PeerJ:Gynecology and Obstetricshttps://peerj.com/articles/index.atom?journal=peerj&subject=4900Gynecology and Obstetrics articles published in PeerJSporting tournaments and changed birth rates 9 months later: a systematic reviewhttps://peerj.com/articles/169932024-02-272024-02-27Gwinyai MasukumeVictor GrechMargaret Ryan
Introduction
Major sporting tournaments may be associated with increased birth rates 9 months afterwards, possibly due to celebratory sex. The influence of major sporting tournaments on birth patterns remains to be fully explored.
Methods
Studies that examined the relationship between such events and altered birth metrics (number of births and/or birth sex ratio (male/total live births)) 9(±1) months later were sought in PubMed and Scopus and reported via standard guidelines. Database searches were conducted up to 7 November 2022.
Results
Five events led to increased birth metrics 9(±1) months later and these included the Super Bowl, the 2009 UEFA Champions League, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the 2016 UEFA Euros and the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Several la Liga soccer matches also had effects. With a few exceptions, major American football, Association football (soccer) and Rugby apex tournaments in Africa, North America, Asia and Europe were associated with increases in the number of babies born and/or in the birth sex ratio 9(±1) months following notable team wins and/or hosting the tournament. Furthermore, unexpected losses by teams from a premier soccer league were associated with a decline in births 9 months on.
Conclusions
This systematic review establishes that major sporting tournaments have a notable impact on birth patterns, influencing both birth rates and sex ratios. Emotional intensification during these events likely triggers hormonal shifts, driving changes in sexual activity and subsequently shaping birth rates, often positively, about 9 months later. The context is crucial, especially when a region/country hosts a major single-sport tournament or participates for the first time, as population excitement is likely to be at its peak. These findings hold significance for healthcare planning and highlight the role of societal events in shaping demographic trends.
PROSPERO registration
CRD42022382971.
Introduction
Major sporting tournaments may be associated with increased birth rates 9 months afterwards, possibly due to celebratory sex. The influence of major sporting tournaments on birth patterns remains to be fully explored.
Methods
Studies that examined the relationship between such events and altered birth metrics (number of births and/or birth sex ratio (male/total live births)) 9(±1) months later were sought in PubMed and Scopus and reported via standard guidelines. Database searches were conducted up to 7 November 2022.
Results
Five events led to increased birth metrics 9(±1) months later and these included the Super Bowl, the 2009 UEFA Champions League, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the 2016 UEFA Euros and the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Several la Liga soccer matches also had effects. With a few exceptions, major American football, Association football (soccer) and Rugby apex tournaments in Africa, North America, Asia and Europe were associated with increases in the number of babies born and/or in the birth sex ratio 9(±1) months following notable team wins and/or hosting the tournament. Furthermore, unexpected losses by teams from a premier soccer league were associated with a decline in births 9 months on.
Conclusions
This systematic review establishes that major sporting tournaments have a notable impact on birth patterns, influencing both birth rates and sex ratios. Emotional intensification during these events likely triggers hormonal shifts, driving changes in sexual activity and subsequently shaping birth rates, often positively, about 9 months later. The context is crucial, especially when a region/country hosts a major single-sport tournament or participates for the first time, as population excitement is likely to be at its peak. These findings hold significance for healthcare planning and highlight the role of societal events in shaping demographic trends.
PROSPERO registration
CRD42022382971.Effects of BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 on the expression profile of super-enhancer related lncRNAs and mRNAs in cervical cancer HeLa cellshttps://peerj.com/articles/170352024-02-232024-02-23Jianqing ZhengBifen HuangLihua XiaoMin Wu
Objective
To investigate the effects of bromine domain protein 4 (BRD4) inhibitor JQ1 on the expression profile of super-enhancer-related lncRNAs (SE-lncRNAs) and mRNAs in cervical cancer (CC) HeLa-cells.
Methods
The CCK8 method was implemented to detect the inhibitory effect of JQ1 on HeLa cells and explore the best inhibitory concentration. Whole transcriptome sequencing was performed to detect the changes of lncRNAs and mRNAs expression profiles in cells of the JQ1 treatment group and control group, respectively. The differentially expressed SE-lncRNAs were obtained by matching, while the co-expressed mRNAs were obtained by Pearson correlation analysis.
Results
The inhibitory effect of JQ1 on HeLa cell proliferation increased significantly with increasing concentration and treatment time (P < 0.05). Under the experimental conditions of three concentrations of 0.01, 0.1 and 1 μmol/L of JQ1 on HeLa cells at 24, 48, 72 and 120 h, 1 μmol/L of JQ1 at 72 and 120 h had the same cell viability and the strongest cell proliferation inhibition. In order to understand the inhibitory mechanism of JQ1 on HeLa cells, this study analyzed the expression profile differences from the perspective of SE-lncRNAs and mRNAs. A total of 162 SE-lncRNAs were identified, of which 8 SE-lncRNAs were down-regulated and seven SE-lncRNAs were up-regulated. A total of 418 differentially expressed mRNAs related to SE-lncRNAs were identified, of which 395 mRNAs had positive correlation with 12 SE-lncRNAs and 408 mRNAs had negative correlation with 15 SE-lncRNAs.
