Human chorionic gonadotropin confers resistance to oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in decidualizing human endometrial stromal cells.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of hCG on the expression of genes involved in oxidative stress resistance observed in decidualizing human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs).


METHODS
In vitro experiment.


METHODS
Saitama Medical University hospital.


METHODS
Premenopausal women undergoing hysterectomy for myoma uteri.


METHODS
HESCs from hysterectomy specimens were isolated and incubated with 8-bromo-cyclic adenosine monophosphate and medroxyprogesterone acetate in the presence or absence of recombinant hCG (rhCG) at various concentrations. Hydrogen peroxide was used as the source of reactive oxygen species (ROS).


METHODS
Apoptotic cells, FOXO1, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), Bax, and Bcl-2 protein expression.


RESULTS
In a dose-dependent manner, rhCG conferred additional protection to decidualizing HESCs against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. In parallel, rhCG augmented the expression of the forkhead transcription factor FOXO1 and its downstream target, the ROS scavenger SOD2. rhCG also inhibited the expression of the proapoptotic Bax protein and up-regulated antiapoptotic Bcl-2 levels in decidualizing HESCs exposed to ROS.


CONCLUSIONS
The data suggest that hCG might improve the uterine environment upon implantation by suppressing apoptotic responses in the maternal decidua under oxidative stress.
Kajihara
Takeshi
T
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan. kajihara@saitama-med.ac.jp
Uchino
Satomi
S
Suzuki
Motoharu
M
Itakura
Atsuo
A
Brosens
Jan J
JJ
Ishihara
Osamu
O
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000502:physiology*; D003656:Decidua / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004717:Endometrium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin