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. 2019 Sep 30;23(3):263–275. doi: 10.12717/DR.2019.23.3.263

Chronic and Low Dose Exposure to Nonlyphenol or Di(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate Alters Cell Proliferation and the Localization of Steroid Hormone Receptors in Uterine Endometria in Mice

Juhye Kim 1, Sunyeong Cha 1, Min Young Lee 1, Yeon Jeong Hwang 1, Eunhyeok Yang 1, Donchan Choi 2, Sung-Ho Lee 3, Yong-Pil Cheon 1,†
PMCID: PMC6812976  PMID: 31660453

ABSTRACT

Based on our preliminary results, we examined the possible role of low-dose and chronic-exposing of the chemicals those are known as endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), on the proliferation of uterine endometrium and the localization of steroid receptors. Immunohistochemical or immunofluorochemical methodology were employed to evaluate the localization of antigen identified by monoclonal antibody Ki 67 protein (MKI67), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2), and progesterone receptor (PGR). In 133 μg/L and 1,330 μg/L di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and 50 μg/L nonylphenol (NP) groups, the ratio of MKI67 positive stromal cells was significantly increased but not in 500 μg/L NP group. The ratios of MKI67 positive glandular and luminal epithelial cells were also changed by the chronic administration of NP and DEHP in tissue with dose specific manner. ESR1 signals were localized in nucleus in glandular and luminal epithelia of control group but its localization was mainly in cytoplasm in DEHP and NP administered groups. On the other hand, it was decreased at nucleus of stromal cells in 1,330 μg/L DEHP group. The colocalization patterns of these nuclear receptors were also modified by the administration of these chemicals. Such a tissue specific and dose specific localization of ESR2 and PGR were detected as ESR1 in all the uterine endometrial tissues. These results show that the chronic lows-dose exposing of NP or DEHP modify the localization and colocalization of ESRs and PGR, and of the proliferation patterns of the endometrial tissues.

Keywords: Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Nonylphenol, Stromal cell, Epithelial cell, Steroid hormone receptors

INTRODUCTION

It has been documented that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) resemble action of steroid hormones and affect reproductive system at certain doses. As organic synthetic skill and need of plastics have been expanded, EDCs have been widely exposed to environment. Most of the studies about EDCs have focused on the toxicological concepts for decades. Recently EDCs are challenged in the view of physiological responses and reproductive tract disorders concerned with exposing doses and periods. Although low-dose exposure to a chemical which is known as an EDC is not considered toxic, as EDCs are ubiquitous, studies for chronic low-dose exposure to EDCs are necessary.

Nonylphenol (NP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) are well identified EDCs and their known adverse effects are various by the experiments. Administration with 40 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day NP for 14 days on guinea pigs exhibited prevention of decrease in uterine weight following castration and estrogenic effects on histological features of castrated animals (Danzo et al., 2002). In ovariectomized (OVX) rats, NP at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg bw for 3 days increased uterine weights and thickness of endometrium, and induced proliferation of endometrial cells (Zhang et al., 2007). In immature female Sprague-Dawley rats, NP induced uterine growth at 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg/kg bw, which is 1,000 to 2,000 folds less potent than 17β-estradiol (E2, Lee & Lee, 1996). In addition, its action was blocked by ESR antagonist, ICI 182,780, indicating that it was mediated through ESR. It has been verified that DEHP has reproductive toxicity in humans and animals (Lovekamp-Swan & Davis, 2003; Lorz et al., 2012; Somasundaram et al., 2016). In vivo exposure to 2 g/kg bw DEHP for 12 days on mature Sprague-Dawley rats decreased ovarian E2 production, prolonged estrous cycles, and stopped ovulation (Davis et al., 1994). In OVX rats, treatment of 1,000 mg/kg bw/day DEHP for 5 days did not have estrogenic activity, with no change in sex hormone levels, uterus estrogen receptor (ER) levels, uterine weight, and histopathology in uterus (Lorz et al., 2012). Oral exposure to 1, 10, and 100 mg/kg bw/day of DEHP on Wistar rats for 30 days did not change bw and uterine wet weight, but increased ovarian hormones and their receptors expression and decreased uterine diameter and numbers of uterine glands (Somasundaram et al., 2016). In vitro treatment with DEHP has suggested increased viability of endometrial stromal cells, a precondition to endometriosis (Scsukova et al., 2016). Another in vitro studies exhibited that DEHP competed with E2 for binding to rainbow trout hepatic ESRs (Jobling et al., 1995).

