Emergency contraception with mifepristone and levonorgestrel: mechanism of action

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of mifepristone and levonorgestrel on ovarian function and endometrial development in doses effective as emergency contraception. METHODS: Twelve fertile women were treated with either 10 mg of mifepristone as a single dose (n = 6) or two doses of 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel, 12 hours apart (n = 6) before and after ovulation. An endometrial biopsy performed during the implantation period was analyzed for endometrial maturation and expression of markers of endometrial receptivity. The markers tested for were integrin alpha4 and beta3, cyclooxygenase-1 and -2, progesterone receptors, Dolichos biflorus agglutinin lectin binding, and pinopodes. Urinary excretion of luteinizing hormone, estrone, and pregnanediol were also determined. RESULTS: Treatment with mifepristone and levonorgestrel before ovulation inhibited the luteinizing hormone surge showing no significant differences between the means of luteinizing hormone measurements. When mifepristone was administered in the early luteal phase, downregulation of progesterone receptors was inhibited in five of six women. No significant alteration was found in any of the remaining markers of endometrial receptivity. CONCLUSION: The mode of action of emergency contraception with mifepristone or levonorgestrel is primarily due to inhibition of ovulation rather than inhibition of implantation.     

Differential expression of endometrial integrins and progesterone receptor during the window of implantation in normo-ovulatory women treated with clomiphene citrate

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of clomiphene citrate (CC) on endometrial epithelial integrins and P receptors (PR) during the window of implantation. DESIGN: Controlled, prospective, clinical study. SETTING: Teaching hospital and university research laboratory. PATIENT(S): Thirty-one fertile, normo-ovulatory women participated in this trial. Thirteen women exhibited a CC-stimulated cycle with 50 mg on days 5-9, and 18 women with spontaneous menstrual cycles served as controls. INTERVENTION(S): Endometrial biopsies in the midluteal phase. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Immunohistochemical determination and endometrial cellular localization of alpha1, alpha v, beta3, and alpha4 epithelial integrins and PR during the window of implantation. The staining intensity was assessed by a semiquantitative index (HSCORE) and compared by nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. RESULT(S): Higher plasma levels of P and E2 and delayed histologic dating of the endometrium (38%) were features of CC-treated women. In addition, a low epithelial beta3 integrin expression and persistent PR were observed in glandular epithelial cells of "out-of-phase" endometrial biopsies from CC-treated women. In contrast, in "in-phase" biopsies, neither epithelial PR nor beta3 integrin were different from spontaneous control cycles. There was no difference in the expression of alpha1, alpha v, and alpha4 between the groups studied. CONCLUSION(S): The administration of clomiphene produces aberrant endometrial beta3 integrin expression in conjunction with a failure in the down-regulation of PR during the window of implantation in a significant number of normo-ovulatory women, notwithstanding the higher plasma P levels. Therefore, CC might affect the expression of endometrial receptivity markers.     

Difference in alpha(v)beta3 integrin expression in endometrial stromal cell in subgroups of women with unexplained infertility

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the endometrial receptivity by using alpha(v)beta3 expression in the midsecretory phase in different endometrial compartments in women with unexplained infertility. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective controlled clinical trial in a setting of a university teaching hospital was performed. Thirty-three fertile and 33 infertile women were included in the study. Midluteal endometrial biopsies of the endometrium were carried out during the implantation window. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for the expression of alpha(v)beta3 in endometrial samples. Alpha(v)beta3 expression was measured using the HSCORE scoring system in the endometrial glandular and luminal epithelium and in the endometrial stroma. Serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, prolactin, total testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate were measured in the early follicular phase and in the midluteal phase. RESULTS: The average alpha(v)beta3 integrin expression at different sites of the endometrium was not different in the infertile and fertile controls. However, the stromal alpha(v)beta3 integrin was found to be expressed significantly less in a subgroup of women with lower than average alpha(v)beta3 integrin expression in luminal epithelium than in fertile controls and significantly more in a subgroup of women with higher than average alpha(v)beta3 integrin expression in luminal epithelium. There was no difference in stromal alpha(v)beta3 integrin expression in the lower or higher glandular alpha(v)beta3 integrin expression subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Alpha(v)beta3 integrin expression in endometrial stromal cells may be different in subgroups of women with unexplained infertility.     

