Levels In Uterus Research Articles

Effect of Vitamin D3 on Chemerin and Adiponectin Levels in Uterus of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rats.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder with disrupted uterus structure and function. A positive effect of vitamin D3 (VD3) in female reproduction was observed. Chemerin (RARRES2) and adiponectin (ADIPOQ) are the main adipokines whose levels are altered in PCOS patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of VD3 supplementation on RARRES2 and ADIPOQ levels in the uterus of PCOS rats. We analyzed the plasma levels and uterine transcript and protein expression of RARRES2 and ADIPOQ and their receptors (CCRL2, CMKLR1, GPR1, and ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2, respectively) in rats with letrozole-induced PCOS. In control animals, VD3 did not change plasma levels of both adipokines, while in PCOS rats supplemented with VD3, they returned to control levels. The expression of RARRES2 and all investigated receptors increased in the uterus of VD3-treated rats; however, the levels of Rarres2 and Gpr1 genes remained unchanged. VD3 supplementation decreased RARRES2, CMKLR1, and GPR1 but increased CCRL2 level to the control value. In the uterus of VD3-treated rats, the transcript and protein levels of ADIPOQ and both receptors ADIPOR1 increased. At the same time, VD3 supplementation induced an increase in Adipoq, Adipor1, and Adipor2 gene expression and restored protein levels to control level values. our findings indicate a new mechanism of VD3 action in the uterine physiology of PCOS rats.

Effect of progesterone administration on tissue mast cell population and histamine content in mice uterus after ovulation induction.

Mast cell population and histamine affect on blastocyst implantation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of progesterone administration after induction of ovulation on the uterine tissue mast cell population and histamine content in mice. We ran an experimental study on three groups of mice; control group, ovulation induction (induction group), and ovulation induction along with progesterone administration (progesterone group). Mast cells were counted using toluidine blue staining, and the histamine level was measured through spectrophotometry. According to the analysis of variance (ANOVA), there was no difference in mast cell population in endometrium (p=0.138) nor in myometrium (p=0.611). The ratio of mast cells in the myometrium per endometrium increased in the progesterone group in comparison to the control group based on a generalized linear model (p=0.041). The uterine histamine level was different between the groups, based on the ANOVA (p=0.039), in which the progesterone group had lower amounts of histamine. Progesterone administration after ovulation induction did not decrease the number of endometrial mast cells and could have increased the ratio of myometrium mast cells per endometrium mast cell. The histamine level in uterus decreased by the administration of progesterone in the ovulation-induced mice.

Circadian desynchronization in pregnancy of Golden hamster following long time light exposure: Involvement of Akt/FoxO1 pathway.

Coordination between central and peripheral reproductive clocks in females is poorly understood. Long light is having a hazardous effect on reproductive health. Hence, explored the effect of long-time light exposure (LLD; 16L:8D) on the central and peripheral reproductive (ovary and uterus) clock genes (Bmal1, Clock, Per1, Per2, Cry1 and Cry2) and its downstream regulators (Aanat, Egf, Cx26, Cx43, ERα, pAktS-473, pAktT-308, pFoxO1T-24, 14-3-3, HoxA10, HoxA11 and Pibf) expression in non-pregnant and pregnant Golden hamster. Young adult Golden hamsters were exposed to LLD for 30days and then were mated. We observed that LLD exposure increased the thickness of the endometrium and reduced myometrium thickness, resembling uterine adenomyosis. In non-pregnant females LLD altered the expressions of clock genes in suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), ovary and the uterus along with serum estradiol rhythm. LLD upregulated Egf and downregulated Aanat, Cx26, and Cx43 mRNA levels in uterus. LLD upregulated Akt/FoxO1 phosphorylation and 14-3-3 expressions in the uterus of nonpregnant females. LLD exposure to pregnant females lowered serum progesterone, Aanat, Pibf, Hoxa10, and Hoxa11 mRNA expressions on D4 (peri-implantation) and D8 (post-implantation) resulting in a low implantation rate on D8 (post-implantation). Hence it is evident that the frequent pregnancy anomalies noted under a long light schedule might be due to desynchronization in Aanat, Pibf, Hoxa10, and Hoxa11 as well as the central and peripheral clock genes (Bmal1, Clock, Per1, Per2, Cry1 and Cry2). LLD exposure desynchronized the central and peripheral reproductive clock affecting uterine physiology via Akt/FoxO1 pathway in Golden hamsters. Thus, LLD is a risk factor for female reproductive health and fertility.

