ATI-2341 Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA) Promotes Menstrual Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Recruitment and Enhances Uterine Repair Through Gi Pathway in Asherman’s Syndrome

This study aimed to explore the role of ATI-2341 in Asherman’s syndrome and its impact on menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs). Following establishment of endometrial injury model, MenSCs were extracted from rats and cultured. They were treated with ATI-2341 TFA at different concentrations (10 ng/mL, 50 ng/mL, 100 ng/mL) and MenSCs treated without ATI-2341 TFA were taken as controls. Flow cytometry was conducted to detect the cell cycle. MTT was carried out to evaluate proliferation of endometrial cells. The expression levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, CK, and VIM were determined with staining used to reflect morphology of endometrium. Administration with ATI-2341 TFA resulted in decreased expression of MMP-9 and increased expression of TIMP-1 in a dose-dependent manner. Of note, the increase of ATI-2341 TFA concentration was accompanied with elevated cell proliferation rate, increased number of glands in the endometrium, and decreased fibrosis area. As treated with 100 ng/mL ATI-2341 TFA, the cells exhibited more glands than that under other concentrations with uniformly arranged glands and lowest expression levels of CK and VIM, control group had plenty of blue-stained collagen fibers in the intima and least amount of glands. ATI-2341 TFA 100 ng/mL induced endometrial epithelial recruitment effect on MenSCs and promoted endometrial repair more significantly than Gi-3 pathway agonists. Collectively, ATI-2341 TFA enhances MenSC recruitment and facilitates endometrial epithelial cells proliferation and the repair of uterine damage in Asherman’s syndrome through Gi pathway. These findings provide a\ novel insight into the MenSC-based treatment against Asherman’s syndrome and deserve further investigation.

Human embryos in a dish – modeling early embryonic development with pluripotent stem cells

Stem cell-based embryo models present new opportunities to study early embryonic development. In a recent study, Kagawa et al. identified an approach to create human pluripotent stem cell-based blastoids that resemble the human blastocysts. These blastoids efficiently generated analogs of the EPI, TE, PrE lineages with transcriptomes highly similar to those found in vivo. Furthermore, the formation of these lineages followed the same sequence and pace of blastocyst development, and was also dependent on the same pathways required for lineage specification. Finally, the blastoids were capable of attaching to stimulated endometrial cells to mimic the process of implantation. While more comprehensive analysis is needed to confirm its validity and usefulness, this new blastoid system presents the latest development in the attempt to model early human embryogenesis in vitro.

Proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles secreted by primary human epithelial endometrial cells reveals key proteins related to embryo implantation

Background Successful implantation is dependent on coordination between maternal endometrium and embryo, and the role of EVs in the required cross-talk cell-to-cell has been recently established. In this regard, it has been reported that EVs secreted by the maternal endometrium can be internalized by human trophoblastic cells transferring their contents and enhancing their adhesive and invasive capacity. This is the first study to comprehensively evaluate three EV isolation methods on human endometrial epithelial cells in culture and to describe the proteomic content of EVs secreted by pHEECs from fertile women. Methods Ishikawa cells and pHEECs were in vitro cultured and hormonally treated; subsequently, conditioned medium was collected and EVs isolated. Ishikawa cells were used for the comparison of EVs isolation methods ultracentrifugation, ExoQuick-TC and Norgen Cell Culture Media Exosome Purification Kit (n = 3 replicates/isolation method). pHEECs were isolated from endometrial biopsies (n = 8/replicate; 3 replicates) collected from healthy oocyte donors with confirmed fertility, and protein content of EVs isolated by the most efficient methodology was analysed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. EV concentration and size were analyzed by nanoparticle tracking analysis, EV morphology visualized by transmission electron microscopy and protein marker expression was determined by Western blotting. Results Ultracentrifugation was the most efficient methodology for EV isolation from medium of endometrial epithelial cells. EVs secreted by pHEECs and isolated by ultracentrifugation were heterogeneous in size and expressed EV protein markers HSP70, TSG101, CD9, and CD81. Proteomic analysis identified 218 proteins contained in these EVs enriched in biological processes involved in embryo implantation, including cell adhesion, differentiation, communication, migration, extracellular matrix organization, vasculature development, and reproductive processes. From these proteins, 82 were selected based on their functional relevance in implantation success as possible implantation biomarkers. Conclusions EV protein cargos are implicated in biological processes related to endometrial receptivity, embryo implantation, and early embryo development, supporting the concept of a communication system between the embryo and the maternal endometrium via EVs. Identified proteins may define new biomarkers of endometrial receptivity and implantation success.