Formation of pinopodes in human endometrium is associated with the concentrations of progesterone and progesterone receptors

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation between the development of endometrial pinopodes and the serum concentration of hormones and the distribution of estrogen receptor-alpha, estrogen receptor-beta, progesterone receptor A, and progesterone receptor B. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: Hospital-based unit of reproductive health and university-affiliated reproductive research laboratories. PATIENT(S): Twenty-seven healthy fertile women with normal menstrual cycles. INTERVENTION(S): Urine and blood sampling for hormone measurement, vaginal ultrasonography, and endometrial biopsy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Appearance of the endometrium on light microscopy, pinopode formation, serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and expression of progesterone receptors A and B and estrogen receptors alpha and beta. RESULT(S): Pinopode formation and regression were closely associated with increases and decreases, respectively, in serum progesterone concentration. At pinopode development, levels progesterone receptors A and B in the glandular and luminal epithelial cells decreased; this effect was mainly dependent on the absence of progesterone receptor B. Serum estrogen levels and levels of estrogen receptor alpha and beta did not correlate with pinopode formation. CONCLUSION(S): The increase in serum progesterone level and down-regulation of progesterone receptor B are important in development of pinopodes.     

输卵管积水妇女种植窗期子宫内膜胞饮小泡及部分种植因子的变化

目的:探讨输卵管积水对种植窗期子宫内膜胞饮小泡及种植因子integrinβ3、MUC1及LIF表达的影响。方法:选择接受IVF治疗的20例输卵管积水妇女(积水组)及21例因男性因素所致不孕的妇女(对照组),在种植窗期间通过扫描电镜观察子宫内膜表面胞饮小泡的形态、密度,免疫组织化学分析种植因子integrinβ3、MUC1及LIF的表达。结果:对照组成熟期胞饮小泡所占比例以及胞饮小泡的密度与积水组相比无统计学差异(P>0.05)。integrinβ3、LIF及MUC1在正常对照组的腺上皮细胞和腔上皮细胞中的表达强度均明显高于积水组,integrinβ3在间质细胞中表达亦明显高于积水组。结论:integrinβ3、MUC1及LIF受积水的影响较胞饮小泡更为敏感,先于子宫内膜表面超微结构受到改变,可能是造成胚胎种植率下降的主要原因之一。     

孕激素及间质细胞培养液对原代培养内膜腺上皮HOXA11基因表达的影响

目的:探讨间质细胞是否参与了孕激素对子宫内膜腺上皮的调控,及其初步的作用机制。方法:将增生期子宫内膜间质细胞经激素处理后进行培养,提取培养液。用浓度为30%的提取培养液对腺上皮细胞进行原代培养,当细胞生长融合时,加入孕酮或孕雌激素培养4h、24h。提取细胞总RNA,用半定量RT-PCR方法检测腺上皮细胞HOXA11基因表达量。结果:当内膜腺上皮细胞中含有30%经孕激素处理的间质细胞培养液时,加入孕激素或孕、雌激素后其HOXA11基因,在培养4h时表达量有下降趋势;24h时,表达量下降明显;而用RU486预处理后再加入孕激素或雌孕激素,腺上皮细胞HOXA11基因表达量与对照组无差异;当上皮细胞中含有30%经RU486预处理后,再加入孕激素处理的间质细胞培养液时,孕激素或孕、雌激素对内膜腺上皮HOXA11表达的负调控作用在4h时消失;24h时,转为正调控(HOXA11基因表达量增加)。结论:孕激素对内膜腺上皮HOXA11基因的负调控作用需要问质细胞分泌的孕激素依赖因子的参与,而且由间质细胞和内膜腺上皮中的孕激素受体共同介导完成这一负调控作用。     

The alpha(2)beta(1) and alpha(3)beta(1) integrins do not mediate attachment of endometrial cells to peritoneal mesothelium

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible role of mesothelial alpha(2)beta(1) and alpha(3)beta(1) integrins in the attachment of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and endometrial epithelial cells (EECs). DESIGN: In vitro study. SETTING: University medical center. PATIENT(S): Women of reproductive age (n = 26). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Mesothelial cells were grown on collagen IV. Endometrial stromal cells and EECs were plated on mesothelial cells for 1 hour. Before plating, mesothelial cells or endometrial cells were incubated with antibodies to alpha2, alpha3, and beta1 integrin subunits. The effect of these antibodies on ESC and EEC binding to collagen IV and collagen I was also examined. The expression of collagen I, collagen IV, fibronectin, and laminin by cultured ESCs and EECs was examined. RESULT(S): The anti-integrin antibodies had no effect on endometrial binding to mesothelium. The beta1 integrin antibody decreased binding of ESCs and EECs to the collagen matrices. In culture, ESCs and EECs expressed collagen I, collagen IV, fibronectin, and laminin to varying degrees. CONCLUSION(S): The initial adhesion of ESCs and EECs to mesothelium is not mediated by beta1 integrins. In contrast, ESC and EEC attachment to collagen IV and collagen I, which are present in the submesothelial extracellular matrix, is mediated by beta1 integrins.     

