Vertical transmission of coronavirus disease 2019: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the current literature to determine estimates of vertical transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 based on early RNA detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 after birth from various neonatal or fetal sources and neonatal serology. DATA SOURCES: Eligible studies published until May 28, 2020, were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, medRxiv, and bioRxiv collection databases. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: This systematic review included cohort studies, case series, and case reports of pregnant women who received a coronavirus disease 2019 diagnosis using severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 viral RNA test and had reported data regarding the testing of neonates or fetuses for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 immediately after birth and within 48 hours of birth. A total of 30 eligible case reports describing 43 tested neonates and 38 cohort or case series studies describing 936 tested neonates were included. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: The methodological quality of all included studies was evaluated by a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Quantitative synthesis was performed on cohort or case series studies according to the neonatal biological specimen site to reach pooled proportions of vertical transmission. RESULTS: Our quantitative synthesis revealed that of 936 neonates from mothers with coronavirus disease 2019, 27 neonates had a positive result for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 viral RNA test using nasopharyngeal swab, indicating a pooled proportion of 3.2% (95% confidence interval, 2.2-4.3) for vertical transmission. Of note, the pooled proportion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positivity in neonates by nasopharyngeal swab in studies from China was 2.0% (8/397), which was similar to the pooled proportion of 2.7% (14/517) in studies from outside of China. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 viral RNA testing in neonatal cord blood was positive in 2.9% of samples (1/34), 7.7% of placenta samples (2/26), 0% of amniotic fluid (0/51), 0% of urine samples (0/17), and 9.7% of fecal or rectal swabs (3/31). Neonatal serology was positive in 3 of 82 samples (3.7%) (based on the presence of immunoglobulin M). CONCLUSION: Vertical transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is possible and seems to occur in a minority of cases of maternal coronavirus disease 2019 infection in the third trimester. The rates of infection are similar to those of other pathogens that cause congenital infections. However, given the paucity of early trimester data, no assessment can yet be made regarding the rates of vertical transmission in early pregnancy and potential risk for consequent fetal morbidity and mortality.

Lack of an Association between a Polymorphism in the KRAS 3' Untranslated Region (rs61764370) and Endometriosis in a Large European Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a common disorder that affects 6-10% of reproductive age women. In a previous study, we demonstrated that a polymorphism in let-7 microRNA-binding site in the 3' untranslated region of the KRAS gene was found in 31% of subjects with endometriosis resistant to medical therapy. This polymorphism was now tested in a large, case-control study. METHODS: Peripheral blood or peritoneal biopsies from 2,077 European subjects with or without endometriosis and known infertility were tested for the presence of the variant allele using polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Histologically proven endometriosis was found in 1,140 subjects, while 937 subjects were disease free. Variant allele carrier rates in subjects with and without endometriosis were 15.7 and 15.1%, respectively. No association between the variant KRAS allele and stage of the disease, age at surgery, body mass index, or type of infertility was identified. CONCLUSION: A germ-line single-nucleotide polymorphism in the let-7 microRNA-binding site of the KRAS gene was not associated with sporadic endometriosis in an infertile Caucasian population in this large case-control study. However, it remains possible that this gene variant may be a marker of treatment resistance. Further studies on the role of this polymorphism in endometriosis are needed.