Endometrial Microbiome and Women’s Reproductive Health – Review of the Problem Endometrial Microbiome and Reproductive Health

Currently, unlike in the past, the endometrial cavity is not considered to be sterile. The endometrium is supposed to be dominated by Lactobacilli, but also their deficiency can be found in the reproductive tract of asymptomatic healthy women. Sometimes the endometrial microbiome is dominated by various pathological microorganisms, and this can lead to various conditions as chronic endometritis, chorioamnionitis and preterm birth. Their presence causes uterine inflammation and infection, release of pro-inflammatory molecules, uterine contractions, disruption of cervical barrier, premature rupture of membranes. Uterine dysbiosis is associated with recurrent implantation failure and recurrent miscarriages. As the microbiome is important for maintaining immunological homeostasis at the level of gastrointestinal tract Lactobacilli may play a similar function at the level of uterus. The lactobacillus-dominated uterine microbiome is of great importance for maintaining a hostile uterine microenvironment, embryo implantation, early pregnancy development and normal pregnancy outcome.

Uterine artery closure at the origin vs at the uterus level in total laparoscopic hysterectomy: A randomized controlled trial.

The transfusion rate in hysterectomies for benign pathology is almost 3%. However, despite the strong interest in reducing intraoperative bleeding, limited evidence is available regarding the technical aspects concerning uterine vessel management during a total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). Uterine artery (UA) closure in TLH can be performed at the origin from the internal iliac artery or at the uterus level (UL). However, low-quality evidence is available regarding the superiority of one method over the other. We performed a single-blind randomized (1:1) controlled trial (NCT04156932) between December 2019 and August 2020. One hundred and eighty women undergoing TLH for benign gynecological diseases were randomized to TLH with UA closure at the origin from the internal iliac artery (n=90), performed at the beginning of the procedure by putting two clips per side at the origin, vs closure at the UL (n=90). Intraoperative blood loss estimated from suction devices was the primary outcome. Secondary end points were perioperative outcomes, the conversion rate from one technique to the other, and complication rates with 4months of follow up. Uterine artery closure at the origin was completed in all 90 patients (0%), whereas closure at the UL was converted to closure at the origin in 11 cases (12.2%; p<0.001); failures were mainly associated with the presence of endometriosis (81.8% [9/11] vs 10.1% [8/79]; p<0.001). In the intention-to-treat analysis, the intraoperative blood loss was higher in the group assigned to the closure at the UL (108.5mL) than in the group with closure at the origin (69.3mL); the mean difference was 39.2mL (95% CI 13.47-64.93mL; p=0.003). Other perioperative outcomes and complications rates did not differ. Uterine artery closure at the origin reduces intraoperative blood loss during a TLH and appears to be more reproducible than closure at the UL without higher complication rates. However, the absent translation in clinical benefits impedes the support of a clinical superiority in all women. Closure at the origin may provide clinical advantages in the presence of severe preoperative anemia or pelvic anatomic distortion.

Perpendicular and transverse needling of "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) relieves abdominal pain by regulating arginine vasopressin and its receptor expression levels in uterus and hypothalamus in cold-stasis type dysmenorrhea rats

To observe the effect of perpendicular and subcutaneous transverse needling at "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) on visceral pain behavior, arginine vasopressin (AVP) content in the serum, uterine tissues, spinal cord and hypothalamus and expression of AVP receptors AVPR1A and AVPR1B in the uterine tissues, spinal cord and hypothalamus in cold-stasis (stasis due to pathogenic cold) type dysmenorrhea rats, so as to explore their mechanisms underlying pain relief. Forty female SD rats were randomly divided into blank control, model, perpendicular needling and transverse needling groups, with 10 rats in each group. The cold-stasis dysmenorrhea rat model was established by exposure in a freezer (-25 ℃) for 4 h, once daily for 5 days, and subcutaneous injection of estradiol benzoate (once daily for 10 days) and intra-abdominal injection of oxytocin injection (once). For rats of the two acupuncture groups, acupuncture needles were inserted into the bilateral SP6 perpendicularly or transversely to a depth of about 4-5 mm, and retained for 20 min. The abdominal pain behavior was assessed by recording the writhing latency and scaling the rats' writhing reactions after modeling. The contents of AVP in the serum, uterus, spinal cord and hypothalamus tissues were assayed using ELISA and the expression of AVPR1A and AVPR1B in the uterus, spinal cord and hypothalamus was measured by using Western blot and quantitative real time-PCR, respectively. After mode-ling and compared with the blank control group, the writhing latency was significantly shortened (P<0.05), and the writhing score in the first 20 min was significantly increased (P<0.01) in the model group. After the intervention, the writhing latency was significantly prolonged (P<0.01), and the writhing scores in 20 min were significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the two needling groups. The AVP contents were obviously increased in the serum and uterine tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) but decreased appa-rently in the spinal cord and hypothalamus tissues (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the expression levels of AVPR1A or AVPR1B protein and mRNA were markedly increased in the uterine tissues (P<0.01, P<0.05), and significantly decreased in the spinal cord and hypotha-lamus in the model group relevant to the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Following the intervention, The AVP content in the serum of the perpendicular needling group (P<0.05) and that in the uterus of the two needling groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01), as well as that in the hypothalamus was obviously increased in the two needling groups (P<0.05). The expression levels of AVPR1A protein and mRNA in the uterus were significantly down-regulated in the two needling groups (P<0.01, P<0.05) and AVPR1B protein in the hypothalamus of the perpendicular needling group was up-regulated (P<0.05). Moreover, no significant differences were found between the two needling groups in regulating the related indexes mentioned above (P>0.05). Both perpendicular and subcutaneous transverse needling at SP6 have an immediate analgesic effect in cold-stasis type dysmenorrhea rats, which may be related to their effects in regulating AVP levels and its receptor expression in the uterine and hypothalamus.

Association of PRKCA expression and polymorphisms with layer duck eggshell quality

ABSTRACT 1. Eggshell quality is important for the poultry industry. Calcium is deposited during eggshell formation, and protein kinase C alpha (PRKCA) is involved in transmembrane transport of calcium ions in cells. However, the biological function of PRKCA in poultry is still not understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the association of mRNA expression and single nucleotidepolymorphisms (SNPs) of the PRKCA gene with eggshell quality in laying ducks. 2. The mRNA expression and SNPs of the PRKCA gene were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and sequencing of PCR products in 45-week-old female Sansui ducks, which is a high production layer duck breed in China. The association of mRNA expression and SNPs in the PRKCA gene with layer duck eggshell traits was analysed using SPSS (v18.0) software. 3. The results demonstrated that PRKCA mRNA was widely expressed in all examined tissues, and expression was highest in kidney and lowest in the gizzard. Furthermore, the PRKCA mRNA level in uterus was significantly positively correlated with eggshell strength and eggshell weight (P < 0.05). Three novel SNPs, the synonymous mutations of g.9571770 T > C in exon 5, g.9583222 C > T and g.9583227 G > A in exon 7, were found in the PRKCA gene, giving four haplotypes and 10 diplotypes, which affected the mRNA secondary structure and free energy. The g.9583222 C > T and g.9583227 G > A mutations were significantly associated with eggshell strength (P < 0.05). Diplotype H1H1 was advantageous for increasing the strength and thickness of an eggshell. 4. In conclusion, the study showed that the mRNA transcription and genetic variation in the PRKCA gene could significantly affect the strength of duck eggshell and that the PRKCA gene is an important candidate gene for improving eggshell quality in poultry.

The Chronic Use of Magnesium Decreases VEGF Levels in the Uterine Tissue in Rats.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the most important regulator of angiogenesis which serves to provide sufficient blood supply, and can trigger both physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Recent studies have shown that VEGF increases in gynecological diseases (such as endometriosis, ovarian, and endometrial cancers) and is a prognostic factor in these pathologies. Therefore, VEGF should be maintained at appropriate levels. Magnesium is used in many gynecological practices (such as eclampsia, preeclampsia, dysmenorrhea, and climacteric symptoms) and the mechanisms of action are still under investigation. Redox status, which can be regulated by magnesium, was shown to affect VEGF expression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronic magnesium use on VEGF and oxidative status in the uterus. Magnesium sulfate was administered to rats at doses of 30 mg/kg (intramuscular) for 2 weeks. VEGF, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured using ELISA; vascular and cellular alterations were determined by histology in the uterine tissue at the metoestrus phase. In the uterine tissue of Mg-treated subjects, magnesium levels increased while VEGF, SOD, GPx, and MDA levels decreased without histological changes. There was a negative correlation between uterine tissue magnesium levels and VEGF, SOD, GPx, and MDA levels. Consequently, the results of this study demonstrated that regular magnesium use decreased VEGF levels in uterus. Decreased VEGF levels were associated with decreased uterine oxidative stress. Chronic magnesium usage may protect the uterine tissue from certain diseases in which angiogenesis is critical.

Ameliorative effects of Radix rehmanniae extract on the anxiety- and depression-like symptoms in ovariectomized mice: A behavioral and molecular study

BackgroundMenopause is closely associated with the risk of anxiety and depression in a woman's life. Despite the numerous reports on the effects of Radix rehmanniae extract (RRE) on various types of depression, there are few studies exploring the effects of RRE on the menopausal anxiety and depression. PurposeTo investigate whether RRE could alleviate the menopausal anxiety and depression in ovariectomized (OVX) mice submitted to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). MethodsOVX mice were treated with 2.6 g/kg RRE for 5 weeks. After a series of behavior tests, serum, uterus, and brain tissues were collected for the measurement of neurotransmitters and their related biomarkers, neurotrophins, and estrogen receptor α (ERα) and β (ERβ). ResultsRRE showed antidepressant and anxiolytic effects through these behavior tests, but had no effects on the OVX-induced weight gains, uterine shrinkage and drop of serum estrogen level. RRE restored the levels of serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA) and its metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), Glutamate (Glu), gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and their related biomarkers in different brain regions. RRE also reversed OVX-induced decrease in the expression levels of neurotrophins in uterus and brain regions except for uterine nerve growth factor (NGF). Moreover, RRE restored and even enhanced ERβ expression levels in uterus and brain without affecting uterine, hippocampal and cortical ERα. ConclusionThis study demonstrated the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of RRE in OVX mice, which were possibly mediated via their modulation of brain neurotransmitters, and regulation of neurotrophins and activation of ERβ.

Estrogenic Effect of the Extract of QingYan Formula on Reproductive Tissues in Immature Mice.

A Chinese herbal preparation, QingYan formula (QYF), has been used clinically for kidney-invigorating. However, no evidence base links QYF to estrogen replacement therapy. In this study, the estrogenic effects of QingYan formula 70% ethanol extract (QYFE) were investigated in immature mice. Immature mice were treated with QYFE at doses of 1, 2, and 4g/kg for 7 days. QYFE treatments promoted vaginal cornification and prolonged the estrus status of the immature mice, promoted the growth and development of uterus and vagina, upregulated ERα and ERβ expression at protein level in uterus and vagina, increased the level of estradiol (E2), and decreased concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum. This study demonstrated that QYFE exerts estrogenic effects by stimulating biosynthesis of estrogen and increasing estrogen receptors (ERs) in target tissues and provided an evidence base for QYFE treatment instead of estrogen replacement therapy.

