Abstract
BackgroundBovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs) undergo regular regeneration after calving. Elevated cortisol concentrations have been reported in postpartum cattle due to various stresses. However, the effects of the physiological level of cortisol on proliferation in BEECs have not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate whether cortisol can influence the proliferation properties of BEECs and to clarify the possible underlying mechanism.MethodsBEECs were treated with different concentrations of cortisol (5, 15 and 30 ng/mL). The mRNA expression of various growth factors was detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), progression of the cell cycle in BEECs was measured using flow cytometric analysis, and the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathways was detected with Western blot and immunofluorescence.ResultsCortisol treatment resulted in upregulated mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF); however, it had no influence on transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1). Cortisol (15 ng/mL) accelerated the cell cycle transition from the G0/G1 to the S phase. Cortisol upregulated the expression of β-catenin, c-Myc, and cyclinD1 and promoted the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT.ConclusionsThese results demonstrated that cortisol may promote proliferation in BEECs by increasing the expression of some growth factors and activating the Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.
Highlights
Bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs) undergo regular regeneration after calving
Results mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and TGF-β1 in BEECs is induced by cortisol To investigate the potential impact of cortisol on BEEC proliferation, we examined the mRNA levels of VEGF, CTGF and TGF-β1 by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)
We demonstrated that cortisol can promote VEGF and CTGF gene expression and active Wnt/β-catenin and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathways, which can promote cell proliferation
Summary
Bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs) undergo regular regeneration after calving. The effects of the physiological level of cortisol on proliferation in BEECs have not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate whether cortisol can influence the proliferation properties of BEECs and to clarify the possible underlying mechanism. During the period of parturition, bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs) are partially destroyed [1]. The damaged endometrium is effectively repaired without remaining scar tissue or loss of function [2]. This repair is essential to prepare for another pregnancy and to form natural defense barriers against various pathogenic microorganisms. A previous study showed that glucocorticoids inhibited cell
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