Copper and lead exposures disturb reproductive features of primary endometrial stromal and epithelial cells.

Autores de IIS La Fe

• Silvia Pérez Deben

  Autor

• Roberto González Martín

  Autor

• Andrea Palomar Rios

  Autor

• Alicia Quiñonero Villora

  Autor

• Stefania Salsano

  Autor

• Francisco Domínguez Hernández

  Autor

Grupos

• Biología Reproductiva y Bioingeniería en Reproducción Humana

  

  Leader

  Nicolás Garrido Puchalt

Abstract

This study investigates if Cu and Pb act as endocrine disruptors affecting endometrial cells. Primary EnSCs and EnECs were exposed to Cu (0, 50, 100 and 200 µM) or Pb (0, 30, 100 and 500 µM) and assessed for viability, decidualization, apoptosis and proliferation on EnSCs, and wound healing and adhesion capabilities on EnECs. Cu exposure decreased significantly cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Cu and Pb negatively affected in vitro decidualization, showing a significant decrease in PRL secretion. HOXA10 and ERa mRNA levels significantly decreased in decidualized cells (dEnSCs) exposed to Cu. Cu and Pb decreased adhesion and regeneration capability in EnEC. This study reveals that Cu and Pb could negatively affect endometrial functionality, compromising the decidualization process and disrupting endometrial regeneration and embryo adhesion. Therefore, special care should be taken considering heavy metals exposure if pregnancy is being pursued.

Keywords

• Copper, Decidualization, Endometrial epithelial cells, Endometrial stromal cells, Heavy metals, Lead