Uterine Development Research Articles

Bacterial Vaginosis-Associated Bacteria and Uterine Fibroids: A Nested Case-Control Study.

Reproductive tract infections are hypothesized to influence uterine fibroid development, yet few studies have investigated the common condition of bacterial vaginosis (BV). The literature is currently limited to data using self-report of BV. We conducted a nested case-control study of 200 women (100 cases and 100 controls) from a large study of 23- to 35-year-old African American women, 1310 of whom were fibroid-free and prospectively followed up for 5 years to identify incident fibroids with standardized ultrasound examinations. We used quantitative polymerase chain reaction, an objective molecular method, to assess 9 BV-associated and 4 Lactobacillus species from vaginal swab specimens. We used hierarchical logistic regression to compute odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to examine associations between bacterial species (both individually and grouped as (1) "optimal" Lactobacillus and (2) BV-associated species) with fibroid incidence and number. We also examined vaginal imbalance (quantitatively more BV-associated bacteria than optimal Lactobacilli). Contrary to our hypothesis, we found no increase in fibroid incidence or number among women with more BV-associated bacteria. High imbalance (only BV-associated bacteria, no optimal Lactobacillus bacteria) was actually inversely associated with fibroid incidence (odds ratio, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-0.81). This is the first study of ultrasound-detected incident fibroids and molecular vaginal bacterial assessment. We found no evidence that BV-associated bacteria increase the risk of fibroid incidence or number.

Effect of Hair Coat Shedding Ability on Uterine Artery Hemodynamics in Angus Cattle

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate winter hair coat shedding ability and its association with uterine artery hemodynamics. Fall calving, artificially inseminated purebred Angus females (n = 29) were observed once monthly by two trained technicians for winter hair coat shedding and given a visual hair shedding score of 1 to 5 with 1 indicating 100% shed, 2 = 75%, 3 = 50%, 4 = 25%, and 5 indicating 0% shedding of winter hair coat. Month of first shedding (MFS) was determined once a female reached an average hair shedding score of ≤ 3.5 from March until July of 2019 and 2020. Uterine artery blood flow (ABF) was determined using color Doppler ultrasonography at d 150, 180, 210, and 240 of gestation. Total uterine artery (summation of ipsilateral and contralateral arteries) and ipsilateral uterine ABF, diameter, resistance and pulsatility index (PI) were analyzed using repeated measures of the MIXED procedure of SAS with significance declared at P ≤ 0.05. Fixed effects included MFS, day, year, and the respected interactions with covariates of dam body weight, ambient temperature and order of cows ultrasonography examination considered as a random effect. No significant MFS by day of gestation interaction (P > 0.32) was observed for total or ipsilateral ABF (P > 0.23). A MFS by day of gestation (P < 0.04) interaction was observed for both ipsilateral artery diameter and PI, in which females that shed by May had smaller artery diameter (0.74 vs. 0.85 cm) at day 180 of gestation and greater PI (P < 0.02; 1.48 vs. 1.03) at day 150 of gestation compared to June. Shedding ability had an effect on ipsilateral uterine artery development and pulsatility during gestation, possibly affecting the amount of nutrients distributed to the prenatal fetus and subsequent birth weight of the calf from females that shed by May.

A Clinical Experience of Pubertal Induction in Female Patients With Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (CHH) From an Endo-ERN Referral Center

Female congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a rare condition, with a strong genetic background, characterized by absent or incomplete pubertal development, for which inductive treatment with sex-hormone is required. Although the available data, mostly coming from studies in patients with Turner syndrome, indicate transdermal estradiol (TDE) as the first-choice formulation, no internationally validated therapeutic schemes are currently available. Furthermore, data on CHH patients are certainly lacking and there is no standard of care for pubertal induction in this specific population. The aim of our work was the retrospective analysis of the data from a collection of case reports of pubertal induction in CHH patients referred to our Center. Six patients underwent induction with transdermal estradiol (TDE) at the starting dose of 0.1µg/kg/day (night-time for the first 4-6 months), increased every 4-6 months up to the adult dose, for a mean period of 2.86 ± 0.45 ys. Micronized progesterone (200 mcg) was introduced at reaching of 50µg dose or if breakthrough bleeding occurred. Treatment was monitored through clinical and anthropometric evaluations at each dose modification. The average age of induction was 17.25 ± 1.41 ys, with each bone age> 13 ys. Three out of six patients already had a Tanner B2 stage at diagnosis. The mean times of pubertal advancement were respectively 1.3 ± 0.46 ys for the achievement of B3, 2.13 ± 0.29 ys for the B4 and 2.35 ± 0.77 ys for menarche; all the patients reached an adult breast conformation (B5) in 2.81 ± 0.28 ys. These data are consistent with physiological pubertal progress. All of them achieved adequate uterine development (medium longitudinal diameter 72.2 ± 3.37mm), except one patient with suboptimal development (54mm). The final height (FH) was adequate in all patients, with SDS FH +1.6 (-0.43 - +3.38), in spite of an average growth of 4.11 cm (2.5-6) ​​during the induction period and a growth rate > 2cm/year only in 50% of patients. No side effects were reported, and individual compliance and satisfaction were quite high. This clinical experience suggests that the adopted regimen, consistent with current literature, guarantees excellent efficacy and safety. However, further studies are needed to identify the optimal treatment in adolescents with CHH, taking into account their higher age at the start of induction, the modest impact on growth and final stature, to focus on the specific clinical objectives in these patients

