Endometrial Gene Expression


Book Description

The endometrium goes through cyclical changes under the influence of hormones, and immune effectors in the endometrium change their populations cyclically as well. Dynamic changes in immune effectors determine endometrial cytokine and chemokine milieus and, consequently, the endometrial immune response. Endometrial immune responses have been shown to be important for trophoblast invasion and early pregnancy. Indeed, dysregulated endometrial inflammatory immune responses are associated with reproductive failures, such as recurrent pregnancy losses, repeated implantation failure, and gynecological diseases with oncogenic potential. Hence, the investigation of endometrial gene expression may predict infertility, gynecological and oncological conditions. This book presents the state of the art in endometrial gene expression as well as recent developmental findings relating to reproduction and reproductive disorders. It begins with a review of the genetic regulation of urogenital tract formation and molecular mechanism underlying the physiology of menstrual cycle before moving on to the current and emerging technological advances in molecular biology. Endometrial gene expressions of immune inflammatory conditions, viral infection, metabolic and nutritional conditions, and reproductive disorders are then presented in following chapters. Examples of the use and interpretation of gene expression in clinical scenarios including recurrent pregnancy losses, infertility and multiple implantation failures are presented with currently available endometrial gene analysis. Utilizing the latest evidence and clinical guidelines, Endometrial Gene Expression will be a cutting-edge resource for gynecologist, reproductive immunologist, reproductive endocrinologists, obstetrician, maternal fetal medicine specialist and other health care providers in the field of reproductive medicine.




The Endometrium


Book Description

The Endometrium is devoted to a comprehensive multi-disciplinary account of the uterine endometrium. This book is the first to define the regulatory biological interrelationships between epithelial and stromal cell phenotypes, endothelial cells, extracellular matrix and immunobiological elements. It highlights their relevance to clinical conditions




Modern Medical Genetics and Genomics


Book Description

The field of medical genetics and genomics has been constantly revolutionized by new breakthroughs, which bring more knowledge into the etiology and help improve the health care of individuals with either rare or common diseases. Nevertheless, as technologies evolve, novel challenges emerge, both technically and ethically, so they must be prudentially addressed. Among the myriad applications of genomics in medicine, this book depicts a glimpse of the advances achieved that have been leading us to the personalized/precision medicine era.




Regulation of Implantation and Establishment of Pregnancy in Mammals


Book Description

Over the past few decades technological advances in transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and glycomics along with the ability to selectively knockout genes of interest has greatly advanced our understanding of maternal-conceptus interactions that are essential for the establishment and maintenance of a successful pregnancy. This knowledge provides a foundation from which to build research endeavors to help resolve infertility, embryonic loss and recurrent abortion in humans, captive wild animals and important farm species. The present volume on “Regulation of Implantation and Establishment of Pregnancy in Mammals” brings together current reviews from leading experts to address the diversity of mechanisms by which species establish and maintain pregnancy. Implantation in rodents, dogs, pigs, cattle, sheep, horses, primates, humans and embryonic diapause in wild species are discussed. Reviews will provide current knowledge on the role of endometrial steroid receptors, adhesion factors, cytokines, interferons, steroids, prostaglandins, growth factors and immune cells involved with regulation of conceptus development.




Biomarkers for Endometriosis


Book Description

This book presents an overview of the diagnostic performance of non- or semi-invasive tests for endometriosis in peripheral blood, endometrium, saliva, peritoneal fluid and urine. The value of existing and emerging systems biology technologies for biomarker development is addressed in several chapters on genetics, microarrays, proteomics and metabolomics. Although tests with high sensitivity and acceptable specificity have been developed, sometimes validated in independent populations and seem promising, more research is needed to translate these data into clinical benefit for patients and coordinate efforts internationally to standarize analysis, reports and operating procedures. The gold standard to diagnose endometriosis is currently through laparoscopic inspection with histological confirmation, a surgical procedure with rare but significant potential risks for the patients. A non-invasive test for endometriosis would be critical for the early detection of endometriosis of symptomatic women with pelvic pain and/or subfertility with normal ultrasound. This would include nearly all cases of minimal-mild endometriosis, some cases of moderate-severe endometriosis without a clearly visible ovarian endometrioma and cases with pelvic adhesions and/or other pelvic pathology, who might benefit from surgery to improve pelvic pain and/or subfertility. Such a test would also be useful in symptomatic women with ultrasound imaging suspicious for endometriosis, since it may be difficult to differentiate an ovarian endometrioma from other ovarian cysts and since the quality of ultrasound imaging is highly variable worldwide.




Uterine Fibroids and Adenomyosis


Book Description

This volume elucidates state-of-the-art findings of uterine fibroids and adenomyosis, incorporating expert basic knowledge. Uterine fibroids and adenomyosis are common uterine tumors in reproductive-age women. However, the pathogenesis of the tumors is still poorly understood, and both genetic and environmental factors may be involved in their generation or development. Recent research on the genomics and molecular biology of uterine fibroids and adenomyosis has facilitated a better understanding of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of these benign tumors. Renowned experts provide detailed discussions of basic research and clinical aspects of uterine fibroids and adenomyosis in this book, from histopathology and molecular pathogenesis to diagnosis and the latest treatment of uterine fibroids, including pregnancy complications of adenomyosis. A great deal of information and a deep understanding of molecular and genetic biology have led to development of more innovative treatments of these tumors. Thus this book benefits not only oncologists, seasoned gynecologists, and obstetricians, but also molecular biologists and other basic researchers who are involved in the treatment of uterine fibroids.




Molecular Research of Endometrial Pathophysiology


Book Description

The endometrium has been the subject of intense research in a variety of clinical settings, because of its importance in the reproductive process and its role in women’s health. In the past 15 years, significant efforts have been invested in defining the molecular phenotype of the receptive phase endometrium as well as of various endometrial pathologies. Although this has generated a wealth of information on the molecular landscape of human endometrium, there is a need to complement this information in light of the novel methodologies and innovative technical approaches. The focus of this International Journal of Molecular Sciences Special Issue is on molecular and cellular mechanisms of endometrium and endometrium-related disorders. The progress made in the molecular actions of steroids, in the metabolism of steroids and intracrinology, in endometrial intracellular pathways, in stem cells biology, as well as in the molecular alterations underlying endometrium-related pathologies has been the focus of the reviews and papers included.]




Genetics of Human Infertility


Book Description

Infertility affects more than one in ten couples worldwide and is related to highly heterogeneous pathologies sometimes only discernible in the germ line. Its complex etiology often, but not always, includes genetic factors besides anatomical defects, immunological interference, and environmental aspects. Nearly 30% of infertility cases are probably caused only by genetic defects. Thereby experimental animal knockout models convincingly show that infertility can be caused by single or multiple gene defects. Translating those basic research findings into clinical studies is challenging, leaving genetic causes for the vast majority of infertility patients unexplained. Nevertheless, a large number of candidate genes have been revealed by sophisticated molecular methods. This book provides a comprehensive overview on the subject of infertility written by the leading authorities in this field. It covers topics including basic biological, cytological, and molecular studies, as well as common and uncommon syndromes. It is a must-read for human geneticists, endocrinologists, epidemiologists, zoologists, and counsellors in human genetics, infertility, and assisted reproduction.




Placental Bed Disorders


Book Description

It is now recognized that defective placentation in the human is a cause of many pregnancy complications, such as spontaneous abortion, preterm labor and delivery, pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, fetal death and abruptio placenta. These clinical disorders can often have long-term consequences into adulthood, causing cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes for the newborn as well as an increased risk of premature death in the mother. This is the first book to be entirely focused on the placental bed, bringing together the results of basic and clinical research in cell biology, immunology, endocrinology, pathology, genetics and imaging to consolidate in a single, informative source for investigators and clinicians. Its core aim is to explore new approaches and improve current clinical practice. This is essential reading for clinicians in obstetric, cardiovascular and reproductive medicine.




Chronic Pelvic Pain


Book Description

A clinically oriented, multi-disciplinary approach to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of chronic pelvic pain in women -- one of the most common problems encountered in the practice setting. The editors present this challenging and often vexing subject in a user-friendly, highly illustrated text, with chapters on: physiology of pain; pain associated with endometriosis; pain associated with fibroids; surgical management; the role of office based surgery; the role of the psychiatrist in pain management; pelvic pain of urinary origin; pelvic pain of gastrointestinal origin. Designed to be part of everyday practice, this is a must for all clinicians in obstetrics-gynaecology, as well as for any physician involved in the health care of women.