-
American Journal of Public Health Mar 2022
Topics: Feminine Hygiene Products; Global Health; Humans; Menstruation; Poverty; Sanitation; Women's Health
PubMed: 35196038
DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2021.306622 -
BioMed Research International 2015Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent, chronic, proinflammatory disease prevalent in 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. Characterized by the growth of... (Review)
Review
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent, chronic, proinflammatory disease prevalent in 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. Characterized by the growth of endometrium-like tissue in aberrant locations outside of the uterus, it is responsible for symptoms including chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and subfertility that degrade quality of life of women significantly. In Canada, direct and indirect economic cost of endometriosis amounts to 1.8 billion dollars, and this is elevated to 20 billion dollars in the United States. Despite decades of research, the etiology and pathophysiology of endometriosis still remain to be elucidated. This review aims to bring together the current understanding regarding the pathogenesis of endometriosis with specific focus on mechanisms behind vascularization of the lesions and the contribution of immune factors in facilitating lesion establishment and development. The role of hormones, immune cells, and cytokine signaling is highlighted, in addition to discussing the current pharmaceutical options available for management of pain symptoms in women with endometriosis.
Topics: Animals; Cytokines; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Immune System Diseases; Immunity, Innate; Inflammation; Menstruation; Models, Immunological
PubMed: 26247027
DOI: 10.1155/2015/795976 -
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and... May 2019The common spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus) is the only known rodent to demonstrate a myriad of physiological processes unseen in their murid relatives. The most recently... (Review)
Review
The common spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus) is the only known rodent to demonstrate a myriad of physiological processes unseen in their murid relatives. The most recently discovered of these uncharacteristic traits: spontaneous decidual transformation of the uterus in virgin females, preceding menstruation. Menstruation occurring without experimental intervention in rodents has not been documented elsewhere to date, and natural menstruation is indeed rare in the animal kingdom outside of higher order primates. This review briefly summarises the current knowledge of spiny mouse biology and taxonomy, and explores their endocrinology which may aid in our understanding of the evolution of menstruation in this species. We propose that DHEA, synthesised by the spiny mouse (but not other rodents), humans and other menstruating primates, is integral in spontaneous decidualisation and therefore menstruation. We discuss both physiological and behavioural attributes across the menstrual cycle in the spiny mouse analogous to those observed in other menstruating species, including premenstrual syndrome. We further encourage the use of the spiny mouse as a small animal model of menstruation and female reproductive biology.
Topics: Animals; Decidua; Female; Haplorhini; Humans; Menstruation; Mice; Murinae
PubMed: 30610663
DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1390-3 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2023Adenomyosis is an estrogen-dependent gynecologic disease characterized by the myometrial invasion of the endometrial tissue. This review summarized the current... (Review)
Review
Adenomyosis is an estrogen-dependent gynecologic disease characterized by the myometrial invasion of the endometrial tissue. This review summarized the current understanding and recent findings on the pathophysiology of adenomyosis, focusing on repeated menstruation, persistent inflammation, and impaired spontaneous decidualization. A literature search was performed in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases from inception to 30 April 2022. Thirty-one full-text articles met the eligibility criteria. Repeated episodes of physiological events (i.e., endometrial shedding, damage, proliferation, differentiation, repair, and regeneration) during the menstrual cycle are associated with inflammation, angiogenesis, and immune processes. The decidualization process in humans is driven by the rise in progesterone levels, independently of pregnancy (i.e., spontaneous decidualization). Adenomyotic cells produce angiogenic and fibrogenic factors with the downregulation of decidualization-associated molecules. This decidualization dysfunction and persistent inflammation are closely related to the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. Recently, it has been found that the reproductive tract microbiota composition and function in women with adenomyosis differ from those without. An increase in opportunistic pathogens and a decrease in beneficial commensals may promote impaired defense mechanisms against inflammation and predispose women to uncontrolled endometrial inflammation. However, currently, there is no direct evidence that adenomyosis is linked to pre-existing inflammation and impaired spontaneous decidualization. Overall, persistent inflammation, impaired spontaneous decidualization, and microbiota dysbiosis (i.e., an imbalance in the composition and function of endometrial microbiota) may be involved in the pathophysiology of adenomyosis.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Adenomyosis; Endometrium; Menstruation; Cell Differentiation; Inflammation
PubMed: 36834456
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043762 -
JAMA Network Open May 2024
Topics: Humans; Menstruation; Female; Vital Signs; Adult
PubMed: 38809558
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12778 -
Human Reproduction Update 2015Each month the endometrium becomes inflamed, and the luminal portion is shed during menstruation. The subsequent repair is remarkable, allowing implantation to occur if... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Each month the endometrium becomes inflamed, and the luminal portion is shed during menstruation. The subsequent repair is remarkable, allowing implantation to occur if fertilization takes place. Aberrations in menstrual physiology can lead to common gynaecological conditions, such as heavy or prolonged bleeding. Increased knowledge of the processes involved in menstrual physiology may also have translational benefits at other tissue sites.
METHODS
Pubmed and Cochrane databases were searched for all original and review articles published in English until April 2015. Search terms included 'endometrium', 'menstruation', 'endometrial repair', 'endometrial regeneration' 'angiogenesis', 'inflammation' and 'heavy menstrual bleeding' or 'menorrhagia'.
RESULTS
Menstruation occurs naturally in very few species. Human menstruation is thought to occur as a consequence of preimplantation decidualization, conferring embryo selectivity and the ability to adapt to optimize function. We highlight how current and future study of endometrial inflammation, vascular changes and repair/regeneration will allow us to identify new therapeutic targets for common gynaecological disorders. In addition, we describe how increased knowledge of this endometrial physiology will have many translational applications at other tissue sites. We highlight the clinical applications of what we know, the key questions that remain and the scientific and medical possibilities for the future.