Effect of imidacloprid on antioxidant status and histopathological changes in ovary and uterus of adult female wistar rats

Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide and has been extensively used as a crop pest and in pet flea control programme. In the present study, the effects of imidacloprid on ovary and uteri tissue was analyzed in adult female Wistar rats at two dose levels (19 and 38 mg/kg/day) administered orally for 10, 20 and 30 days. Effects were compared with respective control animals administered daily with 2% gum acacia. Parameters undertaken were organ weight, levels of cytoplasmic and membrane proteins, oxidative stress parameters viz. activities of SOD, GPx and levels of GSH and MDA and histopathological changes. IMI (38 mg/kg, 30 days) reduced cytoplamic proteins in both ovaries and uteri whereas this dose reduced membrane protein in ovaries only. IMI (38 mg/kg, 20 and 30 days) decreased SOD enzyme in both ovaries and uteri and GSH-Px levels in ovaries only. The GSH-Px levels were also seen with decreased levels in uteri with IMI (38 mg/kg) for 30 days. IMI (38 mg/kg, 20 and 30 days) induces degenerative changes in ovaries of rats. Hence, it is concluded from the present studies that administration of higher doses (38 mg/kg/day) of IMI for 20 and 30 days generated oxidative stress in ovaries and uteri of female rats.

Effects of Bisphenol A and 4-tert-Octylphenol on Embryo Implantation Failure in Mouse.

Miscarriage due to blastocyst implantation failure occurs in up to two-thirds of all human miscarriage cases. Calcium ion has been shown to be involved in many cellular signal transduction pathways as well as in the regulation of cell adhesion, which is necessary for the embryo implantation process. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDs) during early gestation results in disruption of intrauterine implantation and uterine reception, leading to implantation failure. In this study, ovarian estrogen (E2), bisphenol A (BPA), or 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), with or without ICI 182,780 (ICI) were injected subcutaneously from gestation day 1 to gestation day 3 post-coitus. The expression levels of the calcium transport genes were assessed in maternal uteri and implantation sites. The number of implantation sites was significantly low in the OP group, and implantation sites were absent in the E2, ICI and EDs + ICI groups. There were different calcium transient transport channel expression levels in uterus and implantation site samples. The levels of TRPV5 and TRPV6 gene expression were significantly increased by EDs with/without ICI treatment in utero. Meanwhile, TRPV5 and TRPV6 gene expression were significantly lower in implantation sites samples. NCX1 and PMCA1 mRNA levels were significantly decreased by OP and BPA in the implantation site samples. Compared to vehicle treatment in the uterus, both the MUC1 mRNA and protein levels were markedly high in all but the BPA group. Taken together, these results suggest that both BPA and OP can impair embryo implantation through alteration of calcium transport gene expressions and by affecting uterine receptivity.

ASUHAN KEBIDANAN PADA Ny. D USIA 74 TAHUN DENGAN PROLAPSUS UTERI TINGKAT II DI RUANGAN SANTA ELISABETH DI RUMAH SAKIT SANTA ELISABETH MEDAN TAHUN 2018

since formerly, In Indonesia, it has been long known the terms prolapsesd uterus and prolapsed upside down. Prolapsed uterus is a very rare condition. The frequency of prolapsed uterus in Indonesia is only 1.5%. Most occur at an older age than a young age. This is caused by weakness of the muscles and fascia structures at a later age. Based on the book of Opname list in Santa Elisabeth room at Santa Elisabeth Hospital Medan period from January 2017 to May 2018 as many as 15 medical records. Based on the list of Opname shows prolapsed uterus at age&gt; 70 years for 5 people and at age&gt; 30-70 years for 9 people and at age &lt;30 years for 1 person.Goals : The writer are expected to be skilled in giving midwifery care to the elderly age of 74 years with prolapsed uterus level II through Varney management approach.Methods: This report was a survey study report with Descriptive method, the location of this case study was at Santa Elisabeth room of Santa Elisabeth Hospital Medan. Subjects of case studies taken by the writer were the Elderly conducted on March 09 to March 14, 2018. Techniques of collecting data were through subjective and objective.data collection.Result: After 5 days of midwifery care for the elderly, by performing vaginal hysterectomy surgery, performing postoperative care well, generally, the condition of mother is good, physical examination results in normal limits, the mother can do the activity as before and the problem is partially resolved .Conclution : Mothers are expected to maintai

