Electromagnetic field exposure alters in vitro estrogen biosynthesis and its release by the porcine endometrium in the peri-implantation period

The electromagnetic field (EMF) is an environmental risk factor that may impair living organisms. This study aims to determine the functional effects of EMF exposure at 50 and 120 Hz for 2 or 4 h on estrogen synthesis and release in the endometrium. Endometrial slices were isolated from pigs (n = 5) during the peri-implantation period. To check whether progesterone (P-4) exerts any protective effects against EMF, selected EMF-treated slices were also treated with P-4. CYP19A3 mRNA transcript abundance was higher in slices exposed to EMF (50 Hz, 4 h) and treated with P-4. HSD17B4 mRNA transcript abundance was higher in slices exposed to EMF (50 and 120 Hz, 2 h) without P-4 treatment. Both EMF (50 Hz, 2 h) and EMF (50 and 120 Hz, 4 h) increased HSD17B4 mRNA transcript abundance in the presence of P-4; EMF (120 Hz, 2 h, and 50 Hz, 4 h) decreased cytochrome P450arom protein abundance in tissue slices not treated with P-4. Under exposure to EMF at 120 Hz (2 h), the abundance of hydroxysteroid 17 beta dehydrogenase decreased in P-4-treated slices and increased in slices not treated with P-4 (4 h). Progesterone treatment decreased the release of estradiol-17 beta (E-2) in endometrial slices exposed to EMF at 50 Hz (2 h), whereas in slices not treated with P-4, EMF (120 Hz, 2 h) increased estrone (E-1) release compared to control (without EMF). The EMF could disrupt the synthesis and release of E-1 and E-2 by the endometrium the