Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) isoforms are differentially expressed in peri-implantation porcine conceptuses

Bifenox compromises porcine trophectoderm and luminal epithelial cells in early pregnancy by arresting cell cycle progression and impairing mitochondrial and calcium homeostasis

Bifenox is a widely used herbicide that contains a diphenyl ether group. However its global usage, the cell physiological effects that induce toxicity have not been elucidated. In this study, the effect of bifenox was examined in porcine trophectoderm and uterine epithelial cells to investigate the potential toxicity of the implantation process. To uncover the toxic effects of bifenox, cell viability and apoptosis following treatment with bifenox were evaluated. To investigate the underlying cellular mechanisms, mitochondrial and calcium homeostasis were investigated in both cell lines. In addition, the dysregulation of cell signal transduction and transcriptional alterations were also demonstrated. Bifenox reduced cell viability and significantly increased the number of cells arrested at the sub-G1 stage. Moreover, bifenox depolarized the mitochondrial membrane and upregulated the calcium flux into the mitochondria in both cell lines. Cytosolic calcium flux increased in porcine trophectoderm (pTr) cells and decreased in porcine luminal epithelium (pLE) cells. In addition, bifenox activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling pathways. Furthermore, bifenox inhibited the expression of retinoid receptor genes, such as RXRA, RXRB, and RXRG. Chemokine CCL8 was also downregulated at the mRNA level, whereas CCL5 expression remained unchanged. Overall, the results of this study suggest that bifenox deteriorates cell viability by arresting cell cycle progression, damaging mitochondria, and controlling calcium levels in pTr and pLE cells. The present study indicates the toxic potential of bifenox in the trophectoderm and luminal epithelial cells, which can lead to implantation disorders in early pregnancy.

Novel insights into conceptus-maternal signaling during pregnancy establishment in pigs

Pregnancy establishment in mammals, including pigs, requires coordinated communication between developing conceptuses (embryos with associated membranes) and the maternal organism. Porcine conceptuses signalize their presence by secreting multiple factors, of which estradiol-17β (E2) is considered the major embryonic signal initiating the maternal recognition of pregnancy. During this time, a limited supply of prostaglandin (PGF2α) to the corpora lutea and an increased secretion of luteoprotective factors (e.g., E2 and prostaglandin E2 [PGE2]) lead to the corpus luteum's maintained function of secreting progesterone, which in turn primes the uterus for implantation. Further, embryo implantation is related to establishing an appropriate proinflammatory environment coordinated by the secretion of proinflammatory mediators including cytokines, growth factors, and lipid mediators of both endometrial and conceptus origin. The novel, dual role of PGF2α has been underlined. Recent studies involving high-throughput technologies and sophisticated experimental models identified a number of novel factors and revealed complex relationships between these factors and those already established. Hence, it seems that early pregnancy should be regarded as a sequence of processes orchestrated by pleiotropic factors that are involved in redundancy and compensatory mechanisms that preserve the essential functions critical for implantation and placenta formation. Therefore, establishing the hierarchy between all molecules present at the embryo-maternal interface is now even more challenging.

Mechanisms regulating the initiation of porcine conceptus elongation

Significant increases in litter size within commercial swine production over the past decades have led to increases in preweaning piglet mortality due to increase within-litter birthweight variation, typically due to mortality of the smallest littermate piglets. Therefore, identifying mechanisms to reduce variation in placental development and subsequent fetal growth are critical to normalizing birthweight variation and improving piglet survivability in high-producing commercial pigs. A major contributing factor to induction of within-litter variation occurs during the peri-implantation period as the pig blastocyst elongates from spherical to filamentous morphology in a short period of time and rapidly begins superficial implantation. During this period, there is significant within-litter variation in the timing and extent of elongation among littermates. As a result, delays and deficiencies in conceptus elongation not only contribute directly to early embryonic mortality, but also influence subsequent within-litter birthweight variation. This study will highlight key aspects of conceptus elongation and provide some recent evidence pertaining to specific mechanisms from -omics studies (i.e., metabolomics of the uterine environment and transcriptomics of the conceptus) that may specifically regulate the initiation of conceptus elongation to identify potential factors to reduce within-litter variation and improve piglet survivability.

