The inhibitory effect of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) on chemokine and prostaglandin production in human endometrial stromal cells

BACKGROUND: To investigate the role of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) on the production of interleukin (IL)-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, prostaglandin E2 and F2α induced by IL-1β in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) following treatment with 5-aminoimidazole-4- carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR). METHODS: Endometrial specimens were obtained and cultured. We examined the effects of IL-1β, IL-1 ra and AICAR on the production of IL-8, MCP-1, PGE2 and PGF2α in human ESCs. The phosphorylations of AMPK, IκB, 4EBP-1, p70S6K and S6 ribosomal protein were analyzed by Western immunoblotting. RESULTS: Following stimulation by IL-1β, the production of IL-8, MCP-1, PGE2 and PGF2α showed significant increases, and these increases were suppressed by AICAR. The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) induced by IL-1β and suppressed by AICAR. The phosphorylation of IκB, 4EBP-1, p70S6K and S6 ribosomal protein were inhibited via an AMPK-dependent signal transduction. CONCLUSIONS: The production of IL-8, MCP-1, PGE2 and PGF2α induced by IL-1β in ESCs were involved in the negative regulatory mechanisms of AMPK. The substances that activate AMPK may be promising agents for the treatment of pathological problems such as dysmenorrhea.