Expression of prostaglandin metabolising enzymes COX-2 and 15-PGDH and VDR in human granulosa cells.
BACKGROUND
Prostaglandins (PGs) within the periovulatory follicle are essential for various female reproductive functions such as follicular development and maturation. In animal models, granulosa cells express the PG synthesizing enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the PG inactivating enzyme 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH). First references suggest a correlation between vitamin D and prostaglandin metabolism through the impact of 1,25(OH)2D3 (calcitriol) on the expression of COX-2 and 15-PGDH.


METHODS
The expression of COX-2, 15-PGDH and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in human granulosa cells (COV434, hGC and HGL5), which were originally isolated from different stages of follicular maturation, was determined by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis.


RESULTS
A positive correlation of COX-2 and VDR protein was found in the COV434 and HGL5 cells and an inverse correlation of 15-PGDH and VDR protein levels in all the investigated cell types.


CONCLUSIONS
There may be a link between VDR, associated target genes and prostaglandin metabolism in human follicular maturation and luteolysis.
Thill
Marc
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany. marc.thill@uk-sh.de
Becker
Steffi
S
Fischer
Dorothea
D
Cordes
Tim
T
Hornemann
Amadeus
A
Diedrich
Klaus
K
Salehin
Darius
D
Friedrich
Michael
M
D002460:Cell Line; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D006911:Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol; D006911:Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenases; C035859:15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2