High Temperature Requirement A1, Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1, phosphoSmad2 and Ki67 in Eutopic and Ectopic Endometrium of Women With Endometriosis

Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that TGFβ1 signalling may be mediated by high temperature requirement A1 (HtrA1) serine protease, acting on important regulatory mechanisms such as cell proliferation and mobility. Evidence is now accumulating to suggest that HtrA1 is involved in the development and progression of several pathologies. The aim of this study was to evaluate: i) if HtrA1 and TGFβ1 expressions differ in eutopic and ectopic endometrium in women with endometriosis; ii) if HtrA1 correlates to TGFβ1, pSmad and Ki67. This study was carried out including 10 women with ovarian endometriosis (cases) and 10 women with non endometriotic diseases (controls). Endometrial tissue underwent immunohistochemical H-score analysis for HtrA1, TGFβ1, pSmad and Ki67 molecules. Data evaluation was performed by a nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation was applied to evaluate the relationship among the molecules investigated in the epithelial and in the stromal compartment. The HtrA1 was significantly decreased in ectopic and eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis when compared with control endometrium in epithelial compartment. TGFβ1was significantly increased in eutopic endometrium and decreased in ectopic endometrium in epithelial and stromal compartment. In addition, Ki67 was significantly increased and an increase, but not significant, was detected for pSMAd2 in eutopic and ectopic endometrium compared to control one. In summary, the significant direct correlation between TGFβ1 and pSmad2 as well as between HtrA1 and TGFβ1 and the very significant increase of Ki67 in stromal compartment of eutopic endometrium suggest a possible involvement of HtrA1 in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.Key words: HtrA1, endometriosis, immunohistochemistry     

Galectin-1 Overexpression in Endometriosis and Its Regulation by Neuropeptides (CRH,UCN) Indicating Its Important Role in Reproduction and Inflammation

Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease of women of reproductive age featured by the presence of ectopic endometrium and is strongly related to infertility. Galectins, carbonhydrate-binding proteins, have been found to have pro- or anti-inflammatory roles in the reproductive tract and in pathological conditions concerning infertility. Galectin-1, which is expressed at endometrium and decidua, plays a major role in implantation and trophoblast invasion. Also, the neuropeptides, corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and urocortin (UCN) and their receptors are expressed in eutopic and ectopic endometrium showing a differential expression pattern in endometriotic women compared to healthy ones. The aim of this study was to examine the galectin-1 expression in endometriotic lesions and compare its expression in eutopic endometrium of endometriotic and healthy women. Furthermore, we examined the effect of CRH and UCN in galectin-1 expression in Ishikawa cell line and macrophages and investigated the implication of CRHR1 in these responses. Eutopic and ectopic endometrium specimens, Ishikawa cell line and mice macrophages were used. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were performed in order to identify galectin-1 expression in ectopic and eutopic endometrium of women with and without endometriosis and the regulatory effect of CRH and UCN on galectin-1 expression. This study presents for the first time that galectin-1 is overexpressed in endometriotic lesions compared to eutopic endometrium of endometriotic women and is more abundantly expressed in eutopic endometrium of disease women compared to healthy ones. Furthermore, it is shown that CRH and UCN upregulate galectin-1 expression in Ishikawa cell line and macrophages and this effect is mediated through CRHR1. These results suggest that galectin-1 might play an important role in endometriosis pathology and infertility profile of women suffering from endometriosis by being at the same time regulated by CRH and UCN interfering in the immune disequilibrium which characterizes this pathological condition.     

V1b and CRHR1 receptor heterodimerization mediates synergistic biological actions of vasopressin and CRH

Vasopressin (AVP) and CRH synergistically regulate adrenocorticotropin and insulin release at the level of the pituitary and pancreas, respectively. Here, we first extended these AVP and CRH coregulation processes to the adrenal medulla. We demonstrate that costimulation of chromaffin cells by AVP and CRH simultaneously induces a catecholamine secretion exceeding the one induced by each hormone alone, thus demonstrating a net potentiation. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this synergism, we coexpressed human V1b and CRH receptor (CRHR)1 receptor in HEK293 cells. In this heterologous system, AVP also potentiated CRH-stimulated cAMP accumulation in a dose-dependent and saturable manner. This effect was only partially mimicked by phorbol ester or inhibited by a phospholipase C inhibitor respectively. This finding suggests the existence of an new molecular mechanism, independent from second messenger cross talk. Similarly, CRH potentiated the AVP-induced inositol phosphates production. Using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, coimmunoprecipitation, and receptor rescue experiments, we demonstrate that V1b and CRHR1 receptors assemble as heterodimers. Moreover, new pharmacological properties emerged upon receptors cotransfection. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that direct molecular interactions between V1b and CRHR1 receptors play an important role in mediating the synergistic interactions between these two receptors.     

CB1 Expression Is Attenuated in Fallopian Tube and Decidua of Women with Ectopic Pregnancy

Background

Embryo retention in the Fallopian tube (FT) is thought to lead to ectopic pregnancy (EP), a considerable cause of morbidity. In mice, genetic/pharmacological silencing of cannabinoid receptor Cnr1, encoding CB1, causes retention of embryos in the oviduct. The role of the endocannabinoids in tubal implantation in humans is not known.

Methods and Findings

Timed FT biopsies (n = 18) were collected from women undergoing gynecological procedures for benign conditions. Endometrial biopsies and whole blood were collected from women undergoing surgery for EP (n = 11); management of miscarriage (n = 6), and termination of pregnancy (n = 8). Using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, CB1 mRNA and protein expression levels/patterns were examined in FT and endometrial biopsies. The distribution of two polymorphisms of CNR1 was examined by TaqMan analysis of genomic DNA from the whole blood samples. In normal FT, CB1 mRNA was higher in luteal compared to follicular-phase (p<0.05). CB1 protein was located in smooth muscle of the wall and of endothelial vessels, and luminal epithelium of FT. In FT from women with EP, CB1 mRNA expression was low. CB1 mRNA expression was also significantly lower (p<0.05) in endometrium of women with EP compared to intrauterine pregnancies (IUP). Although of 1359G/A (rs1049353) polymorphisms of CNR1 gene suggests differential distribution of genotypes between the small, available cohorts of women with EP and those with IUP, results were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

CB1 mRNA shows temporal variation in expression in human FT, likely regulated by progesterone. CB1 mRNA is expressed in low levels in both the FT and endometrium of women with EP. We propose that aberrant endocannabinoid-signaling in human FT leads to EP. Furthermore, our finding of reduced mRNA expression along with a possible association between polymorphism genotypes of the CNR1 gene and EP, suggests a possible genetic predisposition to EP that warrants replication in a larger sample pool.     

YB-1与EGFR在子宫内膜异位症中表达的研究进展

YB-1,EGFR各自作为冷激蛋白和糖蛋白家族的成员表达于各种生理和环境的损伤之后,保护细胞的生存。近年来发现YB-1和EGFR在多种癌症及内异症中高表达,并且参与肿瘤和子宫内膜异位组织的发生,发展,分化及转移的各个方面。因而YB-1和EGFR的高表达能影响子宫内膜异位症的发生和发展;也说明YB-1和EGFR可以作为子宫内膜异位症患者一个潜在的诊断和治疗靶点。     

MMP-2、MMP-9及VEGF在子宫内膜异位症中的表达及临床意义

目的:研究基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP-2)、基质金属蛋白酶9(MMP-9)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)表达在子宫内膜异位症发生发展中的作用.方法:应用免疫组化二步法检测EMs患者异位内膜36例、在位内膜36例及正常内膜中的MMP-2、MMP-9、VEGF的表达情况.结果:MMP-2、MMP-9、VEGF在异位内膜组中阳性表达率分别为94.4%、91.7%和91.7%,显著高于在位内膜组、正常内膜组(P＜0.05);而在位内膜组和正常内膜组差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论:检测MMP-2、MMP-9、VEGF的表达可用于判断子宫内膜异位症的侵袭转移和评估预后.     

