Regulation of colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) in endometrial cells: glucocorticoids and oxidative stress regulate the expression of CSF-1 and its receptor c-fms in endometrial cells

Objective: To evaluate the regulation and expression of CSF-1 and its receptor c-fms in endometrial cells. Design: In vitro study. Setting: Research and teaching institution. Patient(s): None.Intervention(s): In vitro experimental study. Main Outcome Measure(s): The effect of glucocorticoid and oxidative stress on the expression of CSF-1 and c-fms in endometrial cells. Result(s): Cultured nonmalignant EM42 cells not only express CSF-1 and c-fms but are also capable of responding to exogenous CSF-1. We have also seen that glucocorticoids can regulate the expression of CSF-1/c-fms in endometrial cells. Furthermore, this study shows that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the induction of CSF-1 and its receptor c-fms. Conclusion(s): The results suggest that CSF-1 may promote the growth of nonmalignant endometrial cells in both an autocrine and paracrine manner and that endometrial cells under oxidative stress induce CSF-1 and c-fms.