Oxidative Stress and the Nrf2/PPARγ Axis in the Endometrium: Insights into Female Fertility.

Successful pregnancy depends on precise molecular regulation of uterine physiology, especially during the menstrual cycle. Deregulated oxidative stress (OS), often influenced by inflammatory changes but also by environmental factors, represents a constant threat to this delicate balance. Oxidative stress induces a reciprocally regulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (Nrf2/PPARγ) pathway. However, increased PPARγ activity appears to be a double-edged sword in endometrial physiology. Activated PPARγ attenuates inflammation and attenuates OS to restore redox homeostasis. However, it also interferes with physiological processes during the menstrual cycle, such as hormonal signaling and angiogenesis. This review provides an elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that support the interplay between PPARγ and OS. Additionally, it offers fresh perspectives on the Nrf2/PPARγ pathway concerning endometrial receptivity and its potential implications for infertility.

An in vitro model that mimics the foreign body response in the peritoneum: Study of the bioadhesive properties of HA-based materials.

A cascade of reactions known as the foreign body response (FBR) follows the implantation of biomaterials leading to the formation of a fibrotic capsule around the implant and subsequent health complications. The severity of the FBR is driven mostly by the physicochemical characteristics of implanted material, the method and place of implantation, and the degree of immune system activation. Here we present an in vitro model for assessing new materials with respect to their potential to induce a FBR in the peritoneum. The model is based on evaluating protein sorption and cell adhesion on the implanted material. We tested our model on the free-standing films prepared from hyaluronan derivatives with different hydrophobicity, swelling ratio, and rate of solubilization. The proteomic analysis of films incubated in the mouse peritoneum showed that the presence of fibrinogen was driving the cell adhesion. Neither the film surface hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity nor the quantity of adsorbed proteins were decisive for the induction of the long-term cell adhesion leading to the FBR, while the dissolution rate of the material proved to be a crucial factor. Our model thus helps determine the probability of a FBR to materials implanted in the peritoneum while limiting the need for in vivo animal testing.