Abstract
Adult stem cells have a major role in endometrial physiology, including remodelling and repair. However, they also have a critical role in the development and progression of endometriosis. Bone marrow‐derived stem cells engraft eutopic endometrium and endometriotic lesions, differentiating to both stromal and epithelial cell fates. Using a mouse bone marrow transplantation model, we show that bone marrow‐derived cells engrafting endometriosis express CXCR4 and CXCR7. Targeting either receptor by the administration of small molecule receptor antagonists AMD3100 or CCX771, respectively, reduced BM‐derived stem cell recruitment into endometriosis implants. Endometriosis lesion size was decreased compared to vehicle controls after treatment with each antagonist in both an early growth and established lesion treatment model. Endometriosis lesion size was not effected when the local effects of CXCL12 were abrogated using uterine‐specific CXCL12 null mice, suggesting an effect primarily on bone marrow cell migration rather than a direct endometrial effect. Antagonist treatment also decreased hallmarks of endometriosis physiopathology such as pro‐inflammatory cytokine production and vascularization. CXCR4 and CXCR7 antagonists are potential novel, non‐hormonal therapies for endometriosis.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.