Estrogen and selective estrogen receptor modulators regulate vascular endothelial growth factor and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 in human endometrial stromal cells

E2-Loaded Microcapsules and Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Injectable Scaffolds for Endometrial Regeneration Application

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been recognized as new candidates for the treatment of serious endometrial injuries. However, owing to the local microenvironment of damaged endometrium, transplantation of BMSCs yielded disappointing results. In this study, Pectin-Pluronic® F-127 hydrogel as scaffolds were fabricated to provide three-dimensional architecture for the attachment, growth, and migration of BMSCs. E2 was encapsulated into the W/O/W microspheres to construct pectin-based E2-loaded microcapsules (E2 MPs), which has the potential to serve as a long-term reliable source of E2 for endometrial regeneration. Then, the BMSCs/E2 MPs/scaffolds system was injected into the uterine cavity of mouse endometrial injury model for treatment. At 4 weeks after transplantation, the system increased proliferative abilities of uterine endometrial cells, facilitated microvasculature regeneration, and restored the ability of endometrium to receive an embryo, suggesting that the BMSCs/E2 MPs/scaffolds system is a promising treatment option for endometrial regeneration. Furthermore, the mechanism of E2 in promoting the repair of endometrial injury was also investigated. Exosomes are critical paracrine mediators that act as biochemical cues to direct stem cell differentiation. In this study, it was found that the expression of endometrial epithelial cell (EEC) markers was upregulated in BMSCs treated by exosomes secreted from endometrial stromal cells (ESCs-Exos). Exosomes derived from E2-stimulated ESCs further promoted the expression level of EECs markers in BMSCs, suggesting exosomes released from ESCs by E2 stimulation could enhance the differentiation efficiency of BMSCs. Therefore, exosomes derived from ESCs play paracrine roles in endometrial regeneration stimulated by E2 and provide optimal estrogenic response.

Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization procedure treated with prednisone

Embryo implantation is a key moment in pregnancy. Abnormal production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, their receptors and other immune factors may result in embryo implantation failure and pregnancy loss. The aim of this study was to determine the profile of selected pro- and anti-inflammatory factors in the blood plasma of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and control women who achieved pregnancy after natural conception. The examined patients were administered steroid prednisone. We present results concern the plasma levels of IFN-ɣ, BDNF, LIF, VEGF-A, sTNFR1 and IL-10. We found that IVF patients receiving steroids differed significantly from patients who were not administered such treatment in terms of IFN-γ and IL-10 levels. Moreover, IVF patients differed in secretion of all tested factors with the fertile controls. Our results indicated that women who secrete at least 1409 pg/ml of sTNFR1 have a chance to become pregnant naturally and give birth to a child, while patients after IVF must achieve a concentration of 962.3 pg/ml sTNFR1 in blood plasma for successful pregnancy. In addition, IVF patients secreting VEGF-A above 43.28 pg/ml have a greater risk of miscarriage or a failed transfer in comparison to women secreting below this value. In conclusion, fertile women present a different profile of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors compared to patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF).

A large-cohort study of 2971 cases of epulis: focusing on risk factors associated with recurrence

BACKGROUND

To analyze the clinicopathological features of different histological subtypes of epulis, and evaluate the risk factors associated with recurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study including 2971 patients was performed. The patients' sex, age, location, size, histological subtypes, recurrence information, oral hygiene habits, periodontitis symptoms and smoking history were retrieved from the patient medical records and follow-up information.

RESULTS

Among the 2971 cases, focal fibrous hyperplasia (FFH) was the most common lesion (60.92%), followed by peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) (29.32%), pyogenic granuloma (PG) (8.08%) and peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) (1.68%). The peak incidence of epulis was in the third and fourth decade of life, with a mean age of 45.55 years. Female predominance was found in all types of lesions with a female to male ratio of 1.71:1. PG had the highest recurrence rate (17.18%), followed by POF (12.98%), FFH (9.55%) and PGCG (8.82%). Histological subtypes were significantly correlated with the recurrence of epulis (P = 0.013). Regular supportive periodontal therapy (P = 0.050) had a negative correlation with recurrence, whereas symptoms of periodontitis (P < 0.001) had a positive correlation with the recurrence of epulis.