Utility of MIB-1 and estrogen and progesterone receptor in distinguishing between endometrial stromal sarcomas and endometrial stromal nodules, highly cellular leiomyomas

It is difficult to differentiate between an endometrial stromal nodule (ESN) and endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) in curettage specimen, and the recommended therapy of endometrial stromal neoplasm is hysterectomy. If we could discriminate ESS from ESN in curettage specimens, there would be an opportunity to treat ESN by local excision rather than by hysterectomy. We analyzed MIB-1 and estrogen and progesterone receptor (ER/PR) expression in a retrospective series of 8 ESSs, 7 ESNs, and 17 highly cellular leiomyomas obtained from hysterectomy specimens. ESSs expressed MIB-1 more frequently than ESNs (P < 0.05), and ESSs had a tendency to express ER less frequently than ESNs (P= 0.08). We observed that in spite of showing MIB-1 expression to some extent, highly cellular leiomyomas usually could not reach ESSs' level and frequency of MIB-1 expression in the current study. Although MIB-1 and ER appear to be promising markers in the differential diagnosis of ESSs, a larger study would be necessary to confirm their validity.     

Osteopontin and alphavbeta3 integrin expression in the endometrium of infertile and fertile women

Osteopontin and its receptor alpha(v)beta(3) integrin have recently been proposed as a major complex to promote embryo attachment, and thus they would be useful as markers of endometrial receptivity. In the current study alpha(v)beta(3) integrin and osteopontin expression and co-expression in in-phase and out-of-phase endometrial biopsies from normal healthy women (n = 12) and infertile patients (n = 107) were investigated. Two endometrial biopsies (post-ovulatory day +6 to +8, and 4 days later) were performed during a single menstrual cycle in each subject. Oestradiol and progesterone serum concentrations were quantified on the same days as endometrial sampling. No statistically significant difference regarding alpha(v)beta(3) integrin and osteopontin expression and their coexpression was found between fertile controls and infertile patients irrespective of endometria being in-phase or out-of-phase, infertility factors detected or whether patients became spontaneously pregnant or not. Although a co-ordinate high concentration of both glycoproteins on post-ovulatory day 8 onwards was observed, there was an evident lack of temporal co-expression of these markers during the implantation window. It is concluded that the functional significance of the osteopontin:alpha(v)beta(3) integrin complex as a marker of endometrial receptivity and implantation potential in women seems to be untenable.     

Effect of levonorgestrel IUD and oral medroxyprogesterone acetate on glandular and stromal progesterone receptors (PRA and PRB), and estrogen receptors (ER-alpha and ER-beta) in human endometrial hyperplasia

OBJECTIVES: The effect on progesterone and estrogen receptor expression in glands and stroma after two different treatment regimens of endometrial hyperplasia was determined. METHODS: Pre- and post-treatment paraffin-embedded endometrial hyperplasia specimens from women treated with levonorgestrel (LNG) intrauterine device (n = 21) and women treated with 10 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) for 10 days per cycle (n = 29) were examined immunohistochemically and evaluated by H-score (a semi-quantitative microscopical method evaluating staining intensity and number of stained cells, scale 0-3) for changes in expression of PRA (progesterone receptor A), PRB (progesterone receptor B), ER-alpha (estrogen receptor-alpha), ER-beta (estrogen receptor-beta) and AR (androgen receptors) after 3 months of treatment. RESULTS: All the patients in the LNG IUD group responded to treatment with no sign of hyperplasia after 3 months, while only about half of the patients given MPA orally responded. Expression of PRA, PRB, ER-alpha and ER-beta were markedly reduced after progestin treatment in both treatment groups but the reduction was much more pronounced in the LNG group (H-score for PRA was reduced from 2.61 to 0.11 in glands and from 2.26 to 0.09 in stroma in LNG group. Corresponding reduction for PRB in the LNG group was from 1.96 to 0.11 and from 0.83 to 0.01. PRA was reduced from 2.53 to 1.78 in glands and from 1.93 to 1.30 in stroma in the MPA group. Corresponding reduction for PRB in the MPA group was from 2.02 to 1.25 in glands and from 0.80 to 0.34 in stroma). Weak and focal stromal expression of AR was demonstrated in 22% of the specimens before but not after therapy. There was a statistically significant reduction in both PR and ER among the responders whereas non-responders showed no statistical change after treatment. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that LNG IUD causes an almost complete down-regulation (lack of immunohistochemical expression) of PR expression and a considerable down-regulation of ER expression in both glands and stroma. The changes in receptor expression were markedly less pronounced after treatment with intermittent oral MPA. The differences in receptor expression among responders and non-responders might serve as possible markers for therapy response.     