Conclusion
JQ1 can significantly inhibit the proliferation of HeLa cells and affect the expression profile of SE-lncRNAs and mRNAs.
Objective
To investigate the effects of bromine domain protein 4 (BRD4) inhibitor JQ1 on the expression profile of super-enhancer-related lncRNAs (SE-lncRNAs) and mRNAs in cervical cancer (CC) HeLa-cells.
Methods
The CCK8 method was implemented to detect the inhibitory effect of JQ1 on HeLa cells and explore the best inhibitory concentration. Whole transcriptome sequencing was performed to detect the changes of lncRNAs and mRNAs expression profiles in cells of the JQ1 treatment group and control group, respectively. The differentially expressed SE-lncRNAs were obtained by matching, while the co-expressed mRNAs were obtained by Pearson correlation analysis.
Results
The inhibitory effect of JQ1 on HeLa cell proliferation increased significantly with increasing concentration and treatment time (P < 0.05). Under the experimental conditions of three concentrations of 0.01, 0.1 and 1 μmol/L of JQ1 on HeLa cells at 24, 48, 72 and 120 h, 1 μmol/L of JQ1 at 72 and 120 h had the same cell viability and the strongest cell proliferation inhibition. In order to understand the inhibitory mechanism of JQ1 on HeLa cells, this study analyzed the expression profile differences from the perspective of SE-lncRNAs and mRNAs. A total of 162 SE-lncRNAs were identified, of which 8 SE-lncRNAs were down-regulated and seven SE-lncRNAs were up-regulated. A total of 418 differentially expressed mRNAs related to SE-lncRNAs were identified, of which 395 mRNAs had positive correlation with 12 SE-lncRNAs and 408 mRNAs had negative correlation with 15 SE-lncRNAs.
Conclusion
JQ1 can significantly inhibit the proliferation of HeLa cells and affect the expression profile of SE-lncRNAs and mRNAs.Hypoxic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell exosomes promote angiogenesis and enhance endometrial injury repair through the miR-424-5p-mediated DLL4/Notch signaling pathwayhttps://peerj.com/articles/169532024-02-222024-02-22Zhenghua XiongYong HuMin JiangBeibei LiuWenjiao JinHuiqin ChenLinjuan YangXuesong Han
Background
Currently, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been reported to promote endometrial regeneration in rat models of mechanically injury-induced uterine adhesions (IUAs), but the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of hypoxic BMSC-derived exosomes on IUAs have not been elucidated.
Objective
To investigate the potential mechanism by which the BMSCS-derived exosomal miR-424-5p regulates IUA angiogenesis through the DLL4/Notch signaling pathway under hypoxic conditions and promotes endometrial injury repair.
Methods
The morphology of the exosomes was observed via transmission electron microscopy, and the expression of exosome markers (CD9, CD63, CD81, and HSP70) was detected via flow cytometry and Western blotting. The expression of angiogenesis-related genes (Ang1, Flk1, Vash1, and TSP1) was detected via RT‒qPCR, and the expression of DLL4/Notch signaling pathway-related proteins (DLL4, Notch1, and Notch2) was detected via Western blotting. Cell proliferation was detected by a CCK-8 assay, and angiogenesis was assessed via an angiogenesis assay. The expression of CD3 was detected by immunofluorescence. The endometrial lesions of IUA rats were observed via HE staining, and the expression of CD3 and VEGFA was detected via immunohistochemistry.
Results
Compared with those in exosomes from normoxic conditions, miR-424-5p was more highly expressed in the exosomes from hypoxic BMSCs. Compared with those in normoxic BMSC-derived exosomes, the proliferation and angiogenesis of HUVECs were significantly enhanced after treatment with hypoxic BMSC-derived exosomes, and these effects were weakened after inhibition of miR-424-5p. miR-424-5p can target and negatively regulate the expression of DLL4, promote the expression of the proangiogenic genes Ang1 and Flk1, and inhibit the expression of the antiangiogenic genes Vash1 and TSP1. The effect of miR-424-5p can be reversed by overexpression of DLL4. In IUA rats, treatment with hypoxic BMSC exosomes and the miR-424-5p mimic promoted angiogenesis and improved endometrial damage.
Conclusion
The hypoxic BMSC-derived exosomal miR-424-5p promoted angiogenesis and improved endometrial injury repair by regulating the DLL4/Notch signaling pathway, which provides a new idea for the treatment of IUAs.
