Decidualized endometrial stromal cell derived factors promote trophoblast invasion

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of decidua-derived factors on trophoblast invasion.

Design: Experimental study.

Settings: Research institute.

Patient(s): In vitro decidualized human endometrial cells, trophoblast cell lines JEG-3, and ACH-3P.

Intervention(s): The effect of decidual conditioned medium (DCM) on the invasion of trophoblast cells lines via JEG-3 and ACH-3P was investigated using a Matrigel invasion assay. The changes in expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and integrins in response to DCM in the trophoblast cells was also evaluated.

Main outcome measure(s): Response of the trophoblast cells to the conditioned medium from decidual cells in terms of their invasive capability, and expression on invasion related molecules was measured.

Result(s): DCM increased the invasion of both the cell lines by approximately 1.8-2.2-fold, compared with control condition medium. The increase in invasion was associated with elevated levels of MMP2, MMP3, and MMP9 mRNA and increased activity of MMP2 and MMP9 in DCM-treated ACH-3P, but not JEG-3 cells. DCM treatment led to a reduction in TIMP1 and TIMP3 and increased TIMP2 mRNA in JEG-3, cells but not ACH-3P cells. Compared with CCM-treated controls, DCM treatment led to a significant increase in the mRNA expression of integrin α5 and α6, but not integrin αV subunit in both cell lines.

Conclusion(s): Decidua-derived factors increase the invasiveness of trophoblast cell lines and alter the expression of integrins, MMPs, and TIMPs.