Mesenchymal stem cells derived from Wharton jelly of the human umbilical cord ameliorate damage to human endometrial stromal cells

Objective: To investigate the effect of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from Wharton jelly of umbilical cord (WJ-MSCs) on ameliorating damaged human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Design: Experimental study. Setting: University-affiliated hospital. Patient(s): Sixteen endometrial tissues were obtained from women undergoing hysterectomy. Eight umbilical cords were obtained from full-term deliveries. Intervention(s): ESCs were cultured with mifepristone to get damaged ESCs, then damaged ESCs were co-cultured with WJ-MSCs. Main Outcome Measure(s): The proliferation of ESCs was investigated by Cell Counting Kit 8, and the percentage of apoptosis by annexin-V-fluorescein isothiocyanate binding. The mRNA and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and caspases 3, 8, and 9 were determined by one-step quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Result(s): After exposure to mifepristone, the proliferation of ESCs decreased and the apoptosis percentage increased in a dose-and time-dependent manner. At a certain dose and duration, this damage continued even after the withdrawl of mifepristone at 48 hours. When the damaged ESCs were cocultured with WJ-MSCs, the proliferation of these damaged cells was significantly increased and apoptosis percentage decreased. In addition, the level of VEGF mRNA and protein decreased and that of caspases 3, 8, and 9 increased. Conclusion(s): WJ-MSCs may serve as a promising treatment approach to ameliorate endometrial damage. (Fertil Steril (R) 2011; 96: 1029-36. (C) 2011 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)