Fig. 4.

In vitro decidualization of HESC modifies the content of intermediate metabolites and the expression levels of enzymes associated with TCA cycle. HESC were cultivated for 6 days in 2%-FBS medium containing MPA, E, and 8-Br-cAMP (D cells) or in 2%FBS medium containing vehicle solutions (ND cells). a TCA cycle metabolites levels. Data represent mean μmol/g of total protein (n = 4). b IDH2, SDHA, and FH mRNA expression levels. Data represent mean fold change compared to ND cells (dotted line, fold change = 1.0) ± SEM (n = 5). *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, and ***p < 0.001 (compared to ND cells). HESC, human endometrial stromal cells; D, decidualizing; ND, non-decidualizing; MPA, medroxyprogesterone acetate; E, estradiol; 8-Br-cAMP, 8-Bromo-cyclic adenosine monophosphate; IHD2, Isocitrate dehydrogenase; SDH, succinate dehydrogenase; and FH, Fumarate hydratase