CONCLUSIONS
The study of menstruation, in both normal and abnormal scenarios, is essential for the production of novel, acceptable medical treatments for common gynaecological complaints. Furthermore, collaboration and communication with specialists in other fields could significantly advance the therapeutic potential of this dynamic tissue.
Topics: Embryo Implantation; Endometrium; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Menstruation; Neovascularization, Physiologic; Regeneration
PubMed: 26253932
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv038 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Feb 2021The menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay between endometrial epithelial cells, endothelial cells, immune cells, and sex hormones. To communicate, cells...
INTRODUCTION
The menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay between endometrial epithelial cells, endothelial cells, immune cells, and sex hormones. To communicate, cells secrete cytokines that have multiple and diverse effects on recipient cells. Knowledge of how these cells interact in the uterus is insufficient. Menstrual blood is easily accessible and provides a source to study menstrual cycle physiology. This study aimed to determine the cytokine profile in menstrual blood plasma and investigate the differences in cytokine profiles between menstrual and peripheral blood plasma. Several previous studies indicate an improved chance of embryo implantation after endometrial scratching. Consequently, our secondary aim was to compare the menstrual blood cytokine profile before and after luteal phase endometrial scratching.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Nineteen healthy donors collected menstrual blood for the first 24 hours of menstruation in two sequential cycles. Matched peripheral blood was taken at the same time. An endometrial biopsy was performed at cycle day 7-9 post ovulation in between the two collection times. A Luminex multiplex assay was performed in one batch analyzing a predetermined group of cytokines in plasma.
RESULTS
Peripheral blood plasma and menstrual blood plasma showed substantial significant differences in cytokine profile. In menstrual blood plasma, C5/C5a, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and CXCL8 were detected in high concentrations, whereas IL-2, IL-12p70, XCL1/Lymphotactin, and interferon-γ were low. The most pronounced median differences between menstrual and peripheral blood plasma were found for IL-6, IL-1β, and CXCL8. The cytokine profiles of menstrual blood plasma were similar between the individual donors and did not differ over two subsequent cycles. None of the cytokines analyzed in menstrual blood plasma differed significantly before or after luteal phase endometrial scratching (P < .01).
CONCLUSIONS
Our results demonstrate that the menstrual blood cytokine profile is distinctly different from peripheral blood plasma and that the inter-individual difference in menstrual blood cytokine profile in healthy donors is limited and stable over time. The small injury caused by an endometrial biopsy does not change the cytokine profile in the subsequent menstrual cycle. Our study provides new insights into menstrual cycle physiology.
Topics: Adult; Biopsy; Cytokines; Endometrium; Female; Humans; Luteal Phase; Menstruation; Young Adult
PubMed: 32892344
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13990 -
The Journal of Physiology Sep 2022
Topics: Baroreflex; Blood Pressure; Chemoreceptor Cells; Female; Humans; Menstruation; Sympathetic Nervous System
PubMed: 35913261
DOI: 10.1113/JP283297 -
Women's Health (London, England) 2021Due to the diversity in profiles associated with the female reproductive cycle and their potential physiological and psychological effects, monitoring the reproductive...
BACKGROUND
Due to the diversity in profiles associated with the female reproductive cycle and their potential physiological and psychological effects, monitoring the reproductive status of exercising females is important from a practical and research perspective. Moreover, as physical activity can influence menstrual function, the effects of physical activity energy expenditure on reproductive function should also be considered.
AIM
The aim of this study was to develop and establish initial face and content validity of the Health and Reproductive Survey (HeRS) for physically active females, which is a retrospective assessment of menstrual function from menarche (first menstruation) to menopause (cessation of menstruation).
METHODS
Face validity was evaluated qualitatively, and the initial content validity was established through a principal component analysis. The face validity process was completed by 26 females aged 19-67 years and the content validity was established through a survey sent to a convenience sample of 392 females, of which 230 females (57.9% and aged 18-49 years) completed the survey.
RESULTS
The revisions made following the face validation improved the understanding, flow, and coherence of the survey. The principal component analysis indicated that, at a minimum, the survey measures these constructs: menstrual cessation and associated moderators, athletic participation and performance levels (as associated with menstruation change and the menstrual cycle), age and menstrual cessation, hormonal contraception ("birth control"), and menarche and associated moderators.
CONCLUSION
The Health and Reproductive Survey (HeRS) is a partially validated tool that can be used by researchers to characterize the menstrual status of physically active females relative to their physical activity status.
Topics: Female; Humans; Menarche; Menopause; Menstrual Cycle; Menstruation; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34348519
DOI: 10.1177/17455065211004814 -
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks,... Jun 2023Menstrual cycle is a major determinant in female reproductive health. In a recent report, Mao et al. (2022) associated deficient glycolysis with heavy menstrual...
Menstrual cycle is a major determinant in female reproductive health. In a recent report, Mao et al. (2022) associated deficient glycolysis with heavy menstrual bleeding. This commentary summarizes these recent findings and the importance of glycolysis and decidualization in endometrial function. It will also discuss if in the light of the recent findings menstrual bleeding is better conceived as a primary endometrial disorder inherent to endometrium or as a secondary endometrial disorder caused by other endometrial conditions.
Topics: Female; Humans; Menorrhagia; Endometrium; Menstrual Cycle; Menstruation
PubMed: 36574146
DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01150-3