Профілактика невиношування вагітності у жінок з вродженими аномаліями розвитку матки

The objective: depression of frequency of not incubation at women with congenital anomalies of development of uterus on the basis of scientific justification and introduction of advanced algorithm of diagnostic and treatment-and-prophylactic actions. Patients and methods. Retrospective inspection of 100 women with congenital anomalies of development of uterus, prospective inspection of 30 women with congenital anomalies of development of uterus who received the algorithm improved by us. Results. Not incubation frequency in 1 trimester of pregnancy at women with anomalies of development of uterus made 8.0%, and the main reasons were: the stood pregnancy (3.0%); premature amotio of chorion (3.0%) and intraamniale becoming infected (2.0%). At women with congenital anomalies of development of uterus level of premature births reaches 24.0%, and the main are two reasons – premature rupture of fetal covers (10.0%) and noneffective treatment of threat of an abortion (10.0%), and at 4.0% the antenatale death of fetus takes place. Conclusion. Use of the algorithm improved by us allows to reduce not incubation frequency from 8.0% to 3.3%; premature births – from 24.0% to 13.3%, and also the cooperative frequency of perinatal pathology – for 10.0%. Key words: not incubation, congenital anomalies of development of a uterus, prophylaxis.

Effect of High-fat Diet-induced Disorders on Rat with Endometrial Hyperplasia and Adiponectin System in Circulation and Uterus.

Background:Epidemiologic and genetic studies suggest a link between insulin resistance (IR) and endometrial cancer, and endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a precancerous stage of endometrial cancer. Adiponectin is an adipokine which previously shown to be a risk factor for endometrial cancer. The aim of the study was to develop a rat model of IR and EH and evaluate adiponectin system in circulation and uterus.Methods:This study was a 46-week animal trial from February 2014 to January 2015. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 40 weeks to induce IR. Followed by ovariectomization, rats were orally administrated to 17β-estradiol (E2) for 4 weeks to induce EH and then sacrificed. A total of 36 rats were divided into four groups: E2, HFD, HFD + E2, and control groups. Data were analyzed with Student's t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Mann-Whitney U-tests. Chi-square was used to evaluate the score of immunohistochemistry.Results:The thickness of endometrial, glandular epithelium, and myometrium in the HFD-E2 group were higher than the E2 group (F = 59.02, F = 23.51 and F = 12.53, respectively, all P < 0.001). Plasma adiponectin levels in the E2 group were lower than those in the control group, and the levels in the HFD-E2 group were lower than those in the HFD group (F = 13.15, P < 0.05). However, after normalized to visceral adipose tissue, compared to the control group, plasma adiponectin levels were decreased in rat with HFD in the absence or presence of E2, respectively (F = 6.72, P < 0.05). Adiponectin gene (F = 10.48, P < 0.05) and protein (P < 0.05) levels in uterus in the HFD-E2 group were higher than those in the HFD group.Conclusions:This study manifests that IR can effectively modulate EH, which suggests the involvement of energetic metabolism in uterine alternation. The combination effects of IR and EH modulate circulating adiponectin levels. However, adiponectin gene and protein levels in uterus are mainly response to estradiol.

