Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Enhances Endometrial Stromal Cell Decidualization in Humans and Mice
2011

LIF Enhances Decidualization in Humans and Mice

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Shuya Lorraine Lin, Menkhorst Ellen Melaleuca, Yap Joanne, Li Priscilla, Lane Natalie, Dimitriadis Evdokia

Primary Institution: Prince Henry's Institute, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia

Hypothesis

Does leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) play a role in the decidualization of endometrial stromal cells in humans and mice?

Conclusion

LIF is an important regulator of decidualization in both humans and mice.

Supporting Evidence

  • LIF enhanced the secretion of prolactin, indicating increased decidualization.
  • LIF and its receptor were localized to decidual cells in both human and murine tissues.
  • Blocking LIF action in mice reduced the area of decidualization.
  • Exogenous LIF increased the secretion of cytokines IL6 and IL15 in decidualized human endometrial stromal cells.

Takeaway

LIF helps the cells in the uterus get ready for pregnancy by making them change into a special type of cell needed for a baby to grow.

Methodology

The study involved ex vivo and in vivo experiments to assess the effects of LIF on decidualization in human endometrial stromal cells and murine models.

Limitations

The study may not fully replicate the complex in vivo environment of human pregnancy.

Participant Demographics

Women with regular menstrual cycles and healthy first trimester decidual tissue.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025288

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