CONCLUSIONS

Controlling the periodontal inflammation and regular supportive periodontal therapy might help reduce the recurrence of epulis.

Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Human Embryo Implantation: Clinical Implications

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-known angiogenic factor that plays a critical role in various physiological and pathological processes. VEGF also contributes to the process of embryo implantation by enhancing embryo development, improving endometrial receptivity, and facilitating the interactions between the developing embryo and the endometrium. There is a correlation between the alteration of VEGF expression and reproductive failure, including recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent miscarriage (RM). In order to clarify the role of VEGF in embryo implantation, we reviewed recent literature concerning the expression and function of VEGF in the reproductive system around the time of embryo implantation and we provide a summary of the findings reported so far. We also explored the effects and the possible underlying mechanisms of action of VEGF in embryo implantation.

Treatment of Unfavorable Bleeding Patterns in Contraceptive Implant Users: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether a short course of tamoxifen decreases bothersome bleeding in etonogestrel contraceptive implant users.

METHODS

In a 90-day, double-blind randomized control trial, we enrolled etonogestrel implant users with frequent or prolonged bleeding or spotting. A sample size of 40 per group (N=80) was planned to compare 10 mg tamoxifen or placebo twice daily for 7 days after 3 consecutive days of bleeding or spotting no more than once per 30 days (maximum three treatments). Participants then entered a 90-day open-label study where all received tamoxifen if needed every 30 days (maximum three treatments). Participants used text messages to record daily bleeding patterns. Our primary outcome was the total number of consecutive amenorrhea days after the first treatment. Secondary outcomes included time to bleeding or spotting cessation and restart after first treatment, overall bleeding patterns, and satisfaction.

RESULTS

From January 2017 to November 2018, 112 women enrolled in the study; 88 (79%) completed 90 days, and 79 (71%) completed 180 days. Participant characteristics did not differ between groups; mean age 24, majority identified as white not Hispanic with at least some college education. After the first treatment, the tamoxifen group reported an average of 9.8 (95% CI 4.6-15.0) more consecutive days of amenorrhea and more total days of no bleeding (amenorrhea or spotting) in the first 90 days (median 73.5 [range 24-89] vs 68 [range 11-81], P=.001). The placebo group showed a similar treatment benefit after first active use of tamoxifen in the open-label phase. At the end of the randomized study (first 90 days), women who received tamoxifen reported higher satisfaction (median 62 mm [range 16-100]) than those treated with placebo (46 mm [range 0-100]; P=.023).

CONCLUSION

A short course of tamoxifen reduces problematic bleeding and improves satisfaction in users of etonogestrel implants.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02903121.

Estrogen-Induced Stromal FGF18 Promotes Proliferation and Invasion of Endometrial Carcinoma Cells Through ERK and Akt Signaling

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether estrogen promoted the proliferation and invasion of endometrial carcinoma (EC) cells through paracrine FGFs in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs).

Patients and Methods

We screened gene alterations in a primary ESC culture after 10 nM estrogen treatment using an Agilent mRNA microarray. We knocked down stromal FGF18 expression in a co-culture system and aimed to explore the contribution of E2-induced stromal FGF18 to the proliferation and invasion of EC cells. To determine the effective receptors and detailed downstream signaling of FGF18, we co-cultured estrogen-treated hESCs with FGFR1-, FGFR2-, FGFR3- or FGFR4-knockdown Ishikawa cells. Finally, we detected FGF18 expression in clinical samples, including several primary cultures of different ESCs and a series of tissue microarrays (TMAs) of 90 patients with EC.

