Investigating the role of oviductal mucosa–endometrial co-culture in modulating factors relevant to embryo implantation

Abstract

Background Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) are a significant clinical challenge, affecting reproductive health and leading to infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying IUA prevention is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies. Objective To investigate the interaction between oviductal mucosal cells and endometrial cells and their effects on the expression of key molecules involved in embryo implantation, specifically leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), avβ3, estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR). Methods Tubal mucosa and endometrium specimens were collected from 22 patients undergoing surgical interventions. Cells were cultured alone and co-cultured at ratios of 1:1, 1:0.5, and 1:0.1. LIF, avβ3, ER, and PR expression levels were measured using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Our results demonstrated that LIF expression was significantly augmented in co-culture conditions, particularly in the 1:1 ratio, compared to oviductal mucosa monoculture (P < 0.05). Although LIF expression was also elevated in 1:0.5 and 1:0.1 co-culture ratios, these increases were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). For avβ3, increased expression was observed in the 1:1 co-culture group (P < 0.05), but no significant differences were detected in 1:0.5 and 1:0.1 co-culture groups. ER expression showed a downward trend in co-culture, but without statistical significance (P > 0.05), and PR expression remained stable across all groups. Conclusion Co-culture modulates key molecules involved in embryo implantation, particularly LIF and avβ3. These findings highlight the potential roles of LIF and avβ3 in IUA prevention strategies and provide important insights for future clinical interventions. Tubal mucosal cells can not only grow in the endometrial cell microenvironment, but also the tolerance of tubal mucosal cells can be improved when they are co-cultured.