2 . 2025

Effect of endometrial macrophages on collagen production by leiomyocytes in vitro

Abstract

Introduction. The tissue fibrosis is an element not only of reparation but also of many pathologic states in particular of uterine leiomyoma, in view of what one of the most actual vectors of investigation is the clarification of the mechanisms of regulation by macrophages of the fibrotic process.

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of endometrial macrophages upon collagen synthesis and production in the primary cultures of autologous leiomyocytes.

Material and methods. 25 women of reproductive age with symptomatic intramural uterine leiomyoma participated in the study. Collagen concentration in the supernatants of 24 and 72 hour myofibroblast cultures, cocultured with autologous endometrial macrophages was assessed by ELISA method. Col 1A1 mRNA expression was assessed by real time RT-PCR.

Results. Collagen production by myofibroblasts from myomatous nodes in 24 and 72 hour culture supernatants decreased under the influence of autologous endometrial macrophages. Though the increase of collagen production and synthesis on the third day of incubation under the influence of macrophages allow suggesting, that the effect of suppression had transitional character and is directly connected with the regulation of activity by macrophages.

Conclusion. Endometrial macrophages are able to suppress collagen I type synthesis and production by myofibroblasts from myomatous nodes.

Keywords: uterine leiomyoma; macrophages; myofibroblasts; collagen

For citation: Sotnikova N.Yu., Malyshkina A.I., Voronin D.N. Effect of endometrial macrophages on collagen production by leiomyocytes in vitro. Immunologiya. 2025; 46 (2): 194–200. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33029/1816-2134-2025-46-2-194-200 (in Russian)

Funding. The study had no sponsor support.

Conflict of interests. The authors declare no conflict of interests.

Authors’ contribution. The concept and design of the study – Sotnikova N.Yu.; collection and processing of material – Voronin D.N.; statistical processing – Voronin D.N.; writing the text – Sotnikova N.Yu., Malyshkina A.I., Voronin D.N.; editing – Sotnikova N.Yu., Malyshkina A.I., Voronin D.N.; approval of the final version of the article – Sotnikova N.Yu., Malyshkina A.I., Voronin D.N.; responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article – Sotnikova N. Yu., Malyshkina A.I., Voronin D.N.

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