Electromagnetic field exposure alters in vitro estrogen biosynthesis and its release by the porcine endometrium in the peri-implantation period

Abstract

The electromagnetic field (EMF) is an environmental risk factor that may impair living organisms. This study aims to determine the functional effects of EMF exposure at 50 and 120Hz for 2 or 4h on estrogen synthesis and release in the endometrium. Endometrial slices were isolated from pigs (n=5) during the peri-implantation period. To check whether progesterone (P4) exerts any protective effects against EMF, selected EMF-treated slices were also treated with P4. CYP19A3 mRNA transcript abundance was higher in slices exposed to EMF (50Hz, 4h) and treated with P4. HSD17B4 mRNA transcript abundance was higher in slices exposed to EMF (50 and 120Hz, 2h) without P4 treatment. Both EMF (50Hz, 2h) and EMF (50 and 120Hz, 4h) increased HSD17B4 mRNA transcript abundance in the presence of P4; EMF (120Hz, 2h, and 50Hz, 4h) decreased cytochrome P-450arom protein abundance in tissue slices not treated with P4. Under exposure to EMF at 120Hz (2h), the abundance of hydroxysteroid 17β dehydrogenase decreased in P4-treated slices and increased in slices not treated with P4 (4h). Progesterone treatment decreased the release of estradiol-17β (E2) in endometrial slices exposed to EMF at 50Hz (2h), whereas in slices not treated with P4, EMF (120Hz, 2h) increased estrone (E1) release compared to control (without EMF). The EMF could disrupt the synthesis and release of E1 and E2 by the porcine endometrium during the peri-implantation period.