1.Notch1/Akt/Foxo1 Pathway Regulated by Kisspeptin Is Involved in Endometrial Decidualization in Patients With Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion
Yanhong YANG ; Jianliang ZHANG ; Dongxiao LI ; Cuiping LIU ; Rong GUO ; Yi XIAO ; Ling ZHOU ; Lingxia TONG ; Hong ZHANG
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2024;55(3):542-551
Objective Kisspeptin,a protein encoded by the KISS1 gene,functions as an essential factor in suppressing tumor growth.The intricate orchestration of cellular processes such as proliferation and differentiation is governed by the Notch1/Akt/Foxo1 signaling pathway,which assumes a central role in maintaining cellular homeostasis.In the specific context of this investigation,the focal point lies in a meticulous exploration of the intricate mechanisms underlying the regulatory effect of kisspeptin on the process of endometrial decidualization.This investigation delves into the interplay between kisspeptin and the Notch1/Akt/Foxo1 signaling pathway,aiming to elucidate its significance in the pathophysiology of recurrent spontaneous abortion(RSA).Methods We enrolled a cohort comprising 45 individuals diagnosed with RSA,who were admitted to the outpatient clinic of the Reproductive Center at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between June 2020 and December 2020.On the other hand,an additional group of 50 women undergoing elective abortion at the outpatient clinic of the Family Planning Department during the same timeframe was also included.To comprehensively assess the molecular landscape,Western blot and RT-qPCR were performed to analyze the expression levels of kisspeptin(and its gene KISS1),IGFBP1(an established marker of decidualization),Notch1,Akt,and Foxo1 within the decidua.Human endometrial stromal cells(hESC)were given targeted interventions,including treatment with siRNA to disrupt KISS1 or exposure to kisspeptin10(the bioactive fragment of kisspeptin),and were subsequently designated as the siKP group or the KP10 group,respectively.A control group comprised hESC was transfected with blank siRNA,and cell proliferation was meticulously evaluated with CCK8 assay.Following in vitro induction for decidualization across the three experimental groups,immunofluorescence assay was performed to identify differences in Notch1 expression and decidualization morphology between the siKP and the KP10 groups.Furthermore,RT-qPCR and Western blot were performed to gauge the expression levels of IGFBP1,Notch1,Akt,and Foxo1 across the three cell groups.Subsequently,decidualization was induced in hESC by adding inhibitors targeting Notch1,Akt,and Foxo1.The expression profiles of the aforementioned proteins and genes in the four groups were then examined,with hESC induced for decidualization without adding inhibitors serving as the normal control group.To establish murine models of normal pregnancy(NP)and RSA,CBA/J×BALB/c and CBA/J×DBA/2 mice were used.The mice were respectively labeled as the NP model and RSA model.The experimental groups received intraperitoneal injections of kisspeptin10 and kisspeptin234(acting as a blocker)and were designated as RSA-KP10 and NP-KP234 groups.On the other hand,the control groups received intraperitoneal injections of normal saline(NS)and were referred to as RSA-NS and NP-NS groups.Each group comprised 6 mice,and uterine tissues from embryos at 9.5 days of gestation were meticulously collected for observation of embryo absorption and examination of the expression of the aforementioned proteins and genes.Results The analysis revealed that the expression levels of kisspeptin,IGFBP1,Notch1,Akt,and Foxo1 were significantly lower in patients diagnosed with RSA compared to those in women with NP(P<0.01 for kisspeptin and P<0.05 for IGFBP1,Notch1,Akt,and Foxo1).After the introduction of kisspeptin10 to hESC,there was an observed enhancement in decidualization capability.Subsequently,the expression levels of Notch1,Akt,and Foxo1 showed an increase,but they decreased after interference with KISS1.Through immunofluorescence analysis,it was observed that proliferative hESC displayed a slender morphology,but they transitioned to a rounder and larger morphology post-decidualization.Concurrently,the expression of Notch1 increased,suggesting enhanced decidualization upon the administration of kisspeptin10,but the expression decreased after interference with KISS1.Further experimentation involved treating hESC with inhibitors specific to Notch1,Akt,and Foxo1 separately,revealing a regulatory sequence of Notch1/Akt/Foxo1(P<0.05).In comparison to the NS group,NP mice administered with kisspeptin234 exhibited increased fetal absorption rates(P<0.001)and decreased expression of IGFBP1,Notch1,Akt,and Foxo1(P<0.05).Conversely,RSA mice administered with kisspeptin10 demonstrated decreased fetal absorption rates(P<0.001)and increased expression levels of the aforementioned molecules(P<0.05).Conclusion It is suggested that kisspeptin might exert its regulatory influence on the process of decidualization through the modulation of the Notch1/Akt/Foxo1 signaling cascade.A down-regulation of the expression levels of kisspeptin could result in suboptimal decidualization,which in turn might contribute to the development or progression of RSA.