Lately, a study determining effects of DEHP on uterus of adult female CD-1 mice demonstrated that 200 μg/kg/day (for 30 days) reduced epithelial cell proliferation and increased numbers of uterine glands (Richardson et al., 2018). We also reported the effect of chronic low-dose (for 10 weeks) DEHP and NP on the uterus. For example, the number of glands is increased in 133 μg/L DEHP but decreased in 50 and 500 μg/L NP groups (Kim et al., 2018). Estrogen has pleiotropic effects on ESRs and progesterone receptors (PGRs) in mouse uterus through interaction of steroid hormones. Therefore, the expression of the sex steroid hormone receptors in the uterine lumen is depend on the physiological status. It is well established that progesterone interregulation in uterine preparation for estrous cycle through its receptors and its dosage (Kurita et al., 1998; Tibbetts et al., 1998). Our early studies showed the different expression patterns by the NP and DEHP, although the physiological status was fixed as 3 days after weaning. In the present study, the possible roles of such changes in tissue specific proliferation in uterus was examined. The proliferation marker Ki 67 protein (MKI67) and steroid receptors, ESR1, ESR2 and PGR were analyzed in the uterus exposed to chronic low-dose NP or DEHP.

Materials and Methods

1. Animals and administration

All experimental animals were conducted in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals published by the National Institute of Health. CD-1 (ICR) mice were maintained under standard condition at the animal house of Sungshin University. Circadian rhythm was kept under the 14L:10D schedule with light-on at 06:00 and clean room system. Animals were fed food and drink as mentioned in Cha et al. (2017). In brief, estrogen-free rodent diet (2018 Teklad global 18% protein rodent diets; ENVIGA, Madison, WI, USA) and water in glass bottles with stainless steel sipper tubes were offered ad libitum.

Administration of NP (Sigma-Aldrich, Cat # 46018, CAS # 84852-15-3) and DEHP (Sigma Aldrich Cat # 36735) was followed OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals – Test No. 443. 10–12-week-old animals were given NP at a dose of 50 or 500 μg/L (NP50 and NP500, respectively) or DEHP at a dose of 133 or 1,330 μg/L (DEHP133 and DEHP1,330, respectively) dissolved in drinking water for 10 weeks, considering that a mouse drinks approximately 4–7 mL of water daily. Control group was given water without test substances. Estrous cycle was checked by vaginal smearing daily for first 2 weeks, then each normal cycling female was chosen and bred with a fertile male for 2 weeks (n=10 / each group). Copulatory plug was checked daily. After 6 weeks, animals were used for examination.

2. Uterus sampling

Uteri were dissected immediately after sacrifice. One side uterine horn was stored at −80°C until used for molecular biological analyses. The other side was fixed overnight in modified Bouin’s solution (4% paraformaldehyde in PBS+0.16% picric acid). The fixed uteri were dehydrated with ethyl alcohol using Leica TP 1020, and embedded in paraffin using Leica EG 1150 H.

3. Immunohistochemistry

The paraffin-embedded uteri were cross-sectioned at 4 μm using Leica RM2245 microtome and mounted on glass slides. The tissues were deparaffinized with xylene and hydrated with alcohol series. Then, they were subjected to antigen retrieval in boiling 10 mM sodium citrate buffer (pH 6.0) for 15 min. Endogenous peroxidase activity was blocked with 0.3% hydrogen peroxide in H2O for 30 min. MKI67 immunoreactivity was detected according to the Vectastain ABC kit method (Vector Laboratories, Inc., Burlingame, CA). Briefly, tissues were incubated with 1% normal blocking serum in PBS for 20 min and then incubated with mouse monoclonal Ki-67 antibody (dilution 1:200). After washed in PBS containing 0.1% triton X-100 (PBST) and PBS, tissues were incubated with anti-mouse IgG (Vector Laboratories, Inc., Burlingame, CA). Tissues were washed and incubated with avidin-biotin-complex reagent containing horseradish peroxidase for 30 min. Tissues were washed and color development was achieved using DAB substrate. The tissues were counterstained with hematoxylin.

4. Immunofluorescence

Likewise, the paraffin-embedded uteri were cross-sectioned at 4 μm, deparaffinized and hydrated. Then, they were subjected to antigen retrieval in boiling 10 mM sodium citrate buffer (pH 6.0) for 10 min. The tissues were permeabilized with PBST for 5 min. Hydrophobic barriers were drawn surrounding the tissues with ImmEdge™ Pen (Vector Laboratories, Inc., Burlingame, CA). For blocking, the tissues were incubated with 1% normal blocking serum in PBS for 1 h, and then incubated with antibody of each ESR1, ESR2, or PGR for 1 h (Table 1). After washed in PBST and PBS, for PGR detection tissues were incubated with second antibodies for 1 h and washed, but for ESR1 or ESR2 this step was skipped because the first antibodies were fluorescence conjugated. The tissues were counterstained with YOYO-1 (Cat #: Y3601, Invitrogen, Waltham, MA) for 15 min and mounted. Specific signaling of ESR1, ESR2, or PGR was observed under the fluorescence microscope (Zeiss Axio Observer Z1).

Table 1. Information of antibodies.

Antibody product name Host Working dilution Company Catalog number
MKI67 Antigen Mouse 1:200 Leica NCL-Ki67-MM1
Estrogen Receptor alpha (ESR1) antibody [E115] (Phycoerythrin) Rabbit 1:200 Abcam ab209288
Estrogen Receptor beta/NR3A2 (ESR2) Antibody (14C8) [Alexa Fluor 405] Mouse 1:200 Novusbio NB200-305AF405
PR (PGR) (C-19) Rabbit 1:200 Santa Cruz Biotech. sc-538
AMCA Anti-Rabbit IgG (H+L) Goat 1:200 Vector Laboratories CI-1000
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5. Statistical analysis

The data were presented as means±SED. Two proportion z-test was performed to determine difference in proportions of MKI67 positive cells between control and experimental groups. Statistical significance was considered at p<0.05.

Results

1. Tissue specific patterns of proliferation by chronic low-dose DEHP and NP exposure

The proliferation marker MKI67 was used to evaluate the proliferation patterns of uterine endometrial cells. Few of the luminal and glandular epithelial cells and stromal cells were positive to MKI67 antibody. The number of MKI67 stained stromal cells was significantly increased (p<0.05) in all the DEHP groups and 50 μg/L NP group than the control (Fig. 1A–E, F). In glandular epithelium, the number of MKI67 positive cells was significantly less (p<0.05) in all the DEHP groups than the control. However, the number of MKI67 positive glandular epithelial cell was not different or increased (p<0.05) at 50 and 500 μg/L NP group, respectively (Fig. 1A–E, G). In luminal epithelial cells, the number of MKI67 positive cells was decreased at 1,330 μg/L DEHP group (p<0.05) and 500 μg/L NP group (p<0.05). On the other hand, the MKI67 positive cells were detected in 50 μg/L NP group more than the control (p<0.05; Fig. 1 A–E, H).

Fig. 1. Tissue specific localization of MKI67 localization in mouse uterus treated with DEHP and NP administration. Some of the localized cells came from different tissues of the control. Immunofluorescence was performed and the images were analyzed with confocal microscope. Representative immunohistochemistry conducted uteri. (A) control, (B) 133 μg/L DEHP, (C) 1,330 μg/L DEHP, (D) 50 μg/L NP, (E) 500 μg/L NP. The ratio of MKI67 positive cells to total cell in the given fields of uterine sections (7 field/section, 3 section/mouse, n=5) were presented in F–H. (F) stroma, (G) glandular epithelium, (H) luminal epithelium. L, lumen. Data are presented as means±SE. * p<0.05. DEHP, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate; NP, nonylphenol.

Fig. 1.

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2. Uterine endometrial tissue specific localization of the steroid hormone receptors by chronic low-dose DEHP and NP exposure

ESR1 was localized in nuclei of endometrial cells of control mice uterus (Fig. 2, Table 2). However, its localization was changed by the administration of DEHP and NP. It was localized in nucleus and cytoplasm of both glandular and luminal epithelial cells at the 133 μg/L DEHP or localized only cytoplasm at the 1,330 μg/L DEHP and all the NP groups. In stromal cells, the ESR1 was localized only in nucleus without exception (Fig. 2, Table 2).

