The copper chelator ammonium tetrathiomolybdate inhibits the progression of experimental endometriosis in TNFR1-deficient mice

The TNF-α/TNFR system is involved in endometriosis (EDT), a gynecologic estrogen-dependent disease. Elevated copper concentrations have also been associated with EDT, even in TNFR1-deficient mice where disease worsening occurs. We aimed to evaluate whether treatment with ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (TM, copper chelator) is beneficial in TNFR1-deficient mice presenting with worsened EDT status. Female C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: KO Sham, KO EDT, and KO EDT+TM. TM was administered from the 15th postoperative day, and samples were collected one month after inducing pathology. In peritoneal fluid, copper and estradiol levels were determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry and electrochemiluminescence, respectively. Lesions were processed for the analysis of cell proliferation (PCNA immunohistochemistry), expression of angiogenic markers (RT-qPCR), and oxidative stress (spectrophotometric methods). We found that EDT increased copper and estradiol levels compared to the KO Sham group, while the TM administration restored the levels of both factors. TM also reduced the volume and weight of the lesions and cell proliferation rate. Besides, TM treatment decreased the number of blood vessels and the Vegfa, Fgf2, and Pdgfb expression. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity decreased, and lipid peroxidation increased. TM administration inhibits EDT progression in TNFR1-deficient mice where the pathology is exacerbated.