Jagged1/notch1在宫腔粘连患者子宫内膜中表达上调

Notch通路是与细胞增殖、分化、凋亡等密切相关的通路,其相关蛋白表达异常参与多种疾病的发生,但其在宫腔粘连中的作用尚不清楚.为探讨jagged1/notch1在宫腔粘连（IUAs）发病中的作用,本实验选择经宫腔镜诊断为宫腔粘连患者40例为IUAs组,非宫腔粘连患者25例为对照组,宫腔镜直视下取子宫内膜组织,采用实时荧光定量PCR法检测jagged1、notch1 mRNA表达,发现IUAs组jagged1、notch1的表达显著高于对照组.免疫荧光染色、免疫组织化学和Western印迹技术检测jagged1、notch1蛋白表达. 结果显示,与对照组相比,IUAs组jagged1、notch1蛋白表达水平均明显升高.以上结果表明, Notch通路相关因子jagged1、notch1的高表达可能与宫腔粘连的发生发展有关.     

Peritoneal Fluid Reduces Angiogenesis-Related MicroRNA Expression in Cell Cultures of Endometrial and Endometriotic Tissues from Women with Endometriosis

Endometriosis, defined as the presence of endometrium outside the uterus, is one of the most frequent gynecological diseases. It has been suggested that modifications of both endometrial and peritoneal factors could be implicated in this disease. Endometriosis is a multifactorial disease in which angiogenesis and proteolysis are dysregulated. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate the protein expression and may be the main regulators of angiogenesis. Our hypothesis is that peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis could modify the expression of several miRNAs that regulate angiogenesis and proteolysis in the endometriosis development. The objective of this study has been to evaluate the influence of endometriotic peritoneal fluid on the expression of six miRNAs related to angiogenesis, as well as several angiogenic and proteolytic factors in endometrial and endometriotic cell cultures from women with endometriosis compared with women without endometriosis.

Methods

Endometrial and endometriotic cells were cultured and treated with endometriotic and control peritoneal fluid pools. We have studied the expression of six miRNAs (miR-16, -17-5p, -20a, -125a, -221, and -222) by RT-PCR and protein and mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A, thrombospondin-1, urokinase plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 by ELISA and qRT-PCR respectively.

Results

Control and endometriotic peritoneal fluid pools induced a significant reduction of all miRNAs levels in endometrial and endometriotic cell cultures. Moreover, both peritoneal fluids induced a significant increase in VEGF-A, uPA and PAI-1 protein levels in all cell cultures without significant increase in mRNA levels. Endometrial cell cultures from patients treated with endometriotic peritoneal fluid showed lower expression of miRNAs and higher expression of VEGF-A protein levels than cultures from controls. In conclusion, this “in vitro” study indicates that peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis modulates the expression of miRNAs that could contribute to the angiogenic and proteolytic disequilibrium observed in this disease.     

Pathophysiology of Endometriosis: Role of High Mobility Group Box-1 and Toll-Like Receptor 4 Developing Inflammation in Endometrium

