| 1. |
- Aghajanova, Lusine, et al.
(författare)
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Diminished endometrial expression of ghrelin and ghrelin receptor contributes to infertility
- 2010
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Ingår i: Reproductive sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1933-7205 .- 1933-7191. ; 17:9, s. 823-832
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The objectives were to investigate the presence, distribution and sex steroid hormone regulation of ghrelin and its receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), in human endometrium in relation to endometrial receptivity and fertility. Endometrial biopsies were obtained from women with unexplained infertility and healthy fertile volunteers. Ishikawa cells were used to mimic the action of ghrelin in endometrium. Immunostaining of GHSR was strong in luminal epithelium and stroma during mid-secretory phase. Ghrelin and GHSR expression is less intense in mid-secretory endometrium of infertile women compared to fertile controls. Treatment with estrogen and/or progesterone or their antagonists did not significantly change the relative expression of GHSR in Ishikawa and stromal cells. Ghrelin was present in and secreted from human blastocysts, which suggest that the communication between human blastocyst and endometrium might involve ghrelin. Low levels of GHSR in endometrium from women with unexplained infertility may in part explain the infertility.
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| 2. |
- Aghajanova, Lusine, et al.
(författare)
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Disturbances in the LIF pathway in the endometrium among women with unexplained infertility
- 2009
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Ingår i: Fertility and Sterility. - : Elsevier BV. - 0015-0282 .- 1556-5653. ; 91:6, s. 2602-2610
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), its receptors LIFR and gp130, and its inhibitor SOCS1 in endometria from fertile women and infertile women with unexplained infertility. Signaling through the LIF pathway is involved in maintenance of a receptive state of human endometrium. Impaired endometrial receptivity may be a cause of female infertility. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: Hospital-based IVF unit and university-affiliated reproductive research laboratories. PATIENT(S): Twenty-six healthy fertile women and 14 women with unexplained infertility. INTERVENTION(S): Endometrial biopsy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pinopode formation, expression of LIF, LIFR, gp130, and SOCS1 protein and mRNA in endometrial biopsies. RESULT(S): The expression of LIFR in the endometrium was negatively correlated to the expression of SOCS1 and positively correlated to the formation of pinopodes. In control fertile women, simultaneous intense apical staining of LIFR and gp130 together with faint SOCS1 staining was observed in epithelial cells, whereas the opposite was seen in most women with unexplained infertility. CONCLUSION(S): Unexplained infertility in some women might be explained by disturbances in the LIF pathway in midsecretory-phase endometrium.
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| 3. |
- Aghajanova, Lusine
(författare)
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Endometrial, embryonic and ovarian aspects of human implantation
- 2006
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The general aim of the studies was to add more understanding to the mechanism of human embryo implantation, which will allow us to improve pregnancy rates in assisted reproduction. The simultaneous positive spatial and temporal expression of pinopodes with LIF, LIFR and HBEGF proteins in endometrial samples from healthy women was found. LIF and LIFR had different expression patterns. HB-EGF was present both inside the luminal epithelial cells and on the surface of pinopodes. The findings suggest that the simultaneous molecular and structural cell changes are important in the initiation of human blastocyst implantation. Human embryonic stem cells (hESC), derived from the inner cell mass (ICM) of human blastocyst, provide an excellent model for studying the events occurring in the embryonic side of the implantation. Gene expression in the hESC line HS237 was analyzed using microarrays. Real-time RT-PCR was used to validate the microarray results in four cell lines (HS181, HS235, HS237, HS293). The expression of LIF, LIFR and gpl30 mRNA and protein was increased in differentiated HS237 cells when compared with those in undifferentiated cells. An inhibitor of LIF-mediated signaling, SOCS-1, was up-regulated in undifferentiated hESCs compared with differentiated ones. Increased levels of SOCS-1 might prevent LIF-induced STAT3 signal transduction in undifferentiated hESC and explain the LIF resistance in those cells. Genes, expressed specifically and those shared in undifferentiated hESCs, differentiated hESCs and in fibroblasts were identified. Differentiation of hESC into other cell types began before the changes could be observed in light microscopy, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism affect menstrual cycle. The mechanisms behind these reproductive abnormalities are not well known. We described the presence and cellular distribution of TSH and thyroid hormone receptors (TR) protein and mRNA in normal human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle and in human ovary. After stimulation with TSH and thyroid hormone, endometrial epithelial and stromal cells showed increased cAMP (activation of TSHR) and ERK1/2 (activation of TR receptors) expression. Significant down-regulation of LIF gene under thyroid hormone treatment in endometrial cells suggested involvement of thyroid hormone in human implantation. Granulosa cells (M) stimulated with TSH showed a significant increase in cAMP production, indicating activation of the TSHR. Stimulation with T4 resulted in increased concentration of ERK1/2 (activation of TR receptors). Real-time PCR did not show significant changes in the expression of glucose transporter1 and estrogen receptors (ER) alpha in endometrial cells or ERbeta genes in ovarian tissue or GCs after stimulation with TSH or T4. The expression of TSHR, TRalpha1 and TRbeta1 receptors in the human ovary and endometrium suggests that reproductive disorders during thyroid dysfunction might result from direct effects of thyroid hormones on the ovaries and endometrium. Their strong expression in ovarian surface epithelium suggests a particular role in those cells, but the exact role remains to be solved.