Studies on the contribution of PPAR Gamma to tuberculosis physiopathology

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem characterized by an immuno-endocrine imbalance: elevated plasma levels of cortisol and pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, as well as reduced levels of dehydroepiandrosterone. The etiological agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is captured by pulmonary macrophages (Mf), whose activation is necessary to cope with the control of Mtb, however, excessive activation of the inflammatory response also leads to tissue damage. Glucocorticoids (GC) are critical elements to counteract the immunoinflammatory reaction, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are also involved in this regard. The primary forms of these receptors are PPARϒ, PPARα, and PPARβ/δ, the former being the most involved in anti-inflammatory responses. In this work, we seek to gain some insight into the contribution of PPARϒ in immuno-endocrine-metabolic interactions by focusing on clinical studies in pulmonary TB patients and in vitro experiments on a Mf cell line.

Methods and results

We found that TB patients, at the time of diagnosis, showed increased expression of the PPARϒ transcript in their peripheral blood mononuclear cells, positively associated with circulating cortisol and related to disease severity. Given this background, we investigated the expression of PPARϒ (RT-qPCR) in radiation-killed Mtb-stimulated human Mf. The Mtb stimulation of Mf derived from the human line THP1 significantly increased the expression of PPARϒ, while the activation of this receptor by a specific agonist decreased the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-10). As expected, the addition of GC to stimulated cultures reduced IL-1β production, while cortisol treatment together with the PPARϒ agonist lowered the levels of this proinflammatory cytokine in stimulated cultures. The addition of RU486, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, only reversed the inhibition produced by the addition of GC.

Conclusion

The current results provide a stimulating background for further analysis of the interconnection between PPARs and steroid hormones in the context of Mtb infection.

NSAIDs Induce Proline Dehydrogenase/Proline Oxidase-Dependent and Independent Apoptosis in MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are considered in cancer therapy for their inhibitory effect on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is overexpressed in most cancers. However, we found that NSAIDs as ligands of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ)-induced apoptosis independent of the COX-2 inhibition, and the process was mediated through activation of proline dehydrogenase/proline oxidase (PRODH/POX)-dependent generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This mitochondrial enzyme converts proline to ∆1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) during which ATP or ROS is generated. To confirm the role of PRODH/POX in the mechanism of NSAID-induced apoptosis we obtained an MCF7 CRISPR/Cas9 PRODH/POX knockout breast cancer cell model (MCF7^POK-KO). Interestingly, the studied NSAIDs (indomethacin and diclofenac) in MCF7^POK-KO cells contributed to a more pronounced pro-apoptotic phenotype of the cells than in PRODH/POX-expressing MCF7 cells. The observed effect was independent of ROS generation, but it was related to the energetic disturbances in the cells as shown by an increase in the expression of AMPKα (sensor of cell energy status), GLUD1/2 (proline producing enzyme from glutamate), prolidase (proline releasing enzyme), PPARδ (growth supporting transcription factor) and a decrease in the expression of proline cycle enzymes (PYCR1, PYCRL), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and collagen biosynthesis (the main proline utilizing process). The data provide evidence that the studied NSAIDs induce PRODH/POX-dependent and independent apoptosis in MCF7 breast cancer cells.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs as PPARγ Agonists Can Induce PRODH/POX-Dependent Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells: New Alternative Pathway in NSAID-Induced Apoptosis

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are considered to be therapeutics in cancer prevention because of their inhibitory effect on cyclooxygenases (COX), which are frequently overexpressed in many types of cancer. However, it was also demonstrated that NSAIDs provoked a proapoptotic effect in COX knocked-out cancer cells. Here, we suggest that this group of drugs may provoke antineoplastic activity through the activation of PPARγ, which induces proline dehydrogenase/proline oxidase (PRODH/POX)-dependent apoptosis. PRODH/POX is a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes proline degradation, during which ATP or reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated. We have found that NSAIDs induced PRODH/POX and PPARγ expressions (as demonstrated by Western Blot or immunofluorescence analysis) and cytotoxicity (as demonstrated by MTT, cytometric assay, and DNA biosynthesis assay) in breast cancer MCF7 cells. Simultaneously, the NSAIDs inhibited collagen biosynthesis, supporting proline for PRODH/POX-induced ROS-dependent apoptosis (as demonstrated by an increase in the expression of apoptosis markers). The data suggest that targeting proline metabolism and the PRODH/POX–PPARγ axis can be considered a novel approach for breast cancer treatment.

