Anti-inflammatory steroid signalling in the human peritoneum

Area of Science:

• Cell biology
• Reproductive medicine
• Inflammation research

Background:

• Peritoneal surface epithelial (PSE) cells are involved in adhesion formation after injury.
• Ovarian surface epithelial (OSE) cells regenerate without scarring post-ovulation.
• OSE cells express 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11betaHSD1) for anti-inflammatory cortisol generation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if human PSE cells exhibit an 11betaHSD1 response to inflammatory and anti-inflammatory stimuli.
• To compare the 11-oxoreductase activity in PSE cells with that of OSE cells.

Main Methods:

• Primary human PSE cell cultures were established.
• Cells were treated with interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) and anti-inflammatory steroids (cortisol or progesterone).
• Gene expression (11betaHSD1, 11betaHSD2, COX-2) and enzyme activity were measured.

Main Results:

• IL-1alpha stimulated 11betaHSD1 and COX-2 mRNA in PSE cells; 11betaHSD2 was unaffected.
• Cortisol, but not progesterone, increased 11betaHSD1 mRNA and enhanced IL-1alpha's effect, while suppressing COX-2.
• PSE cells showed lower basal 11-oxoreductase activity than OSE cells; IL-1alpha did not significantly increase PSE cell activity.

Conclusions:

• Human PSE cells respond to IL-1alpha and steroids similarly to OSE cells.
• Lower basal and IL-1alpha-unresponsive 11betaHSD1 enzymatic activity in PSE cells may contribute to peritoneal adhesion formation.
• This contrasts with scar-free healing observed in OSE cells after ovulation.