Oxidative stress has been proposed as a potential factor associated with the establishment and progression of endometriosis. Although a few studies have shown possible mechanisms which may play roles in development, progression of endometriosis, few are known in regards of initiation of the disease, especially in the relationship with endometrium. The aim of our study was to investigate whether normal endometrium may be changed by Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which may contribute developing pathologic endometrium to induce endometriosis. Endometrial tissues were obtained from 10 patients with fibroids undergoing hysterectomy at a university hospital. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1), which is a representative DAMP, has been chosen that may induce alteration in endometrium. In preceding immunohistochemistry experiments using paraffin-block sections from endometriosis (N = 33) and control (N = 27) group, retrospectively, HMGB-1 expression was shown in both epithelial and stromal cell. HMGB-1 expression was significantly increased in secretory phase of endometriosis group, comparing to the controls. To examine the alteration of endometrial stromal cell (HESC) by oxidative stress in terms of HMGB-1, cell proliferation and expression of its receptor, TLR4 was measured according to recombinant HMGB-1 use. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 assay; real-time PCR and western blotting were used to quantify Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNA and protein expression respectively. A TLR4 antagonist (LPS-RS) and an inhibitor of the NF-κB pathway (TPCA-1, an IKK-2 inhibitor) were used to confirm the relationships between HMGB-1, TLR4, and the NF-κB pathway. Passive release of HMGB-1 was significantly proportional to the increase in cell death (P<0.05). HESCs showed significant proliferation following treatment with rHMGB-1 (P<0.05), and increased TLR4 expression was observed following rHMGB-1 treatment (P<0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner. Treatment with a TLR4 antagonist and an NF-κB inhibitor resulted in suppression of rHMGB-1-induced HESC proliferation (P<0.05). Levels of IL-6 were significantly decreased following treatment with an NF-κB inhibitor (P<0.05). Our results support the development of altered, pathological endometrium resulted from oxidative stress in normal endometrium. These findings may provide important insights into the changes in endometrium linking the development and progression of endometriosis.     

基质金属蛋白酶-2 在子宫内膜异位症中的表达及应用价值

目的:探讨粘附分子CD44拼构变异体6(CD44v6)和基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)在子宫内膜异位症(EMs)组织中的表达及相关性。方法:选取20例异位内膜组织标本、20例在位内膜组织标本及20例正常子宫内膜标本,用病理常规免疫组织化学方法检测MMP-2和CD44v6的表达,并分析其相关性。结果:CD44v6在异位内膜组的表达明显高于在位内膜组和对照组,且对照组明显高于在位内膜组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);CD44v6在在位内膜组和对照组中分泌期的表达明显高于同组增生期,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。MMP-2在异位内膜组和在位内膜组的表达明显高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.01);MMP-2在各组增生期和分泌期表达不规律。异位内膜组中,CD44v6和MMP-2在Ⅲ-Ⅳ期的表达明显高于Ⅰ-Ⅱ期,差异具有统计学意义(P0.01)。Spearman相关性分析结果显示:EMs组织中MMP-2和CD44v6之间呈现正相关性(r=0.724,P0.05);EMs不同分期组织中MMP-2和CD44v6之间亦呈现正相关性(r=0.623,P0.05)。结论:MMP-2和CD44v6在EMs异位内膜中高表达,且有正协同作用,二者可能与EMs的发生发展有关。     

用不同载体在大肠杆菌中表达汉滩病毒囊膜糖蛋白G1和G2

为提高汉瘫病毒囊膜糖蛋白G1和G2的表达水平,利用两种不同的表达载体pKK223－3和pGEX－4T－1构建G1和G2的表达质粒,其中PGEX－4T－1为融合蛋白表达载体。诱导所构建的G1和G2表达质粒表达G1和G2,用表达的G1和G2免疫小白鼠诱导产生的抗汉瘫病毒特异性的间接免疫荧光抗体摘度无明显差别,从而说明表达载体对汉瘫病毒G1和G2在大肠杆菌中的表达水平影响不大,表达水平都较低。同时,利用PGEX－4T－1构建G1和G2的部分多肽的表达质粒,但表达水平较完整的G1和G2无明显提高。     

