Hercules and Barbie? Reflections on the influence of pornography and its spread in the media and society in groups of adolescents in Sweden

ABSTRACT

Objectives To describe and get a deeper understanding of how groups of young women and men reflect on and discuss pornography and its spread in the media and society, and its possible influence on sexual behaviour and relationships.

Methods Six focus group interviews were conducted with teenagers, three with women (n = 17) and three with men (n = 18). Open questions about pornography and its spread in the media and society were discussed. The interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed according to Grounded Theory.

Results The core category ‘A discriminatory sexuality’ illustrates how participants felt regarding the messages conveyed by pornography portraying a man's role as dominant and a woman's role as subordinate. Pornographic messages were described as ‘Fiction’ depicting a distorted reality. Feelings of ambivalence towards pornography were expressed: anxiety and fear, but also inspiration. Participants said pornography occurred everywhere in the media and society, and felt pressured by messages relating to looks and sexual techniques.

Conclusions Pornography and its spread in the media and society were considered as presenting a discriminatory image of body ideals, sexuality and relationships. Despite this awareness, both men and women considered pornography as sources of knowledge and inspiration: an apparent paradox.     

Expression and significance of interleukin-18.12 and tumor necrosis factor-α in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Objective To investigate the effect of Interleukin(IL)-18,IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in hepatic injury in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy(ICP).Methods Sixty-two cases of ICP patients(ICP group),30 cases of normal pregnant women(control group)and 30 cases of hepatitis B(HBV) women (hepatitis group) were recruited. Serum IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α were examined by ELISA. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were examined by automatic biochemical analysis instrument. Results ( 1 ) In hepatitis group, serum concentrations of IL-18,IL-12 and TNF-α were (256±51 ) ng/L, ( 122±96) ng/L and (207±3) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were(363±174) U/L and (359 ±237) U/L, respectively. In ICP group, serum concentrations of IL18, IL-12 and TNF-α were (72±32) ng/L, (42 ±28) ng/L and (48±14) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were (201 ±128) U/L and ( 132±87) U/L, respectively. While in control group, serum concentrations of IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α were (43 ± 13) ng/L, ( 10±3) ng/L and (33±9) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were (13 ~ 4) U/L and (15 ± 3) U/L, respectively. Serum IL-18, IL-12, TNF-α, ALT and AST levels in hepatitis group were significantly higher than those in ICP group and control group ( P ＜0. 05 ).Serum IL-18, IL-12, TNF-α, ALT and AST levels in ICP group were significantly higher than those in control group(P ＜ 0. 05 ). (2) In severe ICP subgroup, serum concentrations of IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α were (81 ±32) ng/L, (50 ±25) ng/L and(50 ± 14) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were (269 ± 111 ) U/L and (181±73) U/L In mild ICP subgroup, serum concentrations of IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α were (48 ±18 ) ng/L, (17 ± 4 ) ng/L and (40 ± 10 ) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were (87±46) U/L and (50 ±21 ) U/L, respectively. Serum IL-18, IL-12, TNF-α, ALT and AST levels in severe ICP subgroup were significantly higher than those in mild ICP subgroup and control group (P ＜ 0. 05). And serum ALT and AST levels in mild ICP subgroup were significantly higher than those in control group(P ＜0. 05). (3) There were 16 cases with preterm birth (50%, 16/32 ) and 10 cases with meconium-stained amniotic fluid( 31%, 10/32 ) in severe ICP subgroup, significantly higher than those in mild ICP subgroup ( P＜ 0. 05 ), which contained 2 preterm births ( 7%, 2/30) and 1 meconium-stained amniotic fluid (3%, 1/30). While in control group, the numbers were 1(3%, 1/30)and 1(3%, 1/30),respectively. As for the cases of neonates whose 1 minute Apgar score were not more than 7, there were 2 cases, 1 case and 1 case in severe ICP subgroup, mild ICP subgroup and control group, respectively,which showed no significant difference(P＞ 0. 05). Conclusion Serum IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α may be involved in the process of hepatic injury of ICP.     

Localization and ceoncentration of β- and β-lipotrophin in human placenta

Immunohistochemical staining of placental tissue for β-endorphin immunoreactivity was positive in the syncytiotrophoblast in both early and term pregnancy. Cation-exchange liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay revealed peaks of β-endorphin and β-lipotrophin and a third immunoreactive peak of unknown nature. The concentration of β-endorphin was higher in the placental tissue than it was in the maternal or cord plasma. β-Lipotrophin was not detected in all placentae studied. We did not find any effect of gestational age on tissue concentrations of endorphins in the placenta, nor was there any significant difference in the placental endorphin content between placentae collected at elective caesarean section before labour and after spontaneous vaginal delivery.     

