Matrix metallopeptidase expression and modulation by transforming growth factor-β1 in equine endometrosis

Sci Rep. 2020 Jan 24;10(1):1119. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-58109-0.

Abstract

Equine endometrial fibrosis (endometrosis) is described as a degenerative chronic condition in the uterus. Its characteristic feature is excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components around the endometrial glands and stroma. Although matrix metallopeptidases (MMPs) that mediate ECM turnover are important factors in the process of fibrosis, knowledge of their expression and regulation in endometrosis is limited. In other species, one of the important regulators of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) is transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. The goal of this study was to determine (i) endometrial expression of MMPs and TIMPs during endometrosis and (ii) the effect of TGF-β1 on expression of MMPs and TIMPs in equine endometrial fibroblasts and epithelial cells. In the follicular phase of the estrous cycle, MMP-1, -2, -9, and TIMP concentrations were higher during endometrosis than in healthy endometrium (P < 0.05). In the midluteal phase, MMP-3 concentration was lower in severe endometrosis compared to healthy endometrium (P < 0.05). In fibroblasts, TGF-β1 upregulated MMP-1, -9, -13, and TIMP1, but downregulated MMP-3 secretion (P < 0.05). In epithelial cells, TGF-β1 upregulated MMP-1, -9, -13, and TIMP secretion (P < 0.05). Endometrial expression of MMPs and TIMPs is altered during endometrosis. TGF-β1 is a regulator of endometrial ECM remodeling via its effect on MMPs and TIMPs in equine endometrial fibroblasts and epithelial cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endometriosis / enzymology
  • Endometriosis / physiopathology
  • Endometriosis / veterinary*
  • Endometrium / metabolism
  • Endometrium / pathology
  • Epithelial Cells / drug effects
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Estrous Cycle
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Fibrosis
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic* / drug effects
  • Horse Diseases / enzymology
  • Horse Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Horses
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases / biosynthesis*
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / biosynthesis
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / pharmacology
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / physiology*

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • TGFB1 protein, human
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases