PPARγ ligands modulate the immune response mediators in the pig myometrium — An in vitro study

The current study was conducted with the aim to investigate effects of PPARγ ligands on synthesis of nuclear receptor κB (NF-κB) and selected cytokines (IL-1β, IFNγ, TNFα, IL-4, IL-10, LIF) in the pig myometrium on days 14–15 of the estrous cycle (late-luteal phase) and days 14–15 of the gestational period (beginning of embryonic implantation). The myometrial slices were incubated in vitro for 6 h in medium containing PPARγ ligands, agonists: 15d-prostaglandin J2 or pioglitazone, and antagonist – T0070907. The mRNA transcript and protein abundances were evaluated in tissues and culture medium. During the estrous cycle, PPARγ ligands did not have an effect on the mRNA transcript abundance of the immune response mediators used for treatments. The IL-10 protein abundance in the tissue was less when there was inclusions of pioglitazone in the medium, while the treatment with T0070907 resulted in a larger abundance of NF-κB, IL-1β (in the tissue) and IL-4 (in tissue and culture media). During the gestational period, pioglitazone or PGJ2 suppressed mRNA IFNγ and IL-10 transcript and protein abundances (in the tissue and culture media), whereas there was an enhanced NF-κB protein abundance (in the tissue). Treatment with T0070907 had diverse effects (e.g., for NFκB inhibited mRNA transcript abundance or enhanced protein abundance). The observed changes are related mainly in tissues from pregnant animals. Responses to PPARγ antagonist are indicative of the possible involvement of PPARγ-independent factors as well as ligand-independent activation of the receptor, ligand selectivity/functionality or tissue receptivity to the factors evaluated.