Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Shuo Han, Ming-Hui Liu, Ya-Su Lv, Hai-Ying Ren, Jing Guo, Yuan Li, Shan Liu
Summary: This study found that low luteinizing hormone (LH) levels have a greater impact on endometrial function than high LH levels. By analyzing gene expression in the endometrium of patients with different LH levels, it was discovered that low LH downregulates endometrial cell metabolism, immune regulation, and autophagy, with transcription factors being the main regulators.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiang Xue, Xiaoli Li, Jinmeng Yao, Xue Zhang, Xu Ren, Shan Xu
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between the Wnt signaling pathway and the progression of Asherman's Syndrome (AS). The study finds that the expression of non-phosphorylated beta-catenin, Wnt5a, and Wnt7a is significantly higher in the endometria with adhesion. Both Wnt5a and Wnt7a promote stem cell proliferation, but only Wnt7a preserves stem cell population by stimulating self-renewal. In a rat model, transient activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway promotes angiogenesis and increases the number of glands. The study suggests that transient Wnt/beta-catenin activation may aid tissue regeneration, while prolonged activation may contribute to fibrosis formation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Soheila Salmasi, Mohammadreza Sharifi, Bahman Rashidi
Summary: This study investigated the impact of ovarian stimulation and exogenous progesterone on CD31-positive cell density, VEGF protein, and miR-17-5p expression in the mouse endometrium before implantation. The results showed increases in endothelial cell density, VEGF protein levels, and miR-17-5p expression in all experimental groups, with the highest increase seen in the group that received progesterone post ovarian stimulation. Additional microRNAs and molecules may also play a role in angiogenic pathways, warranting further research.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mahsa Kazemi, Vahid Jajarmi, Hamid Nazarian, Marefat Ghaffari Novin, Saghar Salehpour, Abbas Piryaei, Heidar Heidari Khoei, Hamid Choobineh, Mohammad Amin Abdollahifar, Mostafa Haji Molla Hoseini, Mohammad Hasan Heidari
Summary: The study utilized two different culture methods to culture choriocarcinoma spheroids and evaluated their functional characteristics and interactions through assessments such as morphology, cellular density, hormonal secretion, and gene expression. The results showed differences in morphological structure, hormonal secretion, and gene expression between hanging drop culture spheroids and suspension culture spheroids, with suspension culture spheroids performing better in alkaline phosphatase activity and the expression of genes related to attachment, invasion, and migration.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Jinxiang Wu, Shu Lin, Pinxiu Huang, Lingling Qiu, Yufei Jiang, Ying Zhang, Nan Meng, Meiqing Meng, Lemeng Wang, Wenbo Deng, Zhao Liu, Chuanhui Guo, Jinhua Lu, Haibin Wang, Shuangbo Kong
Summary: Experiments on mice and analysis of human samples suggest that mental stress during early pregnancy can alter the functional status of endometrial receptivity, potentially leading to pregnancy failure. The epinephrine signaling pathway is found to play a significant role in regulating endometrial receptivity.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ryosuke Kobayashi, Reika Kawabata-Iwakawa, Jumpei Terakawa, Makoto Sugiyama, Sumiyo Morita, Takuro Horii, Izuho Hatada
Summary: The precise control of endometrial receptivity is crucial for successful embryo implantation, which is regulated by estrogen and progesterone. The role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification in embryo implantation was investigated using mice with conditional deletion of Mettl14. These mice showed infertility due to implantation failure, with aberrant upregulation of estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha) signaling and activation of the innate immune pathway.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ryosuke Kobayashi, Reika Kawabata-Iwakawa, Jumpei Terakawa, Makoto Sugiyama, Sumiyo Morita, Takuro Horii, Izuho Hatada
Summary: The precise control of endometrial receptivity, regulated by estrogen and progesterone, is crucial for successful embryo implantation. This study investigated the role of the m6A RNA modification in embryo implantation and found that the deletion of Mettl14, a core component of the m6A writer complex, in the uterus led to infertility due to implantation failure. It was shown that Mettl14 played a crucial role in regulating ER alpha signaling and innate immunity in the uterus for successful implantation.
Article
Cell Biology
Nisha R. Pawar, Marguerite S. Buzza, Nadire Duru, Amando A. Strong, Toni M. Antalis
Summary: Metastatic spread of ovarian cancer is associated with the shedding and dissemination of multicellular spheroids. Overactive matriptase disrupts cell-cell contacts and promotes spheroid dissemination through the activation of PAR-2/PI3K/Akt/MMP9 signaling axis. Understanding this pathway provides potential therapeutic targets for aggressive metastatic ovarian cancer.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Hongshuo Zhang, Jia Qi, Jinqiu Guo, Yufei Wang, Ying Guan, Jianhui Fan, Linlin Sui, Yuefei Xu, Li Kong, Bin Yan, Ying Kong
Summary: PITX2 expression is elevated in the secretory phase of human endometrium and significantly upregulated at the time of implantation in mouse endometrium. It regulates endometrial cells through the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, affecting embryo implantation.
