Effect of ovarian steroids on gene expression profile in human uterine microvascular endothelial cells

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of the ovarian steroids on the gene expression profile in human uterine microvascular endothelial cells.DesignAn experimental study.SettingUniversity hospital and research laboratory.Patient(s)Eighteen premenopausal women with proven fertility undergoing hysterectomy for cervical carcinoma in situ or cervical dysplasia.Intervention(s)None.Main Outcome Measure(s)The effect of E2 and P on gene expression profile in pooled human uterine microvascular endothelial cells was examined with cDNA microarray analysis and confirmed with quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. In vivo endometrial endothelial expression of the proteins encoded by the genes significantly regulated by E2 and/or P was examined with Western blotting analysis and immunohistochemistry.Result(s)The genes steadily up-regulated by E2 and/or P included angiogenic factors, water transporters, immunomodulators, binding proteins, electron transporters, amino acid transporter, signal transduction proteins, and blood pressure regulation factors. The proteins encoded by IL1RL1, WAS, and NPPA were detected in endometrial microvascular endothelial cells.Conclusion(s)Progesterone (alone or in combination with E2) can induce the genes involved in angiogenesis, edematous change, and leukocyte recruitment in human uterine microvascular endothelial cells. Ovarian steroids may contribute to endometrial differentiation via the action on local microvessels.