Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amy L. Shafrir, Fan Mu, A. Heather Eliassen, Madhavi Thombre Kulkarni, Kathryn L. Terry, Susan E. Hankinson, Stacey A. Missmer
Summary: This study aimed to assess the association between endogenous steroid hormone levels and endometriosis. The results showed that women with higher levels of total estradiol during the early follicular phase had an increased risk of endometriosis. However, other hormone levels did not show a significant association with the risk of the disease.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Kathryn E. Luker, Gary D. Luker
Summary: This study reveals the regulation of PKM2 and cellular metabolism by CXCL12 signaling through CXCR4 and ACKR3, leading to the dissociation of PKM2 from beta-arrestin 2 and a shift in its oligomerization state.
Review
Biology
Amani A. Mahbub
Summary: Several epidemiological studies have suggested that the use of female sex steroid hormones can reduce the risk of colon cancer. This review summarizes the available data on the effects of estradiol and progesterone treatments in male and female in vitro and in vivo models of colon cancer, along with their potential molecular mechanisms. The studies showed that estradiol treatment and activation of its beta receptor inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest, and promoted apoptosis through molecular pathway modulation. Similarly, the inhibition of the alpha receptor also had antitumorigenic effects. Limited studies on progesterone revealed promising tumoricidal actions. Furthermore, the combination of estradiol and progesterone showed enhanced anticancer activities compared to monotherapy. Overall, these studies suggest that female sex steroid hormones could be a novel and effective therapeutic strategy against colon cancer.
Article
Hematology
Julian Leberzammer, Stijn M. Agten, Xavier Blanchet, Rundan Duan, Hans Ippel, Remco T. A. Megens, Christian Schulz, Maria Aslani, Johan Duchene, Yvonne Doring, Natalie J. Jooss, Pengyu Zhang, Richard Brandl, Konstantin Stark, Wolfgang Siess, Kerstin Jurk, Johan W. M. Heemskerk, Tilman M. Hackeng, Kevin H. Mayo, Christian Weber, Philipp von Hundelshausen
Summary: The study explored the molecular mechanisms of CXCL12 in arterial thrombosis, revealing that inhibition of CXCR4 can attenuate platelet aggregation and limit arterial thrombosis. Mechanistically, CXCL12 activates Btk leading to platelet aggregation, while the interaction between CXCL12 and CCL5 can inhibit this process. A novel peptide was found to inhibit CXCL12-induced platelet aggregation without prolonging bleeding time.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hui-Hui Shen, Tao Zhang, Hui-Li Yang, Zhen-Zhen Lai, Wen-Jie Zhou, Jie Mei, Jia-Wei Shi, Rui Zhu, Feng-Yuan Xu, Jin Li, Jiang-Feng Ye, Ming-Qing Li
Summary: Menstruation is a cyclic physiological phenomenon controlled by ovarian hormones, and a proper understanding of normal endometrial physiology is crucial for regulating menstrual disorders. Autophagy in the endometrium, regulated by ovarian hormones, plays a key role in immune cell infiltration, tissue repair, and infection prevention during menstruation. Abnormal autophagy levels and dysregulated immune system function are associated with the pathogenesis and progression of endometriosis, suggesting the potential value of autophagy as a target for the treatment of menstrual-related and endometrium-related disorders.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mayara Bocchi, Nathalia de Sousa Pereira, Karen Brajao de Oliveira, Marla Karine Amarante
Summary: Migration of metastatic tumor cells is similar to the traffic of leukocytes and can be guided by chemokines and their receptors. The CXCL12/CXCR4 axis plays a crucial role in hematopoietic stem cell homing and supports malignant events. This axis serves as a communication bridge between tumor-stromal cells, creating a favorable microenvironment for tumor development, angiogenesis, and metastasis. This review explores the correlation between the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis and colorectal cancer, as well as potential therapeutic strategies.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hong Im Kim, Tae Hoon Kim, Jung-Yoon Yoo, Steven L. Young, Bruce A. Lessey, Bon Jeong Ku, Jae-Wook Jeong
Summary: The study revealed that ARID1A levels were reduced in the endometrium of women with endometriosis, and there was a physical interaction between ARID1A and PGR, which may play a crucial role in the receptivity of the endometrium and progesterone resistance in endometriosis-related infertility.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Makenzie G. Newton, Claire Stenhouse, Katherine M. Halloran, Nirvay Sah, Robyn M. Moses, Wenliang He, Guoyao Wu, Fuller W. Bazer
Summary: The synthesis and secretion of polyamines in the uterus of ewes are regulated by changes in progesterone, estradiol, and their receptors. These hormones and receptors play important roles in the reproductive performance of mammals by affecting the secretion and transport of nutrients in the uterine lumen.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ruogang Zhao, Jianhao Liu, Zhaohuan Li, Wenhui Zhang, Feng Wang, Bo Zhang
Summary: This review focuses on the mechanisms of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis, the use of CXCL12/CXCR4 antagonists, and the application of nano-based drug delivery systems targeting the biological axis.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Daniel J. Sprague, Anthony E. Getschman, Tyler G. Fenske, Brian F. Volkman, Brian C. Smith
Summary: The CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling axis plays a critical role in development, immune function, and various diseases, including cancer and inflammatory diseases. A study has identified trisubstituted 1,3,5-triazines as competent ligands for the sY12-binding pocket of CXCL12, improving drug efficiency and offering new possibilities for therapeutic development and structural studies.