Background
Currently, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been reported to promote endometrial regeneration in rat models of mechanically injury-induced uterine adhesions (IUAs), but the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of hypoxic BMSC-derived exosomes on IUAs have not been elucidated.
Objective
To investigate the potential mechanism by which the BMSCS-derived exosomal miR-424-5p regulates IUA angiogenesis through the DLL4/Notch signaling pathway under hypoxic conditions and promotes endometrial injury repair.
Methods
The morphology of the exosomes was observed via transmission electron microscopy, and the expression of exosome markers (CD9, CD63, CD81, and HSP70) was detected via flow cytometry and Western blotting. The expression of angiogenesis-related genes (Ang1, Flk1, Vash1, and TSP1) was detected via RT‒qPCR, and the expression of DLL4/Notch signaling pathway-related proteins (DLL4, Notch1, and Notch2) was detected via Western blotting. Cell proliferation was detected by a CCK-8 assay, and angiogenesis was assessed via an angiogenesis assay. The expression of CD3 was detected by immunofluorescence. The endometrial lesions of IUA rats were observed via HE staining, and the expression of CD3 and VEGFA was detected via immunohistochemistry.
Results
Compared with those in exosomes from normoxic conditions, miR-424-5p was more highly expressed in the exosomes from hypoxic BMSCs. Compared with those in normoxic BMSC-derived exosomes, the proliferation and angiogenesis of HUVECs were significantly enhanced after treatment with hypoxic BMSC-derived exosomes, and these effects were weakened after inhibition of miR-424-5p. miR-424-5p can target and negatively regulate the expression of DLL4, promote the expression of the proangiogenic genes Ang1 and Flk1, and inhibit the expression of the antiangiogenic genes Vash1 and TSP1. The effect of miR-424-5p can be reversed by overexpression of DLL4. In IUA rats, treatment with hypoxic BMSC exosomes and the miR-424-5p mimic promoted angiogenesis and improved endometrial damage.
Conclusion
The hypoxic BMSC-derived exosomal miR-424-5p promoted angiogenesis and improved endometrial injury repair by regulating the DLL4/Notch signaling pathway, which provides a new idea for the treatment of IUAs.Nonpharmacological pain relief for labour pain: knowledge, attitude, and barriers among obstetric care providershttps://peerj.com/articles/168622024-02-022024-02-02Heba Abdel-Fatah IbrahimMajed Said AlshahraniAmlak Jaber Al-QinnahWafaa Taha Elgzar
Background
Labor pain is considered the worst pain in a woman’s life. Hence, pain control should be essential to labor management at any level. There is scarce information, and there are gaps regarding the knowledge, attitude, and barriers to the utilization of nonpharmacological approaches for pain relief in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the current study aims to evaluate nonpharmacological pain relief (NPPR)-related knowledge, attitudes, and barriers among obstetric care providers in Najran, Saudi Arabia.
Methods
A cross-sectional analytical study was performed at maternity departments in Maternal and Children Hospital (MCH), Najran, Saudi Arabia, from April 1 to May 26 2023. The study involved 186 obstetric care providers (OPCs), physicians (19), nurses (144), and midwives (23). A structured self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data and involves five main sections: demographic data, work-related data, nonpharmacological pain relief-related attitude, perceived barriers, and knowledge quiz. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) along with 95% CI was estimated to determine the factors associated with nonpharmacological pain relief-related knowledge and attitude using multivariate analysis in the binary logistic regression.
Results
Over three-quarters (79%) of obstetric care providers had adequate knowledge of nonpharmacological pain relief methods. The majority (85.5%) of the participants had a positive attitude toward NPPR in labour pain management, with the mean scores ranging from 3.55–4.23 for all sub-items. Obstetric care providers acknowledged that patient belief, lack of time, and workload were the strongest barriers to offering nonpharmacological pain relief methods for labour pain 67.6%, 64.5%, and 61.3%, respectively. In binary logistic regression analysis, the in-service training related to nonpharmacological pain relief (AOR = 5.871 (2.174–15.857), p = 0.000), (AOR = 3.942 (1.926–11.380), p = 0.013) and years of work experience (AOR = 1.678 (1.080–2.564), p = 0.019), (AOR = 1.740 (1.188–2.548), p = 0.003) were significantly associated with obstetric care providers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding nonpharmacological pain relief (p ≤ 0.05).
Conclusion
Although most OPCs have adequate knowledge and a positive attitude regarding NPPR, they need motivational strategies to enhance their utilization. In addition, an effort should be made to decrease OPCs’ workload to provide more time for NPPR application and patient education. Training courses and in-service training can play an important role in enhancing NPPR knowledge and attitude and, consequently, its application. Also, in each working unit, the policymakers should provide clear guidelines and policies that enhance and control the utilization of NPPR.