子宫内膜异位症患者细胞因子的表达与抗体反应

目的:探究细胞因子的表达与抗体反应在子宫内膜异位症(EMS)发生中的作用及其作为诊断指标的可能性。方法:选取子宫内膜异位症患者70例与对照组50例,检测并比较两组患者血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素(IL-6)、单核细胞趋化因子-1(MCP-1)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的表达以及抗子宫内膜抗体(EM-Ab)和转铁蛋白抗体(TRF-Ab)的阳性率。分析以上细胞因子及抗体的表达与子宫内膜异位症临床分期的关系。结果:子宫内膜异位症组TNF-α、IL-6、MCP-1与VEGF均显著高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);子宫内膜异位症组抗子宫内膜抗体阳性率、转铁蛋白抗体阳性率以及两种抗体均为阳性的比例均显著高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);TNF-α、IL-6、MCP-1与VEGF细胞因子与子宫内膜异位症分期呈正相关,分期越高、EMS病情越重则细胞因子表达水平越高(P0.05)。结论:细胞因子的表达与相关抗体反应均参与了子宫内膜异位症的发生及发展,通过检测到相关细胞因子水平的升高与自身抗体转阳可以筛选与诊断子宫内膜异位症,初步判断其临床分期和病情程度。     

KAI1/CD82 在早孕小鼠子宫内膜组织的表达研究

目的：观察KAI1／CD82 mRNA和蛋白在小鼠妊娠D1-D8子宫内膜组织的表达。方法：以胚胎与肿瘤同源性为理论基础,胚胎植入与肿瘤侵袭转移相似为切入点,采用免疫组化和RT-PCR技术。结果：KAI1／CD82 mRNA和蛋白在早孕子宫中,KAI1／CD82mRNA的表达渐增多,蛋白表达的量和范围也渐增强。结论：KAI1／CD82mRNA和蛋白在早孕子宫组织中的动态表达,提示它在胚胎精确侵袭子宫内膜的调节中发挥作用,是滋养层细胞精确侵袭调控的分子机制之一。     

钙网质蛋白在多囊卵巢综合征大鼠子宫内膜的表达及意义

目的：研究钙网质蛋白（CRT）在PCOS大鼠子宫内膜中的表达及生物学意义。方法：60只雌性SD大鼠随机分为PCOS组和对照组,每组各30只。给模型组24日龄大鼠皮下埋植左旋甲基炔诺酮硅胶棒3mm／只,3d后BID皮下注射人绒毛膜促性腺激素1．5IU。给对照组皮下注射等体积生理盐水。注射9d后观察大鼠卵巢形态学（HE染色）,化学发光法测定性激素水平。结果：模型组大鼠卵巢重量和体积均显著高于对照组（P〈0．01）。模型组大鼠卵巢出现类多囊卵巢综合征的改变。模型组卵巢各级发育期卵泡及黄体少见,卵泡多呈囊性扩张。模型组大鼠血清孕激素、睾酮、空腹胰岛素、空腹血糖水平均显著高于对照组（P〈0．05）;卵泡刺激素（FSH）水平显著低于对照组（P〈0．05）。LH／FSH比值显著高于对照组（P〈0．05）。采用免疫组织化学方法及灰度值测定,定量分析CRT在PCOS组和对照组的子宫内膜中表达。CRT在两组中的子宫内膜中均有表达。PCOS组子宫内膜上皮CRT表达显著低于对照组（P〈0．01）。结论：避孕硅胶棒联合hCG诱导SD大鼠多囊卵巢综合征模型是较好的PCOS模型。CRT与PCOS的发病密切相关．     