ACS MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Intira Sriprasert, Melissa Mert, Wendy J. Mack, Howard N. Hodis, Donna Shoupe
Summary: The study showed that oral estradiol plus vaginal progesterone leads to increased endometrial thickness and a higher risk of endometrial hyperplasia, suggesting the need for further investigation into alternative doses or frequencies of administration for adequate endometrial protection from estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Tingyu Huang, Fiona M. Howse, Nina S. Stachenfeld, Charlotte W. Usselman
Summary: Even in the 21st century, female participants are underrepresented in human physiology research due to the perception that including them is more time consuming, less convenient, and more expensive. However, considering the importance of gonadal hormone fluctuations in governing vascular function and the potential misinterpretation of cardiovascular biomarkers, it is necessary for cardiovascular researchers to include females and accurately track their hormone changes. Saliva-derived measures of gonadal hormones provide a simple and noninvasive method for monitoring, which may facilitate the inclusion of females in cardiovascular research studies.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-HEART AND CIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ellen G. Wall, Reena Desai, Zin Khant Aung, Shel Hwa Yeo, David R. Grattan, David J. Handelsman, Allan E. Herbison
Summary: Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, the study provides a detailed profile of gonadal steroid levels across the estrous cycle of C57BL/6J mice. The results show that the levels of estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin vary at different stages of the estrous cycle, indicating species differences between mice and other ovulating species. These findings have important implications for understanding reproductive physiology in mice.
Article
Developmental Biology
S. Marla, S. Mortlock, S. Houshdaran, J. Fung, B. McKinnon, S. J. Holdsworth-Carson, J. E. Girling, P. A. W. Rogers, L. C. Giudice, G. W. Montgomery
Summary: The study found that genetic regulation of genes in the ESR1 region is associated with endometriosis risk, with gene expression influenced more significantly by hormone concentrations and receptor expression. Due to limited sample size and cellular heterogeneity, the study also noted that detecting genetic effects on gene expression may be challenging.
MOLECULAR HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Raquel Bodoque-Villar, David Padilla-Valverde, Lucia Maria Gonzalez-Lopez, Jose Ramon Munoz-Rodriguez, Javier Arias-Pardilla, Clara Villar-Rodriguez, Francisco Javier Gomez-Romero, Gema Verdugo-Moreno, Francisco Javier Redondo-Calvo, Leticia Serrano-Oviedo
Summary: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The expression of CXCR4 in the tumor stroma is associated with poor tumor differentiation, but no significant association was found with survival and other clinicopathological variables.
WORLD JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Caroline B. Appleyard, Idhaliz Flores, Annelyn Torres-Reveron
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Abdon Lopez, Myrella L. Cruz, Gladys Chompre, Siomara Hernandez, Raymond A. Isidro, Idhaliz Flores, Caroline B. Appleyard
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Yatzmeli Matias-Gonzalez, Astrid N. Sanchez-Galarza, Idhaliz Flores-Caldera, Eliut Rivera-Segarra
Summary: The study found that stigmatization is a significant barrier among women living with endometriosis, as they are often labeled negatively in various contexts and interactions with family members, partners, and healthcare professionals.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSOMATIC OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Stacey A. Missmer, Frank F. Tu, Sanjay K. Agarwal, Charles Chapron, Ahmed M. Soliman, Stephanie Chiuve, Samantha Eichner, Idhaliz Flores-Caldera, Andrew W. Horne, Alexandra B. Kimball, Marc R. Laufer, Nicholas Leyland, Sukhbir S. Singh, Hugh S. Taylor, Sawsan As-Sanie
Summary: Endometriosis can have profound negative impacts on individuals' lives, affecting various aspects such as quality of life, physical health, social activities, and relationships. The disease may lead to difficulties in education, career, relationships, and family formation, ultimately altering one's life trajectory.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Katelyn F. Handley, Sumit Mehta, Alexandra L. Martin, Subir Biswas, Kamira Maharaj, Mate Z. Nagy, Jessica A. Mine, Carla Cortina, Xiaoqing Yu, Kimberly Sprenger, Gunjan Mandal, Patrick Innamarato, John J. Powers, Carly M. Harro, Ricardo A. Chaurio, Carmen M. Anadon, Mian M. Shahzad, Idhaliz Flores, Jose R. Conejo-Garcia
Summary: The study demonstrates that shared antibody responses in endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer can counteract malignant progression and have the potential for developing immunotherapies. Antibodies targeting tumor-promoting syndecan binding protein (SDCBP) show anti-tumor activity in mouse models of ovarian carcinoma. These findings suggest that utilizing tumor-derived antibodies may be a promising approach for future immunotherapies.
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Cristina I. Nieves-Vazquez, Amanda C. Detres-Marquez, Annelyn Torres-Reveron, Caroline B. Appleyard, Astrid P. Llorens-De Jesus, Ivana N. Resto, Veronica Lopez-Rodriguez, Paola M. Ramos-Echevarria, Eida M. Castro, Idhaliz Flores
Summary: We developed and tested an Environmental Enrichment (EE) intervention in a pilot randomized clinical trial for endometriosis patients. The feasibility and acceptability of the intervention were assessed through recruitment, enrollment, and adherence rates, as well as post-intervention surveys and focus group discussions. The results showed that the EE intervention was perceived as valuable and acceptable among participants, indicating its potential integration into clinical management.
FRONTIERS IN GLOBAL WOMENS HEALTH
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Allison Bahr, Edna Gordian, Jaileene Perez-Morales, Jose Oliveras, Teresita Munoz-Antonia, Idhaliz Flores, W. Douglas Cress
CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY BIOMARKERS & PREVENTION
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Abigail E. Lantz, Allison Bahr, Edna R. Gordian, Jaileene Perez-Morales, Marilin Rosa, Jamie K. Teer, Dung-Tsa Chen, Jose A. Oliveras, Julie Dutil, Teresita Munoz-Antonia, Idhaliz Flores, W. Douglas Cress
CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY BIOMARKERS & PREVENTION
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Katelyn Handley, Sumit Mehta, Alexandra Martin, Subir Biswas, Kamira Karen Maharaj, Jessica A. Mine, Carla Cortina, Mate Nagy, Kimberly Sprenger, Gunjan Mandal, Patrick Innamarato, John Joseph Powers, Carly M. Harro, Ricardo A. Chaurio, Carmen M. Anadon, Javier Pinilla-Ibarz, Mian M. Shahzad, Idhaliz Flores, Jose Conejo-Garcia
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Abigail E. Lantz, William D. Cress, Allison Bahr, Edna Gordian, Jaileene Perez-Morales, Idhaliz Flores, Maria Rojas
CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY BIOMARKERS & PREVENTION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Caroline B. Appleyard, Myrella L. Cruz, Johnathan Velazquez-Cruz, Raquel M. Rivera-Mendez, Juan G. Jimenez-Garcia, Luis A. Rivera, Maria del Mar Mendez-Casillas, Idhaliz Flores, Layla Al-Nakkash, Gladys Chompre
Summary: Our findings suggest that voluntary physical exercise can potentially protect against endometriosis and alleviate inflammation through immune modulation of the HPA axis. This offers the potential for further exploration of exercise as a complementary therapy in endometriosis patients.
FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Paola M. Ramos-Echevarria, Denisse M. Soto-Soto, Annelyn Torres-Reveron, Caroline B. Appleyard, Tala Akkawi, Barbara D. Barros-Cartagena, Veronica Lopez-Rodriguez, Eida M. Castro-Figueroa, Idhaliz Flores
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ariana Alvarado, Paola Ramos, Carlos Sierra, Madeline Zapata, Denisse Soto, Idhaliz Flores
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Idhaliz M. Flores-Caldera, Paola Ramos-Echevarria, Jose A. Oliveras-Torres, Natasha Santos-Pinero, Estefania D. M. Rivera-Mudafort, Denisse Soto-Soto, Brian E. Hernandez-Colon, Luis Rivera-Hiraldo, Loraine Mas, Mary J. Rodriguez-Rabassa, Nabal Bracero, Edgardo Rolla
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive clinical-demographic profile of Hispanic/Latinx endometriosis patients, revealing differences in clinical presentation such as higher prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia, and elevated levels of pain catastrophizing compared to other cohorts. While further research is needed to explore the impact of race and ethnicity on pain and outcomes, this profile serves as the initial step towards recognizing risk factors, diagnostic features, and enhancing clinical management for this patient population. The EPHect questionnaire proves to be an efficient tool for data collection across ethnicities and regions to address disparities in endometriosis research.
FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Paola M. Ramos-Echevarria, Denisse M. Soto-Soto, Annelyn Torres-Reveron, Caroline B. Appleyard, Tala Akkawi, Barbara D. Barros-Cartagena, Veronica Lopez-Rodriguez, Eida M. Castro-Figueroa, Idhaliz Flores-Caldera
Summary: The study found that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the health and wellbeing of endometriosis patients, leading to worsened symptoms and increased stress levels. During the pandemic, patients experienced changes in risk behaviors and faced significant barriers in accessing medical appointments, procedures, and prescriptions. Electronic health modalities were seen as acceptable alternatives for gynecologic care during natural disasters.
JOURNAL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PELVIC PAIN DISORDERS
(2021)