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Published on: February 21, 2014
Endometrial effects of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) on estradiol-responsive gene expression are
1Department of Animal Science, Faculties of Genetics and Reproductive Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA.
Abstract:
Three selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) drugs which included 4-OH-tamoxifen (Tam), EM-800 (EM) and GW 5638 (GW) were investigated to determine their ability to inhibit estradiol-responsive gene expression in sheep endometrium. The uteri of ovariectomized ewes (10 ewes per SERM group) were infused with 10(-7)M SERMs for 24h prior to hysterectomy. Five ewes from each group received 50 microg 17beta-estradiol (E2) and the remaining five ewes received vehicle 18 h prior to hysterectomy. Northern blot analyses and in situ hybridization demonstrated that E2 treatment increased estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and cyclophilin (CYC) mRNA levels in most endometrial cells examined. Tam and GW exhibited characteristics similar to E2 by increasing ER gene expression, but they antagonized the E2-induced increases in PR and CYC mRNA levels. EM acted as an E2-agonist of GAPDH gene expression, but antagonized the E2 up-regulation of ER, PR and CYC gene expression in most endometrial cells. Immunohistochemistry determined that EM decreased ER protein levels in the glandular epithelium, and the SERMs investigated antagonized increases in PR protein levels in endometrium. In conclusion, GW and EM exhibit fewer agonist effects than Tam on endometrial gene expression. EM demonstrated the greatest antagonism of E2-enhanced levels of ER, PR and CYC, likely due to the inhibition of ER gene expression at both mRNA and protein levels.
Insights
Three selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) were tested for their effects on sheep endometrial gene expression. EM-800 and GW 5638 showed fewer estrogenic effects than 4-OH-tamoxifen, with EM-800 being the most potent antagonist.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are crucial in managing hormone-dependent conditions.
- Understanding SERM interactions with estrogen receptors (ER) in the endometrium is vital for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhibitory effects of three SERMs (4-OH-tamoxifen, EM-800, and GW 5638) on estradiol-responsive gene expression in sheep endometrium.
- To compare the agonist and antagonist properties of these SERMs in a relevant in vivo model.
Main Methods:
- Uteri from ovariectomized ewes were infused with SERMs and/or 17beta-estradiol (E2).
- Gene expression analysis was performed using Northern blot and in situ hybridization.
- Protein levels were assessed via immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- E2 treatment increased ER, PR, GAPDH, and CYC mRNA levels.
- 4-OH-tamoxifen and GW 5638 increased ER gene expression but antagonized E2-induced PR and CYC.
- EM-800 acted as an E2-agonist for GAPDH but antagonized E2-induced ER, PR, and CYC, also decreasing ER protein levels.
Conclusions:
- GW 5638 and EM-800 exhibit fewer agonist effects on endometrial gene expression compared to 4-OH-tamoxifen.
- EM-800 demonstrates significant antagonism of E2-enhanced ER, PR, and CYC levels, likely by inhibiting ER gene expression at both mRNA and protein levels.
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