Results

A few genes altered significantly in estrogen-treated primary ESCs, but only FGF18 was noticeably enhanced among the FGF family genes. Knockdown of FGF18 expression in hESCs inhibited the promoting effect of FGF18 on the proliferation and invasion of EC cells. FGF18 bound FGFR2 and FGFR3 in Ishikawa cells to activate downstream ERK and Akt pathways and to promote the viability of EC cells. The FGF18-FGFR2 and FGF18-FGFR3 pathways had close correlations with Survivin and CD44V6 expression but not with P53. Primary ESCs of endometrioid EC (EEC, type I EC) had higher FGF18 expression than ESCs of normal endometrium (NE), endometrial atypical hyperplasia (EAH) and type II EC.

Conclusion

Estrogen induced FGF18 in ESCs to promote the proliferation and invasion of EC cells, and FGFR inhibitors should be considered as promising candidate targets for EC treatment.

The ameliorating effects of Bushen Tiaoxue Granules and Kunling Wan on impaired angiogenesis and endometrial receptivity in rats following controlled ovarian hyperstimulation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Bushen Tiaoxue Granules and Kunling Wan, the two Chinese medicines, on vascular dysfunction and the impairment of endometrial receptivity caused by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Female Sprague Dawley rats with regular estrous cycle were enrolled and given Bushen Tiaoxue Granules or Kunling Wan by gavage for 12 days, and then, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation model was induced. We assessed endometrial microvessels, endometrial blood flow, levels of estradiol and progesterone in serum, vascular endothelial growth factor A upstream molecules estrogen and progesterone receptors in the endometrium, and pregnancy outcome.

RESULTS

Pre-treatment of Bushen Tiaoxue Granules or Kunling Wan increases endometrial blood flow of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation rats, up-regulates vascular endothelial growth factor A and microvessels, improves the endometrial morphology of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation rats during implantation, decreases the super physiological concentration of estradiol and progesterone in serum, and increases the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A upstream molecules estrogen and progesterone receptors in the endometrium. In addition, Bushen Tiaoxue Granules or Kunling Wan elevates the lysophosphatidic acid receptor 3 that participates in vascularization and increases the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor through up-regulating the expression of p53 in the endometrium, ultimately affecting pregnancy outcome.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated Bushen Tiaoxue Granules or Kunling Wan as a potential strategy for prevention of impairment in angiogenesis and endometrial receptivity induced by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

Decidualization of the human endometrium

BACKGROUND

Decidualization of the human endometrium, which involves a dramatic morphological and functional differentiation of human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), is essential for the establishment of a successful pregnancy. Decidualization results from a complex interplay of transcription factors, morphogens, cytokines, cell cycle regulators, and signaling pathways.

METHODS

Based on a literature review, the regulation of, and the molecular mechanisms involved in, the decidualization of the endometrium are described.

MAIN FINDINGS

Progesterone, together with proteins that are regulated by progesterone and/or cyclic adenosine monophosphate, including homeobox A10, forkhead box O1, signal transducers and activators of transcription, and heart and neural crest derivatives expressed transcript 2, forms a critical network for ESC decidualization and is a prerequisite to successful implantation. Decidualized ESCs contribute to the microenvironment at the feto-maternal interface and its direct or indirect influence on extracellular matrix remodeling, regulation of the local immune response, anti-oxidative stress, and angiogenesis (vascular maturation). Impairment of this process is associated with a variety of pregnancy disorders, including infertility, recurrent miscarriages, and uteroplacental disorders.

CONCLUSION

A deeper understanding of the process of decidualization is expected to provide new insights into the fields of reproductive biology and reproductive medicine.

