Progestins Related to Progesterone and Testosterone Elicit Divergent Human Endometrial Transcriptomes and Biofunctions

Progestins are widely used for the treatment of gynecologic disorders and alone, or combined with an estrogen, are used as contraceptives. While their potencies, efficacies and side effects vary due to differences in structures, doses and routes of administration, little is known about their effects on the endometrial transcriptome in the presence or absence of estrogen. Herein, we assessed the transcriptome and pathways induced by progesterone (P(4)) and the three most commonly used synthetic progestins, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), levonorgestrel (LNG), and norethindrone acetate (NETA), on human endometrial stromal fibroblasts (eSF), key players in endometrial physiology and reproductive success. While there were similar transcriptional responses, each progestin induced unique genes and biofunctions, consistent with their structural similarities to progesterone (P(4) and MPA) or testosterone (LNG and NETA), involving cellular proliferation, migration and invasion. Addition of estradiol (E(2)) to each progestin influenced the number of differentially expressed genes and biofunctions in P(4) and MPA, while LNG and NETA signatures were more independent of E(2). Together, these data suggest different mechanisms of action for different progestins, with progestin-specific altered signatures when combined with E(2). Further investigation is warranted for a personalized approach in different gynecologic disorders, for contraception, and minimizing side effects associated with their use.