Quercetin alters uterine fluid volume and aquaporin (AQP) subunits (AQP-1, 2, 5 & 7) expression in the uterus in the presence of sex-steroids in rats

Effects of quercetin on uterine fluid volume and aquaporin (AQP) expression in the uterus were investigated. Estradiol (E) or estradiol followed by progesterone (E+P) were given to ovariectomised rats with or without quercetin (10, 50 or 100mg/kg/day) treatment. Uteri were harvested and its inner/outer circumference ratio was determined. AQP-1, 2, 5 and 7 mRNA and protein levels in uterus were quantified by Real-time PCR and Western blotting respectively. Protein distribution was observed by immunohistochemistry. Administration of quercetin in E-treated rats decreased the uterine fluid volume and uterine AQP-2 expression. In E+P-treated rats, administration of 100mg/kg/day quercetin increased uterine fluid volume, AQP-1 and 2 expression but decreased AQP-7 expression in uterus. AQP-1 was distributed in stromal blood vessels while AQP-2, 5 and 7 were distributed in uterine epithelium. ConclusionsQuercetin-induced changes in uterine fluid volume and AQP subunits expression in uterus could affect the uterine reproductive functions under different sex-steroid influence.

Low magnesium diet alters distribution of macroelements and trace elements in tissues and organs of female rats

The aim of the present study was to assess whether dietary magnesium deficiency can alter distribution of macroelements and trace elements in different organs and tissues. Experiments were carried out on 12 adult female Wistar rats, which were fed either a diet with low Mg content (≤20mgkg−1 of diet) (LMgD) or a diet with daily recommended Mg content (≈500mgkg−1) as control group (CG) for 70 days. On the 70th day of the experiment heart, aorta, femoral skeletal muscle, forebrain, cerebellum, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, ovaries, uterus, liver, kidneys, and spleen were taken for analysis of mineral content. Concentrations of Fe and Ca were measured by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry, and levels of Na, K, Mg, Co, Cu, Zn, Ni, Se, I were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. On the 70th day, LMgD led to significant reduction of Mg level in red blood cells, plasma, aorta, uterus and thyroid gland compared to CG as well as resulted in significant decrease of Mg/Ca ratio in kidneys, spleen and ovaries. Contrary to this, an increase of Mg/Ca ratio was found in cerebellum of LMgD group. Significant decrease of K concentration was shown in aorta of LMgD animals compared to CG whereas myocardial K concentration was increased in LMgD group. Na level was two-fold higher in skeletal muscles of rats that received LMgD in comparison to CG (p=0.006). Increased concentrations of Fe in ovaries and uterus were found in LMgD. Mg restriction did not affect Zn concentration in any of tasted tissues. Se level was higher in spleen and lower in uterus of LMgD animals compared to CG. MgD was accompanied by increased level of Co in skeletal muscles and decreased its level in kidneys and uterus. LMgD feeding was associated with decreased concentrations of Ni in heart, thyroid gland, spleen, uterus and Co in heart, aorta, liver, kidneys, spleen and ovaries. The changes of Mg, K, Co content were accompanied by dramatic (10-fold) decrease of I concentration in aorta of LMgD animals. LMgD causes decrease of I content in ovaries and increase of I level in uterus vs CG. Thus, distribution of macroelements (Ca, Na, K) was weakly affected by Mg restriction that led to the most evident alterations of Co and Ni tissue levels. Moreover, mineral balance of uterus seems to be the most susceptible to low Mg intake. Hypomagnesaemia resulted in significant changes of 5 studied trace elements (Fe, Se, Cu, Ni and Co).

Induction of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by raloxifene and estrogen in human endometrial stromal ThESC cell line.

IntroductionEndometrial hyperplasia is a condition that occurs as a result of hormonal imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. Morphological disturbance of endometrial cells occurs consequently leading towards endometrial cancer. In therapy of endometrial hyperplasia SERMs are used to supress effects of locally high estrogen level in uterus. There is strong evidence suggesting that estrogen could be involved in cell death – apoptosis. There are no experimental data demstrating the direct apoptotic effect of both raloxifene and estrogen on the ThESC cell line. The aim of our study wa sto investigate both cytotoxic and apototic mechanism of raloxifene and estrogen – induced death in the ThESC cell line.Material and methodsIn order to determine their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects, various doses of raloxifene and estrogen were applied to the ThESC cell line for 24 h. After the treatment MTT assay, FACS analysis and immunofluoroscence method were conducted.ResultsThe results of this study for the first time demonstrated the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of raloxifene and estrogen on human endometrial stromal cell line suggesting the involvement of the inner, mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.ConclusionsOur results demonstrated apoptotic effects of investigated drugs in the ThESC cell line through increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and activation of caspase 3.

Cadmium and proliferation in human uterine leiomyoma cells: evidence of a role for EGFR/MAPK pathways but not classical estrogen receptor pathways.

Background:It has been proposed that cadmium (Cd) is an environmental “metalloestrogen” and that its action is mediated via the estrogen receptor (ER). Cd mimics the effects of estrogen in the rat uterus, and blood Cd concentrations positively correlate with ER levels in uteri of women with fibroids.Objectives:In the present study we explored whether Cd could stimulate proliferation of estrogen-responsive human uterine leiomyoma (ht-UtLM) cells and uterine smooth muscle cells (ht-UtSMCs) through classical interactions with ERα and ERβ, or by nongenomic mechanisms.Methods:We used estrogen response element (ERE) reporters, phosphorylated receptor tyrosine kinase arrays, Western blot analysis, estrogen binding, and cell proliferation assays to evaluate the effects of Cd on ht-UtLM cells and ht-UtSMCs.Results:Cd stimulated growth of both cell types at lower concentrations and inhibited growth at higher concentrations (≥ 50 μM). Cd did not significantly bind to ERα or ERβ, nor did it show transactivation in both cell types transiently transfected with ERE reporter genes. However, in both cells types, Cd (0.1 μM and 10 μM) activated p44/42 MAPK (ERK1/2), and a MAPK inhibitor (PD98059) abrogated Cd-induced cell proliferation. Cd in ht-UtLM cells, but not in ht-UtSMCs, activated the growth factor receptors EGFR, HGFR, and VEGF-R1 upstream of MAPK. Additional studies in ht-UtLM cells showed that AG1478, an EGFR inhibitor, abolished Cd-induced phosphorylation of EGFR and MAPK.Conclusions:Our results show that low concentrations of Cd stimulated cell proliferation in estrogen-responsive uterine cells by nongenomic activation of MAPK, but not through classical ER-mediated pathways.Citation:Gao X, Yu L, Moore AB, Kissling GE, Waalkes MP, Dixon D. 2015. Cadmium and proliferation in human uterine leiomyoma cells: evidence of a role for EGFR/MAPK pathways but not classical estrogen receptor pathways. Environ Health Perspect 123:331–336; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1408234

Lower values of VEGF in endometrial secretion are a possible cause of subfertility in non-atopic asthmatic patients

Objective: Using endometrial secretion analysis, we assessed whether altered inflammatory cytokine levels can be detected in the uterine environment in asthma patients, thereby providing a possible cause of reduced fertility in asthmatics. Methods: Forty-four unexplained infertile women (aged 28–44) underwent asthma and allergy testing, questionnaires, endometrial secretion and blood samples in the mid-secretory phase of the menstrual cycle (day 19–23) during assisted reproduction. Differences in cytokines and growth factors were analyzed. Results: Mean log-VEGF in uteri was lower in asthma patients compared with controls (2.29 versus 2.70, p = 0.028). This was mainly due to lower values of VEGF among women with non-atopic asthma compared with women with atopic asthma (1.86 versus 2.72, p = 0.009) and with healthy controls (1.86 versus 2.70, p = 0.01). Asthma treatment status had no effect on VEGF levels in uteri. Serum high sensitivity CRP was negatively correlated with VEGF in endometrial secretions. No other significant correlations were observed between peripheral blood values and markers found in utero. Conclusion: Asthma is associated with lower values of VEGF in uterine endometrial secretions, which might affect the receptiveness of the endometrium and thereby increase time to pregnancy. The effect appears to be associated with non-atopic asthma with general increased systemic inflammation.