Human Uterine Rudiments: Histological and Immunohistochemical Study.

Extensive studies of the rudimental tissues taken from patients with aplasia of the uterus and vagina are aimed at elucidation of the mechanisms of the genesis of these malformations and at the search of the ways of their correction. We performed a histological examination of human uterine rudiments and immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, VEGF, and stem/progenitor cell markers in these tissues. We found that the rudimental tissues show signs of disorganized histogenesis, but retain activity and contain cells expressing estrogen and progesterone receptors and VEGF as well as poorly differentiated precursor cells or stem cells. The presented data contribute to the in-depth studies of the mechanisms of formation of uterine rudiments and development of methods of their correction.

Gene editing to investigate the role of conceptus factors in the establishment of pregnancy in the pig.

Development of viviparity in mammals requires that the placenta evolves as an intermediate interface between the fetus and maternal uterus. In addition to the retention of the fetus and secretion of nutrients to support growth and development to term, it is essential that viviparous species modify or inhibit the maternal immune system from recognizing the semi-allogeneic fetus. Following blastocyst hatching from its zona pellucida, trophoblast differentiation provides the initial communication to the maternal endometrium to regulate maintenance of progesterone production from the corpus luteum and biological pathways in uterine and conceptus development necessary in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Many conceptus factors have been proposed to serve in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology provides a specific and efficient method to generate animal models to perform loss-of-function studies to investigate the role of specific conceptus factors. The utilization of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing has provided a direct approach to investigate the specific role of conceptus factors in the development and establishment of pregnancy in the pig. This technology has helped address a number of questions concerning peri-implantation development and has altered our understanding of maternal recognition and maintenance of pregnancy in the pig.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Vitamin D Deficiency in the Pathogenesis of Uterine Fibroids.

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most prevalent gynecologic neoplasm, affecting 70-80% of women over their lifespan. Although UFs are benign they can become life-threatening and require invasive surgeries such as myomectomy and hysterectomy. Notwithstanding the significant negative influence UFs have on female reproductive health, very little is known about early events that initiate tumor development. Several risk factors for UFs have been identified including vitamin D deficiency, inflammation, DNA repair deficiency, and environmental exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs have come under scrutiny recently due to their role in UF development. Epidemiologic studies have found an association between increased risk for early UF diagnosis and in utero EDC exposure. Environmental exposure to EDCs during uterine development increases UF incidence in a UF animal model. Notably, several studies demonstrated that abnormal myometrial stem cells (MMSCs) are the cell origin for UFs development. Our recent studies demonstrated that early-life EDC exposure reprogrammed the MMSCs toward a pro-fibroid landscape and altered the DNA repair and inflammation pathways. Notably, Vitamin D3 (VITD3) as a natural compound shrank the UF growth concomitantly with the reversion of several abnormal biological pathways and ameliorated the developmental exposure-induced DNA damage and pro-inflammation pathway in primed MMSCs. This review highlights and emphasizes the importance of multiple pathway interactions in the context of hypovitaminosis D at the MMSCs level and provides proof-of-concept information that can help develop a safe, long-term, durable, and non-surgical therapeutic option for UFs.

Prolonged atrazine exposure beginning in utero and adult uterine morphology in mice.