Association Between Intrapartum Nitrous Oxide for Labor Analgesia and Short-Term Neonatal Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between intrapartum nitrous oxide use and adverse short-term neonatal outcomes. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of individuals with singleton gestations at 35 or more weeks who attempted labor and delivered at an academic hospital between June 1, 2015, and February 28, 2020. Data were extracted from the electronic medical record using billing and diagnostic codes. Patients were classified based on whether they received no intrapartum analgesia or received nitrous oxide only. Those who received other analgesia types were excluded. The primary outcome was neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Secondary outcomes included Apgar score less than 7 at 1 minute and 5 minutes, respiratory composite outcome (including meconium aspiration syndrome, neonatal bronchopulmonary disorders, neonatal transient tachypnea, and other neonatal respiratory distress that required NICU admission), hypoglycemia, and hyperbilirubinemia. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to estimate the association between nitrous oxide exposure intrapartum and the selected outcomes. RESULTS: Of 6,047 included, 4,153 (68.7%) received no analgesia, and 1,894 (31.3%) received nitrous oxide only. In comparison with individuals who received no analgesia, those who received nitrous oxide were more likely to be nulliparous, be of Black racial identity, have noncommercial insurance, and be less likely to deliver by intrapartum cesarean. The reception of nitrous oxide, compared with the reception of no analgesia, was associated with a lower likelihood of NICU admission (6.4% vs 8.1%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.77, 95% CI, 0.62-0.96) and an increased likelihood of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (aOR 1.23, 95% CI, 1.08-1.41). Inhaled nitrous oxide exposure, in comparison with the reception of no analgesia, was not associated with the other secondary outcomes, including Apgar score less than 7 at 1 minute (odds ratio [OR] 0.74, 95% CI, 0.50-1.10) or 5 minutes (OR 0.91, 95% CI, 0.32-2.60), respiratory composite outcome (OR 0.91, 95% CI, 0.70-1.17), and hypoglycemia (OR 0.82, 95% CI, 0.64-1.05). CONCLUSION: In this single-center retrospective cohort of low-risk patients, intrapartum inhaled nitrous oxide, compared with the reception of no analgesia, was associated with a decreased risk for NICU admission but with an increased risk for hyperbilirubinemia; other outcomes did not differ. These findings may be used to counsel patients when considering nitrous oxide for labor analgesia.

Reporting Perinatal Substance Use to Child Protective Services: Obstetric Provider Perspectives on the Impact on Care.

Objective: To understand obstetric provider perspectives on child protective services (CPS)-mandated reporting requirements and how they affect care for pregnant and postpartum patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). Methods: Key informant interviews were conducted virtually with obstetricians, nurse practitioners, and social workers caring for obstetric patients (n = 12). Providers were asked about their experience as mandated reporters working with patients with OUD. Transcripts were independently coded by two staff, and content analysis was used to identify themes. Results: Our analysis resulted in six thematic areas, including CPS-mandated strengths, concerns related to CPS reporting requirements, implementation of mandates, supporting patients after CPS report, communication between stakeholders, and the impact on care. Providers noted that the fear of CPS involvement causes some patients to delay or not engage in care. Other patients are hesitant to accept medications for OUD for fear of CPS involvement. The inconsistencies in how reporting mandates are applied and how CPS handles cases make communication about the policies challenging for providers and create anxiety for patients. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that mandated reporting requirements and the potential for CPS involvement are perceived to have minimal positive effects on perinatal individuals with OUD and may negatively affect patients and their care. Clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT04240392.

Severe Maternal Morbidity Review and Preventability Assessment in a Large Academic Center.

With the goal of identifying factors contributing to severe maternal morbidity (SMM) at our institution, we established a formal SMM review process. We performed a retrospective cohort study including all SMM cases as defined by American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine consensus criteria that were managed at Yale-New Haven Hospital over a 4-year period. Overall, 156 cases were reviewed. The SMM rate was 0.49% (95% CI 0.40-0.58). The leading causes of SMM were hemorrhage (44.9%) and nonintrauterine infection (14.1%). Two thirds of the cases were deemed to be preventable. Preventability was mostly associated with health care professional-level (79.4%) and system-level (58.8%) factors that could coexist. Detailed case review allowed for identification of preventable causes of SMM, revealed gaps in care, and allowed for implementation of practice changes targeting health care professional-level and system-level factors.