Fig. 2. Tissue specific localization of ESR1 by the treatment with DEHP and NP in mouse uterus. Some of the localized cells came from different tissues of the control. Immunofluorescence was performed with target specific antibodies and the images were analyzed with confocal microscope. (A–C) control, (D–F) 133 μg/L DEHP, (G–I) 1,330 μg/L DEHP, (J–L) 50 μg/L NP, (M–O) 500 μg/L NP. (A, D, G, J, M) ESR1, (B, E, H, K, N) nuclei presented by YOYO-1, (C, F, I, L,O) merged image. ESR1, estrogen receptor 1; DEHP, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate; NP, nonylphenol.

Fig. 2.

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Table 2. Tissue specific localization of ESR1, ESR2 and PGR in mouse uterus that were treated with DEHP or NP. Quantification is presented by the number of + or −, negative.

μg/L ESR1 ESR2 PGR
St GE LE St GE LE St GE LE
Contl Nucleus +++ +++ +++ ++ − ++ ++ − −
Cytoplasm − − − − +++ +++ ++ +++ +++
DEHP 133 Nucleus +++ +++ +++ ++ ++ ++ +++ +++ +++
Cytoplasm − +++ +++ − +++ +++ − +++ +++
DEHP 1330 Nucleus + − − + − − + − −
Cytoplasm − +++ +++ − +++ +++ − +++ +++
NP 50 Nucleus +++ − − +++ − − +++ +++ +++
Cytoplasm − +++ +++ − +++ +++ − +++ +++
NP 500 Nucleus +++ − − +++ − − + − −
Cytoplasm − +++ +++ − +++ +++ − +++ +++
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St, stroma; GE, glandular epithelium; LE, luminal epithelium; Cont, control.

ESR1, estrogen receptor 1; ESR2, estrogen receptor 2; PGR, progesterone receptor; DEHP, di(2 ethylhexyl) phthalate; NP, nonylphenol.

ESR2 was localized in the nucleus of stromal cells and in the cytoplasm of glandular epithelial cells. It was detected in both cytoplasm and nucleus of luminal epithelial cells. Administration of 133 μg/L DEHP caused relocalization of it to cytoplasm and nucleus but 1,330 μg/L DEHP relocalized it only at cytoplasm in luminal epithelial cells. NP administration gave same result with 1,330 μg/L DEHP (Fig. 3, Table 2).

Fig. 3. Tissue specific localization of ESR2 in mouse uterus by DEHP and NP administration. Some of the localized cells came from different tissues of the control. Immunofluorescence was performed with target specific antibodies and the images were analyzed with confocal microscope. (A–C) control, (D–F) 133 μg/L DEHP, (G–I) 1,330 μg/L DEHP, (J–L) 50 μg/L NP, (M–O) 500 μg/L NP. (A, D, G, J, M) ESR2, (B, E, H, K, N) nuclei presented by YOYO-1, (C, F, I, L, O) merged image. ESR2, estrogen receptor 2; DEHP, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate; NP, nonylphenol.

Fig. 3.

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PGRs were localized in both cytoplasm and nucleus of stromal cells but only in cytoplasm of epithelial cells of gland and luminal epithelium. 133 μg/L DEHP administra-tion caused the relocalization of PGRs to nucleus and cytoplasm of epithelial cells of gland and lumen but only to nucleus of stromal cells. DEHP had same effect on the stromal cell for the restriction the localization of PGRs at nucleus. 50 μg/L and 500 ng/L NPs exerted of same patterns with that of 133 μg/L and 1,330 μg/L DEHP, respectively (Fig. 4, Table 2).

Fig. 4. Tissue specific localization of PGR in mouse uterus by DEHP and NP administration. Some of the localized cells came from different tissues of the control. Immunofluorescence was performed with target specific antibodies and the images were analyzed with confocal microscope. (A–C) control, (D–F) 133 μg/L DEHP, (G–I) 1,330 μg/L DEHP, (J–L) 50 μg/L NP, (M–O) 500 μg/L NP. (A, D, G, J, M) PGR, (B, E, H, K, N) nuclei presented by YOYO-1, (C, F, I, L, O) merged image. PGR, progesterone receptor; DEHP, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate; NP, nonylphenol.