Through drinking water, humans are commonly exposed to atrazine, a herbicide that acts as an endocrine and metabolic disruptor. It interferes with steroidogenesis, including promoting oestrogen production and altering cell metabolism. However, its precise impact on uterine development remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the effect of prolonged atrazine exposure on the uterus. Pregnant mice (n = 5/group) received 5mg/kg body weight/day atrazine or DMSO in drinking water from gestational day 9.5 until weaning. Offspring continued to be exposed until 3 or 6 months of age (n = 5-9/group), when uteri were collected for morphological and molecular analyses and steroid quantification. Endometrial hyperplasia and leiomyoma were evident in the uteri of atrazine-exposed mice. Uterine oestrogen concentration, oestrogen receptor expression, and localisation were similar between groups, at both ages (P > 0.1). The expression and localisation of key epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes and proteins, critical for tumourigenesis, remained unchanged between treatments, at both ages (P > 0.1). Hence, oestrogen-mediated changes to established EMT markers do not appear to underlie abnormal uterine morphology evident in atrazine exposure mice. This is the first report of abnormal uterine morphology following prolonged atrazine exposure starting in utero, it is likely that the abnormalities identified would negatively affect female fertility, although mechanisms remain unknown and require further study.

Therapeutic modality of induced uterine leiomyoma with shock waves in rats: The uterine blood flow, circulating ovarian hormones and histopathological findings

Uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign pelvic tumor and the primary indication for hysterectomy. We hypothesized tumor softening and shrinking through shock waves mechanobiological influence on fibroblasts of the induced leiomyoma in rats. Three rats served as control from thirty-three female Wistar rats subjected to leiomyoma induction using mono-sodium glutamate and estradiol benzoate. After assessing uterine leiomyoma development with Doppler ultrasonography, blood and tissue samples were collected for hormonal and histopathological analysis. Of the fifteen rats treated with shock waves, five rats were sacrificed after receiving two sessions (2S), another five rats were sacrificed after receiving four sessions (4S), and the last five rats were sacrificed after two weeks recovery period (recovered 4S). From the fifteen non-treated leiomyoma group, five rats were sacrificed after Doppler ultrasound assessment (Leiomyoma), another five rats were sacrificed with the 4S group (Leiomyoma 1Wk recovery), and the last five rats were sacrificed with the recovered 4S group (Recovered leiomyoma). The collected blood samples, estradiol (E2), Estrogen receptor, progesterone (P4), and progesterone receptor (PGR), were assayed. Total cholesterol, protein, albumin, and globulin were measured. Uterine arteries’ blood flow velocities, indices, and volume were obtained. Tissue samples were stained with smooth muscle actin (SMA), trichrome-three, and (hematoxylin and eosin). Rats developed leiomyoma had the highest (P = 0.0001) gross and sonographic uterine horns diameters, uterine weight, uterine coefficient, E2, and ER. Both trichrome-three and SMA staining confirmed the leiomyoma development and the response to shock waves treatment. In conclusion, low-intensity shock waves proved curative to the induced leiomyoma.

Robotic-assisted ureteral reimplantation and psoas hitch after ureteral injury during cesarean section.

Ureteral injury during gynecological surgery can be managed in a variety of ways, from endoscopic stent placement to ureteroneocystotomy with accompanying psoas hitch and/or Boari flap. The majority of these occur during hysterectomy; therefore, gynecologic surgeons may not be as familiar with repair in women with intact uteri. Herein we present our technique for delayed robotic-assisted ureteral reimplant and psoas hitch in a woman with a ureteral injury sustained during cesarean section, which initially presented as a uretero-cervical fistula. In this video, we describe the evaluation and surgical management of a patient with delayed recognition of a left distal ureteral injury sustained during cesarean section. We present necessary modifications to robotic-assisted laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy and psoas hitch to accommodate an intact uterus including the need for uterine manipulation, division of the round ligament, bladder mobilization from the lower uterine segment and development of the retropubic space, reimplantation steps, and psoas hitch. Simple modifications to a traditional technique of robotic-assisted ureteroneocystotomy effectively compensate for the presence of a uterus. Obstetricians should maintain a high index of suspicion for ureteral injury in women with new-onset severe urinary leakage post-cesarean section.

Evaluation of Development of the Rat Uterus as a Toxicity Biomarker.