Global analysis of differential gene expression within the porcine conceptus transcriptome as it transitions through spherical, ovoid, and tubular morphologies during the initiation of elongation

This study aimed to identify transcriptome differences between distinct or transitional stage spherical, ovoid, and tubular porcine blastocysts throughout the initiation of elongation. We performed a global transcriptome analysis of differential gene expression using RNA‐Seq with high temporal resolution between spherical, ovoid, and tubular stage blastocysts at specific sequential stages of development from litters containing conceptus populations of distinct or transitional blastocysts. After RNA‐Seq analysis, significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways were identified between distinct morphologies or sequential development stages. Overall, 1898 significant DEGs were identified between distinct spherical and ovoid morphologies, with 311 total DEGs between developmental stages throughout this first morphological transition, while 15 were identified between distinct ovoid and tubular, with eight total throughout these second morphological transition developmental stages. The high quantity of DEGs and pathways between conceptus stages throughout the spherical to ovoid transition suggests the importance of gene regulation during this first morphological transition for initiating elongation. Further, extensive DEG coverage of known elongation signaling pathways was illustrated from spherical to ovoid, and regulation of lipid signaling and membrane/ECM remodeling across these early conceptus stages were implicated as essential to this process, providing novel insights into potential mechanisms governing this rapid morphological change.

Effect of rosiglitazone on developmental competence of mouse embryos treated with lipopolysaccharide

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) significantly reduces pre- and post-implantation developmental competence of embryos. One of the reason of this effect could be a consequence of TLR4-mediated inflammation. In this study, we assessed the anti-inflammatory effect of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPAR γ) agonist, rosiglitazone (RGZ), in LPS-treated mouse embryos. Initially, the optimal doses of LPS, RGZ and GW9662 (a potent and selective PPARγ antagonist) were determined by treating the mouse zygotes up to blastocyst stage and assessment of compaction and blastocyst rates. Quantitative PCR was used to assess the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines. Immunostaining was used to study the translocation of PPARγ in blastocysts. Finally, the blastocysts were transferred to surrogate mouse to determine the post-implantation developmental competence. 0.0625 mg/mL of LPS significantly reduced the developmental competency by around 50% compared to control group. 10 μM of RGZ significantly ameliorated the toxic effect of LPS, which was also significantly reversed by 1.25 μM GW9662. Through immunostaining, it was shown that LPS could prevent the translocation of PPARγ to nucleus; and translocation was facilitated by RGZ and this effect was reversed by GW9662. A similar effect was also observed for the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines (Il-1β and Il-6). LPS significantly increased the expression of these cytokines, while RGZ significantly reduced their expression, which was also significantly reversed by GW9662. It was also shown that embryos exposed to LPS had significantly reduced post implantation developmental competence which was considerably improved by treatment with RGZ. In conclusion, these data may have clinical implications for ameliorating the adverse effects of LPS in dairy farming and infertility treatment.

Effects of DDT, DDE, aldrin and dieldrin on prostaglandin, oxytocin and steroid hormone release from smooth chorion explants of cattle

