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Updated: May 21, 2026

Exploring Independent Effects of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone In Vivo in a Mouse Model
Published on: August 11, 2023
Estrogen inhibits vaginal tropoelastin and TGF-β1 production
Nahida Chakhtoura1, Yanping Zhang, Keith Candiotti
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (D-50), University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, PO Box 016960, Miami, FL 33010, USA.
Introduction And Hypothesis:
The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of estrogen on vaginal smooth muscle cell (SMC) tropoelastin and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 production.
Methods:
Primary SMC were incubated with estradiol, and cell proliferation was assessed by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay at 48 h. Supernatants were collected and tropoelastin and TGF-β1 levels measured.
Results:
SMC proliferation was significantly increased by estradiol [relative cell number, mean ± standard error (SE), estradiol 0.1 μM 116 ± 19 % of control (P = NS), 1 μM 127 ± 13 % of control (P < 0.05), 10 μM 153 ± 26 % of control, (P < 0.05)]. Tropoelastin production was significantly decreased by estrogen [mean ± SE, estradiol 0.1 μM 78 ± 2 % of control (P < 0.05), 1 μM 76 ± 4 % of control (P < 0.05), 10 μM 67 ± 3 % of control, (P < 0.05)]. In addition, TGF-β1 production was significantly decreased [mean ± SE, estradiol 0.1 μM 96 ± 4 % of control (P = NS), 1 μM 84 ± 6 % of control (P < 0.05), 10 μM 70 ± 6 % of control, (P < 0.05)].
Conclusion:
Estrogen increases vaginal SMC proliferation and inhibits tropoelastin and TGF-β1 production.
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