Background
Labor pain is considered the worst pain in a woman’s life. Hence, pain control should be essential to labor management at any level. There is scarce information, and there are gaps regarding the knowledge, attitude, and barriers to the utilization of nonpharmacological approaches for pain relief in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the current study aims to evaluate nonpharmacological pain relief (NPPR)-related knowledge, attitudes, and barriers among obstetric care providers in Najran, Saudi Arabia.
Methods
A cross-sectional analytical study was performed at maternity departments in Maternal and Children Hospital (MCH), Najran, Saudi Arabia, from April 1 to May 26 2023. The study involved 186 obstetric care providers (OPCs), physicians (19), nurses (144), and midwives (23). A structured self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data and involves five main sections: demographic data, work-related data, nonpharmacological pain relief-related attitude, perceived barriers, and knowledge quiz. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) along with 95% CI was estimated to determine the factors associated with nonpharmacological pain relief-related knowledge and attitude using multivariate analysis in the binary logistic regression.
Results
Over three-quarters (79%) of obstetric care providers had adequate knowledge of nonpharmacological pain relief methods. The majority (85.5%) of the participants had a positive attitude toward NPPR in labour pain management, with the mean scores ranging from 3.55–4.23 for all sub-items. Obstetric care providers acknowledged that patient belief, lack of time, and workload were the strongest barriers to offering nonpharmacological pain relief methods for labour pain 67.6%, 64.5%, and 61.3%, respectively. In binary logistic regression analysis, the in-service training related to nonpharmacological pain relief (AOR = 5.871 (2.174–15.857), p = 0.000), (AOR = 3.942 (1.926–11.380), p = 0.013) and years of work experience (AOR = 1.678 (1.080–2.564), p = 0.019), (AOR = 1.740 (1.188–2.548), p = 0.003) were significantly associated with obstetric care providers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding nonpharmacological pain relief (p ≤ 0.05).
Conclusion
Although most OPCs have adequate knowledge and a positive attitude regarding NPPR, they need motivational strategies to enhance their utilization. In addition, an effort should be made to decrease OPCs’ workload to provide more time for NPPR application and patient education. Training courses and in-service training can play an important role in enhancing NPPR knowledge and attitude and, consequently, its application. Also, in each working unit, the policymakers should provide clear guidelines and policies that enhance and control the utilization of NPPR.Proteomic detection of COX-2 pathway-related factors in patients with adenomyosishttps://peerj.com/articles/167842024-01-152024-01-15Jihua ZhangLuying ShiJingya DuanMinmin LiCanyu Li
Background
Investigating the relationship between cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathway-related factors and clinical features in patients with adenomyosis by proteomics could provide potential therapeutic targets.
Methods
This study recruited 40 patients undergoing surgical hysterectomy and pathological diagnosis of adenomyosis, collected ectopic endometrial specimens, and recorded clinical data. The expression levels of COX-2 in ectopic uterus lesions were detected using the immunohistochemical (IHC) SP method. The 40 samples were then divided into a COX-2 low or high expression group. Five samples with the most typical expression levels were selected from each of the two groups and the differential proteins between the two groups were identified using label-free quantitative proteomics. WW domain-binding protein 2 (WBP2), interferon induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3), and secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) were selected for further verification, and their relationships with COX-2 and clinical characteristics were analyzed.
Results
There were statistically significant differences in the expression of WBP2, IFITM3, and SFRP4 between the COX-2 low and high expression groups (P < 0.01). The expressions of COX-2, IFITM3, and SFRP4 were significantly correlated with dysmenorrhea between the two groups (P < 0.05), but not with uterine size or menstrual volume (P > 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between the expression of WBP2 and dysmenorrhea, uterine size, and menstruation volume in both the high expression and low expression groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
COX-2, IFITM3, SFRP4, and WBP2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. COX-2, IFITM3, and SFRP4 may serve as potential molecular biomarkers or therapeutic targets in dysmenorrhea in patients with early adenomyosis.
Background
Investigating the relationship between cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathway-related factors and clinical features in patients with adenomyosis by proteomics could provide potential therapeutic targets.
Methods
This study recruited 40 patients undergoing surgical hysterectomy and pathological diagnosis of adenomyosis, collected ectopic endometrial specimens, and recorded clinical data. The expression levels of COX-2 in ectopic uterus lesions were detected using the immunohistochemical (IHC) SP method. The 40 samples were then divided into a COX-2 low or high expression group. Five samples with the most typical expression levels were selected from each of the two groups and the differential proteins between the two groups were identified using label-free quantitative proteomics. WW domain-binding protein 2 (WBP2), interferon induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3), and secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) were selected for further verification, and their relationships with COX-2 and clinical characteristics were analyzed.