Chlorooganic xenobiotics (XBs) such as DDT, DDE, aldrin and dieldrin interfere with release of hormones from chorionic villi that are necessary for sustaining the normal course pregnancy: prostaglandins (PGs), oxytocin (OT), progesterone (P₄) and estradiol (E₂). Approximately 20 %-40 % of these hormones originate from the smooth chorion. The aim of current studies was to investigate effects of these XBs on synthesis and release of PGE₂, PGF_2α, OT, P₄ and E₂ from explants of smooth chorion of cattle, obtained during the120-150 and 151-180 day gestational period. Explants were incubated with DDT, DDE, aldrin or dieldrin at concentrations of 1 and 10 ng/mL for 24 h, and concentrations of PGE₂, PGF_2α, OT, P₄ and E₂ in post incubation medium and the relative abundances of COX-2, PTGES, AKR1B1, NP-I/OT, PAM, HSD3B, and CYP19A1 mRNA transcripts in tissue explants were determined. The XBs did not have effects on cell viability in explants (P > 0.05), however, there were effects on prostaglandins, OT and P₄ secretion and relative abundance of mRNA transcript for genes encoding the main enzymes involved in synthesis of these hormones (P < 0.05). The XBs that were evaluated did not have effects on E₂ synthesis and secretion (P > 0.05). In summary, XBs evaluated in the present study had effects on the pattern of prostaglandin secretion, and can increase OT and P₄ release from smooth chorion explants. Because XBs inhibit hormonal action throughout the chorion, there is an increase in risk of abortions or premature births in animals.

A novel plausible mechanism of NSAIDs-induced apoptosis in cancer cells: the implication of proline oxidase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor

Although pharmaco-epidemiological studies provided evidence for the anticancer potential of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the mechanism of their anti-cancer activity is not known. Several lines of evidence suggest that proline dehydrogenase/proline oxidase (PRODH/POX) may represent a target for NSAIDs-dependent anti-cancer activity. PRODH/POX catalyzes conversion of proline into Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate releasing ATP or reactive oxygen species for autophagy/apoptosis. Since NSAIDs are ligands of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARs) and PPARs are implicated in PRODH/POX-dependent apoptosis we provided a hypothesis on the mechanism of NSAIDs-induced apoptosis in cancer cells.

Temporal patterns of gene regulation and upstream regulators contributing to major developmental transitions during Rhesus macaque preimplantation development

The preimplantation period of life in mammals encompasses a tremendous amount of restructuring and remodeling of the embryonic genome and reprogramming of gene expression. These vast changes support metabolic activation and cellular processes that drive early cleavage divisions and enable the creation of the earliest primitive cell lineages. A major question in mammalian embryology is how such vast, sweeping changes in gene expression are orchestrated, so that changes in gene expression are exactly appropriate to meet the developmental needs of the embryo over time. Using the rhesus macaque as an experimentally tractable model species closely related to the human, we combined high quality RNA-seq libraries, in-depth sequencing and advanced systems analysis to discover the underlying mechanisms that drive major changes in gene regulation during preimplantation development. We identified the major changes in mRNA population and the biological pathways and processes impacted by those changes. Most importantly, we identified 24 key upstream regulators that are themselves modulated during development and that are associated with the regulation of over 1000 downstream genes. Through their roles in extensive gene networks, these 24 upstream regulators are situated to either drive major changes in target gene expression or modify the cellular environment in which other genes function, thereby directing major developmental transitions in the preimplantation embryo. The data presented here highlight some of the specific molecular features that likely drive preimplantation development in a nonhuman primate species and provides an extensive database for novel hypothesis-driven studies.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ and γ agonists differentially affect prostaglandin E2 and cytokine synthesis and nutrient transporter expression in porcine trophoblast cells during implantation