CELL BIOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Physiology
Liyuan Li, Xiaojin Shi, Yun Shi, Zhao Wang
Summary: This review discusses the follicular development process, focusing on the three cell types and regulatory signals involved. It highlights the roles of various classical signaling pathways and their underlying mechanisms in regulating follicle development.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biology
J. Julie Kim
Summary: A new laboratory model helps to study the role of senescent cells in fostering a uterine environment that can support an embryo.
Article
Cell Biology
Yanlin Cai, Yi Hu, Furong Yu, Wenjuan Tong, Shufen Wang, Shunliang Sheng, Jiayu Zhu
Summary: Globally, ovarian cancer ranks as the second most common cause of gynecologic-related cancer deaths among women, with a poor prognosis. Research has shown that downregulation of AHNAK in ovarian cancer cells can significantly inhibit cell growth and metastasis, partly by dampening the Canonical Wnt cascade. Therefore, AHNAK may serve as a biomarker and potential treatment target for ovarian cancer.
Article
Developmental Biology
Okiko Habara, Catriona Y. Logan, Masami Kanai-Azuma, Roeland Nusse, Hinako M. Takase
Summary: Canonical WNT signaling is crucial for the activation of pre-granulosa cells during primordial follicle activation, supporting oocyte growth in mammalian ovaries.
Article
Oncology
Deepak Parashar, Anjali Geethadevi, Sonam Mittal, Lindsey A. McAlarnen, Jasmine George, Ishaque P. Kadamberi, Prachi Gupta, Denise S. Uyar, Elizabeth E. Hopp, Holli Drendel, Erin A. Bishop, William H. Bradley, Kathleen M. Bone, Janet S. Rader, Sunila Pradeep, Pradeep Chaluvally-Raghavan
Summary: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a fatal gynecological cancer with high chemoresistance and recurrence. Malignant ascites, a fluid in the abdomen, is considered a major source of chemoresistance and poor survival in EOC patients. This study established an ovarian cancer cell line and found that 3D spheroids development and platinum-resistant phenotype are related to aberrant PI3K-AKT signaling. Combining cisplatin with a PI3K-AKT inhibitor sensitized the cells to cisplatin. These findings provide evidence for advancing therapeutic approaches for cisplatin resistance in EOC patients.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Ozlem Bedir, Aykut Gram, Anna T. Grazul-Bilska, Mariusz P. Kowalewski
Summary: Disturbances at the conceptus-maternal interface can affect pregnancy outcome, and imbalanced nutrition can alter gene expression and uterine responsiveness to hormonal stimulation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nirodha Abayalath, Indeepa Malshani, Rajitha Ariyaratne, Shizhen Zhao, Guangcai Zhong, Gan Zhang, Aruna Manipura, Anoma Siribaddana, Parakrama Karunaratne, Suranga P. Kodithuwakku
Summary: Airborne particulate matter (PM), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals (HMs) pose significant health risks and were analyzed in the World Heritage City of Kandy in Sri Lanka. The study found that Kandy air contains potential carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds, leading to increased health risks and respiratory tract-related anomalies. Cytotoxicity, DNA damage, and gene expressions were significantly affected by exposure to airborne pollutants, emphasizing the need for air quality management in urban areas.
Article
Nursing
Yin Kwan Mok, Ka Wang Cheung, Weilan Wang, Raymond Hang Wun Li, Noel Wan Man Shek, Ernest Hung Yu Ng
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, women without continuous companion support during labor had a higher chance of labor augmentation, higher rates of newborns with Apgar scores <7 at 1 minute, and a lower rate of immediate breastfeeding compared to those with continuous companion support.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xian Chen, Sudini Ranshaya Fernando, Yin-Lau Lee, William Shu-Biu Yeung, Ernest Hung-Yu Ng, Raymond Hang-Wun Li, Kai-Fai Lee
Summary: Current contraception methods mainly interfere with folliculogenesis, fertilization, and embryo implantation through physical or hormonal approaches. This study discovered that Nemadipine-A can effectively inhibit embryo implantation by suppressing specific molecules in the endometrium. This provides a potential novel non-hormonal compound for contraception.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sisi Zhang, Rachel W. S. Chan, Ernest H. Y. Ng, William S. B. Yeung
Summary: This study found that during menstruation, certain endometrial stem/progenitor cells are located in a hypoxic niche and hypoxia can regulate the self-renewal activity of endometrial mesenchymal stromal/stem-like cells (eMSC) through Notch signaling.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Kasun Godakumara, Keerthie Dissanayake, Mohammad Mehedi Hasan, Suranga. P. Kodithuwakku, Alireza Fazeli
Summary: Studying the role of extracellular vesicles in mammalian reproduction is of great significance for understanding the reproductive mechanism and improving animal breeding efficiency.
REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Xintong Li, Suranga P. Kodithuwakku, Rachel W. S. Chan, William S. B. Yeung, Yuanqing Yao, Ernest H. Y. Ng, Philip C. N. Chiu, Cheuk-Lun Lee
Summary: During implantation, the interaction between trophoblast and endometrium is crucial for successful pregnancy, with defective interaction leading to complications. In the past decade, various in vitro culture models have been established, but further research is needed to create a comprehensive model that can replicate the biology of trophoblast-endometrium interaction during early pregnancy.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Sisi Zhang, Rachel W. S. Chan, Ernest H. Y. Ng, William S. B. Yeung
Summary: Notch signaling plays a key role in maintaining the quiescent state of endometrial mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (eMSC), and is influenced by Notch and Wnt signaling from the microenvironment.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luhan Jiang, Dandan Cao, William S. B. Yeung, Kai-Fai Lee
Summary: This study used single-cell transcriptomics to uncover the cellular characteristics of mouse endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and their role in modulating the microenvironment of a receptive endometrium. The results showed that both decidualized and non-decidualized ESCs are involved in extracellular remodeling and play a role in regulating endometrial receptivity and immune tolerance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wen Huang, Andy Chun Hang Chen, Ernest Hung Yu Ng, William Shu Biu Yeung, Yin Lau Lee
Summary: Despite advances in IVF, the lack of non-invasive and reliable biomarkers for selecting embryos with high potential remains a challenge. This study reviewed existing research and found dysregulation of certain sncRNAs in follicular fluid and embryo culture medium, indicating their potential as biomarkers. The meta-analysis showed promising predictive performance of sncRNAs, but significant heterogeneity among studies calls for further optimized and standardized research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Rebecca S. F. Wan, Jennifer K. Y. Ko, Sofie S. F. Yung, Ernest H. Y. Ng, Raymond H. W. Li
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of basal serum testosterone levels on the ovarian response and cumulative live birth rate of infertile women undergoing IVF. The study found that higher basal serum testosterone levels were associated with a better ovarian response but had no effect on the cumulative live birth rate of IVF.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Shiwen Qi, Suranga P. Kodithuwakku, Ronald T. K. Pang, Philip C. N. Chiu, Mary H. Y. Tang, Kai-Fai Lee
Summary: The human endometrium and embryo produce miRNAs that are involved in various physiological activities. Aberrant expression of these miRNAs can cause early pregnancy and gestational disorders. miRNAs can be used for clinicopathological tests, but their therapeutic applications in regulating gestational disorders require further investigation.
REPRODUCTIVE AND DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jiangming Zhong, Jianlin Li, Graham J. Burton, Hannu Koistinen, Ka Wang Cheung, Ernest H. Y. Ng, Yuanqing Yao, William S. B. Yeung, Cheuk-Lun Lee, Philip C. N. Chiu
Summary: This review summarizes recent findings on glycosylation, glycosyltransferases, and glycan-binding receptors at the maternal-fetal interface, and their roles in regulating endometrial receptivity, placentation, and maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Understanding the functions of glycans could enhance the diagnosis and treatment of implantation failure and pregnancy complications, and potentially serve as early predictive markers and therapeutic targets.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Subhashini Muhandiram, Keerthie Dissanayake, Toomos Orro, Kasun Godakumara, Suranga Kodithuwakku, Alireza Fazeli
Summary: Synchronized crosstalk between the embryo and endometrium during the periconception period is important for pregnancy establishment. The exchange of extracellular vesicles (EVs) of embryonic and endometrial origin plays a crucial role in embryo-maternal communication during peri-implantation. This study found that embryonic signals in the form of EVs can modulate the secretome of endometrial epithelial cells, enriching it with proteins that support embryo development, attachment, or implantation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Johanna Piibor, Andres Waldmann, Keerthie Dissanayake, Aneta Andronowska, Marilin Ivask, Madhusha Prasadani, Ants Kavak, Suranga Kodithuwakku, Alireza Fazeli
Summary: This study used quantitative proteomics-based mass spectrometry to investigate the changes in the proteome of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the uterine fluid (UF) during the bovine estrous cycle. The results showed that the UF-EV proteome is cycle-dependent and differentially enriched proteins play important roles in normal uterine functions and early embryo development. Furthermore, supplementation of UF-EVs during the luteal phase increased embryo production in vitro. These findings highlight the importance of UF-EVs in uterine communications and their potential use in improving embryo production.
MOLECULAR & CELLULAR PROTEOMICS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hiu Yee Heidi Cheng, Judy F. C. Chow, Kevin K. W. Lam, Shui Fan Lai, William Shu Biu Yeung, Ernest H. Y. Ng
Summary: This study aims to compare the efficacy in embryo selection based on morphology alone compared with non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (niPGT-A) and morphology in infertile women undergoing IVF. It is a randomised double-blind controlled trial conducted in two tertiary assisted reproduction centres with a total of 500 participants. The primary outcome is a live birth per the first embryo transfer.