Expression and significance of interleukin-18.12 and tumor necrosis factor-α in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Objective To investigate the effect of Interleukin(IL)-18,IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in hepatic injury in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy(ICP).Methods Sixty-two cases of ICP patients(ICP group),30 cases of normal pregnant women(control group)and 30 cases of hepatitis B(HBV) women (hepatitis group) were recruited. Serum IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α were examined by ELISA. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were examined by automatic biochemical analysis instrument. Results ( 1 ) In hepatitis group, serum concentrations of IL-18,IL-12 and TNF-α were (256±51 ) ng/L, ( 122±96) ng/L and (207±3) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were(363±174) U/L and (359 ±237) U/L, respectively. In ICP group, serum concentrations of IL18, IL-12 and TNF-α were (72±32) ng/L, (42 ±28) ng/L and (48±14) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were (201 ±128) U/L and ( 132±87) U/L, respectively. While in control group, serum concentrations of IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α were (43 ± 13) ng/L, ( 10±3) ng/L and (33±9) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were (13 ~ 4) U/L and (15 ± 3) U/L, respectively. Serum IL-18, IL-12, TNF-α, ALT and AST levels in hepatitis group were significantly higher than those in ICP group and control group ( P ＜0. 05 ).Serum IL-18, IL-12, TNF-α, ALT and AST levels in ICP group were significantly higher than those in control group(P ＜ 0. 05 ). (2) In severe ICP subgroup, serum concentrations of IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α were (81 ±32) ng/L, (50 ±25) ng/L and(50 ± 14) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were (269 ± 111 ) U/L and (181±73) U/L In mild ICP subgroup, serum concentrations of IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α were (48 ±18 ) ng/L, (17 ± 4 ) ng/L and (40 ± 10 ) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were (87±46) U/L and (50 ±21 ) U/L, respectively. Serum IL-18, IL-12, TNF-α, ALT and AST levels in severe ICP subgroup were significantly higher than those in mild ICP subgroup and control group (P ＜ 0. 05). And serum ALT and AST levels in mild ICP subgroup were significantly higher than those in control group(P ＜0. 05). (3) There were 16 cases with preterm birth (50%, 16/32 ) and 10 cases with meconium-stained amniotic fluid( 31%, 10/32 ) in severe ICP subgroup, significantly higher than those in mild ICP subgroup ( P＜ 0. 05 ), which contained 2 preterm births ( 7%, 2/30) and 1 meconium-stained amniotic fluid (3%, 1/30). While in control group, the numbers were 1(3%, 1/30)and 1(3%, 1/30),respectively. As for the cases of neonates whose 1 minute Apgar score were not more than 7, there were 2 cases, 1 case and 1 case in severe ICP subgroup, mild ICP subgroup and control group, respectively,which showed no significant difference(P＞ 0. 05). Conclusion Serum IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α may be involved in the process of hepatic injury of ICP.     

Lipopolysaccharide induces alterations in ovaries and serum level of progesterone and 17β-estradiol in the mouse

Our objective was to investigate the effect of gram-negative bacterial infection on the ovaries and serum level of P(4) and 17β-E(2) during the preimplantation days of pregnancy in the mouse. We found that lipopolysaccharide alters the serum level of P(4) and E(2) during the preimplantation days of pregnancy and elevates the E(2)/P(4) ratio, which may keep the uterus nonreceptive during the preimplantation days of pregnancy and also not prepare the developing blastocysts for implantation in the mouse. A large infiltration of macrophages in the corpora lutea and appearance of graafian follicles from day 3.5 of pregnancy because of lipopolysaccharide treatment, which reflect a gram-negative bacterial infection, may be responsible for ovarian dysfunction and altered P(4) and E(2) level in serum.     

A review of measures of women’s empowerment and related gender constructs in family planning and maternal health program evaluations in low- and middle-income countries

Background

Evidence suggests that gender-integrated interventions, which actively seek to identify and integrate activities that address the role of gender norms and dynamics, improve family planning (FP) and maternal health (MH). To understand the link between the gender components of interventions and FP and MH outcomes, it is critical to examine the gender measures used in evaluations.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of evaluations of gender-integrated FP and MH interventions in low- and middle-income countries. We examine characteristics of the interventions and their evaluations, and summarize women’s empowerment and related gender measures.

Results

Out of 16 evaluation articles, five reported the theoretical or conceptual model that guided the intervention. Twelve described how gender was quantitatively measured and identified 13 women’s empowerment and related gender constructs. Gender scales or indexes were used in five evaluations, three of which noted that their scales had been validated. Less than one third of articles reported examining the effect of gender on FP or MH.

Conclusions

Evaluations of gender-integrated FP and MH interventions do not consistently describe how gender influences FP and MH outcomes or include validated gender measures within their studies. As a result, examining the pathways through which interventions empower women and the manner in which women’s empowerment leads to changes in FP and MH outcomes remains a challenge. Valid measures of commonly reported women’s empowerment and gender constructs, such as gender-equitable attitudes and women’s decision-making power, must be adapted and used within evaluations to examine how empowerment and improvements in gender-related factors can produce positive FP and MH outcomes.

     

Expression of integrin β3 and osteopontin in endometrium of patients with adenomyosis

Objective To investigate the expression of integrin β3 and osteopontin(OPN) in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of adenomyosis. Methods From January 2007 to July 2008, the endometrium specimens were collected from 43 patients with adenomyosis undergoing hysterectomy in Peking University First Hospital. Eutopic endometrium were 11 in proliferative phase and 32 in secretory phase (18 cases in mid-secretory phase) were collected. Ectopic endometriums were also collected. In the mean time, it was chosen 41 cases with pure subserous uterine myoma or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) Ⅱ-Ⅲ treated by hysterectomy as controls including 12 endometrium in proliferative phase and 29 endometrium in secretory phase (19 cases in mid-secretory phase). The expression of Integrin β3 subunit and OPN in the endometrium were assessed by immunohistochemical staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results (1)Immunohistochemical staining showed that positive staining of integrin β3 and OPN were present predominantly in eutopic and ectopic endometrial glandular epithelium. There was significant different protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN, which were 1.6±0.8 and 1.7±0.7 in eutopic endometrium,1.7±0.7 and 1.8±0.9 in ectopic endometrium,2.1±0.9 and 2.0±0.9 in control endometrium (P<0.05). The protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN in eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis in the proliferative phase(0.8±0.4 and 0.7±0.3) were remarkably lower than those of the secretory phase(1.8±0.8 and 1.9±0.8,P<0.01). The protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN in the endometrium of controls in the proliferative phase(1.0±0.4 and 1.0±0.4) were significantly lower than those of the secretory phase(2.5±0.7 and 2.5±0.7)(P=0.000). In the mid-secretory phase, the protein expression of integrin β3(2.0±0.9) and OPN (2.1±0.8)in eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis were significantly lower than that of control endometrium(2.7±0.5 and 2.7±0.7)(P<0.01). (2)The mRNA expression level of integrin β and OPN in eutopic and ectopic endometrium were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR(result was shown by median index). It was observed that integrin β3 mRNA and OPN mRNA were significantly lower in the eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis (4.69 and 4.23), when compared with ectopic endometrium(7.96 and 14.84)and controls (13.47 and 17.40) (P<0.05). Eutopic endometrium had higher mRNA expression of integrin β and OPN mRNA in the secretory phase (5.54 and 11.40) than that in the proliferative phase(2.69 and 3.30) (P<0.01).The mRNA expression level of integrin β and OPN of control endometrium in the proliferative phase (3.12 and 4.75)were significantly lower than that in the secretory phase(19.94 and 21.00, P=0.000). The mRNA expression of integrin β and OPN were 10.10 and 14.34 in the mid-secretory phase, which were significantly lower than 21.50 and 24.18 in control endometrium(P<0.05). Conclusions High expression of integrin β3 and OPN in ectopic endometrium of adenomyosis may cause endometriotic lesions; abnormal expression of integrin β3 and OPN in the endometrium of adenomyosis during the implantation window may contribute to infertility in some patients.     

