Impact of Metformin and Pioglitazone on Serum Level of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha and Lipid Profiles during Implantation Window in Diabetic Rats

The Effect of Endometrial Cell Culture on α3 and β1 integrin Genes and Protein Expression in Type 2 Diabetic Rats at The Time of Implantation

OBJECTIVE

Given the prevalence of fertility problems in couples and the defect in embryo implantation as well as the low success rate of assisted reproductive techniques, it is necessary to investigate the causes of this phenomenon. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease with multiple effects on various organs as well as the endometrium. In this study, the effects of endometrial cell culture on the expression of α3 and β1 integrin genes and protein in type 2 diabetic rats were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, 35 female rats were divided into five groups: control, sham, diabetic, Pioglitazone-treated and Metformin-treated groups. First, rats were maintained in diabetic condition for 4 weeks. Then, treatment was performed for the next four weeks. Four weeks after induction of diabetes, rats were sacrificed at the time of embryo implantation. The uterus was removed. Endometrial cells were isolated and cultured for 7 days. Immunocytochemistry staining was used to confirm endometrial cells. Expression of α3 and β1 integrin genes was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and the α3β1 protein content measured using Western blot both before and after endometrial cell culture.

RESULTS

The expression level of α3 integrin gene in the Pioglitazone-treated group compared with metformin-treated group was significantly decreased (P<0.001). The same result was observed in β1 integrin gene expression (P=0.004). Also, the α3β1 protein level increased in all diabetic groups, but its reduction was significantly greater in pioglitazonetreated group (P=0.004).

CONCLUSION

T2DM altered the expression of α3 and β1 integrin genes and related proteins, which endometrial cell culture regulated this disorder. According to these results, may be the endometrial cell culture can reduce the adverse effects of diabetes on α3 and β1 integrin expression at the level of gene and protein, in endometrial cells.

Evaluation of vascular endothelial growth factor A and leukemia inhibitory factor expressions at the time of implantation in diabetic rats following treatment with Metformin and Pioglitazone

Background

Implantation requires intimate crosstalk between the embryo and uterus for a successful establishment of pregnancy. Type 2 diabetes mellitus may lead to implantation failure. The effect of diabetes and its therapeutic drugs on implantation is still largely unclear.

Objective

To assess the endometrial expression changes of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), at the time of implantation in diabetic rats following treatment with Metformin and Pioglitazone.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-eight 6-8-wk-old Wistar female rats weighing 200-250 gr were divided into four groups (n = 7/each). Type 2 diabetes was induced and Metformin and Pioglitazone were applied for 4 wk. The expression of VEGFA and LIF was measured by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.

Results

The relative expression of VEGFA transcript was higher in the diabetic (p = 0.02) and Metformin-treated (p = 0.04) rats compared to the control group. Furthermore, the VEGFA transcript level significantly reduced in Pioglitazone-treated diabetic rats (p = 0.03). LIF expression was elevated in the Metformin- and the Pioglitazone-treated rats and reduced in the diabetic group in comparison with the control group. Compared to the diabetic rats, the expression of LIF was significantly elevated in the Metformin- (p = 0.01) and Pioglitazone-treated (p = 0.03) groups.

Conclusion

The expressions of LIF and VEGFA were altered in diabetic rats during implantation which may be associated with diabetic-related infertility. Pioglitazone is able to restore the VEGFA and LIF expressions to their baseline levels more efficiently than Metformin.