The effect of ENEAS application in patients with endometriosis and its influence on the level of IL-8 and MCP-1

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease that endometrial cells develop outside the uterus. This event happens when the endometrial glands grow outside the endometrium and uterine muscles, especially in the pelvis. Although endometriosis is widespread, the clinical manifestations of the disease are very different, and it is challenging to adapt to the conventional classification system to divide patients into homogeneous groups. Given the importance of endometriosis, a correct, accurate, and timely diagnosis of this disease can significantly prevent its complications. Using health-related software is one of these ways. Enhanced Endometriosis Archiving Software (ENEAS) is a web-based application based on one of the most widely used open-source database management systems (MySQL), allowing the direct link to other open-source software for data management and storage. In the current study, the effect of ENEAS application was considered in patients with endometriosis, and its influence on IL-8 and MCP-1 gene expression was evaluated. For this purpose, 100 women with endometriosis were divided into two groups of 50 patients. The first group (control group) was examined by a gynecologist and received medication and treatment. In the case group, their demographic and clinical information were entered into ENEAS software. To study the expression of the IL-8 gene and MCP-1 gene, after collecting 5 ml of blood samples in tubes containing anticoagulant, RNA extraction was performed by Total RNA Purification Kit (Cat. 17200, 37500, 17250). Then cDNA synthesis was performed for this purpose, and a Bioneer DNA synthesis kit (South Korea) was used. The results showed that the expression level of the IL-8 gene in the case group was significantly reduced compared to the control group (P = 0.035). MCP-1 gene expression was also decreased compared to the control group, but this decrease was not significant. Therefore, those who used this application for treatment had reduced expression of IL-8 and MCP-1 genes. This event indicates that this application has reduced the amount of inflammation caused by endometriosis with proper analysis.

Design, Synthesis and Preclinical Assessment of 99mTc-iFAP for In Vivo Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) Imaging

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is expressed in the microenvironment of most human epithelial tumors. 68Ga-labeled FAP inhibitors based on the cyanopyrrolidine structure (FAPI) are currently used for the detection of the tumor microenvironment by PET imaging. This research aimed to design, synthesize and preclinically evaluate a new FAP inhibitor radiopharmaceutical based on the 99mTc-((R)-1-((6-hydrazinylnicotinoyl)-D-alanyl) pyrrolidin-2-yl) boronic acid (99mTc-iFAP) structure for SPECT imaging. Molecular docking for affinity calculations was performed using the AutoDock software. The chemical synthesis was based on a series of coupling reactions of 6-hidrazinylnicotinic acid (HYNIC) and D-alanine to a boronic acid derivative. The iFAP was prepared as a lyophilized formulation based on EDDA/SnCl2 for labeling with 99mTc. The radiochemical purity (R.P.) was verified via ITLC-SG and reversed-phase radio-HPLC. The stability in human serum was evaluated by size-exclusion HPLC. In vitro cell uptake was assessed using N30 stromal endometrial cells (FAP positive) and human fibroblasts (FAP negative). Biodistribution and tumor uptake were determined in Hep-G2 tumor-bearing nude mice, from which images were acquired using a micro-SPECT/CT. The iFAP ligand (Ki = 0.536 nm, AutoDock affinity), characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR, 1H–NMR and UPLC-mass spectroscopies, was synthesized with a chemical purity of 92%. The 99mTc-iFAP was obtained with a R.P. >98%. In vitro and in vivo studies indicated high radiotracer stability in human serum (>95% at 24 h), specific recognition for FAP, high tumor uptake (7.05 ± 1.13% ID/g at 30 min) and fast kidney elimination. The results found in this research justify additional dosimetric and clinical studies to establish the sensitivity and specificity of the 99mTc-iFAP.

