Human Endometrial Pericytes: A Comprehensive Overview of Their Physiological Functions and Implications in Uterine Disorders
Yiqun Tang,
Caroline Frisendahl,
Terhi T. Piltonen,
Riikka K. Arffman,
Parameswaran Grace Lalitkumar,
Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson
Affiliations
Yiqun Tang
WHO Collaborating Centre, Division of Neonatology, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Health, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, SE 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
Caroline Frisendahl
WHO Collaborating Centre, Division of Neonatology, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Health, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, SE 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
Terhi T. Piltonen
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Centre, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland
Riikka K. Arffman
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Centre, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland
Parameswaran Grace Lalitkumar
WHO Collaborating Centre, Division of Neonatology, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Health, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, SE 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson
WHO Collaborating Centre, Division of Neonatology, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Health, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, SE 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
Pericytes are versatile cells integral to the blood vessel walls of the microcirculation, where they exhibit specific stem cell traits. They are essential in modulating blood flow, ensuring vascular permeability, and maintaining homeostasis and are involved in the tissue repair process. The human endometrium is a unique and complex tissue that serves as a natural scar-free healing model with its cyclical repair and regeneration process every month. The regulation of pericytes has gained increasing attention due to their involvement in various physiological and pathological processes. However, endometrial pericytes are less well studied compared to the pericytes in other organs. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of endometrial pericytes, with a focus on elucidating their physiological function and potential implications in uterine disorders.