Maternal-fetal medicine fellows' perception and comfort with obstetrical ultrasound and prenatal diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound training is a vital component of maternal-fetal medicine fellowships in the United States. Of the 18 months of core clinical training, the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology currently requires a minimum of 3 months to be dedicated to ultrasound to be eligible for board certification. However, the experience and degree of hands-on training differ among the fellowship programs and have not been reassessed for nearly a decade. OBJECTIVE: To assess regional heterogeneity in the ultrasound training experience during maternal-fetal medicine fellowship in the United States. STUDY DESIGN: A survey was distributed to postgraduate year (PGY)-6 maternal-fetal medicine fellows registered to attend an annual ultrasound training course before the conference (n=114). For programs with >1 fellow attending (n=39), only 1 of them completed the survey to represent the program. The questions included demographics of the program, ultrasound training structure, the fellows' self-perception of ultrasound capabilities, research, mentorship, and technical aspects of sonography. RESULTS: Seventy two postgraduate year 6 fellows with a wide geographic distribution as follows completed the survey (96% response rate): 10 (14%) from the West, 16 (22%) from the Midwest, 17 (24%) from the South, and 29 (40%) from the Northeast. Respondents undergoing training in the South were less likely to report feeling comfortable performing nuchal translucency and detailed anatomic surveys than those from other regions (nuchal translucency: P=.046; anatomy: P=.011). Most of the respondents reported feeling comfortable performing growth (78%) and umbilical artery Doppler (58%) and feeling uncomfortable with three-dimensional ultrasound, neurosonography, and fetal echocardiography. Respondents in the Northeast were more likely to report feeling comfortable performing chorionic villus sampling (P=.001). There was no difference among fellowship programs in the presence or absence of ultrasound curriculum, bedside teaching, ultrasound-focused research mentorship, or months of ultrasound training. CONCLUSION: Despite the standardization of ultrasound training structure across the United States, there remains regional heterogeneity in fellow self-reported comfort with specific ultrasound techniques and chorionic villus sampling at a midpoint in their fellowship training. The maternal-fetal medicine attending involvement at the bedside did not affect the fellow self-reported comfort with ultrasound surveys. This study highlights the need for further optimization of maternal-fetal medicine fellowship ultrasound training, especially in advanced sonography and diagnostic procedures.

Seizing the Window of Opportunity Within 1 Year Postpartum: Early Cardiovascular Screening.

Background Our objective was to assess new chronic hypertension 6 to 12 months postpartum for those with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) compared with normotensive participants. Methods and Results We performed a prospective cohort study of participants with singleton gestations and no known preexisting medical conditions who were diagnosed with HDP compared with normotensive women with no pregnancy complications (non-HDP). Participants underwent cardiovascular risk assessment 6 to 12 months after delivery. Primary outcome was onset of new chronic hypertension at 6 to 12 months postpartum. We also examined lipid values, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, diabetes, and 30-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the association between HDP and odds of a postpartum diagnosis of chronic hypertension while adjusting for parity, body mass index, insurance, and family history of CVD. There were 58 participants in the HDP group and 51 participants in the non-HDP group. Baseline characteristics between groups were not statistically different. Participants in the HDP group had 4-fold adjusted odds of developing a new diagnosis of chronic hypertension 6 to 12 months after delivery, compared with those in the non-HDP group (adjusted odds ratio, 4.60 [95% CI, 1.65-12.81]), when adjusting for body mass index, parity, family history of CVD, and insurance. Of the HDP group, 58.6% (n=34) developed new chronic hypertension. Participants in the HDP group had increased estimated 30-year CVD risk and were more likely to have metabolic syndrome, a higher fasting blood glucose, and higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Conclusions Participants without known underlying medical conditions who develop HDP have 4-fold increased odds of new diagnosis of chronic hypertension by 6 to 12 months postpartum as well as increased 30-year CVD risk scores. Implementation of multidisciplinary care models focused on CVD screening, patient education, and lifestyle interventions during the first year postpartum may serve as an effective primary prevention strategy for the development of CVD.

Maternal outcomes and risk factors for COVID-19 severity among pregnant women.

