CXCL1 stimulates decidual angiogenesis via the VEGF-A pathway during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Angiogenesis is critical to establishing a successful pregnancy. The chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) is a small cytokine belonging to the CXC chemokine family that is an important chemokine involved in the processes of angiogenesis and arteriogenesis; however, little is known about its role in decidual angiogenesis. Effects of CXCL1 on cell proliferation and migration (propidium iodide staining and wound healing assays) of HUVEC cells were determined. The angiogenesis roles of CXCL1 in HUVEC-HTR8/SVneo co-culture system were detected by the tube formation assay. Signal transduction pathways in HUVEC cells in response to CXCL1 were determined by in-cell western analyses. In vivo, mice were injected with (1) PBS (Group A) or (2) CXCL1-neutralizing antibody (Group B) or (3) CXCL1-neutralizing antibody plus recombinant VEGF-A protein (Group C) from E1 to E5 and sacrificed at E6.5 of pregnancy. The decidual angiogenesis in mice was examined by immunohistochemistry of cluster designation 34 (CD34), and the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) in the decidual cells and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in decidual vascular endothelial cells were also tested. Exogenous recombinant human CXCL1 supported endothelial cell proliferation and migration, and this effect was blocked by CXCL1-neutralizing antibody or CXCR2 inhibitor SB265610. The tube formation of HUVEC-HTR8/SVneo co-culture system was significantly stimulated by CXCL1, but this effect was markedly abrogated once they were pretreated with CXCL1-neutralizing antibody or CXCR2 inhibitor SB265610. In addition, the level of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) expression in HUVEC cells was increased by CXCL1, and this level was suppressed by CXCL1-neutralizing antibody or CXCR2 inhibitor SB265610. In vivo, compared with Group A (n = 3), decidual angiogenesis was significantly reduced in Group B by CD34 immunostaining. But compared with Group B, decidual angiogenesis was significantly increased in Group C. In addition, the expression of VEGF-A and VEGFR2 was significantly increased after neutralizing of CXCL1 in Group B. In conclusions, CXCL1 may play essential roles in decidual angiogenesis during the first trimester, and this function may be mediated in part via altering VEGF-A expression.

[Clinical analysis of hysteroscopic surgery for cesarean scar pregnancy in 64 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the rationale therapy method of hysteroscopic surgery for cesarean scar pregnancy. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of 64 patients with cesarean scar pregnancy admitted in Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from January 2006 to April 2009 was performed, 27 cases out of them were referred from other institutions, and received various interventions before admission, while 37 cases were admitted to our hospital without prior treatments. RESULTS: The diagnosis was confirmed by serum human chorionic gonadotropin-beta subunit (beta-hCG) and ultrasound. Sixty-three patients were removed of conceptive tissues underwent hysteroscopy assisted by ultrasonic guidance, while 1 patient underwent hysteroscopic removal of conceptive tissues assisted by laparoscopic surveillance. Seven cases of sixty-four were experienced second salvage operation. Pathological examinations were performed for all cases and 1 case was diagnosed to be choriocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic removal of conceptive tissues implanted in the cesarean section scar seems to be a feasible and safe procedure that might be considered as a treatment option and it should be monitor the levels of beta-hCG and the residual lesions after surgery.

Hysteroscopic surgery of ectopic pregnancy in the cesarean section scar.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of hysteroscopy in the treatment of caesarean section scar pregnancy. DESIGN: Retrospective review. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-nine patients with cesarean scar pregnancy. INTERVENTIONS: Between January 2006 and June 2008, 39 patients with caesarean section scar pregnancy underwent hysteroscopic removal of conceptive tissues in our department. Their medical records were reviewed retrospectively. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The diagnosis was confirmed by serum human chorionic gonadotropic concentration and at ultrasonographic or magnetic resonance imaging. All patients underwent hysteroscopic removal of conceptive tissues under ultrasonographic guidance. Before surgery, 36 patients received 25 mg of oral mifepristone, 25 mg, twice a day for 3 days, and 3 patients received an injection of methotrexate salt, 50 mg, and underwent preoperative bilateral uterine artery embolization. Results were reported as good in 37 patients; only 2 patients required additional surgery. CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic removal of conceptive tissues implanted in a cesarean section scar seems to be a feasible and safe procedure that might be considered as a treatment option.