Results
There were statistically significant differences in the expression of WBP2, IFITM3, and SFRP4 between the COX-2 low and high expression groups (P < 0.01). The expressions of COX-2, IFITM3, and SFRP4 were significantly correlated with dysmenorrhea between the two groups (P < 0.05), but not with uterine size or menstrual volume (P > 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between the expression of WBP2 and dysmenorrhea, uterine size, and menstruation volume in both the high expression and low expression groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
COX-2, IFITM3, SFRP4, and WBP2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. COX-2, IFITM3, and SFRP4 may serve as potential molecular biomarkers or therapeutic targets in dysmenorrhea in patients with early adenomyosis.A retrospective observational study on maternal and neonatal outcomes of COVID-19: Does the mild SARS-CoV-2 infection affect the outcome?https://peerj.com/articles/166512023-12-142023-12-14Jing LiXiang LiPeiying YeYun YouYu WangJing ZhangWeihua ZhaoZhiying YuRunsi YaoJie Tang
Background
Currently, several SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron, are still circulating globally. This underscores the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of their impact on obstetric and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women, even in cases of mild infection.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective, single-center observational study to investigate the association between gestational SARS-CoV-2 infection and maternal-fetal outcomes in the Chinese population. The study enrolled 311 pregnant patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection (exposure group) and 205 uninfected pregnant patients (control group). We scrutinized the hospital records to collect data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and maternal and neonatal outcomes for subsequently comparison.
Results
Similar characteristics were observed in both groups, including maternal age, height, BMI, gravidity, parity, and comorbidities (p > 0.05). A majority (97.4%) of pregnant women in the exposure group with COVID-19 experienced mild clinical symptoms, with fever (86.5%) and cough (74.3%) as the primary symptoms. The exposure group exhibited significantly higher incidences of cesarean section and fetal distress compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, pregnant women in the exposure group showed reduced levels of hemoglobin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, while experiencing significantly increased levels of lymphocytes, prothrombin time, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.05). Notably, recent SARS-CoV-2 infection prior to delivery appeared to have an adverse impact on liver function, blood and coagulation levels in pregnant women. When comparing the two groups, there were no significant differences in the postpartum hemorrhage rate, premature birth rate, birth weight, neonatal asphyxia rate, neonatal department transfer rate, and neonatal pneumonia incidence.
Conclusions
Our study suggests that mild COVID-19 infection during pregnancy does not have detrimental effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, the increased risks of events such as fetal distress and cesarean section, coupled with potential alterations in physical function, reveal the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, even in mild cases. These findings emphasize the importance of proactive management and monitoring of pregnant individuals with COVID-19.
Background
Currently, several SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron, are still circulating globally. This underscores the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of their impact on obstetric and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women, even in cases of mild infection.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective, single-center observational study to investigate the association between gestational SARS-CoV-2 infection and maternal-fetal outcomes in the Chinese population. The study enrolled 311 pregnant patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection (exposure group) and 205 uninfected pregnant patients (control group). We scrutinized the hospital records to collect data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and maternal and neonatal outcomes for subsequently comparison.
Results
Similar characteristics were observed in both groups, including maternal age, height, BMI, gravidity, parity, and comorbidities (p > 0.05). A majority (97.4%) of pregnant women in the exposure group with COVID-19 experienced mild clinical symptoms, with fever (86.5%) and cough (74.3%) as the primary symptoms. The exposure group exhibited significantly higher incidences of cesarean section and fetal distress compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, pregnant women in the exposure group showed reduced levels of hemoglobin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, while experiencing significantly increased levels of lymphocytes, prothrombin time, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.05). Notably, recent SARS-CoV-2 infection prior to delivery appeared to have an adverse impact on liver function, blood and coagulation levels in pregnant women. When comparing the two groups, there were no significant differences in the postpartum hemorrhage rate, premature birth rate, birth weight, neonatal asphyxia rate, neonatal department transfer rate, and neonatal pneumonia incidence.
Conclusions
Our study suggests that mild COVID-19 infection during pregnancy does not have detrimental effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, the increased risks of events such as fetal distress and cesarean section, coupled with potential alterations in physical function, reveal the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, even in mild cases. These findings emphasize the importance of proactive management and monitoring of pregnant individuals with COVID-19.CXCL10-based gene cluster model serves as a potential diagnostic biomarker for premature ovarian failurehttps://peerj.com/articles/166592023-12-132023-12-13Ying QinCanliang WenHuijiao Wu
Objective
Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a disease with high clinical heterogeneity. Subsequently, its diagnosis is challenging. CXCL10 which is a small signaling protein involved in immune response and inflammation may have diagnostic potential in detection of premature ovarian insufficiency. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate CXCL10 based diagnostic biomarkers for POF.