模拟子宫内膜微环境体外诱导兔骨髓间充质干细胞向子宫内膜上皮细胞分化的实验研究

目的:探讨模拟子宫内膜微环境体外诱导兔骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)向子宫内膜上皮细胞方向分化的可行性。方法:原代培养兔BMSCs并鉴定,提取子宫内膜条件培养液,用子宫内膜条件培养液和雌激素(β-雌二醇,1×10-7mol/L)体外诱导分化BMSCs,用细胞免疫荧光法和Western blot检测分化的BMSCs是否表达上皮细胞特异性标记蛋白。结果:兔BMSCs具有较强的增殖潜能,呈克隆性生长,表达CD44和CD90,表达率分别为99.91%、98.64%;不表达CD45。子宫内膜条件培养液和雌激素培养BMSCs5天后,大部分细胞形态由间质细胞向上皮样细胞分化;细胞免疫荧光鉴定诱导分化后的BMSCs表达角蛋白;Western blot检测实验组角蛋白表达量明显增加,与对照组相比有统计学差异(P<0.05)。结论:子宫内膜条件培养液联合雌激素可以诱导兔BMSCs向子宫内膜上皮细胞方向分化。体外模拟的子宫内膜微环境在BMSCs向子宫内膜上皮细胞分化中起重要作用。     

Single and double endometrial scratching (ES) in infertile women with strict criteria of recurrent implantation failure (RIF)

Abstract

Controversies surrounding the effect of ES on pregnancy outcome in women with RIF are mostly due to the poorly defined target population. We evaluated the effect of ES on clinical outcomes in women with strict criteria of RIF before IVF/ICSI. We also examined the effect of ES on the expression of markers of endometrial receptivity. Women with failed implantation after transfer of seven or more top quality day 3 embryos or three blastocysts underwent the scratch procedure on exact days of the cycle prior to IVF/ICSI. Results were compared to no scratch control group. Using histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and scanning electron microscopy, we also examined the effect of injury on the endometrial receptivity in a separate series of observations with double ES. Cumulative pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the study group as compared to control (54.8% vs. 29.0%; p?<?.05). The effect of ES on the clinical outcome was seen during fresh ET, but not on the next FET cycles. ES improves impaired endometrial receptivity by partially normalizing the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors (ERs, PRs) and pinopodes. We concluded that in a well-defined subpopulation of infertile women with RIF, ES significantly enhances pregnancy rates. ES has a specific impact on endometrial receptivity normalizing the expression of some markers.     

雌、孕激素对人子宫内膜Pbx2蛋白表达的影响

目的:探讨人子宫内膜腺上皮细胞和基质细胞中雌、孕激素对Pbx2蛋白表达的影响。方法:采用免疫组织化学链霉菌抗生物素蛋白-过氧化物酶(SP)连接法检测人增生期、分泌中期和蜕膜期子宫内膜中Pbx2的表达和分布;体外培养人子宫内膜基质细胞和高分化子宫内膜癌细胞Ishikawa,分别加入雌激素、孕激素、雌、孕激素联合刺激48 h,并以不加雌、孕激素的基质细胞核和Ishikawa细胞为对照组,采用免疫组织化学、免疫印迹法测定各种条件下Ishikawa细胞中Pbx2蛋白的表达。结果:①在人各期子宫内膜组织中,Pbx2表达于腺上皮细胞和基质细胞的细胞核中;Pbx2在分泌中期和蜕膜期基质细胞中的表达显著高于增生期,但在腺上皮细胞中增生期组织的表达高于分泌中期和蜕膜期,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。②Western blotting结果显示,在孕激素和雌、孕激素联合处理Ishikawa细胞组中,Pbx2的表达显著低于对照组(P<0.05),雌激素处理后Pbx2的表达与其他各组间的表达无显著性差异(P>0.05),在人子宫内膜基质细胞(ESC)中,Pbx2的表达在雌、孕激素处理各组间比较均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:在人子宫内膜腺上皮Ishikawa细胞中孕激素对Pbx2的表达具有下调作用,在人子宫内膜基质细胞中,Pbx2的调控可能是非雌、孕激素依赖性的。     

雌/孕激素对原代培养的子宫内膜上皮细胞HOXA11和PR基因表达的影响

目的:探讨雌、孕激素（尤其孕激素）对人子宫内膜腺上皮细胞HOXA11基因和孕酮受体（pro-gesterone receptor,PR）基因表达的影响,以及二者表达量变化的相互关系。方法:将6例增生期子宫内膜腺上皮细胞进行原代培养,当细胞生长融合时,加入17β-雌二醇或/和孕酮培养4h、4d、6d、8d,提取细胞总RNA,用半定量RT-PCR法检测HOXA11mRNA和PRmRNA表达量变化。结果:17β-雌二醇使上皮细胞HOXA11和PR基因表达量增加;而孕酮的作用效应则有所不同,当孕酮作用于与间质细胞分离培养的上皮细胞时,其HOXA11的表达增加,当上皮与间质细胞混合培养时,孕酮则降低上皮细胞HOXA11表达;孕酮对PR的影响则显示无论分离培养还是与间质细胞混合培养的上皮细胞,孕酮均可使上皮细胞PRmRNA表达量降低。结论:子宫内膜HOXA11基因表达受雌、孕激素调节,孕激素对内膜腺上皮HOXA11和PR基因均起负调控作用,但二者的发生机制有所不同。     

宫腔粘连模型大鼠子宫内膜胞饮突发育和整合素β3表达

目的:建立宫腔粘连大鼠模型,观察子宫内膜胞饮突的发育和整合素β3的表达,探讨宫腔粘连对子宫内膜容受性的影响。方法:选取健康SD大鼠30只,将每只大鼠左侧子宫作为模型组(宫腔注入95%无水乙醇,持续5min),右侧子宫作为对照组(注入等量生理盐水)。术后两个动情周期取子宫,光镜观察子宫内膜形态学变化及纤维化程度,扫描电镜观察大鼠子宫内膜胞饮突的发育情况,免疫组化法检测子宫内膜整合素β3表达。结果:模型组大鼠子宫内膜明显变薄,上皮细胞排列紊乱,间质内胶原纤维增多,子宫内膜纤维化评分为(4.69±0.22)分,明显高于对照组。扫描电镜观察,对照组大鼠子宫内膜可见大量发育完全的胞饮突,而模型组子宫内膜胞饮突分布稀少,表面皱缩,发育不同步。模型组的整合素β3表达明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:注射无水乙醇可建立稳定的大鼠宫腔粘连动物模型,抑制子宫内膜胞饮突和整合素β3表达,降低子宫内膜的容受性。     

Secretion of granulocyte chemotactic protein-2 by cultured human endometrial stromal cells

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of granulocyte chemotactic protein-2 (GCP-2) in human endometrial stromal cells. DESIGN: The effects of interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, TNF-beta, interferon (IFN)-gamma, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the production of GCP-2 by endometrial stromal cells were investigated. SETTING: Research laboratory at a medical university. PATIENT(S): Eight endometrial specimens in the late proliferative phase were used. INTERVENTION(S): Endometrial stromal cells were incubated for 24 hours with IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, TNF-beta, IFN-gamma, and LPS.The concentration of GCP-2 in the culture media was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULT(S): A small amount of GCP-2 was detected in the culture media of unstimulated endometrial stromal cells. The production of GCP-2 by endometrial stromal cells was stimulated with IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, TNF-beta, and LPS in a dose-dependent manner. Interferon-gamma did not affect GCP-2 production by these cells. CONCLUSION(S): These results suggest that GCP-2 is an additional ELR(+)-CXC chemokine expressed in endometrial stromal cells. The modulation of GCP-2 concentrations in the local environment may contribute to the normal and pathological processes of human reproduction by regulating the neutrophil trafficking in the endometrium.     

Improved endometrial assessment using cyclin E and p27

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate endometrial expression of cyclin E and p27 in fertile and infertile women. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: University medical center and private practice. PATIENT(S): Thirty-three fertile volunteers, 83 women seeking infertility treatment, and 23 women undergoing mock cycles. INTERVENTION(S): Endometrial biopsy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Cyclin E and p27 immunohistochemistry. RESULT(S): Glandular cyclin E and p27 expression dramatically changed in intensity and subcellular localization throughout the menstrual cycle. In normal control biopsies, glandular cyclin E progressed from the basal to the lateral cytoplasm (midproliferative phase) to the nucleus (days 18 to 19) and was absent in biopsies after day 20. First appearing on days 17 to 19, p27 was found only in the nuclei. Cyclin E was more frequently seen after day 20 in infertility patients. In the hyperstimulated cycles, staining for cycle E in proliferative samples was more intense than in the natural cycles, but p27 staining was unchanged. CONCLUSION(S): Cyclin E and p27 may be clinically useful markers of development in the endometrium. As cell cycle regulators, cyclins reveal underlying biochemical processes driving endometrial progression and may partly represent the means by which estrogen and progesterone regulate this dynamic tissue.