Pregnant women may be at higher risk of severe complications associated with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which may lead to obstetrical complications. We performed a case control study comparing pregnant women with severe coronavirus disease 19 (cases) to pregnant women with a milder form (controls) enrolled in the COVI-Preg international registry cohort between March 24 and July 26, 2020. Risk factors for severity, obstetrical and immediate neonatal outcomes were assessed. A total of 926 pregnant women with a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 were included, among which 92 (9.9%) presented with severe COVID-19 disease. Risk factors for severe maternal outcomes were pulmonary comorbidities [aOR 4.3, 95% CI 1.9-9.5], hypertensive disorders [aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.0-7.0] and diabetes [aOR2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.5]. Pregnant women with severe maternal outcomes were at higher risk of caesarean section [70.7% (n = 53/75)], preterm delivery [62.7% (n = 32/51)] and newborns requiring admission to the neonatal intensive care unit [41.3% (n = 31/75)]. In this study, several risk factors for developing severe complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection among pregnant women were identified including pulmonary comorbidities, hypertensive disorders and diabetes. Obstetrical and neonatal outcomes appear to be influenced by the severity of maternal disease.

Coronavirus disease 2019 pregnancy outcomes in a racially and ethnically diverse population.

Background: Older age and medical comorbidities are identified risk factors for developing severe coronavirus disease 2019. However, there are limited data on risk stratification, clinical and laboratory course, and optimal management of coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnancy. Objective: Our study aimed to describe the clinical course of coronavirus disease 2019, effect of comorbidities on disease severity, laboratory trends, and pregnancy outcomes of symptomatic and asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-positive pregnant women. Study Design: This is a case series of pregnant and postpartum women who received positive test results for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 between March 3, 2020, and May 11, 2020, within 3 hospitals of the Yale New Haven Health delivery network. Charts were reviewed for basic sociodemographic and prepregnancy characteristics, coronavirus disease 2019 course, laboratory values, and pregnancy outcomes. Results: Of the 1567 tested pregnant and postpartum women between March 3, 2020, and May 11, 2020, 9% (n=141) had a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 result. Hispanic women were overrepresented in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-positive group (n=61; 43.8%). In addition, Hispanic ethnicity was associated with a higher rate of moderate and severe diseases than non-Hispanic (18% [11/61] vs 3.8% [3/78], respectively; odds ratio, 5.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.46-20.7; P=.01). Of note, 44 women (31.2%) were asymptomatic, 37 of whom (26.2%) were diagnosed on universal screening upon admission for delivery. Moreover, 59% (n=83) were diagnosed before delivery, 36% (n=51) upon presentation for childbirth, and 5% (n=7) after delivery. Severe disease was diagnosed in 6 cases (4.3%), and there was 1 maternal death. Obese women were more likely to develop moderate and severe diseases than nonobese women (16.4% [9/55] vs 3.8% [3/79]; odds ratio, 4.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-19.25; P=.02). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were diagnosed in 22.3% of women (17/77) who delivered after 20 weeks' gestation. Higher levels of C-reactive protein during antepartum coronavirus disease 2019-related admission were more common in women with worse clinical course; however, this association did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnancy may result in severe disease and death. Hispanic women were more likely to receive a positive test result for severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 than other ethnic groups. Obesity and Hispanic ethnicity represent risk factors for moderate and severe diseases.

Gottesfeld-Hohler Memorial Foundation Risk Assessment for Early-Onset Preeclampsia in the United States: Think Tank Summary.

Preeclampsia is responsible for significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and is associated with a substantial economic burden. Aspirin has been shown to be effective in decreasing the risk of preterm preeclampsia; however, there is no consensus on the target population for aspirin prophylaxis. In May 2018, the Gottesfeld-Hohler Memorial Foundation organized a working group meeting with the goal of identifying the optimal preeclampsia risk-assessment strategy and consequent intervention in the United States. The meeting brought together experts from the leading professional societies. We discussed available literature and trends in preeclampsia risk assessment, current professional guidelines for identifying women at risk for preeclampsia, prophylactic use of aspirin in the United States and Europe, cost-effectiveness data, and feasibility of implementation of different assessment tools and preventive strategies in the United States. We identified specific knowledge gaps and future research directions in preeclampsia risk assessment and prevention that need to be addressed before practice change.