Methods
Transcriptome data for POF was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE39501). Principal component analysis (PCA) assessed CXCL10 expression in patients with POF. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, analyzed using PlotROC, demonstrated the diagnostic potential of CXCL10 and CXCL10-based models for POF. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the control group of POF were identified using DEbylimma. PlotVenn was used to determine the overlap between the POF-control group and the high-/low-expression CXCL10 groups. QuadrantPlot was employed to detect CXCL10-dysregulated genes in POF. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were conducted on DEGs using RunMulti Group cluster Profiler. A POF model was induced with cisplatin (DDP) using KGN cells. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to measure the expression of CXCL10, apoptosis-related proteins, and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway-related proteins in this model, following siRNA-mediated silencing of CXCL10. Flow cytometry was employed to assess the apoptosis of KGN cells after CXCL10 downregulation.
Results
The expression of CXCL10 is dysregulated in POF, and it shows promising diagnostic potential for POF, as evidenced by an area under the curve value of 1. In POF, we found 3,362 up-regulated and 3,969 down-regulated DEGs compared to healthy controls, while the high- and low-expression groups of POF (comprising samples above and below the median CXCL10 expression) exhibited 1,304 up-regulated and 1,315 down-regulated DEGs. Among these, 786 DEGs consistently displayed dysregulation in POF due to CXCL10 influence. Enrichment analysis indicated that the PPAR signaling pathway was activated by CXCL10 in POF. The CXCL10-based model (including CXCL10, Itga2, and Raf1) holds potential as a diagnostic biomarker for POF. Additionally, in the DDP-induced KGN cell model, interfering with CXCL10 expression promoted the secretion of estradiol, and reduced apoptosis. Furthermore, CXCL10 silencing led to decreased expression levels of PPARβ and long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 compared to the Si-NC group. These results suggest that CXCL10 influences the progression of POF through the PPAR signaling pathway.
Conclusion
The CXCL10-based model, demonstrating perfect diagnostic accuracy for POF and comprising CXCL10, Itga2, and Raf1, holds potential as a valuable diagnostic biomarker. Thus, the expression levels of these genes may collectively provide valuable diagnostic information for POF.
Objective
Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a disease with high clinical heterogeneity. Subsequently, its diagnosis is challenging. CXCL10 which is a small signaling protein involved in immune response and inflammation may have diagnostic potential in detection of premature ovarian insufficiency. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate CXCL10 based diagnostic biomarkers for POF.
Methods
Transcriptome data for POF was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE39501). Principal component analysis (PCA) assessed CXCL10 expression in patients with POF. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, analyzed using PlotROC, demonstrated the diagnostic potential of CXCL10 and CXCL10-based models for POF. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the control group of POF were identified using DEbylimma. PlotVenn was used to determine the overlap between the POF-control group and the high-/low-expression CXCL10 groups. QuadrantPlot was employed to detect CXCL10-dysregulated genes in POF. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were conducted on DEGs using RunMulti Group cluster Profiler. A POF model was induced with cisplatin (DDP) using KGN cells. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to measure the expression of CXCL10, apoptosis-related proteins, and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway-related proteins in this model, following siRNA-mediated silencing of CXCL10. Flow cytometry was employed to assess the apoptosis of KGN cells after CXCL10 downregulation.
Results
The expression of CXCL10 is dysregulated in POF, and it shows promising diagnostic potential for POF, as evidenced by an area under the curve value of 1. In POF, we found 3,362 up-regulated and 3,969 down-regulated DEGs compared to healthy controls, while the high- and low-expression groups of POF (comprising samples above and below the median CXCL10 expression) exhibited 1,304 up-regulated and 1,315 down-regulated DEGs. Among these, 786 DEGs consistently displayed dysregulation in POF due to CXCL10 influence. Enrichment analysis indicated that the PPAR signaling pathway was activated by CXCL10 in POF. The CXCL10-based model (including CXCL10, Itga2, and Raf1) holds potential as a diagnostic biomarker for POF. Additionally, in the DDP-induced KGN cell model, interfering with CXCL10 expression promoted the secretion of estradiol, and reduced apoptosis. Furthermore, CXCL10 silencing led to decreased expression levels of PPARβ and long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 compared to the Si-NC group. These results suggest that CXCL10 influences the progression of POF through the PPAR signaling pathway.
Conclusion
The CXCL10-based model, demonstrating perfect diagnostic accuracy for POF and comprising CXCL10, Itga2, and Raf1, holds potential as a valuable diagnostic biomarker. Thus, the expression levels of these genes may collectively provide valuable diagnostic information for POF.Combination of serum CST1 and HE4 for early diagnosis of endometrial cancerhttps://peerj.com/articles/164242023-12-052023-12-05Wenhui ZhongYunliang LiuLiangming ZhangWanzhen ZhuangJianlin ChenZhixin HuangYue ZhengYi Huang
Purpose
Optimal serological biomarkers have been absent for the early diagnosis of endometrial cancer, to date. In this study, we aimed to define the diagnostic performances of individual and combined detection of serum cysteine protease inhibitor 1 (CST1) with traditional tumor markers, including glycated antigen 125 (CA125) and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), in patients with early-stage endometrial cancer (EC).
Methods
The performances of individual and combined detection of serum CST1, HE4, and CA125 were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chemiluminescent immunoassay, respectively. A training data set of 67 patients with early EC, 67 patients with endometrial benign lesion (EBL), and 67 healthy controls (HC) was used to develop a predictive model for early EC diagnosis, which was validated by an independent validation data set.
Results
In the training data set, serum CST1 and HE4 levels in the early EC group were significantly higher than in EBL/HC groups (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference of serum CA125 level between the early EC and EBL/HC groups (P > 0.05). Serum CST1 and HE4 exhibited areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.715 with 31.3% sensitivity at 90.3% specificity, and 0.706 with 23.9% sensitivity at 95.5% specificity, respectively. Combined detection of serum CST1 and HE4 exhibited an AUC of 0.788 with 49.3% sensitivity at 92.5% specificity. The combination of serum CST1 and HE4 showed promise in diagnosis.
Conclusion
CST1 is a prospective serological biomarker for early EC diagnosis, and the combination of CST1 and HE4 contributes to the further improvement in the diagnosis of patients with early-stage EC.
Purpose
Optimal serological biomarkers have been absent for the early diagnosis of endometrial cancer, to date. In this study, we aimed to define the diagnostic performances of individual and combined detection of serum cysteine protease inhibitor 1 (CST1) with traditional tumor markers, including glycated antigen 125 (CA125) and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), in patients with early-stage endometrial cancer (EC).
Methods
The performances of individual and combined detection of serum CST1, HE4, and CA125 were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chemiluminescent immunoassay, respectively. A training data set of 67 patients with early EC, 67 patients with endometrial benign lesion (EBL), and 67 healthy controls (HC) was used to develop a predictive model for early EC diagnosis, which was validated by an independent validation data set.
Results
In the training data set, serum CST1 and HE4 levels in the early EC group were significantly higher than in EBL/HC groups (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference of serum CA125 level between the early EC and EBL/HC groups (P > 0.05). Serum CST1 and HE4 exhibited areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.715 with 31.3% sensitivity at 90.3% specificity, and 0.706 with 23.9% sensitivity at 95.5% specificity, respectively. Combined detection of serum CST1 and HE4 exhibited an AUC of 0.788 with 49.3% sensitivity at 92.5% specificity. The combination of serum CST1 and HE4 showed promise in diagnosis.
Conclusion
CST1 is a prospective serological biomarker for early EC diagnosis, and the combination of CST1 and HE4 contributes to the further improvement in the diagnosis of patients with early-stage EC.Temporal and spatial differences in the vaginal microbiome of Chinese healthy womenhttps://peerj.com/articles/164382023-12-012023-12-01Limin DuXue DongJiarong SongTingting LeiXianming LiuYue LanXu LiuJiao WangBisong YueMiao HeZhenxin FanTao Guo
Background
Up the reproductive tract, there are large differences in the composition of vaginal microbes. Throughout the menstrual cycle, the structure of the vaginal microbiome shifts. Few studies have examined both in combination. Our study was designed to explore trends in the microbiome of different parts of the vagina in healthy women over the menstrual cycle.
Methods
We performed metagenomic sequencing to characterize the microbiome differences between the cervical orifice and mid-vagina throughout the menstrual cycle.
Results
Our results showed the vaginal microbiome of healthy women in the cervical orifice and the mid-vagina was similar during the periovulatory and luteal phases, with Lactobacillus being the dominant bacteria. In the follicular phase, Acinetobacter was detected in the cervical orifice. From the follicular phase to the luteal phase, the community state types (all five community status types were defined as CSTs) in samples No. 10 and No. 11 changed from CST III to CST I. In addition, the composition of the vaginal microbiome in healthy women from different regions of China was significantly different. We also detected viruses including Human alphaherpesvirus 1 (HSV-1) during periovulatory phase.
Conclusion
This study is valuable for understanding whether the microbial composition of the vagina is consistent in different parts of the menstrual cycle.
Background
Up the reproductive tract, there are large differences in the composition of vaginal microbes. Throughout the menstrual cycle, the structure of the vaginal microbiome shifts. Few studies have examined both in combination. Our study was designed to explore trends in the microbiome of different parts of the vagina in healthy women over the menstrual cycle.
Methods
We performed metagenomic sequencing to characterize the microbiome differences between the cervical orifice and mid-vagina throughout the menstrual cycle.
