Seminal plasma promotes decidualization of endometrial stromal fibroblasts from women with and without inflammatory disorders in a manner dependent on IL11 signaling

SP promotes decidualization of eSF from women with and without inflammatory disorders (polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis) in a manner that is not mediated through semen amyloids and that is associated with a potent transcriptional response including induction of IL11, a cytokine important for SP-induced decidualization. This is a cross-sectional study involving samples treated with vehicle alone versus treatment with SP or SP constituents. SP was tested for the ability to promote decidualization in eSF from women with or without PCOS or endometriosis (n=9). The role of semen amyloids and fractionated SP in mediating this effect and in eliciting transcriptional changes in eSF was then studied. Finally, the role of IL11, a cytokine with a key role in implantation and decidualization, was assessed for its role in SP-facilitated decidualization.