钙网质蛋白在多囊卵巢综合征大鼠子宫内膜的表达及意义

目的:研究钙网质蛋白(CRT)在PCOS大鼠子宫内膜中的表达及生物学意义。方法:60只雌性SD大鼠随机分为PCOS组和对照组,每组各30只。给模型组24日龄大鼠皮下埋植左旋甲基炔诺酮硅胶棒3 mm/只,3 d后BID皮下注射人绒毛膜促性腺激素1.5 IU。给对照组皮下注射等体积生理盐水。注射9 d后观察大鼠卵巢形态学(HE染色),化学发光法测定性激素水平。结果:模型组大鼠卵巢重量和体积均显著高于对照组(P<0.01)。模型组大鼠卵巢出现类多囊卵巢综合征的改变。模型组卵巢各级发育期卵泡及黄体少见,卵泡多呈囊性扩张。模型组大鼠血清孕激素、睾酮、空腹胰岛素、空腹血糖水平均显著高于对照组(P<0.05);卵泡刺激素(FSH)水平显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。LH/FSH比值显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。采用免疫组织化学方法及灰度值测定,定量分析CRT在PCOS组和对照组的子宫内膜中表达。CRT在两组中的子宫内膜中均有表达。PCOS组子宫内膜上皮CRT表达显著低于对照组(P<0.01)。结论:避孕硅胶棒联合hCG诱导SD大鼠多囊卵巢综合征模型是较好的PCOS模型。CRT与PCOS的发病密切相关。     

Differential interactions of the formins INF2, mDia1, and mDia2 with microtubules

A number of cellular processes use both microtubules and actin filaments, but the molecular machinery linking these two cytoskeletal elements remains to be elucidated in detail. Formins are actin-binding proteins that have multiple effects on actin dynamics, and one formin, mDia2, has been shown to bind and stabilize microtubules through its formin homology 2 (FH2) domain. Here we show that three formins, INF2, mDia1, and mDia2, display important differences in their interactions with microtubules and actin. Constructs containing FH1, FH2, and C-terminal domains of all three formins bind microtubules with high affinity (K(d) < 100 nM). However, only mDia2 binds microtubules at 1:1 stoichiometry, with INF2 and mDia1 showing saturating binding at approximately 1:3 (formin dimer:tubulin dimer). INF2-FH1FH2C is a potent microtubule-bundling protein, an effect that results in a large reduction in catastrophe rate. In contrast, neither mDia1 nor mDia2 is a potent microtubule bundler. The C-termini of mDia2 and INF2 have different functions in microtubule interaction, with mDia2's C-terminus required for high-affinity binding and INF2's C-terminus required for bundling. mDia2's C-terminus directly binds microtubules with submicromolar affinity. These formins also differ in their abilities to bind actin and microtubules simultaneously. Microtubules strongly inhibit actin polymerization by mDia2, whereas they moderately inhibit mDia1 and have no effect on INF2. Conversely, actin monomers inhibit microtubule binding/bundling by INF2 but do not affect mDia1 or mDia2. These differences in interactions with microtubules and actin suggest differential function in cellular processes requiring both cytoskeletal elements.     

Differential Expression of PTP1D, a Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase with Two SH2 Domains, in Slow and Fast Skeletal Muscle Fibers

We show that PTP1D, a protein tyrosine phosphatase that contains two SH2 domains, is preferentially expressed in slow skeletal muscle fibers. Immunohistochemical staining using polyclonal antibodies against PTP1D demonstrated that PTP1D was expressed in a subpopulation of rodent muscle fibers. These fibers were identified as slow Type I fibers based on histochemical ATPase assays and slow myosin heavy chain expression. Northern and Western analyses showed that PTP1D levels were higher in predominantly slow muscles than in predominantly fast muscles. This differential expression of PTP1D in slow muscle fibers appeared by birth. In cultures of mouse myogenic cells, PTP1D was expressed after MyoD and myogenin and appeared in myotubes derived from embryonic, fetal, and postnatal myoblasts. Remarkably, PTP1D was organized into sarcomeres in a pattern coincident with myosin heavy chain, suggesting that PTP1D associates with a component of the thick filament. These results show that PTP1D is preferentially expressed in slow muscle fibers. We speculate that PTP1D may play a role in slow muscle fiber function and differentiation.     

Differential Expression of Adenosine P1 Receptor ADORA1 and ADORA2A Associated with Glioma Development and Tumor-Associated Epilepsy

Neurochemical Research - Level of adenosine, an endogenous astrocyte-based neuromodulator, is primarily regulated by adenosine P1 receptors. This study assessed expression of adenosine P1...