Letrozole stimulates the growth of human endometrial explants cultured in three-dimensional fibrin matrix

Mozafar Khazaei, Azadeh Montaseri, Casper RF, Robert F. Casper
Fertility and sterility · 2008 · vol. 91(5) , pp. 2172–2176 · doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.02.090 · PMID:18402947 · W2071699818
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Letrozole treatment significantly increased the growth and proliferation of human endometrial explants when cultured within a three-dimensional fibrin matrix.

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Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of an aromatase inhibitor, letrozole, on the growth of human endometrium in a three-dimensional fibrin matrix model of endometriosis.DesignExperimental study of human endometrial biopsies in a three-dimensional fibrin matrix culture system.SettingAcademic research center.Patient(s)Eight normal women with benign gynecologic problems.Intervention(s)Endometrial biopsy samples were washed, cut into small pieces, and placed between two layers of fibrin gel in the presence or absence of letrozole in the culture medium. Tissue changes were assessed by histological and immunohistochemical staining using an inverted microscope, image analysis, and a semiquantitative scoring system.Main outcome measure(s)Stromal and epithelial cell outgrowth into the fibrin matrix and angiogenesis comprising endothelial cell invasion of the matrix.Result(s)Letrozole (0.1 micromol/L, 1 micromol/L, and 10 micromol/L) exerted a significant growth stimulation effect on endometrial tissue in this model.Conclusion(s)In contrast to our expectations, letrozole stimulated growth of normal human endometrium in an in vitro model of endometriosis. Normal endometrium may respond differently than endometriotic lesions to therapeutic agents. Our findings should be kept in mind when considering future research to explore new clinical treatments for endometriosis.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Endometrium Nitriles Triazoles Aromatase Inhibitors Aromatase Inhibitors Cell Culture Techniques Cell Culture Techniques Cell Division Cell Division Dose-Response Relationship, Drug Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometrium Endometrium Female Fibrin Humans Hysterectomy Letrozole Nitriles

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