive chemical-activated luciferase expression bioassay. The results showed that concentration (mean+/-SD) of DLC was marginally higher in patients with endometriosis (22.3+/-9.3pg CALUX-TEQ/g lipid) than in controls (20.5+/-10.8pg). After categorization of patients in a group with 'low' plasma concentrations (<25th centile) and a group with 'high' plasma concentrations (>75th centile) of DLC, the age-adjusted odds ratio to have endometriosis was 2.44 (95% CI 1.04-5.70; P=0.04) for women with high concentrations of DLC and it increased to 3.01 (95% CI 1.06-9.04; P=0.03) when only women with moderate severe endometriosis were considered. In conclusion, women exposed to higher plasma concentrations of DLC were at higher risk of having endometriosis than women exposed to lower concentrations of DLC within normal environmental concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Simsa
- Leuven University Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kyama CM, Mihalyi A, Simsa P, Falconer H, Fulop V, Mwenda JM, Peeraer K, Tomassetti C, Meuleman C, D'Hooghe TM. Role of cytokines in the endometrial-peritoneal cross-talk and development of endometriosis. Front Biosci (Elite Ed) 2009; 1:444-454. [PMID: 19482658 DOI: 10.2741/e40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A clear picture of the dynamic relationship between the endometrium and peritoneum is emerging as both tissues may participate in the spontaneous development of endometriosis. Various adhesion molecules, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemoattractants cytokines have emerged as central coordinators of endometrial-peritoneal interactions. The peritoneal microenvironment which consists of the peritoneal fluid, normal peritoneum and peritoneal endometriotic lesions may play an active role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, by harbouring most inflammatory responses that are triggered by the presence of endometrial cells, leading to recruitment of activated macrophages and leukocytes locally. Menstrual endometrium has the ability to bond and invade the peritoneal tissue. In baboons intrapelvic injection of menstrual endometrium permits the study of early endometrial-peritoneal interaction in an in vivo culture microenvironment and can lead to important insight in the early development of endometriotic lesions. In this review, we discuss the roles of the endometrial-peritoneal interactions, not only in disease development but also in the broader process of aetiopathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cleophas M Kyama
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
D'Hooghe TM, Kyama CM, Chai D, Fassbender A, Vodolazkaia A, Bokor A, Mwenda JM. Nonhuman primate models for translational research in endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2009; 16:152-61. [PMID: 19208783 DOI: 10.1177/1933719108322430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis, defined as the ectopic presence of endometrial-like cells, is associated with infertility and pelvic pain in women. Whereas pathogenesis and spontaneous evolution of endometriosis are still poorly understood, recurrences after surgical therapy or after medical treatment are common. Spontaneous endometriosis occurs only in women and in nonhuman primates (NHPs). Inbred rhesus monkeys kept in colonies offer an attractive preclinical model to study the inheritance of spontaneous endometriosis. Baboons with spontaneous or induced endometriosis appear to be the best NHP model to study pathogenesis, pathophysiology, spontaneous evolution and new medical treatment options. In baboons, induction of endometriosis after intrapelvic injection of menstrual endometrium leads to biological changes in peritoneal cavity and in endometrium. This induction process may allows the study of cause-effect relationships which may lead to the discovery of new biomarkers for the development of new non-invasive diagnostic tests and drugs that may prevent or treat endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T M D'Hooghe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven, University Fertility Center, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kyama CM, Overbergh L, Mihalyi A, Meuleman C, Mwenda JM, Mathieu C, D'Hooghe TM. Endometrial and peritoneal expression of aromatase, cytokines, and adhesion factors in women with endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2008; 89:301-10. [PMID: 17678915 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.02.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [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: 11/17/2006] [Revised: 02/27/2007] [Accepted: 02/27/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine messenger (m) RNA expression of aromatase, cytokines, and adhesion factors in women with and without endometriosis. DESIGN Patients with endometriosis were compared with control patients. SETTING University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium. PATIENT(S) A total of 35 patients who had laparoscopic surgery during the luteal phase (n = 20) or the menstrual phase (n = 15) were selected for this study based on cycle phase and presence/absence of endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S) Tissues of endometrium and macroscopically normal peritoneum were collected during hysteroscopy and laparoscopic surgery, respectively, from 24 women with revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine stage (rASRM) stages I-II (n = 12) and III-IV (n = 12) endometriosis and 11 control patients with normal pelvic. Tissue