Peritoneal endometriosis and infertility

Peritoneal endometriosis and infertility in most of patients (in 80%) are pathogenetically conjugated. Both peritoneal endometriosis and infertility are based in ovarian failure. These women have a low endometrial receptivity for blastocysts implantation (retardation development of glands, vessels, and stroma; changes in the microrelief of the epithelium). Even at the beginning of the menstruation patients with peritoneal endometriosis and infertility have cells with a great adhesive and proliferative potential in the endometrium. This kind of cells have an ability for long autonomous existence. Ovarian failure in these women is a promotion factor for development of the retrograde menstruation. In these conditions the endometrial cells with adhesive potential are frequently bringing in the abdominal cavity. Active endometrium heterotopias support the ovarian failure and create conditions for uterine infertility (implantation disorders).

Recent Insights into Human Endometrial Peptidases in Blastocyst Implantation via Shedding of Microvesicles

Blastocyst implantation involves multiple interactions with numerous molecules expressed in endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) during the implantation window; however, there is limited information regarding the molecular mechanism underlying the crosstalk. In blastocysts, fibronectin plays a major role in the adhesion of various types of cells by binding to extracellular matrix proteins via the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif. In EECs, RGD-recognizing integrins are important bridging receptors for fibronectin, whereas the non-RGD binding of fibronectin includes interactions with dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV)/cluster of differentiation (CD) 26. Fibronectin may also bind to aminopeptidase N (APN)/CD13, and in the endometrium, these peptidases are present in plasma membranes and lysosomal membranes. Blastocyst implantation is accompanied by lysosome exocytosis, which transports various peptidases and nutrients into the endometrial cavity to facilitate blastocyst implantation. Both DPPIV and APN are released into the uterine cavity via shedding of microvesicles (MVs) from EECs. Recently, extracellular vesicles derived from endometrial cells have been proposed to act on trophectoderm cells to promote implantation. MVs are also secreted from embryonal stem cells and may play an active role in implantation. Thus, crosstalk between the blastocyst and endometrium via extracellular vesicles is a new insight into the fundamental molecular basis of blastocyst implantation.

BMSCs and Pectin-Based E2-Loaded Microcapsules with Injectable Pectin-Pluronic® F-127 Scaffolds for Mouse Endometrial Regeneration Application

Background Uterine endometrium is a highly dynamic tissue which consists of a basal layer and a functional layer. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been recognized as new candidates for the treatment of serious endometrial injuries. However, due to the local microenvironment of damaged endometrium, transplantation of BMSCs yielded disappointing results with respect to survival, attachment, differentiation, and proliferation. Methods Pectin-Pluronic® F-127 scaffolds were fabricated. E2 was encapsulated into the W/O/W microspheres to construct pectin-based E2-loaded microcapsules (E2 MPs). The BMSCs/E2 MPs/scaffolds system was then injected into the uterine cavity of mouse endometrial injury model. Furthermore, the mechanism of E2 in promoting the repair of endometrial injury was also investigated. Result Pectin-Pluronic® F-127 scaffolds could provide three-dimensional architecture for the attachment, growth, and migration of BMSCs. E2 MPs has the potential to serve as a long-term reliable source of E2 for endometrial regeneration. At four weeks after transplantation, it was demonstrated that the system increased proliferative abilities of uterine endometrial cells, facilitated microvasculature regeneration, and restored the ability of endometrium to receive an embryo, suggesting that the BMSCs/E2 MPs/scaffolds system is a promising treatment option for endometrial regeneration. Exosomes are critical paracrine mediators that act as biochemical cues to direct stem cell differentiation. In this study, it was found that the expression of endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) markers was up-regulated in BMSCs treated by exosomes secreted from endometrial stromal cells (ESCs-Exos). Exosomes derived from E2-stimulated ESCs further promoted the expression level of EECs markers in BMSCs, suggesting exosomes released from ESCs by E2 stimulation could enhance the differentiation efficiency of BMSCs. Conclusion The BMSCs/E2 MPs/scaffolds therapeutic strategy may be beneficial in the treatment of severely damaged endometrium. Exosomes derived from ESCs play paracrine roles in endometrial regeneration stimulated by E2, potentially modulating the differentiation of BMSCs.