scholarly journals Expression of Caspases in the Pig Endometrium Throughout the Estrous Cycle and at the Maternal-Conceptus Interface During Pregnancy and Regulation by Steroid Hormones and Cytokines

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wonchul Jung ◽  
Inkyu Yoo ◽  
Jisoo Han ◽  
Minjeong Kim ◽  
Soohyung Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Steroid Hormones ◽  
Estrous Cycle ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Cellular Differentiation ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Interferon Γ ◽  
Endometrial Cells ◽  
Estradiol 17Β ◽  
Implantation Period

Caspases, a family of cysteine protease enzymes, are a critical component of apoptotic cell death, but they are also involved in cellular differentiation. The expression of caspases during apoptotic processes in reproductive tissues has been shown in some species; however, the expression and regulation of caspases in the endometrium and placental tissues of pigs has not been fully understood. Therefore, we determined the expression of caspases CASP3, CASP6, CASP7, CASP8, CASP9, and CASP10 in the endometrium throughout the estrous cycle and pregnancy. During the estrous cycle, the expression of all caspases and during pregnancy, the expression of CASP3, CASP6, and CASP7 in the endometrium changed in a stage-specific manner. Conceptus and chorioallantoic tissues also expressed caspases during pregnancy. CASP3, cleaved-CASP3, and CASP7 proteins were localized to endometrial cells, with increased levels in luminal and glandular epithelial cells during early pregnancy, whereas apoptotic cells in the endometrium were limited to some scattered stromal cells with increased numbers on Day 15 of pregnancy. In endometrial explant cultures, the expression of some caspases was affected by steroid hormones (estradiol-17β and/or progesterone), and the cytokines interleukin-1β and interferon-γ induced the expression of CASP3 and CASP7, respectively. These results indicate that caspases are dynamically expressed in the endometrium throughout the estrous cycle and at the maternal-conceptus interface during pregnancy in response to steroid hormones and conceptus signals. Thus, caspase action could be important in regulating endometrial and placental function and epithelial cell function during the implantation period in pigs.

scholarly journals Localization of ISG15 and Conjugated Proteins in Bovine Endometrium Using Immunohistochemistry and Electron Microscopy

Endocrinology ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 145 (2) ◽  
pp. 967-975 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathy J. Austin ◽  
Amy L. Carr ◽  
James K. Pru ◽  
Carol E. Hearne ◽  
Evee L. George ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Estrous Cycle ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Cellular Localization ◽  
Endometrial Cells ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Specific Localization ◽  
Uterine Proteins ◽  
D 23 ◽  
Endometrial Epithelial Cells

Abstract The interferon-stimulated gene ISG15, a ubiquitin homolog, becomes conjugated to and regulates uterine proteins in response to conceptus-derived interferon-τ on d 18 of pregnancy. It was hypothesized here that cellular localization of ISG15 within endometrial cells might provide insight regarding function. Uteri were collected from cows (∼21-d estrous cycle) on d 17–21/0 of the estrous cycle and pregnancy and d 23, 45, and 50 of pregnancy. Intracellular ISG15 and its conjugates were present on d 17 of pregnancy, peaked to highest levels from d 18 to 23 and then declined to low but detectable levels by d 45 (P < 0.05) based on Western blotting. ISG15 and its conjugates were not detected on d 50 of pregnancy or during the estrous cycle. Immunohistochemistry revealed that ISG15 was localized throughout the endometrium on d 18–23, with heaviest staining in the sublumenal stratum compactum and the glandular epithelium throughout the stratum spongiosum. By d 45 and 50, ISG15 was lightly stained only in the stratum compactum immediately beneath the lumenal epithelium. Using transmission electron microscopy and immunogold labeling, ISG15 was specifically localized to organelles and compartments of endometrial epithelial cells and stromal cells: nucleus, perinuclear space, cytosol, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and cell membrane. This specific localization in epithelial and stromal cells led to the conclusion that ISG15 has diverse intracellular functions. The sustained presence of conjugated ISG15 through d 50 of pregnancy might reflect stabilization of conjugated proteins in response to implantation and the development of the placenta.