Fig. 4.

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3. Change of the colocalization patterns between steroid receptors by chronic low-dose NP and DEHP exposure

Colocalization of the steroid hormone receptors gives information for the proliferation regulation in uterine endometrium, so the colocalization of ESRs and PGR was analyzed. ESR1 and ESR2 were localized as shown in Fig. 2 and 3, and Table 2. They were colocalized at luminal epithelial cells and subepithelial stromal cells in control group (Fig. 5). ESR1 and ESR2 were colocalized as shown in control at the NP and DEHP groups in the chemical and dose dependent manners (Fig. 5). We examined the colocalization of the ESR1 and PGRs and got same result with the colocalizaiton between ESR1 and ESR2. Colocalization of ESR1 and PGR were detected in both epithelial cells and stroma cells. ESR1 and PGR were strongly stained in endometrium compared with the other groups (Fig. 6). In the case of ESR2 and PGR, they were not colocalized at endometrium in all groups (Fig. 7).

Fig. 5. Microfluorophotography of ESR1 and ESR2 in mouse uterus. Representative immunofluorescence conducted uteri are shown (magnification, ×100). Colocalization of ESR1 and ESR2 was observed in luminal epithelial cells and stromal cells in a chemical and dose dependent manners. (A–D) control, (E–H) DEHP 133 μg/L, (I–L) DEHP 1,330 μg/L, (M–P) NP 50 μg/L, (Q–T) NP 500 μg/L. (A, E, I, M, Q) ESR1, (B, F, J, N, R) ESR2, (C, G, K, O, S) nuclei presented by YOYO-1, (D, H, L, P, T) merged photomicrograph. ESR1, estrogen receptor 1; ESR2, estrogen receptor 2; DEHP, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate; NP, nonylphenol.

Fig. 5.

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Fig. 6. Microfluorophotography of ESR1 and PGR in mouse uterus. Representative immunofluorescence conducted uteri are shown (magnification, ×100). ESR1 and PGRs were colocalized at the most of the stained cells in control and the NP and DEHP groups in a chemical and dose dependent manners. (A–D) control, (E–H) DEHP 133 μg/L, (I–L) DEHP 1,330 μg/L, (M–P) NP 50 μg/L, (Q–T) NP 500 μg/L. (A, E, I, M, Q) ESR1, (B, F, J, N, R) PGR, (C, G, K, O, S) nuclei presented by YOYO-1, (D, H, L, P, T) merged photomicrograph. ESR1, estrogen receptor 1; PGR, progesterone receptor; NP, nonylphenol; DEHP, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.

Fig. 6.

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Fig. 7. Microfluorophotography of ESR2 and PGR in mouse uterus. Representative immunofluorescence conducted uteri are shown (magnification, ×100). ESR2 and PGR were not colocalized in the same cells in both stromal and epithelial cells. In 133 μg/L DEHP group, the ESR2 and PGR were colocalized in some epithelial cells. (A–D) control, (E–H) DEHP 133 μg/L, (I–L) DEHP 1,330 μg/L, (M–P) NP 50 μg/L, (Q–T) NP 500 μg/L. (A, E, I, M, Q) ESR2, (B, F, J, N, R) PGR, (C, G, K, O, S) nuclei presented by YOYO-1, (D, H, L, P, T) merged photomicrograph. ESR2, estrogen receptor 2; PGR, progesterone receptor; DEHP, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate; NP, nonylphenol.

Fig. 7.

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Discussion

The results of this study are interesting, because the localization of ESRs and PGRs can be modulated by chronic low-dose NP and DEHP exposure. In addition to uterus (Kurita et al., 1998; Tibbetts et al., 1998), it was reported that the expressions of ESR1 and 2 and PGRs depend on the ligand levels in ventrolateral division of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN) (Lauber et al., 1990; Sá et al., 2015; Sá & Fonseca, 2017). Recently, the physiological effects of EDCs with low doses which are in ranges of environmental levels, is one of the hot issue (Gore et al., 2015). In our previous reports, the low-dose chronic exposure of DEHP and NP was suggested as a possible modulator in physiology of reproductive tracts (Cha et al., 2017; Kim et al., 2018; Kim et al., 2019). The results showed a chronic low-dose NP or DEHP works as estrogen-like messengers in uterus with their own specific gene expression-regulation patterns. Interestingly, the expression levels of Esr1, Esr2, and Pgr mRNAs were different by the NP or DEHP administration (Kim et al., 2018). It is well known that the expression of those steroid hormone receptors depends on the physiological needs in uterus, because the endometrial cell types undergo significant estrogen- and progesterone-dependent changes for pregnancy (Marcus, 1974; Tibbetts et al.,1998; Cha et al., 2012). Based on the physiological status (3 days after weaning of their pup) it should be almost similar expression profiles but those are different. Those suggest that the chronic low-dose expose of some chemicals could be cause of the change of the expression patterns of steroid hormonal receptors in a specific tissue.