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| 4. |
- Aghajanova, Lusine, et al.
(författare)
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HB-EGF but not amphiregulin or their receptors HER1 and HER4 is altered in endometrium of women with unexplained infertility
- 2008
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Ingår i: Reproductive Sciences. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1933-7191 .- 1933-7205. ; 15:5, s. 484-92
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Heparin-binding, epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and its receptors (HER I and HER4) play a role in the human implantation process. Amphiregulin is a member of the EGF family but with unknown function in human fertility. It has been suggested that some women with unexplained infertility have defective endometrial development. The aim of this study is to determine the presence of amphiregulin and the receptors HER1 and HER4 in normal human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle. In addition) the present study aims to compare endometrium from women with unexplained infertility with endometrium from women with male factor infertility and healthy fertile controls. Immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to determine the expression of HB-EGF, HER 1, HER4, and amphiregulin. The stromal staining of HER I and the epithelial staining of HER4 were most intense in the mid- and late-secretory-phase endometrium. Amphiregulin did not vary during the menstrual cycle. In the mid-secretory phase, the protein expression of HB-EGF was lower in endometrium from women with unexplained infertility versus normal endometrium and endometrium from women with malefactor infertility. HB-EGF and HER4 mRNA expression in mid-secretory endometrium of women with unexplained and malefactor infertility were increased compared with normal controls. Impaired endometrial expression of certain members of the EGF family may contribute to infertility in some women with unexplained infertility.
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| 5. |
- Aghajanova, Lusine, et al.
(författare)
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No evidence for mutations in NLRP7, NLRP2 or KHDC3L in women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss or infertility
- 2015
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Ingår i: Human Reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0268-1161 .- 1460-2350. ; 30:1, s. 232-238
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- STUDY QUESTION: Are mutations in NLRP2/7 (NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 2/7) or KHDC3L (KH Domain Containing 3 Like) associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) or infertility?SUMMARY ANSWER: We found no evidence for mutations in NLRP2/7 or KHDC3L in unexplained RPL or infertility.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Mutations in NLRP7 and KHDC3L are known to cause biparental hydatidiform moles (BiHMs), a rare form of pregnancy loss. NLRP2, while not associated with the BiHM pathology, is known to cause recurrent Beckwith Weidemann Syndrome (BWS).STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, AND DURATION: Ninety-four patients with well characterized, unexplained infertility were recruited over a 9-year period from three IVF clinics in Sweden. Blood samples from 24 patients with 3 or more consecutive miscarriages of unknown etiology were provided by the Recurrent Miscarriage Clinic at St Mary's Hospital, London, UK.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Patients were recruited into both cohorts following extensive clinical studies. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood and subject to Sanger sequencing of NLRP2, NLRP7 and KHDC3L. Sequence electropherograms were analyzed by Sequencher v5.0 software and variants compared with those observed in the 1000 Genomes, single nucleotide polymorphism database (dbSNP) and HapMap databases. Functional effects of non-synonymous variants were predicted using Polyphen-2 and sorting intolerant from tolerant (SIFT).MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: No disease-causing mutations were identified in NLRP2, NLRP7 and KHDC3L in our cohorts of unexplained infertility and RPL.LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Due to the limited patient size, it is difficult to conclude if the low frequency single nucleotide polymorphisms observed in the present study are causative of the phenotype. The design of the present study therefore is only capable of detecting highly penetrant mutations.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The present study supports the hypothesis that mutations in NLRP7 and KHDC3L are specific for the BiHM phenotype and do not play a role in other adverse reproductive outcomes. Furthermore, to date, mutations in NLRP2 have only been associated with the imprinting disorder BWS in offspring and there is no evidence for a role in molar pregnancies, RPL or unexplained infertility.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This study was funded by the following sources: Estonian Ministry of Education and Research (Grant SF0180044s09), Enterprise Estonia (Grant EU30020); Mentored Resident research project (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine); Imperial NIHR Biomedical Research Centre; Grant Number C06RR029965 from the National Center for Research Resources (NCCR; NIH). No competing interests declared.
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| 6. |
- Aghajanova, Lusine, et al.
