Effects of progesterone, levonorgestrel and medroxyprogesterone acetate on apoptosis in human endometrial endothelial cells

BackgroundWe evaluated apoptosis in human endometrial endothelial cells (HEECs) incubated with progesterone, levonorgestrel (LNG) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA).Study DesignHEECs were cultured to near confluence, and the progestogens were added.SettingAcademic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.PatientsNo patients were involved.InterventionsProgestogens at 5-, 250- and 500-ng/mL concentrations were added to incubations of HEECs for 12, 24 and 48 h.Main Outcome MeasureApoptosis based on terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxy-UTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), and semiquantification of Bax and Bcl-2.ResultsNo apoptosis was found by TUNEL, Bax and Bcl-2 after 12 h incubation with any progestogen. TUNEL increased after incubation for 24 and 48 h with progesterone 500 ng/mL; LNG 250, 500 ng/mL and all concentrations of MPA (p<.001), Bax increased and Bcl-2 decreased at all concentrations of MPA and the two highest concentrations of LNG at 48 h (p<.05).ConclusionMPA results in apoptosis of HEECs.