scholarly journals Steroid Receptor Coregulators Can Modulate the Action of Progesterone Receptor during the Estrous Cycle in Cow Endometrium

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3217
Author(s):  
Robert Rekawiecki ◽  
Karolina Dobrzyn ◽  
Magdalena K. Kowalik
Keyword(s):  
Progesterone Receptor ◽  
Estrous Cycle ◽  
Protein Production ◽  
Endometrial Cells ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Nuclear Receptor Coregulators ◽  
Coregulatory Proteins ◽  
Implantation Period

Nuclear receptor coregulators include coactivators and corepressors which associate with the progesterone receptor (PGR) during its activation. Fluctuations in the transcription levels of their respective genes and subsequent protein production as well as in related activities for histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) can affect PGR function and thus change the action of progesterone (P4) in bovine endometrium during the estrous cycle. Endometrial tissue on days 2–5, 6–10, 11–16, and 17–20 of the estrous cycle was used for determination of the mRNA expression levels of coactivators P300, CREB, and SRC-1 along with corepressor NCOR-2 using Real-Time PCR, with protein levels by Western blot. Coregulators cellular localizations were assessed by immunohistochemistry whereas the activities of HAT and HDAC by using EIA. The highest levels of mRNA and proteins for all of the investigated coregulators, as well as the highest levels of activity for HAT and HDAC, were detected over days 2–16 of the estrous cycle. All of the tested coregulatory proteins were localized in the nuclei of endometrial cells. This research indicates the important role of coregulators of the PGR receptor in regulating P4 activity in endometrial cells, especially during the pre-implantation period.

scholarly journals Interleukins Affect Equine Endometrial Cell Function: Modulatory Action of Ovarian Steroids

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Z. Szóstek ◽  
Antonio M. Galvão ◽  
Takuo Hojo ◽  
Kiyoshi Okuda ◽  
Dariusz J. Skarzynski
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Endometrial Cell ◽  
Ovarian Steroids ◽  
Endometrial Cells

The aim of the present study was to investigate the interaction between ovarian steroids, interleukins and prostaglandins (PG) in equine epithelial and stromal cells in vitro. In Experiment 1, cells were exposed to IL-1α(10 ng/mL), IL-1β(10 ng/mL) or IL-6 (10 ng/mL) for 24 h and cell proliferation was determined using MTT. In Experiment 2, cells were exposed to progesterone (P4; 10−7 M); 17-βestradiol (E2; 10−9 M) or P4+E2for 24 h and later medium was replaced with a fresh one treated with IL-1α, IL-1βor IL-6 (10 ng/mL, each) for 24 h. The oxytocin (OT; 10−7 M) was used as a positive control. In Experiment 3, cells were exposed to P4(10−7 M), E2(10−9 M) or P4+E2for 24 h and theIL receptormRNAs transcription was determined using Real-time PCR. Prostaglandins concentration was determined using the direct enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method. Our findings reveal a functional linking between ovarian steroids and IL-stimulated PG secretion by equine endometrial cells. This interaction could be one of the mechanisms responsible for endometrial local orchestrating events during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy.

scholarly journals Estrogen- and Progesterone (P4)-Mediated Epigenetic Modifications of Endometrial Stromal Cells (EnSCs) and/or Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSCs) in the Etiopathogenesis of Endometriosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dariusz Szukiewicz ◽  
Aleksandra Stangret ◽  
Carmen Ruiz-Ruiz ◽  
Enrique G. Olivares ◽  
Olga Soriţău ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Uterine Cavity ◽  
Retrograde Transport ◽  
Surrounding Tissue ◽  
Pelvic Cavity ◽  
Endometrial Stromal Cells ◽  
Endometrial Cells ◽  
Estrogen Exposure ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Condition

AbstractEndometriosis is a common chronic inflammatory condition in which endometrial tissue appears outside the uterine cavity. Because ectopic endometriosis cells express both estrogen and progesterone (P4) receptors, they grow and undergo cyclic proliferation and breakdown similar to the endometrium. This debilitating gynecological disease affects up to 15% of reproductive aged women. Despite many years of research, the etiopathogenesis of endometrial lesions remains unclear. Retrograde transport of the viable menstrual endometrial cells with retained ability for attachment within the pelvic cavity, proliferation, differentiation and subsequent invasion into the surrounding tissue constitutes the rationale for widely accepted implantation theory. Accordingly, the most abundant cells in the endometrium are endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs). These cells constitute a particular population with clonogenic activity that resembles properties of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). Thus, a significant role of stem cell-based dysfunction in formation of the initial endometrial lesions is suspected. There is increasing evidence that the role of epigenetic mechanisms and processes in endometriosis have been underestimated. The importance of excess estrogen exposure and P4 resistance in epigenetic homeostasis failure in the endometrial/endometriotic tissue are crucial. Epigenetic alterations regarding transcription factors of estrogen and P4 signaling pathways in MSCs are robust in endometriotic tissue. Thus, perspectives for the future may include MSCs and EnSCs as the targets of epigenetic therapies in the prevention and treatment of endometriosis. Here, we reviewed the current known changes in the epigenetic background of EnSCs and MSCs due to estrogen/P4 imbalances in the context of etiopathogenesis of endometriosis.

scholarly journals Favorable Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist against Pancreatic β-Cell Glucose Toxicity and the Development of Arteriosclerosis: “The Earlier, the Better” in Therapy with Incretin-Based Medicine

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 7917
Author(s):  
Hideaki Kaneto ◽  
Tomohiko Kimura ◽  
Masashi Shimoda ◽  
Atsushi Obata ◽  
Junpei Sanada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Insulin Biosynthesis ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Pancreatic Β Cell ◽  
Β Cells ◽  
Β Cell ◽  
Glucose Toxicity

Fundamental pancreatic β-cell function is to produce and secrete insulin in response to blood glucose levels. However, when β-cells are chronically exposed to hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), insulin biosynthesis and secretion are decreased together with reduced expression of insulin transcription factors. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) plays a crucial role in pancreatic β-cells; GLP-1 binds to the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in the β-cell membrane and thereby enhances insulin secretion, suppresses apoptotic cell death and increase proliferation of β-cells. However, GLP-1R expression in β-cells is reduced under diabetic conditions and thus the GLP-1R activator (GLP-1RA) shows more favorable effects on β-cells at an early stage of T2DM compared to an advanced stage. On the other hand, it has been drawing much attention to the idea that GLP-1 signaling is important in arterial cells; GLP-1 increases nitric oxide, which leads to facilitation of vascular relaxation and suppression of arteriosclerosis. However, GLP-1R expression in arterial cells is also reduced under diabetic conditions and thus GLP-1RA shows more protective effects on arteriosclerosis at an early stage of T2DM. Furthermore, it has been reported recently that administration of GLP-1RA leads to the reduction of cardiovascular events in various large-scale clinical trials. Therefore, we think that it would be better to start GLP-1RA at an early stage of T2DM for the prevention of arteriosclerosis and protection of β-cells against glucose toxicity in routine medical care.

scholarly journals The In Vitro Effect of Steroid Hormones, Arachidonic Acid, and Kinases Inhibitors on Aquaporin 1, 2, 5, and 7 Gene Expression in the Porcine Uterine Luminal Epithelial Cells during the Estrous Cycle

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 832
Author(s):  
Damian Tanski ◽  
Agnieszka Skowronska ◽  
Malgorzata Tanska ◽  
Ewa Lepiarczyk ◽  
Mariusz T. Skowronski
Keyword(s):  
Arachidonic Acid ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Steroid Hormones ◽  
Estrous Cycle ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Mapk Kinase ◽  
Vitro Effect ◽  
Luminal Epithelial Cells