A Novel Approach to Serial Amnioinfusion in a Case of Premature Rupture of Membranes Near the Limit of Viability.

Prelabor rupture of the membranes (PROM) near the limit of viability is associated with significant risks for both mother and fetus. Preterm labor, intra-amniotic infection, and placental abruption are the immediate risks to the pregnancy; however, the fetus incurs additional risks related to the sequela of persistent oligohydramnios. Transabdominal intra-amniotic infusions have been studied. Results, suggesting that this intervention may prolong the latency period, and potentially, decrease pulmonary hypoplasia in surviving neonates without evidence of increasing risk of intra-amniotic infection. To our knowledge, the use of antibiotic-infused fluid has not been reported in this clinical scenario. Therefore, we present a case of a patient with PROM before the limit of viability who underwent serial transabdominal amnioinfusions with oxacillin-containing normal saline, which resulted in membrane resealing and neonatal survival with no additional maternal morbidity.

Cesarean Scar Pregnancy, Incidence, and Recurrence: Five-Year Experience at a Single Tertiary Care Referral Center.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the treatment and subsequent pregnancy outcomes in patients with cesarean scar pregnancies at a single institution over 5 years. METHODS: This is a case series of all cesarean scar pregnancies diagnosed from May 2013 to March 2018 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Data were collected on each patient using electronic medical record review and included patient demographics; medical, surgical, and obstetric history; pregnancy characteristics; treatment modalities used; response to therapy; complications; and subsequent pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty cases of cesarean scar pregnancies were diagnosed in 26 patients, including one recurrence in one patient and three recurrences in another. Forty-six percent of cesarean scar pregnancies were in Hispanic women. The median number of prior cesarean deliveries was two. Mean gestational age at the time of diagnosis was 46 days (SD±10). Fetal cardiac activity was detected in 18 cases. Three patients initially were erroneously diagnosed with a viable intrauterine pregnancy and failed medical termination. Others opted for termination through systemic methotrexate alone (n=4), systemic and local methotrexate (n=12), systemic and local methotrexate with potassium chloride injected into the gestational sac (n=3), potassium chloride injection with laparotomy and wedge resection (n=1), methotrexate with bilateral uterine artery embolization (n=2), or intrauterine balloon (n=4). Five patients who underwent expectant management or methotrexate therapy had retained products of conception and required hysteroscopy and curettage. One patient opted for hysterectomy after failed curettage. After complete resolution of cesarean scar pregnancies, there were 10 subsequent spontaneous conceptions in eight patients, including four recurrent cesarean scar pregnancies, four term pregnancies, and one spontaneous abortion. One viable normally located pregnancy is ongoing. CONCLUSION: There is a wide array of treatment modalities available for cesarean scar pregnancies. Women with a cesarean scar pregnancy are at risk for its recurrence in the future, although normal pregnancy after a cesarean scar pregnancy is also possible. Safe outcomes depend on timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary care by skilled clinicians.

Endometrial Carcinoma in a 26-Year-Old Patient with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS) is a rare genetic condition characterized by cognitive impairment, dysmorphism, central obesity, and diabetes mellitus, among other abnormalities. Although some of these characteristics are known independent risk factors for endometrial cancer and its precursors, the association between BBS and endometrial cancer is underreported. CASE: We present the case of a 26-year-old patient with BBS and clinical signs of hyperestrogenism who presented with abnormal uterine bleeding and was diagnosed with endometrioid adenocarcinoma. She ultimately underwent definitive surgical treatment with hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of only a few reports in the literature describing the association of BBS and endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma. Given the association of BBS with risk factors for hyperestrogenism such as truncal obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and ovulatory dysfunction, providers should have increased suspicion for endometrial cancer in young patients with BBS and abnormal uterine bleeding.