Expression of integrin β3 and osteopontin in endometrium of patients with adenomyosis

Objective To investigate the expression of integrin β3 and osteopontin(OPN) in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of adenomyosis. Methods From January 2007 to July 2008, the endometrium specimens were collected from 43 patients with adenomyosis undergoing hysterectomy in Peking University First Hospital. Eutopic endometrium were 11 in proliferative phase and 32 in secretory phase (18 cases in mid-secretory phase) were collected. Ectopic endometriums were also collected. In the mean time, it was chosen 41 cases with pure subserous uterine myoma or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) Ⅱ-Ⅲ treated by hysterectomy as controls including 12 endometrium in proliferative phase and 29 endometrium in secretory phase (19 cases in mid-secretory phase). The expression of Integrin β3 subunit and OPN in the endometrium were assessed by immunohistochemical staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results (1)Immunohistochemical staining showed that positive staining of integrin β3 and OPN were present predominantly in eutopic and ectopic endometrial glandular epithelium. There was significant different protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN, which were 1.6±0.8 and 1.7±0.7 in eutopic endometrium,1.7±0.7 and 1.8±0.9 in ectopic endometrium,2.1±0.9 and 2.0±0.9 in control endometrium (P<0.05). The protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN in eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis in the proliferative phase(0.8±0.4 and 0.7±0.3) were remarkably lower than those of the secretory phase(1.8±0.8 and 1.9±0.8,P<0.01). The protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN in the endometrium of controls in the proliferative phase(1.0±0.4 and 1.0±0.4) were significantly lower than those of the secretory phase(2.5±0.7 and 2.5±0.7)(P=0.000). In the mid-secretory phase, the protein expression of integrin β3(2.0±0.9) and OPN (2.1±0.8)in eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis were significantly lower than that of control endometrium(2.7±0.5 and 2.7±0.7)(P<0.01). (2)The mRNA expression level of integrin β and OPN in eutopic and ectopic endometrium were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR(result was shown by median index). It was observed that integrin β3 mRNA and OPN mRNA were significantly lower in the eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis (4.69 and 4.23), when compared with ectopic endometrium(7.96 and 14.84)and controls (13.47 and 17.40) (P<0.05). Eutopic endometrium had higher mRNA expression of integrin β and OPN mRNA in the secretory phase (5.54 and 11.40) than that in the proliferative phase(2.69 and 3.30) (P<0.01).The mRNA expression level of integrin β and OPN of control endometrium in the proliferative phase (3.12 and 4.75)were significantly lower than that in the secretory phase(19.94 and 21.00, P=0.000). The mRNA expression of integrin β and OPN were 10.10 and 14.34 in the mid-secretory phase, which were significantly lower than 21.50 and 24.18 in control endometrium(P<0.05). Conclusions High expression of integrin β3 and OPN in ectopic endometrium of adenomyosis may cause endometriotic lesions; abnormal expression of integrin β3 and OPN in the endometrium of adenomyosis during the implantation window may contribute to infertility in some patients.     

The analisys of complications in forceps delivery in Institutute of Obsterics and Women Disease Medical University of Gdańsk

INTRODUCTION: The forceps are the oldest obstetrics instrument using to quickly finishing delivery in situation of imminent fetal death. Forceps delivery increase the risk of new-born and women complications AIM OF STUDY: The aim of the study was retrospective analysis of 215 forceps deliveries in Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Gdańsk between years 1991 and 2004. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 26653 deliveries took place in Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Gdańsk between years 1991 and 2004 and in 215 cases deliveries finished by forceps operations. The fetal and mothers complications were assessed. RESULTS: Percentage of forceps delivery was low 0.81%. About 30% of new-borns were born with different types of birth's complications. 16.7% of new-borns had extravasations of skin and 14.8% had subperiosteal haematoma. More than half of examined women had various injuries of their birth canal and the more common was unilateral rupture of cervix--18.6%. Conclusions: The risk of complications after forceps delivery in rather high. 37.2% of newborn and 58,1% of women had various complications after forceps delivery. Our results indicate that percentage of forceps deliveries is decreased and in the 14 years periods was only 0.81%.     

Expression of integrin β3 and osteopontin in endometrium of patients with adenomyosis

