Reduction of HB-EGF expression in the uterus of female mice in contact with Chlorpyrifos

Scientists believed that there are many factors involved in abortion, one of which could be environmental factors. On the other hand, evaluating of adherent molecules that play an important role in implantation, can help us understand how this bridge between fetus and mother is easily broken by some environmental contaminants. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Chlorpyrifos (CPF) as a pesticide before pregnancy, and its function on sex hormones and fetal adhesion molecules during pregnancy. In this study, CPF was injected into ten female NMRI mice, the equivalent number was considered for the control and sham groups. After six weeks of ۳ mg/kg injection, female mice were mated then euthanized on day ۵th of gestation. Estradiol (E۲) and progesterone (P۴) hormones level were assessed by the ELISA method. The expression of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) as a molecular agent of fetal adhesion to the uterus was also analyzed by Western and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The levels of estradiol E۲ and progesterone P۴ were significantly reduced (P <۰.۰۵) and (P <۰.۰۱) in the experimental group compared to the other groups, respectively. There was also a significant decrease in both RNA and HB-EGF protein levels in the experimental group compared to the other groups, (P <۰.۰۵) and (P <۰.۰۰۱), respectively. Based on this experimental model, mice that were injected with the toxin had no clinical presentation, but the levels of sex hormones as well as the expression of uterine adhesive proteins decreased. It is therefore recommended that to prevent abortion, the mother's nutrition, as well as the environment in which she lives, should be free of any chemicals such as pesticides.

کلیدواژه ها:

Chlorpyrifos ، HB-EGF ، Estradiol ، progesterone