Cyclic Stretch Augments Production of Neutrophil Chemokines, Matrix Metalloproteinases, and Activin A in Human Endometrial Stromal Cells

The aim of this study was to test our hypothesis: Contractile activity that occurs in the uterus during menstruation induces biochemical factors that enhance remodeling of the endometrium.Cyclic stretch, mimicking contractile activity during menstruation, was applied to human endometrial stromal cells (ESC) using the Flexercell Tension system. The concentration and activity of CXCL8, CXCL1, MMPs, and activin A were measured using ELISAs and specific assays. Neutrophil chemotactic activity was evaluated using migration assays.Cyclic stretch significantly induced ESC secretion of CXCL8 and CXCL1 and neutrophil chemotaxis. Stretch also increased MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-3 activity, activin A secretion, and activity in ESC.These results indicate that the contractile activities of the uterus during menstruation contribute to the remodeling of the endometrium, by inducing chemokine secretion, MMP expression, activity, and neutrophil chemotaxis.