Pyroptosis and inflammasomes in obstetrical and gynecological diseases

Shu-Yue Yu, Xue-Lian Li, Xue‐Lian Li
Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology · 2021 · vol. 37(5) , pp. 385–391 · doi:10.1080/09513590.2021.1871893 · PMID:33432835 · W3119979733
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This review explores the role of pyroptosis and inflammasomes in obstetrical and gynecological diseases, highlighting their involvement in conditions like endometriosis and preeclampsia and their therapeutic potential.

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Abstract

Pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of programmed cell death, takes an essential part in a wide variety of physiological activities, for instance, implantation, placentation and the body's defense against infection. However, once excessively activated, pyroptosis mediated by the activation of inflammasomes can be highly pathological. It can cause inflammatory and autoimmune diseases including a variety of obstetrical and gynecological diseases, such as endometriosis, gestational diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome, and multiple obstetric complications including preeclampsia. Although the role of pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of the above mentioned diseases has not been fully elucidated, we try to tap its therapeutic potential by targeting pyroptosis signaling and inflammasome formation. Pyroptosis and inflammasomes are confirmed to be involved in endometriosis and gynecological malignant tumors, therefore, medical approachs inducing pyroptosis of the ectopic endometrium and tumor cells can be feasible treatments for endometriosis and gynecological cancers. On the maternal-fetal interface, although a certain level of the innate immune response activation is required for a successful implantation and placentation, maternal and fetal injury may occur once the inflammasomes are over-activated. Besides, since gestational diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome share common pathogenesis with metabolic diseases, this domain research sheds light on future study of some obstetrical and gynecological diseases.

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Condition tags

mesh:D004715endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Endometriosis Genital Neoplasms, Female Inflammasomes Pyroptosis Animals Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, Gestational Endometriosis Female Genital Neoplasms, Female Humans Maternal-Fetal Exchange Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Pregnancy

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