The Effects of Epidermal Growth Factor and Transforming Growth Factor-α on Secretion of Interleukin-8 and Growth-Regulated Oncogene-α in Human Granulosa-Lutein Cells

Background: In order to investigate the roles of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha in ovulation, we studied the production of interleukin (IL)-8 and growth-regulated oncogene (GRO)-alpha in cultured human granulosa-lutein cells. Methods: Granulosa-lutein cells obtained from the follicular fluids of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer patients were cultured and treated with EGF, TGF-alpha, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). An immortalized granulosa cell line (GC1a) was also cultured and treated with EGF, TGF-alpha or mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor. The supernatants were collected, and IL-8 and GRO-alpha were measured by ELISA. Results: The levels of IL-8 and GRO-alpha were significantly increased after treatment with EGF, TGF-alpha, TNF-alpha and TPA by primary cultured granulosa-lutein cells. The levels of IL-8 and GRO-alpha were also significantly increased after treatment with EGF or TGF-alpha in a dose-dependent manner by GC1a. When GC1a was treated with EGF, TGF-alpha or U0126, the levels of IL-8 and GRO-alpha were significantly decreased. Conclusion: Our data indicate that the production of IL-8 and GRO-alpha is upregulated by EGF and TGF-alpha. It is suggested that EGF and TGF-alpha may play an important role in luteinization processes involving IL-8 and GRO-alpha production. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel