Abstract
From their initial description in 2005 to this day, telocytes (TCs) have been described in the ovary, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, mammary gland, and placenta. Their morphological features, immunophenotype, physiological functions, and roles in disease have been thoroughly documented in both animal models and human subjects. TCs, with their extremely long cytoplasmic processes called telopodes, play a pivotal role in the morphological and functional interconnection of all the components of the interstitial compartment, but also with constituents of the parenchyma. Although there is no specific immunohistochemical marker for their identification, the most cited are CD 117, CD 34, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), vimentin, and specific markers typical for the female reproductive system (FRS)—estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER and PR). This immunophenotype provides important clues to their physiological roles. Their main functions include the regulation of hormone-dependent processes, intercellular signaling, immune surveillance, microenvironmental maintenance, and the nursing of stem cells. In a situation where TCs are functionally or morphologically decimated, many disease entities may develop, including premature ovarian failure, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, preeclampsia, or even breast cancer. The common denominator of many of these conditions is that their etiopathogenesis is either partially known or completely obscure. Even though the exact role of TCs in these conditions is yet to be revealed, multiple lines of research indicate that their future clinical application may enrich diagnostic-therapeutic strategies of countless conditions. TCs are also heavily debated in terms of their possible use in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Some of the concepts related to TC research are strongly substantiated by experimental data, while others are highly speculative. Only future research endeavors will clearly distinguish dead-end lines of research from genuine contributions to the field.
Highlights
The female reproductive organs form a highly complex and intricately connected system with many peculiarities unlike any other when we consider other organ systems of the mammalian body
The most astonishing feature of the female reproductive system (FRS) is its capability to induce immune tolerance towards the hemiallogenic embryo. This characteristic has been evolutionarily conserved for tens of millions of years, we still do not fully understand it, despite the fact that over the last few decades, the knowledge of the morphology, physiology, and pathophysiology of the FRS has been growing exponentially [1,2]
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of TCs in the organs of the FRS, focusing mainly on the past five years, with respect to their physiological roles, potential contribution to the pathogenesis of different FRS-related conditions, and the current understanding of TC roles in regenerative medicine concerning the FRS
Summary
The female reproductive organs form a highly complex and intricately connected system with many peculiarities unlike any other when we consider other organ systems of the mammalian body. The most astonishing feature of the female reproductive system (FRS) is its capability to induce immune tolerance towards the hemiallogenic embryo. This characteristic has been evolutionarily conserved for tens of millions of years, we still do not fully understand it, despite the fact that over the last few decades, the knowledge of the morphology, physiology, and pathophysiology of the FRS has been growing exponentially [1,2]. One of the most significant, which has become a global problem, especially in developed countries, is female-factor infertility [4] Another clinically important issue is the proneness of some FRS organs to cancerogenesis [5]. In order to do so, we have searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to find relevant articles, mainly from the above-mentioned time span, looking for original papers with experimental data on both human subjects and animal models
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