The protective effects of Azilsartan against hypoxia in endometrial stromal cells: an implication in endometriosis

Introduction Endometriosis is a reproductive disorder closely associated with hypoxia stress. Increasing evidences have implied the important roles of angiotensin II (ANG II) receptors in pathophysiology endometriosis. Thus, we speculated that Azilsartan (AZL), an ANG receptor blocker, might effective function controlling Material and methods The endometriotic animal model was established female SD rats (6-8 weeks old, 200-220 g). Rats were divided into sham group endometriosis (EMS) group. EMS anaesthetized by halothane mid-ventral incision performed to expose bowels. Human endometrial stromal cell line T-HESC used for vitro assays. cells cultured DMEM-F12 mediumwith 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS, Hyclone), 4 mM L-glutamine, 0.25% HEPES plus necessary antibiotics (Sigma-Aldrich, USA), at 37°C humidified atmosphere 5% CO2. Results results show upregulation type 1 (AT1) observed rat models. Treatment AZL prevented development lesions suppressed expressions HIF-1α cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) rats. In assays proved hypoxia-induced proliferation, migration, invasion attenuated AZL. inhibited expression levels hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), COX-2, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production cells. Overexpression blocked effects on response hypoxia. Conclusions showed therapeutic through inhibiting via HIF-1α/COX-2/PGE2 signaling.