Regulation of contractility of cultured human endometrial stromal cells by tumor necrosis factor-α

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate the involvement of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in endometrial tissue remodeling during the perimenstrual period.Study designHuman endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) were isolated from eight premenopausal patients in the late secretory phase. The effects of TNF-α on the contractility of cultured ESCs were investigated by collagen gel contraction assay. The effects of TNF-α on the proliferation of ESCs were also assessed by a modified methylthiazoletetrazolium assay.ResultsTNF-α significantly upregulated the collagen gel contractility of ESCs in a dose-dependent manner. TNF-α did not affect ESC proliferation.ConclusionThe results suggest that TNF-α may promote endometrial tissue repair by stimulating the contraction of the extracellular matrix by ESCs. By regulating ESC function during the perimenstrual period, TNF-α may be involved in the physiological tissue remodeling of the cyclic endometrium.