Challenging Case of Postmenopausal Bleeding and Complete Urogenital Duplication.

BACKGROUND: Müllerian duct anomalies represent a wide spectrum of congenital abnormalities ranging from simple uterine anomalies to more complex multisystem derangements. Complete duplication of uterus, cervix, and vagina may be associated with urologic and caudal gastrointestinal malformations. CASE REPORT: We present a case report detailing the management of a morbidly obese patient with postmenopausal bleeding and thickened endometrial stripe who had a very rare condition of pelvic organ duplication, including 2 hemiuteri, 2 vaginas, 2 hemibladders, and 2 each of ovaries, fallopian tubes, kidneys, and ureters. Laparoscopic hysterectomy was complicated by difficulties understanding urinary system anatomy requiring intraoperative urology consultation and imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Management of patients with urogenital duplication and abnormal uterine bleeding requires a thorough understanding of possible associated malformations. Thorough preoperative evaluation, careful surgical exploration, and multidisciplinary approach may be necessary to avoid urologic injury in such patients.

Circulating microRNAs as potential biomarkers for endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with endometriosis are detectable in the circulation and could serve as potential noninvasive biomarkers for endometriosis. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): Twenty-four women with endometriosis and 24 women without the disease (controls). INTERVENTION(S): Serum samples collected from women undergoing laparoscopy for endometriosis and other benign gynecologic disease. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Total RNA extracted from serum and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction to determine levels of miRNA let-7a-f and miR-135a,b. RESULT(S): The levels of circulating let-7b and miR-135a were statistically significantly decreased in women with endometriosis compared with controls, and let-7d and 7f showed a trend toward down-regulation. Let-7b expression strongly correlated with serum CA-125 levels and showed the highest area under the curve of 0.691. When the patients were analyzed according to phase of the menstrual cycle, the expression of let-7b, 7c, 7d, and 7e was statistically significantly lower in the women with endometriosis during the proliferative phase. Using a logistic regression model, we evaluated the diagnostic power of differently expressed miRNAs; the combination of let-7b, let-7d, and let-7f during the proliferative phase yielded the highest area under the curve value of 0.929 in discriminating endometriosis from controls. CONCLUSION(S): Several circulating miRNAs are differentially expressed in the sera of women with endometriosis compared with controls. The combination of serum let-7b, 7d, and 7f levels during the proliferative phase may serve as a diagnostic marker for endometriosis.

Unusual presentation of a rectovestibular fistula as gastrointestinal hemorrhage in a postmenopausal woman.

Background. Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are extremely rare and are usually identified neonatally. It is unusual for these cases to present in the postmenopausal period. This case report describes a postmenopausal patient with ARM and rectovaginal hemorrhage. Case. An 86-year-old, gravida 11, para 9, presented to the emergency department complaining of profuse postmenopausal vaginal bleeding. Her gynecologic history was significant only for an unclear history of an anal abnormality that was noted at birth. Speculum examination revealed profuse rectal bleeding from a rectovestibular fistula exterior to her hymenal ring. Colonoscopic examination revealed severe diverticular disease. Conclusion. This patient was born with an imperforate anus which resolved as rectovestibular fistula and ectopic anus. This case presents a rare clinical circumstance which integrates the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, gastroenterology, and embryology alike.

Global gene expression profiling of proliferative phase endometrium reveals distinct functional subdivisions.