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) belong to the nuclear receptor family of ligand-dependent transcription factors. PPARs have been shown to be important regulators of female reproductive functions, including conceptus development and placenta formation. This study examines the effect of PPARβ/δ and PPARγ agonists and antagonists on (1) the synthesis of prostaglandin (PG) E2, interleukin (IL) 6, interferon (IFN) γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α and (2) the mRNA expression of genes encoding nutrient transporters and/or binding proteins in Day 15 conceptus trophoblast cells. The study also examines whether PPAR agonist-modulated IL6, IFNγ, and TNFα secretion is mediated via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Trophoblast cells were exposed to L-165,041 (a PPARβ/δ agonist) or rosiglitazone (a PPARγ agonist) in the presence or absence of GSK3787 (a PPARβ/δ antagonist) or GW9662 (a PPARγ antagonist) or in the presence or absence of U0126 (a MAPK inhibitor). Rosiglitazone stimulated PGE synthase and IFNG mRNA expression in trophoblast cells and enhanced PGE2 concentrations in the incubation medium. Moreover, cells treated with rosiglitazone exhibited increased abundance of the solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 2A1 (SLCO2A1, a PG transporter) and of fatty acid binding protein (FABP) 5 transcripts. All these effects were abolished by the addition of GW9662, which indicates that the action of rosiglitazone is PPARγ-dependent in the studied cells. L-165,041 inhibited TNFα synthesis and decreased the mRNA expression of FABP3 and IL6 in trophoblast cells. However, this effect was not abolished by the addition of GSK3787 into the incubation medium, suggesting that L-165,041 action is independent of PPARβ/δ. The inhibitory effect of L-165,041 on TNFα concentration and the stimulatory effect of rosiglitazone on IFNγ accumulation in the medium were not observed in the presence of the MAPK inhibitor, suggesting that the action of both agonists may be mediated by MAPKs. In conclusion, PPARβ/δ and PPARγ agonists are differentially involved in the trophoblast expression of genes related to conceptus development and implantation in pigs. Furthermore, L-165,041 and rosiglitazone may have PPAR-dependent and -independent effects in conceptus trophoblast cells.

Endometrial expression of various genes (ISGs, PPARs, RXRs and MUC1) on day 16 post-ovulation in repeat breeder cows, with or without subclinical endometritis

Our objective was to elucidate differences in endometrial mRNA expressions of interferon-stimulated genes (ISG15, CTSL1, RSAD2, SLC2A1, CXCL10, and SLC27A6), peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARA, PPARD, and PPARG), retinoic acid receptors (RXRA, RXRB, and RXRG), and mucin 1 (MUC1) in repeat breeder cows, with or without subclinical endometritis (RB + SE and RB, respectively) and normal cows on day 16 post-ovulation (n = 4 cows per group). The CXCL10 and SLC27A6 mRNA abundances were greater for normal cows compared to RB and RB + SE cows (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 respectively) whereas ISG15 and SLC2A1 mRNA abundances were greater for normal cows compared to RB + SE (P < 0.05). The SLC27A6 mRNA abundances were greater for RB versus RB + SE (P < 0.01). Similarly, PPARD, PPARG, RXRA and RXRG mRNA abundances were greater for normal cows compared to RB and RB + SE (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Abundances of PPARD, PPARG, RXRA and RXRG mRNA were greater for RB versus RB + SE (P < 0.05) and MUC1 was lower in abundance in normal cows compared to RB or RB + SE (P < 0.05). Key predicted molecular functions were binding, signal transducer and transporter; key biological processes were cellular, localization and metabolic; key cellular components were cell part, membrane and organelle components; and key protein classes were nucleic acid binding, receptor, and transcription factors. Gene networking analysis highlighted interactions and pathways involving PAPRs, RXRs, and MUC1, notably among PPARD, PPARG, and MUC1. In conclusion, endometrial mRNA expressions of ISGs (CXCL10 and SLC27A6), PPAR isomers (PPARD and PPARG), and RXRs (RXRA and RXRG) were in lower abundances, whereas MUC1 expression was more abundant in RB or RB + SE compared to normal cows on day 16. In addition, ISG15 and SLC2A1 genes were less abundant in RB + SE versus RB or normal cows. Altered expression of these uterine genes and associated potential impairment in embryo elongation and implantation may promote embryonic loss in repeat breeder cows. Furthermore, interactions among PPARD, PPARG and MUC1 may be therapeutically exploitable.

