FABP4 Mediates Inflammation to Regulate Endometrial Epithelial Cell Function During Early Gestation in Sheep

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Immunology
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) plays a role in inflammation.
• Sheep endometrial epithelial cells (sEECs) are crucial for pregnancy.
• Understanding FABP4's role in sEECs is vital for reproductive health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of FABP4-mediated inflammation on sEECs.
• To model the pregnancy hormonal environment using estradiol, progesterone, and interferon-tau.
• To assess the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and FABP4 inhibition on sEECs.

Main Methods:

• sEECs were cultured and treated with LPS to induce inflammation.
• FABP4 expression was inhibited using a specific inhibitor.
• Gene and protein expression (inflammation, apoptosis, proliferation, tolerance, embryo development) were analyzed via qPCR and Western blot.
• Cell proliferation (CCK-8) and migration (scratch assay) were evaluated.

Main Results:

• LPS-induced inflammation decreased proliferation and migration, while increasing apoptosis and gestational elongation markers in sEECs.
• FABP4 inhibition mitigated LPS-induced inflammation.
• FABP4 inhibition alleviated the negative effects of LPS on sEECs' cellular functions and viability.

Conclusions:

• FABP4-mediated inflammation negatively affects critical cellular functions in sEECs during simulated pregnancy.
• Inhibiting FABP4 offers a potential therapeutic approach to manage inflammation and improve reproductive outcomes in sheep.