(författare)
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Receptors for thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroid hormones in human ovarian tissue
- 2009
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Ingår i: Reproductive BioMedicine Online. - : Elsevier BV. - 1472-6483 .- 1472-6491. ; 18:3, s. 337-347
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Dysfunction in thyroid regulation can cause menstrual and ovulatory disturbances, the mechanism of which is not clear. The distribution and activity of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSHR), and the thyroid hormone receptors (TR) alpha1, alpha2 and beta1 in human ovarian tissue and in granulosa cells was studied using immunohistochemistry, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), quantitative PCR and immunoassays. Strong immunostaining of TSHR, TRalpha1 and TRbeta1 was observed in ovarian surface epithelium and in oocytes of primordial, primary and secondary follicles, with minimal staining in granulosa cells of secondary follicles. Granulosa cells of antral follicles expressed TSHR, TRalpha1 and TRbeta1 proteins. Messenger RNA for all receptors was present in ovarian tissue. Mature human granulosa cells expressed transcripts for 5' deiodinases types 2 and 3, but not type 1, indicating the possibility of conversion of peripheral thyroid hormone thyroxin (T(4)). Granulosa cells stimulated with TSH showed a significant increase in cAMP concentrations after 2 h of culture (P = 0.047), indicating activation through TSHR. Stimulation with T(4) resulted in increased extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 activation after 10, 30, 60 min and 24 h. These data demonstrate that TSH and thyroid hormone receptors may participate in the regulation of ovarian function.
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| 7. |
- Aghajanova, Lusine, et al.
(författare)
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Stanniocalcin-1 expression in normal human endometrium and dysregulation in endometriosis
- 2016
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Ingår i: Fertility and Sterility. - : Elsevier BV. - 0015-0282 .- 1556-5653. ; 106:3, s. 681-691
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To determine expression of stanniocalcin-1 (STC1) in human endometrium with and without endometriosis and its regulation by steroid hormones. Design: Laboratory study. Setting: University. Patient(s): Nineteen women with endometriosis and 33 control women. Intervention(s): Endometrial biopsy and fluid sampling. Main Outcome Measure(s): Analysis of early secretory (ESE) and midsecretory (MSE) endometrial secretomes from fertile women with the use of nano-liquid chromatography-dual mass spectrometry;real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry for STC1 and its receptor calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) mRNA and proteins in endometrium with and without endometriosis; evaluation of STC1 and CASR mRNA expression in endometrial stromal fibroblasts (eSF) from women with and without endometriosis decidualized with the use of E2P or 8-bromo-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Result(s): STC1 protein was strongly up-regulated in MSE versus ESE in endometrial fluid of fertile women. STC1 mRNA significantly increased in MSE from women with, but not from those without, endometriosis, compared with proliferative endometrium or ESE, with no significant difference throughout the menstrual cycle between groups. STC1 mRNA in eSF from control women increased >230-fold on decidualization with the use of cAMP versus 45-fold from women with endometriosis, which was not seen on decidualization with E-2/P. CASR mRNA did not exhibit significant differences in any condition and was not expressed in isolated eSF. STC1 protein immunoexpression in eSF was significantly lower in women with endometriosis compared with control women. Conclusion(s): STC1 protein is significantly up-regulated in MSE endometrial fluid and is dysregulated in eutopic endometrial tissue from women with endometriosis. It is likely regulated by cAMP and may be involved in the pathogenesis of decidualization defects.
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| 8. |
- Aghajanova, Lusine, et al.
(författare)
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Thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor and thyroid hormone receptors are involved in human endometrial physiology
- 2011
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Ingår i: Fertility and Sterility. - : Elsevier BV. - 0015-0282 .- 1556-5653. ; 95:1, s. 230-237
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To study the expression, distribution, and function of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) and thyroid hormone receptors (TR) alpha1, alpha2, and beta1 in human endometrium. DESIGN: Experimental clinical study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): 31 fertile women. INTERVENTION(S): Endometrial biopsy samples obtained throughout the menstrual cycle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and Western blot to study the expression of TSHR, TRalpha1, TRalpha2, and TRbeta1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and proteins in human endometrium. RESULT(S): We found TSHR, TRalpha1, TRalpha2 and TRbeta1 mRNA and proteins expressed in human endometrium. Immunostaining for TSHR in the luminal epithelium and TRalpha1 and beta1 in the glandular and luminal epithelium increased statistically significantly on luteinizing hormone (LH) days 6 to 9, coinciding with appearance of pinopodes. Endometrial stromal and Ishikawa cells expressed mRNA for TSHR, TR, and iodothyronine deiodinases 1-3. After 48 hours, TSH significantly increased leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and LIF receptor (LIFR) messenger RNA (mRNA) in endometrial stromal cells, but decreased their expression in Ishikawa cells. Glucose transporter 1 mRNA was up-regulated by TSH in Ishikawa cells. We found that TSH statistically significantly increased secretion of free triiodothyronine (T(3)) and total thyroxin (T(4)) by Ishikawa cells compared with nonstimulated cells. CONCLUSION(S): Thyroid hormones are directly involved in endometrial physiology.
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