samples were selected from a tissue bank, based on the phase of the cycle (menstrual or luteal) and the presence/absence of endometriosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The mRNA levels of aromatase, vimentin, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), alpha(V) and beta(3) integrins, interleukin (IL)-1 beta, regulated on activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) were evaluated using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULT(S) During menstrual phase, increased endometrial mRNA levels of alpha(V) integrin, combined alpha(V)beta(3) integrins, and increased peritoneal IL-1 beta mRNA levels--but decreased peritoneal MCP-1 mRNA levels--were observed in women with endometriosis compared with control subjects. During luteal phase, endometrial mRNA levels of IL-1 beta and RANTES were increased in women with endometriosis compared with control subjects. Endometrial aromatase mRNA expression was higher in women with endometriosis than in control subjects in combined phases. Women with endometriosis had increased peritoneal mRNA expression of RANTES and VCAM-1 during menstrual compared with luteal phase. CONCLUSION(S) Aberrant mRNA expression of aromatase, cytokines, and adhesion factors in endometrium and peritoneum suggests that both tissues are involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cleophas M Kyama
- Leuven University Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Simsa P, Mihalyi A, Kyama CM, Mwenda JM, Fülöp V, D'Hooghe TM. Future of endometriosis research. Womens Health (Lond) 2007; 3:647-654. [PMID: 19804042 DOI: 10.2217/17455057.3.5.647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In women of reproductive age, health economic costs are estimated to be considerably higher for endometriosis than for conditions such as Crohn's disease, migraine and hypertension, and similar to the cost of diabetes. However, more awareness of endometriosis among patients and politicians is needed to create a better climate for research funding in the area of endometriosis in particular, and women's health in general. Recent collaboration between patients, physicians and politicians in the EU has shown that such efforts can be successful. Many arguments exist to organize the clinical care for women with advanced endometriosis in centers of excellence, but continuing education of primary-care physicians also remains a priority. New molecular techniques are resulting in new hormonal and nonhormonal targets for the noninvasive diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. A future diagnostic serum assay might contain various elements from inflammatory serum markers to genetic/microarray/proteomics markers, owing to the multifactorial features of endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Simsa
- Leuven University, Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kyama CM, T'Jampens D, Mihalyi A, Simsa P, Debrock S, Waelkens E, Landuyt B, Meuleman C, Fulop V, Mwenda JM, D'Hooghe TM. ProteinChip⁎ ⁎ProteinChip (Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc., Fremont, CA). technology is a useful method in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of endometriosis: a preliminary study. Fertil Steril 2006; 86:203-9. [PMID: 16716317 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 08/27/2005] [Revised: 12/13/2005] [Accepted: 12/13/2005] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the feasibility of ProteinChip (Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc., Fremont, CA) technology as a proteomic tool in discovering and identifying proteins that are differentially expressed in endometrium, endometriotic tissue, and normal peritoneum from women with and without endometriosis. DESIGN Differential analysis of protein expression in women with and without endometriosis. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) A total of nine patients during their secretory phase (days 20-22) were selected for this study on the basis of cycle phase and presence/or absence of endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S) Twelve tissues used in the study included six endometrial biopsies from women with mild endometriosis (n = 3) and a normal pelvis (n = 3) as well as paired samples of peritoneal endometriotic lesions (n = 3) and macroscopically normal peritoneum biopsies (n = 3) from three women with endometriosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Numerous expression differences were observed in the above comparisons, representing both up-regulation and down-regulation in protein and peptide expression levels. RESULT(S) Endometrial expression for a number of proteins and peptides in the range of 2.8-12.3 kDa was 3-24 times lower in women with endometriosis than in those without endometriosis. When compared with normal peritoneum, endometriotic lesions showed an increased expression for a set of proteins and peptides in the range of 3-96 kDa, and especially an up-regulated cluster of proteins between 22 and 23 kDa, identified to be transgelin, a smooth muscle actin-binding protein. CONCLUSION(S) This preliminary study demonstrated that differential protein profiling by using ProteinChip array technology is feasible, reproducible, and may be developed into a powerful tool for endometriosis research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cleophas M Kyama
