Evidence for the expression of vasorin in the human female reproductive tissues

Objective: To investigate the expression and localization of Vasorin (Vasn) in human female reproductive system. Methods: The presence of Vasorin was evaluated by RT-PCR and immunoblotting analyses in patient-derived endometrial, myometrial and granulosa cells (GCs) primary cultures. Immunostaining analyses were performed to detect Vasn localization in primary cultures and in ovarian and uterine tissues. Results: Vasn mRNA was detected in patient-derived endometrial, myometrial and GCs primary cultures without significant differences at the transcript level. Otherwise, immunoblotting analysis showed that Vasn protein levels were significantly higher in GCs than proliferative endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and myometrial cells. Immunohistochemistry performed in ovarian tissues revealed that Vasn was expressed in the GCs of ovarian follicles at different stages of development with a higher immunostaining signal in mature ovarian follicles such as the antral follicle or on the surface of cumulus oophorus cells than in early-stage follicles. The immunostaining of uterine tissues showed that Vasn was expressed in the proliferative stroma endometrium while it was significantly less expressed in the secretory endometrium. Conversely, no protein immunoreactivity was revealed in health myometrial tissue. Conclusions: Our results revealed the presence of Vasn in the ovary and the endometrium. The pattern of Vasn expression and distribution suggests that this protein may have a role in the regulation of processes such as folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, and endometrial proliferation.

Automated summary

The expression and localization of Vasorin (Vasn) in the human female reproductive system were investigated. Vasn mRNA was detected in patient-derived endometrial, myometrial, and granulosa cells (GCs) primary cultures without significant differences, while Vasn protein levels were significantly higher in GCs compared to proliferative endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and myometrial cells. Immunostaining analyses revealed Vasn expression in ovarian follicles at different stages of development, with higher levels in mature follicles and on the surface of cumulus oophorus cells. In uterine tissues, Vasn was expressed more in the proliferative stroma endometrium and less in the secretory endometrium, with no protein immunoreactivity in healthy myometrial tissue.