The uterus consists of heterogeneous cell types (stromal cell, luminal epithelial cell, glandular epithelial cell, smooth muscle cell, endothelial cell, immune cells, etc.). Proliferation and differentiation in each compartment are changed primarily by systemic estrogen and progesterone (Weihua et al., 2000; Tsai et al., 2002; Yilmaz & Bulun, 2019). The opposite actions between estrogen and progesterone are well established in uterus (Katzenellenbogen, 1980). Progesterone stimulates stromal cell proliferation and differentiation but estrogen inhibits inflammatory stimulus in stroma (Lydon et al., 1995, 1996; Pawar et al., 2015). Estrogen induces epithelial and stromal cell proliferation. Immature 21-day-old mouse treated with E2 (a dose of 50 μg/kg/day for 3 days) showed an increase of MKI67 positive cells in uterus from 2.3±1.0% to 14.5±4.7% of luminal epithelial cells (Weihua et al., 2000). In an in vitro study, human endometrial stromal cells were proliferated in response to E2 (Tsai et al., 2002). In this study, the proportion of MKI67 positive cells in stroma was increased by 133 and 1,330 μg/L DEHP, and 50 μg/L NP exposure. Such results are similar with the recent reports of Nowark group for proliferation of epithelial and stromal cells (Richardson et al., 2018). In this study, we could evaluate the tissue specific localization or colocalization of steroid hormone receptors. ESR1 was localized strongly at nucleus of stroma and at nucleus and cytoplasm of the epithelial cells of gland and lumen in133 μg/L DEHP exposure group. The intensity of each nuclear receptor was different each other by the administered chemicals and dose. Our earlier study demonstrated that mouse uterine endometrial thickness was increased by 133 and 1,330 μg/L DEHP administration and the wet weight at 133 μg/L DEHP group (Kim et al., 2018). It may be the results of the changes in expression patterns of those nuclear receptors and interaction of them in transcription (Tibbetts et al., 1998; Yilmaz & Bulun, 2019).

In glandular epithelium, the number of glands was increased in 133 μg/L DEHP administration but decreased in 50 μg/L and NP 500 μg/L NP groups in a dose dependent manner (Kim et al., 2018). 30-day expose of DEHP (0.6 or 6 μg/day) caused an increase in the number of glands in CD-1 mice (Richardson et al., 2018). The administered dose of Richardson et al (2018) was similar with the dose of our study. Interestingly, as seen in the results, the MKI67 positive cell ratio was significantly low in all DEHP administered groups but high in 1,330 μg/L group. The number of glands is the results of the proliferation and differentiation of glandular epithelium. As expected, ESR1 and ESR2 were not localized in the nucleus but in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells of gland in all NP groups. PGRs were localized at cytoplasm and nucleus in 50 μg/L NP group but not in 500 μg/L. In 133 μg/L DEHP administered group, ESR1 was translocated into cytoplasm, and coexisted at both nucleus and cytoplasm with similar intensity. On the other hand, ESR2 was translocated into nucleus, and coexisted at both nucleus and cytoplasm with similar intensity. PGR was also translocated into nucleus. However, in the 1,330 μg/L DEHP administered group, ESR1, ESR2, and PGR were localized only at cytoplasm. Those results suggest that the number of the gland may be the results of the localization of the NRs in glandular epithelial cells and the environment as suspected from the previous reports (Cato et al., 1988; Tibbetts et al., 1998; Bulun et al., 2012; Yilmaz & Bulun, 2019).

The expression pattern of ESR1 in 8-wk-old OVX PGR knockout mice is similar to that in wild-type mice regardless of 1 μg E2 injection for 4 days, indicating that localization of ESR1 is independent of PGR activity (Tibbetts et al., 1998). E2 significantly increased the number of luminal epithelial cells expressing ESR1 and decreased stromal ESR1. ESR1 is highly expressed in the uterine epithelium and is a primary contributor in the proliferation of epithelial cells directly or indirectly (Grant-Tschudy & Wira, 2005; Somasundaram et al., 2016). Esr1 null mice display an inability to respond to the proliferative and inflammatory stimuli of estrogen (Korach, 1994). Another studies demonstrated that although ESR1 localizes in the epithelium, proliferation of epithelial cells is mediated by paracrine factors which are secreted by stromal ESR1 in response to E2. (Cooke et al., 1997). FGF 10 and BMP8a from stroma can control the epithelial cell proliferation by estrogen and its receptor (Cooke et al., 1997; Chung et al., 2015). On the other hand, the high concentration of E2 (500 pg/mL) stimulates the proliferation of epithelial cells through the expression of PGR and PGR membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) (Kempisty et al., 2015). Pgr null mice display estrogen-dependent hyperplasia of the uterine epithelium, stromal hypocellularity, and significant uterine inflammation (Lydon et al., 1995, 1996). In our previous study, ESR1 mRNA expression was enhanced by 2 μg/kg E2 and 500 μg/L NP, but not 50 μg/L NP and DEHP (Kim et al., 2018). As seen in the results, in control group, ESR1 was found in almost every nucleus. However, in contrast to the control, in 133 μg/L DEHP group, ESR1 was strongly localized in cytoplasm than nuclei in epithelium. 1,330 μg/L DEHP administration decreased the number of ESR1 positive cells in stroma and translocalized into cytoplasm. 50 μg/L and 500 μg/L NP also transferred its localization in epithelium from nuclei to cytoplasm. The colocalization of those NRs was different between the groups. Based on them, it is suggested that chronic low-dose expose of NP and DEHP could be cause the modification of the activity of the nuclear receptor in uterine tissues.

In 21-day-old mice ESR2 protein was localizes in uterine epithelium and stroma, and E2 treatment decreases ESR2 in stroma (Weihua et al., 2000). Estrogen receptors, ESR1 and ESR2-mediate transcriptional effects of estrogen. ESR2 has an anti-uterotrophic effect and so attenuates effects of ESR1 (Weihua et al., 2000; Somasundaram et al., 2016). In our earlier study (Kim et al., 2018), ESR2 mRNA expression was not significantly changed by E2 but decreased by DEHP administration. In the protein levels, ESR2 was detected in the nuclei of control endometrial stroma in less positive cells compared with ESR1. ESR2 was also detected in cytoplasm of glandular epithelial cells and both cytoplasm and nuclei of luminal epithelium. Such localization patterns were changed by the administration of chronic low-dose NP and DEHP.

PGR is expressed through E2-induced ESR1 action (Somasundaram et al., 2016). E2 induces PGR in stroma and glandular epithelial cells but decreases PGR in luminal epithelium (Tibbetts et al., 1998; Weihua et al., 2000). E2 induces intense PGR staining in the stromal compartment with about half of the cells staining positively (Tibbetts et al., 1998). In our earlier study (Kim et al., 2018), PGR mRNA expression was increased by E2 but decreased by 500 μg/L NP. The subcellular localization and tissue specific localization of PGR were modified by the chronic low-dose administration of NP and DEHP.

Based on the pleiotropic effects of estrogen and progesterone in the adult mouse uterus, the difference of the localized tissues suggests the possible role of chronic low-dose NP or DEHP as endocrine modulator without negative effects in reproduction. The localization of ESR1, ESR2, and PGR was different between groups. In addition, the colocalizaion patterns of NRs were modified by the administration of NP and DEHP. These results suggest that nuclear activation of steroid hormonal receptors is affected by NP and DEHP, resulting in change in cell proliferation by tissue interaction. Therefore, chronic exposure to low-dose NP or DEHP regulates uterine cell proliferation and localization of steroidal hormone receptors in dose-dependent manner and have adverse effect on uterus function.

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by a grant of Sungshin University (2018).

Conflict of interests

The authors declare no potential conflict of interest.

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