Expression and role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in the porcine early placenta trophoblast

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of a nuclear receptor family of ligand-dependent transcription factors. Three isoforms of PPAR named PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ have been described, each encoded by a separate gene: PPARA, PPARD, and PPARG, respectively. In the present study, we examined the profiles of PPAR and retinoid X receptor (RXR; PPAR heterodimer partner) mRNA expression and PPAR DNA binding activity in porcine trophoblast tissue collected on days 15, 20, 25, and 30 of pregnancy and in day-20 embryos. Placenta trophoblast cells isolated on day 25 of pregnancy were used to determine effects of (1) cytokines on PPAR and RXR mRNA expression and (2) PPAR agonists on prostaglandin (PG) E2 synthesis and the expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis, fatty acid binding, and PG transport, as well as on cell proliferation. The mRNA expression of PPARA and RXRB was greater in trophoblast tissue collected on days 25 and 30 of pregnancy compared with day 15 (P < 0.05), while DNA binding activity of PPARα decreased between day 15 and 25 (P < 0.05). Increased concentrations of PPARD and RXRA transcripts were observed in trophoblasts collected on day 20 compared to trophoblasts from days 15 and 30 (P < 0.05). Moreover, concentrations of DNA-bound PPARβ/δ and PPARγ proteins increased in day-30 trophoblasts compared to day 15 (P < 0.01) and day 20 (P < 0.05), respectively. On day 20 of gestation, the mRNA expression of PPARD, PPARG, and RXRA and protein levels of PPARα and PPARγ isoforms were greater in trophoblast than embryonic tissue (P < 0.01). Interleukin 1β and/or interferon γ, but not IL6 and leukemia inhibitory factor, upregulated PPAR and RXR mRNA expression in placenta trophoblast cells in vitro (P < 0.05). Rosiglitazone (a PPARγ agonist) stimulated prostaglandin E synthase mRNA expression in trophoblast cells and PGE2 accumulation in incubation medium (P < 0.05). Moreover, activation of PPAR isoforms differentially affected the expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis, fatty acid binding, and PG transport in studied cells. Finally, PPARα and PPARγ agonists stimulated trophoblast cell proliferation (P < 0.05), and this effect was abolished by the addition of a respective PPAR antagonist (P < 0.05). Overall, these results point to a role of PPAR isoforms in porcine placenta development and function.

Regulation of expression and role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in luminal epithelial and stromal cells of the porcine endometrium

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of the nuclear receptor family of ligand-dependent transcription factors. PPARs are important regulators of glucose and fatty acid metabolism, apoptosis, angiogenesis, cell proliferation and differentiation, and immune response. Their possible role in the female reproductive tract was demonstrated. In the present study, cultured luminal epithelial (LE) and stromal (ST) cells of the porcine endometrium were used to examine (1) the effect of conceptus exposed medium (CEM) on mRNA and protein expression and DNA binding activity of PPARA, PPARD, and PPARG isoforms, and (2) the effect of PPARA, PPARD, and PPARG agonists on the expression of selected genes, apoptosis, and cell proliferation. The addition of CEM stimulated PPARA expression and DNA binding activity of this isoform in LE and ST cells (P < 0.05). Increased expression of PPARD mRNA in the presence of CEM was detected in ST cells (P < 0.05), while the concentration of PPARG transcripts decreased in response to CEM in both cell types (P < 0.05). LE and ST cells of the pig endometrium possess PPARA, PPARD, and PPARG proteins, with clear nuclear staining visible predominately in ST cells. In LE cells, activation of PPARG with 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin(PG)J2 down-regulated the expression of genes encoding amino acid transporter 1 (SLC38A1), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and enzymes involved in PG synthesis (P < 0.05). In ST cells, activation of PPARD isoform with both agonists used (L-165,041 and cPGI2) and PPARG isoform with 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2 increased vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) mRNA expression (P < 0.05). Moreover, GW9578 (PPARA agonist) and 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2 stimulated glucose transporter 1 (SLC2A1) gene expression in ST cells. 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2 was also effective in up-regulation of the ratio of BAX/BCL2 mRNA expression and active caspase-3 concentration in ST cells (P < 0.05). Finally, GW9578 stimulated LE and ST cell proliferation, while rosiglitazone (PPARG agonist) increased the number of viable ST but not LE cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that conceptus products differentially modulate PPARs expression and activity in the porcine endometrium. Activation of PPARs may in turn affect nutrient transport, PG synthesis, angiogenesis, apoptosis, or cell proliferation in this tissue. Therefore, PPAR isoforms seem to play an important role in development and function of the porcine uterus.