Effects of Ethephon Exposure on Endometrial Decidualization in Mice during Early Pregnancy

This study focused on whether ETH exposure had adverse effects on endometriosis decidualization in early pregnancy. In this study, on GD1 (gestational day 1), CD1 mice were given 0, 71.25, 142.5, and 285 mg/kg of ETH by continuous oral feeding. On GD7, mice were killed. Uterine tissue was collected and the numbers of implanted embryo were observed. Serum was collected for estrogen and progesterone detection by ELISA. mRNA expression levels of decidual markers such as HOXA10, BMP2 and COX2 were detected by RT-PCR. Protein expression levels of HOXA10, BMP2 and COX2 were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The induced decidualization model of mice in vivo was established. mRNA expression levels of decidual markers were detected by RT-PCR. Under 285 mg/kg ETH exposure, the numbers of implanted embryos on GD7 were significantly decreased and the absolute and relative uterine weights on GD7 were significantly reduced. RT-PCR results showed BMP2 and HOXA10 mRNA expression were significantly reduced while COX2 mRNA expression was significantly increased compared to control group in the 285 mg/kg ETH exposed group. Western blot result showed that compared with control group, the decidual markers of HOXA10 protein expression was significantly down-regulated while COX2, MMP9 and PR were significantly up-regulated under 285 mg/kg ETH exposed group. Immunohistochemistry result showed HOXA10 and BMP2 protein expression was significantly decreased under 285 mg/kg ETH exposed group. Artifical decidualization was detected in the uteri of the control, but weakened decidualization response was observed in the ETH-treated group. The decidual markers of HOXA10 and BMP2 mRNA were significantly decreased. Serum progesterone levels also decreased obviously by ELISA. Suggested exposure to ETH in early pregnancy had adverse effects on endometrial decidualization in mice.

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2021.05.0004