The developing uterus is highly sensitive to a brief exposure to different substances, in particular those with endocrine-disrupting activity. Thus, exposure to environmental, nutritional, chemical, and other xenobiotic factors affecting signaling events during critical organizational periods can alter the normal course of uterine development with lasting consequences. In this chapter, we provide an experimental protocol to evaluate the development of the rat uterus as a toxicity biomarker at two different developmental time points: (1) the neonatal period, on postnatal day (PND) 8, and (2) the prepubertal period, on PND21. In this experimental approach, we propose to assess: (1) uterine morphology and cytodifferentiation, (2) uterine cell proliferation, and (3) the expression of proteins involved in uterine organogenetic differentiation. All these morphological and molecular markers are useful tools to determine the consequences of exposure to toxicants with the potential to disrupt the uterine development.

Relationship Between Uterine Development, mRNA and Protein Expression of FSH and LH Receptors in New Zealand White Rabbits

Relationship Between Uterine Development, mRNA and Protein Expression of FSH and LH Receptors in New Zealand White Rabbits

Маточные рудименты: гистологическое и иммуногистохимическое исследование

Extensive studies of the rudimental tissues taken from patients with aplasia of the uterus and vagina are aimed at elucidation of the mechanisms of the genesis of these malformations and at the search of the ways of their correction. We performed a histological examination of human uterine rudiments and immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, VEGF, and stem/progenitor cell markers in these tissues. We found that the rudimental tissues show signs of disorganized histogenesis, but retain activity and contain cells expressing estrogen and progesterone receptors and VEGF as well as poorly differentiated precursor cells or stem cells. The presented data contribute to the in-depth studies of the mechanisms of formation of uterine rudiments and development of methods of their correction.

Puberty, Pregnancy, Parturition, Puerperium—Surveillance by Intertwined Innumerable Neurohumoral Factors; Prevention, Postponement, Termination of Pregnancy, Precipitation of Parturition, Hysterectomy [Except for Post Partum Hemorrhage, Cancer Uteri]—Deleterious—Proof of Basic Concept Study by Retrospective Analysis

Case 1: In 1990, a 23-year-old woman, married for two years, with primary infertility, was brought by her husband, with ultrasonography of abdomen, pelvis report stating multiple tiny cysts in both ovaries, infantile uterus; so husband claimed he was cheated to marry a woman with an infantile uterus, he wanted to divorce her on medical grounds. Analysing the problem revealed the woman had irregular menstruation before marriage due to polycystic ovaries; the husband took a prescription of oral contraceptive pills from a clinician, for one cycle to regularise menstruation of his wife; which he continued to administer for 2 years, with a desire to enable conception of his wife not understanding oral contraceptive pills with their exogenous oestrogen, suppress endogenous oestrogen preventing ovulation to conceive, produce withdrawal bleeding, due to suppressed endogenous oestrogen-suppressed uterine development resulting in infantile uterus. Case 2: In 1996, a 25-year-old woman underwent lower segment Cesarian section, 10 days prior to her EDC [expected date of child birth], as per the request of her husband who desired to see the baby before boarding his flight overseas; lower segment Cesarian section was performed by a urologist, general surgeon, but the mother expired on the theatre table, probably because the woman’s expected date of childbirth range would have fallen into the 15 days after expected date of childbirth norm, when her oestrogen would not have dipped, oxytocin would not have been released, to prevent postpartum haemorrhage. Case 3: In 1998, a 27-year-old woman presented with postpartum haemorrhage of one hour duration, following vaginal delivery of foeto placental unit; with haemoglobin of 3 gm%; immediately hysterectomy of the soft uterus was performed, mobilising 10 units of blood; once bleeding uterus was severed, all the 10 units of blood were transfused immediately, she survived. Case 4: In 1999 woman of 32 years [without antenatal screening] was delivering a twin breech presentation, she was detected to be hepatitis B surface antigen positive, she had jaundice total bilirubin 3 mg/dl, anaemia-haemoglobin of 6.5 gm%, her twins were managed at higher centres, for jaundice during pregnancy; she received 3 units of packed red blood cells, during postpartum; she returned for next pregnancy in the second trimester, with both twins crawling at her sides, Hepatitis B surface antigen had turned negative. Case 5: In 2003, a 32-year-old woman presented to emergency with dyspnoea with desaturation of 60%, she was ventilating but oxygen saturation was low; she had consumed hormonal pills for 3 days to postpone her menstruation to enable her to attend a wedding; she had undergone puerperal sterilisation in the past; her electrocardiography showed S1, Q3, T3 changes suggesting pulmonary embolism; thrombolysis, heparinisation was initiated, intubated, ventilated without improvement in oxygen saturation; hence saddle thrombus possibility was considered and she was referred to higher centres but she succumbed. This persons contraception status increases thrombogenicity due to reduced endogenous oestrogen status secondary to germ cells destruction by contraception, over that her consumption of hormonal pills to postpone menstruation further decreases endogenous oestrogen, increased vulnerability for pulmonary thromboembolism. Case 6: In 2014, a 29-year-old woman presented with unconsciousness of 30 minutes duration to emergency; she had infertility for 11 years and had delivered a precious baby, 34 days prior to admission; due to social ignorance [to enhance mothers milk baby shark food helps] she had consumed baby shark food one hour prior to admission; on examination she had quadriparesis, she was unresponsive. Her Magnetic Resonance Imaging [MRI] brain, with arteriogram, venogram showed multiple vessel narrowing suggesting vasculitis with bilateral asymmetrical, multifocal infarcts. She was treated with IV immunoglobulin, [0.4 gm/kg/day*5 days] needed ventilatory support, antiedema measures, anti-epileptics, parenteral hydration, enabling a slow recovery, on referral to higher centres.