2.Clinical significance of monitoring parathyroid hormone in drainage fluid and serum after total thyroidectomy
Hong GAO ; Lingxia TONG ; Bo SONG ; Pengyuan ZHENG ; Hui JIN
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2022;16(5):579-583
Objective:To observe the effect of different clinical factors on the level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and to predict the possibility of permanent hypothyroidism (PHP) after total thyroidectomy (TT) by monitoring the levels of PTH in serum and drainage fluid after TT.Methods:Retrospective analysis was made on 150 patients who underwent TT for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in the Department of Thyroid Head and Neck Surgery in Jilin Cancer Hospital from Jan. 2020 to Aug. 2021. The changes of serum PTH were recorded at 1, 3, 7, 30 days and 6 months after surgery. The risk factors of postoperative hypoparathyroidism (HP) were investigated by single factor and multi factor methods. The impairment of parathyroid function was predicted combined with the level of PTH in the drainage fluid 1 day after operation.Results:After TT, serum PTH returned to normal value in most patients 1 month after operation. The proportion of PHP was 3.33% (5/150). Univariate analysis showed that bilateral central lymph node dissection, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, tumor diameter ≥2 cm and intraoperative selective parathyroid autologous transplantation were risk factors for temporary hypoparathyroidism (THP). Multivariate analysis showed that BCND ( OR=0.322, P=0.001) , intraoperative selective parathyroid autograft ( OR=5.442, P=0.001) and tumor diameter ≥2 cm ( OR=2.247, P=0.003) were independent risk factors for THP. ROC curve was used to compare the predictive effect of postoperative serum and drainage PTH levels on postoperative PHP. The statistical results showed that the highest predictive effect of postoperative PHP was found on the first day of drainage PTH level within 1 week after operation (AUC 0.81) . 54 cases whose serum PTH was lower than normal value on the first day after operation were divided into 4 groups according to the level of PTH in drainage fluid from high to low. The results showed that the lower the level of PTH in drainage fluid, the greater the possibility of PHP ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Most of the patients with low PTH one month after operation develop PHP, while bilateral central lymph node dissection, intraoperative selective parathyroid transplantation, tumor diameter ≥2 cm are risk factors for THP after TT. If the serum PTH is lower than the normal value on the first day after operation, there is a possibility of PTH. The lower the PTH in the drainage fluid, the greater the possibility of PHP, which should be paid attention to in clinical practice.
3.Isolation and chatracterization of microsatellite markers in Tupaia belangeri chinensis
Yuan ZHANG ; Xiaofei LI ; Zhenyu LI ; Pinfen TONG ; Lingxia CHEN ; Bowen YIN ; Jiejie DAI
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2015;(6):36-41
Objective To screen out specific microsatellite markers for use in Tupaia belangeri chinensis genetic testing. Methods Firstly to screen about 700 microsatellite loci from whole genome.Secondly to choose about 100 better loci without defect factors.Lastly 46 primers were designed by 33 tree shrew’ s microsatellite loci obtained from whole genome and other references.Agarose gel electrophoresis and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were used for PCR products, and better loci based on electrophoresis results were chosen.Then STR scan was used to select the microsatellite loci combination for genetic testing.Results Twenty-two microsatellite loci were selected with a significant Stutter peak on STR scanning.Comparing the alternative loci and ultimately selected loci, there were two loci available in the five alternative loci of T.glis.The coincidence rate between T.glis and T.b.chinensis was 40%.There were two loci available in the five alternative loci of T.minor, and the coincidence rate between T.minor and T.b.chinensis was 40%.There were two loci available in the three alternative loci of T.belangeri, and the coincidence rate between T.belangeri and T.b. chinensis was about 70%.Conclusions The 22 microsatellite loci screened in this study are well applied for genetic testing of Tupaia belangeri chinensis, therefore, provide a scientific basis for the genetic quality monitoring of tree shrews.

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