Letrozole stimulates the growth of human endometrial explants cultured in three-dimensional fibrin matrix.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of an aromatase inhibitor, letrozole, on the growth of human endometrium in a three-dimensional fibrin matrix model of endometriosis.


METHODS
Experimental study of human endometrial biopsies in a three-dimensional fibrin matrix culture system.


METHODS
Academic research center.


METHODS
Eight normal women with benign gynecologic problems.


METHODS
Endometrial biopsy samples were washed, cut into small pieces, and placed between two layers of fibrin gel in the presence or absence of letrozole in the culture medium. Tissue changes were assessed by histological and immunohistochemical staining using an inverted microscope, image analysis, and a semiquantitative scoring system.


METHODS
Stromal and epithelial cell outgrowth into the fibrin matrix and angiogenesis comprising endothelial cell invasion of the matrix.


RESULTS
Letrozole (0.1 micromol/L, 1 micromol/L, and 10 micromol/L) exerted a significant growth stimulation effect on endometrial tissue in this model.


CONCLUSIONS
In contrast to our expectations, letrozole stimulated growth of normal human endometrium in an in vitro model of endometriosis. Normal endometrium may respond differently than endometriotic lesions to therapeutic agents. Our findings should be kept in mind when considering future research to explore new clinical treatments for endometriosis.
Khazaei
Mozafar
M
Reproduction Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran. mkhazaei1345@yahoo.com
Montaseri
Azadeh
A
Casper
Robert F
RF
D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000473:pathology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005337:Fibrin; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D000077289:Letrozole; D009570:Nitriles / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017697:Premenopause; D014230:Triazoles / Q000494:pharmacology*
D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D009570:Nitriles; D014230:Triazoles; D000077289:Letrozole; D005337:Fibrin