Diagnostic accuracy of hysteroscopy, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in detecting congenital uterine anomalies.

Congenital uterine malformations occur as a result of a defective uterine development. The formation of the uterus is a dynamic process that culminates after completing four phases (differentiation, fusion, migration and canalization). Because is an evolutionary process, the resulting uterine malformation is different depending on the uterine formation phase in which the failure occurs. To establish a correct diagnosis of uterine malformations, it is necessary to evaluate both the shape of the uterine cavity and the external contour of the uterus. In this review we will describe the imaging modalities used in current clinical practice for the evaluation of the patient with suspected congenital uterine anomalies. The current role of each modality is described.

PSIV-18 Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the uterine environment throughout beef heifer development with supplemental protein

Abstract Nutrition is a major component in successful heifer development, influencing age at puberty and the uterine environment, therefore, impacting reproductive efficiency. Different diets can influence systemic inflammation, however, the effect on uterine cytokines has not been determined. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of varied levels of dietary protein on inflammatory cytokines in the uterine environment of developing heifers. Commercial Angus heifers (n = 60) were blocked by body weight, then allocated to receive one of three dietary protein supplementation treatments (n = 20 per group, n = 5 per pen): 10% crude protein (CP; 100% corn), 20% CP [75% dried distillers’ grains (DDG) 25% corn], or 40% CP (75% soybean meal 25% DDG). Supplements were provided four times weekly for six months with ad libitum native grass hay, mineral supplement, and water. Body weight, BCS, and blood was taken every 14d. Uterine fluid was collected every 28d to determine presence of cytokines IL1α, IL1β, TNFα, IFNγ, IL10, IL4, and IL6. The GLIMMIX procedure (SAS 9.4) was used with fixed effects of supplementation, month, and their interaction; random effects of block, interaction of block and supplementation, and heifer within the interaction; and repeated measure of month. Concentrations of IL1β, TNFα, IFNγ, and IL10 shifted throughout development (P < 0.0002). Cytokine IFNγ was also affected by month of development (P = 0.002) and tended (P = 0.06) to decrease as CP increased. Presence of each cytokine was then recorded as binary and analyzed by the frequency procedure (SAS 9.4) to determine a uterine cytokine profile. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL1α, IL1β, and TNFα occurred together more frequently following the beginning of supplementation. In conclusion, inflammatory cytokines shift throughout heifer development, potentially leading to differences in future reproductive success. Further research is needed to determine the dietary influence for optimal uterine environment development.

The role of epigenetics in the reproductive toxicity of environmental endocrine disruptors.

Environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) seriously endanger human health by interfering with the normal function of reproductive systems. In males, EEDs can affect sperm formation and semen quality as well spermatogenesis, ultimately reducing fertility. In females, EEDs can affect uterine development and the expression levels of reproduction-related genes, ultimately reducing female fertility and the normal development of the fetus. There are a large number of putative mechanisms by which EEDs can induce reproductive toxicity, and many studies have shown the involvement of epigenetics. In this review, we summarize the role of DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs, genomic imprinting, chromatin remodeling and histone modification in the reproductive toxicity of EEDs.

Experience of pyomyoma treatment

Uterine pyomyoma is a rare and dangerous complication of uterine fibroids, which develops as a result of myomatous node infarction with the addition of an infectious component. In the literature there are descriptions of 50 cases of pyomyomas, half of which are associated with pregnancy. Incorrect diagnosis, lack of antibacterial and surgical treatment can lead to death of the patient. This article describes a clinical case of uterine piomioma development after the first birth by Caesarean section. Method of uterine artery embolization in combination with antibiotic therapy has helped keep the uterus of a young woman. On subsequent observation, menstrual function has fully recovered.