Aquaporins (AQPs) are integral membrane proteins, which play an important role in water homeostasis in the uterus. According to the literature, the expression of aquaporins in reproductive structures depends on the local hormonal milieu. The current study investigated the effect of selected PKA kinase inhibitor H89 and MAPK kinase inhibitor PD98059, on the expression of AQP1, 2, 5, and 7, and steroid hormones (E2), progesterone (P4), and arachidonic acid (AA) in the porcine endometrium on days 18–20 and 2–4 of the estrous cycle (the follicular phase where estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are secreted increasingly in preparation for estrus and the luteal phase where the ovarian follicles begin the process of luteinization with the formation of the corpus luteum and progesterone secretion, respectively). The luminal epithelial cells were incubated in vitro in the presence of the aforementioned factors. The expression of mRNA was determined by the quantitative real-time PCR technique. In general, in Experiment 1, steroid hormones significantly increased expression of AQP1, 2, and 5 while arachidonic acid increased expression of AQP2 and AQP7. On the other hand, MAPK kinase inhibitor significantly decreased the expression of AQP1 and 5. In Experiment 2, E2, P4, or AA combined with kinase inhibitors differentially affected on AQPs expression. E2 in combination with PKA inhibitor significantly decreased expression of AQP1 but E2 or P4 combined with this inhibitor increased the expression of AQP5 and 7. On the contrary, E2 with PD98059 significantly increased AQP5 and AQP7 expression. Progesterone in combination with MAPK kinase inhibitor significantly downregulated the expression of AQP5 and upregulated AQP7. Arachidonic acid mixed with H89 or PD98059 caused a decrease in the expression of AQP5 and an increase of AQP7. The obtained results indicate that estradiol, progesterone, and arachidonic acid through PKA and MAPK signaling pathways regulate the expression of AQP1 and AQP5 in the porcine luminal epithelial cells in the periovulatory period.

scholarly journals Bovine herpesvirus 4 is tropic for bovine endometrial cells and modulates endocrine function

Reproduction ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 134 (1) ◽  
pp. 183-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaetano Donofrio ◽  
Shan Herath ◽  
Chiara Sartori ◽  
Sandro Cavirani ◽  
Cesidio Filippo Flammini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Bovine Herpesvirus ◽  
Endocrine Function ◽  
Uterine Disease ◽  
Endometrial Stromal Cells ◽  
Persistently Infected ◽  
Endometrial Cells ◽  
Bovine Herpesvirus 4 ◽  
Herpesvirus 4

Bovinepostpartumuterine disease, metritis, affects about 40% of animals and is widely considered to have a bacterial aetiology. Although the γ-herpesvirus bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) has been isolated from several outbreaks of metritis or abortion, the role of viruses in endometrial pathology and the mechanisms of viral infection of uterine cells are often ignored. The objectives of the present study were to explore the interaction, tropism and outcomes of BoHV-4 challenge of endometrial stromal and epithelial cells. Endometrial stromal and epithelial cells were purified and infected with a recombinant BoHV-4 carrying an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression cassette to monitor the establishment of infection. BoHV-4 efficiently infected both stromal and epithelial cells, causing a strong non-apoptotic cytopathic effect, associated with robust viral replication. The crucial step for the BoHV-4 endometriotropism appeared to be after viral entry as there was enhanced transactivation of the BoHV-4 immediate early 2 gene promoter following transient transfection into the endometrial cells. Infection with BoHV-4 increased cyclooxygenase 2 protein expression and prostaglandin estradiol secretion in endometrial stromal cells, but not epithelial cells. Bovine macrophages are persistently infected with BoHV-4, and co-culture with endometrial stromal cells reactivated BoHV-4 replication in the persistently infected macrophages, suggesting a symbiotic relationship between the cells and virus. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence of cellular and molecular mechanisms, supporting the concept that BoHV-4 is a pathogen associated with uterine disease.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document