Effects of hypoxia‑inducible factor‑1α on endometrial receptivity of women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Embryo implantation is associated with an hypoxic endometrial microenvironment. Hypoxia‑inducible factor‑1α (HIF‑1α) is activated under hypoxic conditions. In the present study, the expression pattern of HIF‑1α in endometrial tissue was investigated and its effects on endometrial receptivity in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were examined. A total of 81 patients were enrolled for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. They were divided into PCOS (n=40) and Control groups (n=41); both groups were further divided based on body weight (overweight and normal weight subgroups). The expressions of HIF‑1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and glucose transporter protein (GLUT)‑1 and GLUT4 were determined by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrated that mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF‑1α and VEGF in the PCOS group were significantly lower compared with expression levels in the Control group. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the expression levels of GLUT1 and GLUT4 between groups. In patients with PCOS, GLUT1 and GLUT4 were mainly localized in the nuclei and cytoplasm, but not in the cell membrane. Overweight patients had the lowest expression levels of HIF‑1α, VEGF and GLUT1 expression compared with normal weight patients. In conclusion, HIF‑1α may be involved in the molecular mechanisms of endometrial dysfunction in women with PCOS, particularly in those who are overweight. HIF‑1α might therefore be a novel target for improving the endometrial receptivity and successful embryo implantation in PCOS women.

Human endometrial stromal cell plasticity: Reversible sFlt1 expression negatively coincides with decidualization

Preeclampsia (PE) is a major complication of pregnancy in which the placenta is known to have shallow implantation into the uterine decidua. Studies have implicated soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt1), a soluble vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor protein, in the pathogenesis of PE. sFlt1 has the ability to bind to and neutralize the angiogenic functions of VEGF and placental growth factor (PlGF). The presence of sFlt1 and its action in the endometrium is yet to be determined. We hypothesize that endometrial stromal cells (ESC) at the maternal-fetal interface may play a role in sFlt-1 regulation during pregnancy. In this study, we seek to understand the dynamic regulation of sFlt1 production in primary human ESC as a result of hormone stimulation and withdrawal. To mimic a biphasic menstrual cycle, ESC were treated with cAMP to induce endometrial decidualization that occurs during the luteal secretory phase, followed by cAMP withdrawal reflecting the follicular proliferative phase. Here, we present data to show that (1) ESC produce detectable amounts of sFlt1, (2) sFlt1 expression is turned off during decidualization at both the protein and RNA level (3) ESC decidualization and resulting sFlt1 expression are reversible phenomenon, and (4) Decidualization markers prolactin (PRL) and VEGF expressions in ESC are negatively correlated with sFlt1. These findings may have important implications in diseases such as PE that involve abnormal decidualization, implantation and angiogenesis at the maternal-fetal interface.

Microarray analysis on gene regulation by estrogen, progesterone and tamoxifen in human endometrial stromal cells

Epithelial stromal cells represent a major cellular component of human uterine endometrium that is subject to tight hormonal regulation. Through cell-cell contacts and/or paracrine mechanisms, stromal cells play a significant role in the malignant transformation of epithelial cells. We isolated stromal cells from normal human endometrium and investigated the morphological and transcriptional changes induced by estrogen, progesterone and tamoxifen. We demonstrated that stromal cells express appreciable levels of estrogen and progesterone receptors and undergo different morphological changes upon hormonal stimulation. Microarray analysis indicated that both estrogen and progesterone induced dramatic alterations in a variety of genes associated with cell structure, transcription, cell cycle, and signaling. However, divergent patterns of changes, and in some genes opposite effects, were observed for the two hormones. A large number of genes are identified as novel targets for hormonal regulation. These hormone-responsive genes may be involved in normal uterine function and the development of endometrial malignancies.

Efficacy of estrogen therapy in patients with intrauterine adhesions: systematic review

Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis has become the preferred option for management of intrauterine adhesions (IUA). Use of estrogen as perioperative adjuvant therapy has been suggested for preventing recurrent adhesions. The primary objective of this article was to review the literature for evidence of the efficacy of estrogen therapy in the management of IUA. All eligible studies were identified using computerized databases (PubMed, Scopus. and Web of Science) from their earliest publication date to July 2013. Additional relevant articles were identified from citations in these publications. Twenty-six studies were identified that reported use of hormone therapy as ancillary treatment after adhesiolysis. Of these studies, 19 used at least one of the following methods: intrauterine device, Foley catheter, hyaluronic acid gel, or amnion graft, in addition to hormone therapy as ancillary treatment. In 7 studies, hormone therapy was used as a single ancillary treatment. In 2 studies, no adjunctive therapy was used after adhesiolysis. Meta-analysis could not be performed because of the differences in treatment methods in these articles. There was a wide range of reported menstrual and fertility outcomes. Better menstrual and fertility outcomes were associated with use of estrogen in combination with other methods of ancillary treatment. At present, hormone therapy, in particular estrogen therapy, is beneficial in patients with IUA, regardless of stage of adhesions. However, estrogen therapy needs to be combined with ancillary treatment to obtain maximal outcomes, in particular in patients with moderate to severe IUA.

Hypoxic stress simultaneously stimulates vascular endothelial growth factor via hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and inhibits stromal cell-derived factor-1 in human endometrial stromal cells

BACKGROUND

Hypoxia of the human endometrium is a physiologic event occurring during the perimenstrual period and the local stimulus for angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hypoxic stress on the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1/CXCL12), and the potential role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in the endometrium.

METHODS

Human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs, n= 22 samples) were studied in vitro. ESCs were cultured under hypoxic and normoxic conditions and treated with cobalt chloride (CoCl₂; a hypoxia-mimicking agent) and/or echinomycin, a small-molecule inhibitor of HIF-1α activity. The mRNA levels and production of VEGF and SDF-1 were assessed by real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. The HIF-1α protein levels were measured using western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Hypoxia simultaneously induced the expression of mRNA and production of VEGF and attenuated the expression and production of SDF-1 from ESCs in a time-dependent manner. Similar changes were observed in the ESCs after stimulation with CoCl₂ in a dose-dependent manner. CoCl₂ significantly induced the expression of HIF-1α protein, and its highest expression was observed at 6 h. Echinomycin inhibited hypoxia-induced VEGF production without affecting the HIF-1α protein level and cell toxicity and had no effect on SDF-1 secretion (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoxia simultaneously acts to increase VEGF via HIF-1α and to decrease SDF-1 in a HIF-1α-independent manner in ESCs. These results indicate a potential mechanism for the action of hypoxic conditions that could influence angiogenesis in the human endometrium.

Does hormone therapy, tibolone or raloxifene modify VEGF expression in cervical epithelial cells?

AIM

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) seems to be a critical molecule in cervical carcinogenesis. We aimed to investigate the possible associations between hormonal factors and VEGF expression in cervical epithelial cells from postmenopausal women.

METHOD

A total of 105 healthy postmenopausal women (aged 45-68 years old) attending a university menopause clinic were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Pap smears were derived from current users of 17β-estradiol 1 mg + norethisterone acetate 0.5 mg (n = 28), tibolone 2.5 mg (n = 23), raloxifene HCl 60 mg (n = 21) and women not receiving treatment (n = 33). VEGF immunostaining was evaluated in squamous, glandular and metaplastic cells, using a semiquantitative method (rating scale: 0-3).

RESULTS

Concerning endogenous hormones, higher Δ4-androstenedione levels were associated with more intense VEGF immunostaining in glandular (p = 0.041) and metaplastic cells (p = 0.004). Hormone therapy and raloxifene did not induce any changes in VEGF immunoreactivity in the examined cells. In contrast, tibolone administration was accompanied by diminished VEGF presence in metaplastic cells (p = 0.016 vs. controls).

CONCLUSION

Our findings may in part reflect the molecular processes contributing to the safe profile of hormone therapy, tibolone and raloxifene in cervical carcinogenesis.

Angiopoietin 1 and angiopoietin 2 in follicular fluid of women undergoing a long protocol

OBJECTIVE

To determine the concentrations of angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1) and ANGPT2 in individual human preovulatory follicles in relation to their diameter or volume to clarify the role of these molecules in folliculogenesis.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Research laboratory at Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.

PATIENT(S)

Twenty-three women undergoing IVF.

