Effects of human recombinant type I IFNs (IFN-α2b and IFN-β1a) on growth and migration of primary endometrial stromal cells from women with deeply infiltrating endometriosis : a preliminary study

Objective(s): Endometriosis is a major cause of infertility and disability for women, caused by the presence of inflammatory endometrial implants in extrauterine locations. Among the constituents involved in the immune response during the development of endometriosis, several chemokines, including interferons (IFNs) may have a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the anti-proliferative and anti-migratory activities of type I IFNs (IFN-\u3b12b and IFN-\u3b21a) in primary endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) isolated from women with deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Study Design: The study subjects included 7 women ranged in the age from 27 to 37 years with diagnosis of DIE (Stage III and IV). Collected primary ESC monolayers, isolated from endometriotic nodules, were incubated with various concentrations (from 1 to 1000 IU/ml) of IFN-\u3b12b or IFN-\u3b21a. Result(s): IFN-\u3b21a had a significantly higher activity in hampering the proliferation of cells compared to IFN-\u3b12b. This effect could be related to the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in S phase, observed in ESCs during incubation with IFN-\u3b21a. Moreover, IFN-\u3b21a was more potent than IFN-\u3b12b in inhibiting migration and EGF-induced ERK activity of primary ESCs. Conclusion(s): The inhibitory in vitro effect on ESC proliferation and migration of IFN-\u3b21a was much more potent than IFN-\u3b12b. These preliminary data offer the rationale for future preclinical and clinical trials using IFN-\u3b21a as a new tool for the therapy and tertiary prevention in patients with DIE