Regulation of Proliferation, Motility, and Contractivity of Cultured Human Endometrial Stromal Cells by Transforming Growth Factor-beta Isoforms

Objective: To evaluate the involvement of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta isoforms (TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3) on endometrial tissue remodeling during the perimenstrual period.

Design: The effects of TGF-beta isoforms on the cell proliferation, motility, and contractivity of cultured human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) were investigated.

Setting: Research laboratory at a medical school.

Patient(s): Nine endometrial specimens in the late secretory phase were used.

Intervention(s): Endometrial stromal cells were incubated with recombinant human recombinant TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3.

Main Outcome Measure(s): The cell proliferation, motility, and contractivity of ESCs were accessed by a modified methylthiazoletetrazolium assay, in vitro wound repair assay, transwell invasion assay, and collagen gel contraction assay.

Result(s): All three isoforms of TGF-beta significantly inhibited the cell proliferation of ESCs in a dose-dependent manner. In vitro wound repair assay and transwell invasion assay demonstrated that the TGF-beta isoforms significantly inhibited the motility of ESCs. However, the TGF-beta isoforms were shown to have a clear effect on the collagen gel contractivity of ESCs.

Conclusion(s): These results suggest that TGF-beta isoforms may promote endometrial tissue repair through the inhibition of the proliferation, expansion, and migration of ESCs, and through the stimulation of the contraction of the collagen gel matrix by these cells. Transforming growth factor-beta may be involved in the protection of the endometrium from extensive fibrosis and scarring by regulating ESC function during the perimenstrual period.