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kyama CM, Overbergh L, Debrock S, Valckx D, Vander Perre S, Meuleman C, Mihalyi A, Mwenda JM, Mathieu C, D'Hooghe TM. Increased peritoneal and endometrial gene expression of biologically relevant cytokines and growth factors during the menstrual phase in women with endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2006; 85:1667-75. [PMID: 16759923 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.11.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [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: 06/01/2005] [Revised: 11/18/2005] [Accepted: 11/18/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine differential messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of relevant cytokines, metalloproteases, growth and adhesion factors in endometrium and peritoneum from women with endometriosis when compared with women without the disease during menstrual and luteal phases of the cycle. DESIGN Patients with endometriosis were compared with control patients. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) A total of 35 patients (20 patients during the luteal phase and 15 patients during the menstrual phase) were selected for this study on the basis of cycle phase and presence or absence of endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S) In this study, endometriosis was laparoscopically and histologically confirmed in 24 women with endometriosis of revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) stage I-II (n = 12) and revised ASRM stage III-IV (n = 12), and the presence of a normal pelvis was documented by laparoscopy in 11 control patients. The macroscopically normal peritoneum tissues were collected from lateral wall left or right, near the colon ascendens or descendens. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The expression levels were determined as ratios between the target molecules and beta-actin as housekeeping gene. RESULT(S) In women with endometriosis, peritoneal mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, transforming growth factor-beta, interleukin (IL)-6, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and endometrial mRNA levels of MMP-3, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and IL-8 were significantly higher during the menstrual phase when compared with luteal phase. During the menstrual phase of the cycle, both endometrial expression of TNF-alpha, IL-8, and MMP-3 mRNA levels and peritoneal expression of transforming growth factor-beta, IL-6, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 mRNA levels were significantly higher in women with endometriosis when compared with controls. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the presence of TNF-alpha in peritoneum and endometrium in both women with endometriosis and controls. CONCLUSION(S) Increased endometrial and peritoneal cytokine mRNA expression during menstruation may contribute to a pelvic inflammatory microenvironment favoring the development of endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cleophas M Kyama
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mwenda JM, Owuor RA, Kyama CM, Wango EO, M'Arimi M, Langat DK. Khat (Catha edulis) up-regulates testosterone and decreases prolactin and cortisol levels in the baboon. J Ethnopharmacol 2006; 103:379-84. [PMID: 16198525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2005.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2005] [Revised: 08/05/2005] [Accepted: 08/16/2005] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The potential effect of Khat (Catha edulis, Celastraceae) on fertility in humans has not been elucidated. In this study, we used the olive baboon (Papio anubis, Cercopithecidae) to determine the effects of oral administration of khat on circulating hormones. In order to establish baseline hormonal levels, five male baboons were bled once a week for 1 month. The same baboons were then fed with crude khat juice extract once a week over a period of 2 months, and the effects on serum levels of cortisol, testosterone and prolactin determined using enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA). Subsequently, sampling was repeated for a further 1 month to determine the residual effect of khat. The results showed that khat administration causes a significant increase in the mean levels of testosterone while prolactin and cortisol levels were reduced. These effects were also evident 1 month post treatment and indicate khat may exert a transient effect on male fertility by interfering with the hormonal profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Mwenda
- Institute of Primate Research, P.O. Box 24481, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
D'Hooghe TM, Nugent NP, Cuneo S, Chai DC, Deer F, Debrock S, Kyama CM, Mihalyi A, Mwenda JM. Recombinant Human TNFRSF1A (r-hTBP1) Inhibits the Development of Endometriosis in Baboons: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo- and Drug-Controlled Study1. Biol Reprod 2006; 74:131-6. [PMID: 16177224 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.105.043349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is associated with chronic inflammation, including an increased macrophage activity with increased secretion of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or TNF superfamily member 2, previously known as TNFalpha. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that recombinant human TNFRSF1A (r-hTBP1) can inhibit the development of endometriotic lesions in the baboon, an established model for the study of endometriosis. Endometriosis was induced using intrapelvic injection of menstrual endometrium in 20 baboons with a normal pelvis. In the first part of the study, 14 baboons were randomly assigned to subcutaneous treatment with r-hTBP1, placebo, or GnRH antagonist (positive control). In the second part of the study, menstrual endometrium from 6 baboons was randomly incubated with either PBS or r-hTBP1 before intrapelvic seeding. Video laparoscopy was performed 25 days later to document the number, surface area, and estimated volume of endometriotic lesions and adhesions; to calculate the revised American Fertility Society (rAFS) score and stage; and to confirm the histological presence of endometriosis. In the first part, baboons treated with r-hTBP1 or with Antide (Bachem) had a lower endometriosis rAFS score, a lower surface area and estimated volume of peritoneal endometriotic lesions, and a lower histological confirmation rate compared with controls. Because of less adnexal and cul-de-sac adhesions, the number of baboons with endometriosis of stage II, III, or IV was lower among baboons treated with r-hTBP1 or Antide than among controls. In the second part, the surface area of endometriotic lesions was lower, and less severe endometriosis was observed in r-hTBP1-treated baboons. No hypoestrogenic effects were observed in baboons treated with r-hTBP1. In conclusion, r-hTBP1 can effectively inhibit the development of endometriosis without hypoestrogenic effects in baboons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M D'Hooghe
- Leuven University Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Overbergh L, Kyama CM, Valckx D, Debrock S, Mwenda JM, Mathieu C, D'Hooghe T. Validation of real-time RT-PCR assays for mRNA quantification in baboons. Cytokine 2005; 31:454-8. [PMID: 16129617 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2005.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 12/21/2004] [Revised: 06/09/2005] [Accepted: 07/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Real-time RT-PCR has been used widely, both in fundamental research and in clinical diagnostics, for instance for quantification of RNA levels in human tissues and tissue biopsies. In the present study we provide a strategy to validate primers/probes for real-time RT-PCR quantification of baboon samples. The method is based on the TaqMan system and uses primers/probes that have been designed and validated for human real-time RT-PCR. A prerequisite for the accuracy of this strategy is a similar amplification efficiency between human and baboon PCR reactions. We propose two different methods, i.e. by calculating PCR efficiencies from the slope of a dilution curve or by using the linear regression method, to compare the amplification efficiency between human and baboon samples. In conclusion, by performing a simple validation experiment, real-time PCR assays based on human sequences, which are easily available, can be applied for analysis of baboon samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Overbergh
- Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Endocrinology (LEGENDO), University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
D'Hooghe TM, Debrock S, Kyama CM, Chai DC, Cuneo S, Hill JA, Mwenda JM. Baboon model for fundamental and preclinical research in endometriosis. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2004; 57:43-6. [PMID: 14974454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- T M D'Hooghe
- Institute of Primate Research, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kyama CM, Debrock S, Mwenda JM, D'Hooghe TM. Potential involvement of the immune system in the development of endometriosis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2003; 1:123. [PMID: 14651748 PMCID: PMC305339 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-1-123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2003] [Accepted: 12/02/2003] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This article presents an overview of immunological factors and their role in the development of endometriosis, with emphasis on inflammatory cytokines, growth and adhesion factors. Although retrograde menstruation is a common phenomenon among women of reproductive age, not all women who have retrograde menstruation develop endometriosis. The development of endometriosis is hypothesised to be a complex process, which may be facilitated by several factors, including the quantity and quality of endometrial cells in peritoneal fluid (PF), increased inflammatory activity in PF, increased endometrial-peritoneal adhesion and angiogenesis, reduced immune surveillance and clearance of endometrial cells, and increased production of autoantibodies against endometrial cells. Potential biomarkers like cytokines and autoantibodies upregulated during development of endometriosis may be useful in the development of a non-surgical diagnostic tool. Although endometriosis can be treated using hormonal suppression, there is need for non-hormonal drugs, which can inhibit the development of endometriosis and alleviate pain or infertility without inhibition of ovulation. New molecules that modulate immune function in endometriosis should be the targets for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cleophas M Kyama
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Primate Research, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sophie Debrock
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jason M Mwenda
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Primate Research, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Thomas M D'Hooghe
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Primate Research, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|