Effects of progesterone, levonorgestrel and medroxyprogesterone acetate on apoptosis in human endometrial endothelial cells

Background: We evaluated apoptosis in human endometrial endothelial cells (HEECs) incubated with progesterone, levonorgestrel (LNG) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). Study Design: HEECs were Cultured to near confluence, and the progestogens were added. Setting: Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Patients: No patients were involved. Interventions: Progestogens at 5-. 250- and 500-ng/mL concentrations were added to incubations of HEECs for 12, 24 and 48 h. Main Outcome Measure: Apoptosis based on terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxy-UTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), and semiquantification of Bax and Bcl-2. Results: No apoptosis was found by TUNEL, Bax and Bcl-2 after 12 h incubation with any progestogen. TUNEL increased after incubation for 24 and 48 h with progesterone 500 ng/mL; LNG 250, 500 ng/mL and all concentrations of MPA (p<.001), Bax increased and Bcl-2 decreased at all concentrations of MPA and the two highest concentrations of LNG at 48 It (p<.05). Conclusion: MPA results in apoptosis of HEECs. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.