Regulation of endometrial stromal cell matrix metalloproteinase activity and invasiveness by interleukin-8

To evaluate the effect of interleukin-8 (IL-8) on endometrial stromal cell metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and invasiveness.

Experimental laboratory study.

University medical center.

Reproductive age women without endometriosis.

Endometrial stromal cells were grown in culture and treated with recombinant IL-8 (0.0001-10 ng/mL) for 24 to 48 hours. Supernatants were collected for soluble assay of collagenase activity and gelatin zymography. Endometrial stromal cells were plated on 8-microm pore membranes coated with Matrigel or human simple matrix and treated with IL-8 for 48 hours.

Collagenase activity and MMP2 and 9 activity of control vs. IL-8 treated endometrial cells, and number of endometrial cells that invade through Matrigel or human simple matrix.

Collagenase activity in cells treated with IL-8 (1-10 ng/mL) was higher than in control cells. On gelatin zymograms, MMP2 and MMP9 activity of endometrial stromal cells was stimulated by IL-8 treatment (1-10 ng/mL). The number of cells that invaded the Matrigel or human simple matrix was 1.7-fold higher in the group treated with 10 ng/mL of IL-8 compared with the control group.

IL-8 increases MMP activity and invasive capability of endometrial stromal cells in culture; IL-8 may be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and menstrual physiology.