Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18(5):1961-1973. doi:10.7150/ijbs.68224 This issue Cite

Research Paper

SCM-198 Alleviates Endometriosis by Suppressing Estrogen-ERα mediated Differentiation and Function of CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells

Yun-yun Li1#, Yi-kong Lin1#, Yue Li1,2, Xin-hua Liu3, Da-jin Li1, Xiao-lin Wang2, Li Wang1, Yi-zhun Zhu2,3✉, Min Yu1,4✉, Mei-rong Du1,2,5✉

1. NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China.
2. State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China.
3. Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
4. Shanghai JIAI Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
5. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
#These authors contributed equally to this work.

Citation:
Li Yy, Lin Yk, Li Y, Liu Xh, Li Dj, Wang Xl, Wang L, Zhu Yz, Yu M, Du Mr. SCM-198 Alleviates Endometriosis by Suppressing Estrogen-ERα mediated Differentiation and Function of CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18(5):1961-1973. doi:10.7150/ijbs.68224. https://www.ijbs.com/v18p1961.htm
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Abstract

Graphic abstract

Background: Endometriosis (EMS), a typical endocrine immune disorder, associates with dramatically increased estrogen production and disorganized immune response in ectopic focus. Peritoneal regulatory T cells (Tregs) expansion in women with EMS and their pathogenic role attributable to endometriotic immunotolerance has been reported. Whether local high estrogen promotes EMS by discipling Tregs needs to be further explored. Up to date, there is no effective medicine for the treatment of EMS. SCM-198 is a synthetic leonurine with multiple physiological activities. Whether SCM-198 could regulate Tregs via estrogen and facilitate the radical cure of EMS has not yet been reported.

Methods: Proportion of Tregs in peritoneal fluid of patients with EMS was firstly analyzed via flow cytometry. Peritoneal estrogen concentration and the mRNA levels of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and estrogen receptor β (ERβ) of Tregs were detected by ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. Grouped in vitro induction assays were performed to explore the effects of SCM-198 and estrogen signaling on Tregs. Cell invasion and viability assays were utilized to detect the crosstalk between Tregs and ectopic endometrial stromal cells (eESCs), with or without SCM-198 treatment. Furthermore, EMS mice models were established to verify the therapeutic effects of SCM-198.

Results: Increased Tregs were found in peritoneal fluid of EMS patients, accompanied with estrogen-ERα overactivation. Estrogen-ERα triggered the expansion of Tregs and their cytokine production (IL-10 and TGF-β1), which could be reversed by SCM-198 treatment. Moreover, SCM-198 abated the invasion and viability of eESCs enhanced by Tregs. In vivo experiments confirmed that SCM-198 obviously retarded the growth of ectopic lesions and downregulated the functions of Tregs via estrogen-ERα inactivation.

Conclusions: These data suggest that SCM-198 attenuates Tregs expansion via the inhibition of estrogen-ERα signaling in EMS and offer a promising therapy for such a refractory disease.

Keywords: SCM-198, EMS, Tregs, estrogen, ERα


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APA
Li, Y.y., Lin, Y.k., Li, Y., Liu, X.h., Li, D.j., Wang, X.l., Wang, L., Zhu, Y.z., Yu, M., Du, M.r. (2022). SCM-198 Alleviates Endometriosis by Suppressing Estrogen-ERα mediated Differentiation and Function of CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells. International Journal of Biological Sciences, 18(5), 1961-1973. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijbs.68224.

ACS
Li, Y.y.; Lin, Y.k.; Li, Y.; Liu, X.h.; Li, D.j.; Wang, X.l.; Wang, L.; Zhu, Y.z.; Yu, M.; Du, M.r. SCM-198 Alleviates Endometriosis by Suppressing Estrogen-ERα mediated Differentiation and Function of CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells. Int. J. Biol. Sci. 2022, 18 (5), 1961-1973. DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.68224.

NLM
Li Yy, Lin Yk, Li Y, Liu Xh, Li Dj, Wang Xl, Wang L, Zhu Yz, Yu M, Du Mr. SCM-198 Alleviates Endometriosis by Suppressing Estrogen-ERα mediated Differentiation and Function of CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18(5):1961-1973. doi:10.7150/ijbs.68224. https://www.ijbs.com/v18p1961.htm

CSE
Li Yy, Lin Yk, Li Y, Liu Xh, Li Dj, Wang Xl, Wang L, Zhu Yz, Yu M, Du Mr. 2022. SCM-198 Alleviates Endometriosis by Suppressing Estrogen-ERα mediated Differentiation and Function of CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells. Int J Biol Sci. 18(5):1961-1973.

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