VDR gene polymorphisms as a significant factor in unexplained infertility

ObjectivesThere are various cellular and molecular disorders of the endometrium that have been associated with unexplained infertility (UI). The physiological effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 are directed by the nuclear Vitamin D receptor(VDR). VDR gene expression and vitamin D converting enzyme have been displayed in both the proliferative and secretory process of the menstrual period in the endometrium. The study demonstrated the defects of uterine development and decidualization resulting in infertility in the VDR knockout of female mice. Design & methodsVDR gene polymorphisms and vitamin D levels were studied in the groups, included 101 patients and 100 control, by the PCR-RFLP and the method of ECLIA. Our findings suggest that the VDR gene polymorphisms are connected with the risk of UI and, interestingly, genotypes were associated with vitamin D because serum vitamin D levels were importantly greater with Aa, Bb, TT, FF, and ff genotypes in the UI group (p = 0.001*, p = 0.001*, p = 0.002*, p = 0.004*, p = 0.003*, respectively). We showed that having the Aa genotype in VDR gene ApaI polymorphism reduced the risk of UI by 80% (p = 0.044, OR = 0.20, CI: [0.04–0.96]); having the Tt, tt genotypes in VDR gene TaqI polymorphism increased the risk of UI by 4.26 times (p = 0.001 OR = 4.26, CI:[2.10–8.62])and, 4.32 times (p = 0.001, OR = 4.32, CI:[1.76–10.62]), respectively; and having the BB genotype in BsmI polymorphism increased the risk of UI by 3.47 times (p = 0.005, OR = 3.47, CI:[1.44–8.36]). ConclusionAs a consequence, impaired VDR gene expression affects the endometrial receptivity and the success of the implantation via unknown mechanisms.

Summary of the proceedings of the Basic Science of Uterine Fibroids meeting: new developments (February 28, 2020)

Scientists from multiple basic disciplines and an international group of physician-scientists from the field of obstetrics and gynecology presented recent studies and discussed new and evolving theories of uterine fibroid etiology, growth and development at The Basic Science of the Uterine Fibroids meeting, sponsored by the Campion Fund and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The purpose was to share up-to date knowledge and to stimulate new concepts regarding the basic molecular biology and pathophysiology of uterine fibroids, and to promote future collaborations. The meeting was held at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in North Carolina on February 28, 2020. Speakers reviewed recent advances in cellular and molecular processes that contribute to fibroid growth and new opportunities for treatment. At the conclusion of the conference, attendees identified important new directions for future research.

Role of lncRNA FTX in invasion, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of endometrial stromal cells caused by endometriosis by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

BackgroundStudies have considered long non-coding RNA 5 prime to Xist (lncRNA FTX) a key lncRNA for normal uterine development, but it has not been reported whether lncRNA FTX is involved in regulating the development of endometriosis (EMs). The aim of the present study was to explore the effect and mechanism of long non-coding RNA 5 prime to Xist (lncRNA FTX) on the invasion, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) caused by EMs.MethodsEctopic or normal endometrial tissues were collected from 38 patients with EMs, who were diagnosed and operated on at Beijing Tongren Hospital from June 2018 to December 2019, and 20 healthy volunteers with normal endometria. The expression of lncRNA FTX in both groups was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EESC) and ESC from patients with EMs and healthy volunteers were separated and cultured, and the expression of lncRNA FTX in the cells was detected. The expression of lncRNA FTX in EESC was overexpressed or interfered. Proliferation, invasion, and migration was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8, transwell assay, and scratch assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. EMT-related protein and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related protein expressions were detected by Western blot.ResultsLncRNA FTX was underexpressed in endometrial tissues and EESC from patients with EMs. The overexpression of lncRNA FTX could significantly inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of EESC, but promoted apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. The overexpression of lncRNA FTX significantly increased the expression of EMT-related protein, E-cadherin, and decreased the protein expression of vimentin, N-cadherin, and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1. In addition, the overexpression of lncRNA FTX could decrease the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt. Interfering with the expression of lncRNA FTX had the opposite result.ConclusionsThe overexpression of lncRNA FTX could decrease the invasion, metastasis, and EMT of ESC caused by EMs by inhibiting the activity of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.