INTERVENTION(S)

On the day of oocyte retrieval, serum samples and follicular fluid (FF) from individual follicles were collected. We analyzed 348 follicles.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

ANGPT1 and ANGPT2 concentrations in FF and serum and oocyte recovery rates.

RESULT(S)

On average, ANGPT1 concentrations in FF were 150 times lower than those in serum, whereas ANGPT2 concentrations in FF were 8 times higher than those in serum. The concentrations of ANGPT1 in follicles with a diameter ≤17 mm were significantly higher than those in follicles with a diameter ≥18 mm. On the other hand, the concentrations of ANGPT2 in follicles with a diameter ≤17 mm were significantly lower than those in follicles with a diameter ≥18 mm. The ANGPT2/ANGPT1 ratio increased with enlargement of follicular diameter. ANGPT1 concentrations in FF decreased with follicular volume. ANGPT2 concentrations and the ANGPT2/ANGPT1 ratio in FF rose with follicular volume. The ANGPT2/ANGPT1 ratio in FF from the oocyte recovery group was significantly higher than that from the nonrecovery group.

CONCLUSION(S)

Our data suggested that the change in ANGPT1 and ANGPT2 levels may be associated with follicular growth and angiogenesis during the preovulatory period.

Progestins inhibit estradiol-induced vascular endothelial growth factor and stromal cell-derived factor 1 in human endometrial stromal cells

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether 17β-estradiol (E(2)) and progestins exert direct effects on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1/CXCL12) in human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and thereby to clarify the regulatory function of these local angiogenic factors in the endometrium.

DESIGN

In vitro experiment.

SETTING

Research laboratory at Kansai Medical University.

PATIENT(S)

Fourteen patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign reasons.

INTERVENTION(S)

ESCs were cultured with E(2) and/or various clinically relevant progestins (medroxyprogesterone acetate [MPA], norethisterone [NET], levonorgestrel [LNG], dienogest [DNG], and progesterone [P]).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The mRNA levels and production of VEGF and SDF-1 were assessed by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and ELISA, respectively.

RESULT(S)

E(2) significantly induced the mRNA levels and protein production of VEGF and SDF-1 in ESCs. MPA could antagonize the E(2)-stimulated effects in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and this effect could be reversed by RU-486 (P receptor antagonist). All of the progestins (MPA, NET, LNG, and DNG; 10(-9) to 10(-7) mol/L) attenuated E(2)-induced VEGF and SDF-1 production, whereas P showed these inhibitory effects only when present in a high concentration (10(-7) mol/L).

CONCLUSION(S)

Progestins have inhibitory effects on E(2)-induced VEGF and SDF-1 in ESCs. These results may indicate a potential mechanism for action of the female sex steroids in the human endometrium that can be helpful for various clinical applications.

Vascular endothelial growth factor expression up-regulated by endometrial ischemia in secretory phase plays an important role in endometriosis

Primary human endometrial cells were exposed to hypoxia preconditioning (HPC), HPC-hypoxia, and hypoxia conditions, and then endometrial tissue treated with ischemia preconditioning (IPC) was transplanted onto the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane to investigate the role of slight ischemia of endometrium in the pathologic process of endometriosis. IPC up-regulated vascular endothelial growth factor expression and decreased apoptosis of endometrial cells, thus facilitating the endometrial fragments' ectopic implantation.

Estrogen induces stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1/CXCL12) production in human endometrial stromal cells: a possible role of endometrial epithelial cell growth

Estradiol enhanced stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1/CXCL12) production levels in human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) in a time- and dose-dependent manner that could be completely abolished by ICI 182,780 (estrogen receptor antagonist) and medroxyprogesterone acetate. Although SDF-1 was undetectable in the Ishikawa human endometrial epithelial cell line, its receptor (CXCR4) messenger RNA levels in Ishikawa cells were much higher than those in ESCs, and furthermore SDF-1 induced the proliferation of Ishikawa cells; SDF-1 secreted from ESCs may play a role in endometrial epithelial cell growth in the paracrine system.