Results
Our results showed the vaginal microbiome of healthy women in the cervical orifice and the mid-vagina was similar during the periovulatory and luteal phases, with Lactobacillus being the dominant bacteria. In the follicular phase, Acinetobacter was detected in the cervical orifice. From the follicular phase to the luteal phase, the community state types (all five community status types were defined as CSTs) in samples No. 10 and No. 11 changed from CST III to CST I. In addition, the composition of the vaginal microbiome in healthy women from different regions of China was significantly different. We also detected viruses including Human alphaherpesvirus 1 (HSV-1) during periovulatory phase.
Conclusion
This study is valuable for understanding whether the microbial composition of the vagina is consistent in different parts of the menstrual cycle.Role of Pink1-mediated mitophagy in adenomyosishttps://peerj.com/articles/164972023-11-302023-11-30Minmin ChenWei WangXianyun FuYongli YiKun WangMeiling Wang
Abstract Background
Recent studies indicate that endometrial hypoxia plays a critical role in adenomyosis (AM) development. Mitochondria are extremely sensitive to hypoxic damage, which can result in both morphological and functional impairment. Mitophagy is a crucial mechanism for preserving mitochondrial quality by selectively removing damaged mitochondria, thus ensuring the proper functioning of the entire mitochondrial network. In response to hypoxia, PINK1 is activated as a regulator of mitophagy, but its role in AM requires further study.
Objective
To explore the potential mechanism of mitophagy mediated by PINK1 in the pathogenesis of AM.
Method
The study compared PINK1, Parkin, OPTIN, P62, and NDP52 protein expression levels in patients with or without AM using clinical specimens and an AM mouse model. Pathological changes were compared using HE staining. Immunofluorescence and western blot were used to detect protein expression levels. Endometrial stromal cells (ESC) were isolated and examined for mitophagy, protein expression level, and cell invasion ability.
Results
Both the endometrial tissue from patients with AM and AM ESC displayed an upregulation of protein levels for PINK1, Parkin, OPTIN, P62, and NDP52 when compared with the control group. Then, HE staining confirmed the successful establishment of the AM mouse model. Moreover, the ultrastructural analysis using transmission electron microscopy revealed that AM mice’s endometrial glandular epithelial and stromal cells had exhibited swollen, deformed, and reduced mitochondria along with an increase in the number of lysosomes and mitochondrial autophagosomes. The protein levels of PINK1, Parkin, OPTIN, P62, and NDP52 in uterine tissue from AM mice were noticeably increased, accompanied by a considerable upregulation of ROS levels compared to the control group. In addition, cells in the AM group showed remarkably elevated mitophagy and invasion potentials compared to the control group. In contrast, the cell invasion ability decreased following PINK1 knockdown using the RNA interference technique.
Conclusion
The high levels of PINK1-mediated mitophagy have been found in AM. The upregulation in mitophagy contributes to mitochondrial damage, which may result in the abnormal invasion characteristic of AM.
Abstract Background
Recent studies indicate that endometrial hypoxia plays a critical role in adenomyosis (AM) development. Mitochondria are extremely sensitive to hypoxic damage, which can result in both morphological and functional impairment. Mitophagy is a crucial mechanism for preserving mitochondrial quality by selectively removing damaged mitochondria, thus ensuring the proper functioning of the entire mitochondrial network. In response to hypoxia, PINK1 is activated as a regulator of mitophagy, but its role in AM requires further study.
Objective
To explore the potential mechanism of mitophagy mediated by PINK1 in the pathogenesis of AM.
Method
The study compared PINK1, Parkin, OPTIN, P62, and NDP52 protein expression levels in patients with or without AM using clinical specimens and an AM mouse model. Pathological changes were compared using HE staining. Immunofluorescence and western blot were used to detect protein expression levels. Endometrial stromal cells (ESC) were isolated and examined for mitophagy, protein expression level, and cell invasion ability.
Results
Both the endometrial tissue from patients with AM and AM ESC displayed an upregulation of protein levels for PINK1, Parkin, OPTIN, P62, and NDP52 when compared with the control group. Then, HE staining confirmed the successful establishment of the AM mouse model. Moreover, the ultrastructural analysis using transmission electron microscopy revealed that AM mice’s endometrial glandular epithelial and stromal cells had exhibited swollen, deformed, and reduced mitochondria along with an increase in the number of lysosomes and mitochondrial autophagosomes. The protein levels of PINK1, Parkin, OPTIN, P62, and NDP52 in uterine tissue from AM mice were noticeably increased, accompanied by a considerable upregulation of ROS levels compared to the control group. In addition, cells in the AM group showed remarkably elevated mitophagy and invasion potentials compared to the control group. In contrast, the cell invasion ability decreased following PINK1 knockdown using the RNA interference technique.
Conclusion
The high levels of PINK1-mediated mitophagy have been found in AM. The upregulation in mitophagy contributes to mitochondrial damage, which may result in the abnormal invasion characteristic of AM.