The human endometrium follows a predictable pattern of development during the proliferative phase. Endometrial thickness increases after day 3 and then plateaus at days 9 to 10 of the menstrual cycle despite continued high serum levels of estrogen. We hypothesized that proliferative phase endometrium undergoes more than simple estrogen responsive growth, rather it is characterized by complex time-dependent functional activities reflected in differential gene expression. Nine endometrial RNA samples from healthy participants were subjected to microarray analysis and 15 samples were used for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The samples were divided into early, mid, or late proliferative phase. The early proliferative phase showed higher expression of genes including transforming growth factor ß2, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 18 (CCL18), and metallothionein 2A. The mid-proliferative phase was characterized by higher expression of heat shock proteins and implantation-associated genes including Indian hedgehog, secreted frizzled protein 4, and progesterone receptor. In the late proliferative phase, we identified increased angiotensin II receptor, type 2 and large decrease in expression of genes related to natural killer (NK) cell function. We demonstrate a unique gene expression signature at distinct time points within the proliferative phase. The early proliferative phase is characterized by tissue remodeling, angiogenesis, and modulation of inflammation; the mid-proliferative phase is characterized not only by proliferation in response to estrogens but also marks the onset of expression of genes required for endometrial receptivity and a dampening of estrogen responsiveness. In the late proliferative phase, changes in immune function and NK cells predominate. The proliferative phase is not simply a uniform period of estrogen responsive endometrial growth that can be considered as a single experimental time point when evaluating endometrial development; rather the proliferative phase is complex with differing functions and patterns of gene expression.

A polymorphism in a let-7 microRNA binding site of KRAS in women with endometriosis.

Endometriosis is found in 5-15% of women of reproductive age and is more frequent in relatives of women with the disease. Activation of KRAS results in de novo endometriosis in mice, however, activating KRAS mutations have not been identified in women. We screened 150 women with endometriosis for a polymorphism in a let-7 microRNA (miRNA) binding site in the 3'-UTR of KRAS and detected a KRAS variant allele in 31% of women with endometriosis as opposed to 5% of a large diverse control population. KRAS mRNA and protein expression were increased in cultured endometrial stromal cells of women with the KRAS variant. Increased KRAS protein was due to altered miRNA binding as demonstrated in reporter assays. Endometrial stromal cells from women with the KRAS variant showed increased proliferation and invasion. In a murine model, endometrial xenografts containing the KRAS variant demonstrated increased proliferation and decreased progesterone receptor levels. These findings suggest that an inherited polymorphism of a let-7 miRNA binding site in KRAS leads to abnormal endometrial growth and endometriosis. The LCS6 polymorphism is the first described genetic marker of endometriosis risk.

MicroRNA 135 regulates HOXA10 expression in endometriosis.

CONTEXT: Homeo box A10 (HOXA10) regulates endometrial receptivity and its expression is decreased in women with endometriosis. Although sex steroids regulate HOXA10, these hormones are unaltered in endometriosis. We hypothesized a role for microRNA in the regulation of HOXA10. OBJECTIVE: MicroRNA 135a and -b are small noncoding RNA with predicted targets that include HOXA10. We evaluated miR135a/b expression and HOXA10 regulation in endometrium from subjects with and without endometriosis. DESIGN: The design of the study was the measurement of miR135a/b expression by quantitative PCR and in vitro analysis of HOXA10 regulation. SETTING: The study was conducted at a university medical center. PATIENTS: Patients included 50 controls and 32 women with endometriosis. INTERVENTIONS: Study interventions included endometrial biopsies and in vitro transfection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: miR135a/b and HOXA10 expression were measured in the study. RESULTS: All endometrial samples expressed miR135a and -b. miR135a expression in controls was increased during the proliferative phase, decreased at the time of ovulation, and increased during the luteal phase. Subjects with endometriosis had 3-fold higher expression of miR135a in the proliferative phase than controls. miR135b showed less variation across the menstrual cycle; however, it was significantly increased in women with endometriosis in the proliferative and secretory phases. HOXA10 expression was simultaneously repressed in the endometrium of women with endometriosis. Transfection of endometrial stromal cells with mir135a/b or miR135a/b inhibitors resulted in the altered expression of HOXA10 mRNA and protein. miR135a or -b decreased luciferase expression driven by the HOXA10 3' untranslated region containing the miR135 binding site. miR135a regulation of HOXA10 was absent in MCF-7 cells, demonstrating cell specificity. CONCLUSIONS: HOXA10 was aberrantly regulated in the endometrium of women with endometriosis by both miR135a and miR135b. Increased microRNA expression likely suppresses genes required for implantation.