Leptin regulation of the interleukin-1 system in human endometrial cells

We have previously shown that (i). leptin and leptin receptor (Ob-R) are expressed in the human endometrium, and (ii). leptin secretion is regulated in blastocyst and endometrial epithelial cell (EEC) co-cultures. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) up-regulates leptin and Ob-R, and both cytokines up-regulate beta3 integrin expression in EEC. In the present investigation we examined the effect of leptin on the expression of the IL-1 system in EEC and endometrial stromal cells (ESC) cultured in a medium containing insulin, leptin or IL-1beta (0-3 nmol/l). Leptin stimulated IL-1 antagonist (IL-1Ra), IL-1beta secretion and expression of IL-1 receptor type I (IL-1R tI) in both cell types. IL-1beta and IL-1Ra secretion were down-regulated by IL-1R tI blockade using specific antibodies. Interestingly, leptin partially neutralized this effect. The blockade of Ob-R neutralized the effects of both leptin and IL-1beta on expression of the IL-1beta system and beta3 integrin and on phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3). These results suggest that leptin regulates the IL-1 system and that the blockade of functional Ob-R impairs leptin and IL-1beta functions at the endometrial level. Leptin could be an important molecule for implantation and a molecular mediator for actions of the IL-1 system. The fact that leptin, in the absence of IL-1, can trigger the expression of markers of endometrial receptivity and of the invasive trophoblast phenotype (as does IL-1), suggest that leptin could substitute for these IL-1 functions during the implantation process.