Objective To investigate the expression of integrin β3 and osteopontin(OPN) in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of adenomyosis. Methods From January 2007 to July 2008, the endometrium specimens were collected from 43 patients with adenomyosis undergoing hysterectomy in Peking University First Hospital. Eutopic endometrium were 11 in proliferative phase and 32 in secretory phase (18 cases in mid-secretory phase) were collected. Ectopic endometriums were also collected. In the mean time, it was chosen 41 cases with pure subserous uterine myoma or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) Ⅱ-Ⅲ treated by hysterectomy as controls including 12 endometrium in proliferative phase and 29 endometrium in secretory phase (19 cases in mid-secretory phase). The expression of Integrin β3 subunit and OPN in the endometrium were assessed by immunohistochemical staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results (1)Immunohistochemical staining showed that positive staining of integrin β3 and OPN were present predominantly in eutopic and ectopic endometrial glandular epithelium. There was significant different protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN, which were 1.6±0.8 and 1.7±0.7 in eutopic endometrium,1.7±0.7 and 1.8±0.9 in ectopic endometrium,2.1±0.9 and 2.0±0.9 in control endometrium (P<0.05). The protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN in eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis in the proliferative phase(0.8±0.4 and 0.7±0.3) were remarkably lower than those of the secretory phase(1.8±0.8 and 1.9±0.8,P<0.01). The protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN in the endometrium of controls in the proliferative phase(1.0±0.4 and 1.0±0.4) were significantly lower than those of the secretory phase(2.5±0.7 and 2.5±0.7)(P=0.000). In the mid-secretory phase, the protein expression of integrin β3(2.0±0.9) and OPN (2.1±0.8)in eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis were significantly lower than that of control endometrium(2.7±0.5 and 2.7±0.7)(P<0.01). (2)The mRNA expression level of integrin β and OPN in eutopic and ectopic endometrium were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR(result was shown by median index). It was observed that integrin β3 mRNA and OPN mRNA were significantly lower in the eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis (4.69 and 4.23), when compared with ectopic endometrium(7.96 and 14.84)and controls (13.47 and 17.40) (P<0.05). Eutopic endometrium had higher mRNA expression of integrin β and OPN mRNA in the secretory phase (5.54 and 11.40) than that in the proliferative phase(2.69 and 3.30) (P<0.01).The mRNA expression level of integrin β and OPN of control endometrium in the proliferative phase (3.12 and 4.75)were significantly lower than that in the secretory phase(19.94 and 21.00, P=0.000). The mRNA expression of integrin β and OPN were 10.10 and 14.34 in the mid-secretory phase, which were significantly lower than 21.50 and 24.18 in control endometrium(P<0.05). Conclusions High expression of integrin β3 and OPN in ectopic endometrium of adenomyosis may cause endometriotic lesions; abnormal expression of integrin β3 and OPN in the endometrium of adenomyosis during the implantation window may contribute to infertility in some patients.     

Expression of integrin β3 and osteopontin in endometrium of patients with adenomyosis

Objective To investigate the expression of integrin β3 and osteopontin(OPN) in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of adenomyosis. Methods From January 2007 to July 2008, the endometrium specimens were collected from 43 patients with adenomyosis undergoing hysterectomy in Peking University First Hospital. Eutopic endometrium were 11 in proliferative phase and 32 in secretory phase (18 cases in mid-secretory phase) were collected. Ectopic endometriums were also collected. In the mean time, it was chosen 41 cases with pure subserous uterine myoma or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) Ⅱ-Ⅲ treated by hysterectomy as controls including 12 endometrium in proliferative phase and 29 endometrium in secretory phase (19 cases in mid-secretory phase). The expression of Integrin β3 subunit and OPN in the endometrium were assessed by immunohistochemical staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results (1)Immunohistochemical staining showed that positive staining of integrin β3 and OPN were present predominantly in eutopic and ectopic endometrial glandular epithelium. There was significant different protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN, which were 1.6±0.8 and 1.7±0.7 in eutopic endometrium,1.7±0.7 and 1.8±0.9 in ectopic endometrium,2.1±0.9 and 2.0±0.9 in control endometrium (P<0.05). The protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN in eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis in the proliferative phase(0.8±0.4 and 0.7±0.3) were remarkably lower than those of the secretory phase(1.8±0.8 and 1.9±0.8,P<0.01). The protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN in the endometrium of controls in the proliferative phase(1.0±0.4 and 1.0±0.4) were significantly lower than those of the secretory phase(2.5±0.7 and 2.5±0.7)(P=0.000). In the mid-secretory phase, the protein expression of integrin β3(2.0±0.9) and OPN (2.1±0.8)in eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis were significantly lower than that of control endometrium(2.7±0.5 and 2.7±0.7)(P<0.01). (2)The mRNA expression level of integrin β and OPN in eutopic and ectopic endometrium were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR(result was shown by median index). It was observed that integrin β3 mRNA and OPN mRNA were significantly lower in the eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis (4.69 and 4.23), when compared with ectopic endometrium(7.96 and 14.84)and controls (13.47 and 17.40) (P<0.05). Eutopic endometrium had higher mRNA expression of integrin β and OPN mRNA in the secretory phase (5.54 and 11.40) than that in the proliferative phase(2.69 and 3.30) (P<0.01).The mRNA expression level of integrin β and OPN of control endometrium in the proliferative phase (3.12 and 4.75)were significantly lower than that in the secretory phase(19.94 and 21.00, P=0.000). The mRNA expression of integrin β and OPN were 10.10 and 14.34 in the mid-secretory phase, which were significantly lower than 21.50 and 24.18 in control endometrium(P<0.05). Conclusions High expression of integrin β3 and OPN in ectopic endometrium of adenomyosis may cause endometriotic lesions; abnormal expression of integrin β3 and OPN in the endometrium of adenomyosis during the implantation window may contribute to infertility in some patients.     

Expression of integrin β3 and osteopontin in endometrium of patients with adenomyosis

Objective To investigate the expression of integrin β3 and osteopontin(OPN) in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of adenomyosis. Methods From January 2007 to July 2008, the endometrium specimens were collected from 43 patients with adenomyosis undergoing hysterectomy in Peking University First Hospital. Eutopic endometrium were 11 in proliferative phase and 32 in secretory phase (18 cases in mid-secretory phase) were collected. Ectopic endometriums were also collected. In the mean time, it was chosen 41 cases with pure subserous uterine myoma or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) Ⅱ-Ⅲ treated by hysterectomy as controls including 12 endometrium in proliferative phase and 29 endometrium in secretory phase (19 cases in mid-secretory phase). The expression of Integrin β3 subunit and OPN in the endometrium were assessed by immunohistochemical staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results (1)Immunohistochemical staining showed that positive staining of integrin β3 and OPN were present predominantly in eutopic and ectopic endometrial glandular epithelium. There was significant different protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN, which were 1.6±0.8 and 1.7±0.7 in eutopic endometrium,1.7±0.7 and 1.8±0.9 in ectopic endometrium,2.1±0.9 and 2.0±0.9 in control endometrium (P<0.05). The protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN in eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis in the proliferative phase(0.8±0.4 and 0.7±0.3) were remarkably lower than those of the secretory phase(1.8±0.8 and 1.9±0.8,P<0.01). The protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN in the endometrium of controls in the proliferative phase(1.0±0.4 and 1.0±0.4) were significantly lower than those of the secretory phase(2.5±0.7 and 2.5±0.7)(P=0.000). In the mid-secretory phase, the protein expression of integrin β3(2.0±0.9) and OPN (2.1±0.8)in eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis were significantly lower than that of control endometrium(2.7±0.5 and 2.7±0.7)(P<0.01). (2)The mRNA expression level of integrin β and OPN in eutopic and ectopic endometrium were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR(result was shown by median index). It was observed that integrin β3 mRNA and OPN mRNA were significantly lower in the eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis (4.69 and 4.23), when compared with ectopic endometrium(7.96 and 14.84)and controls (13.47 and 17.40) (P<0.05). Eutopic endometrium had higher mRNA expression of integrin β and OPN mRNA in the secretory phase (5.54 and 11.40) than that in the proliferative phase(2.69 and 3.30) (P<0.01).The mRNA expression level of integrin β and OPN of control endometrium in the proliferative phase (3.12 and 4.75)were significantly lower than that in the secretory phase(19.94 and 21.00, P=0.000). The mRNA expression of integrin β and OPN were 10.10 and 14.34 in the mid-secretory phase, which were significantly lower than 21.50 and 24.18 in control endometrium(P<0.05). Conclusions High expression of integrin β3 and OPN in ectopic endometrium of adenomyosis may cause endometriotic lesions; abnormal expression of integrin β3 and OPN in the endometrium of adenomyosis during the implantation window may contribute to infertility in some patients.     

Expression of integrin β3 and osteopontin in endometrium of patients with adenomyosis

Objective To investigate the expression of integrin β3 and osteopontin(OPN) in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of adenomyosis. Methods From January 2007 to July 2008, the endometrium specimens were collected from 43 patients with adenomyosis undergoing hysterectomy in Peking University First Hospital. Eutopic endometrium were 11 in proliferative phase and 32 in secretory phase (18 cases in mid-secretory phase) were collected. Ectopic endometriums were also collected. In the mean time, it was chosen 41 cases with pure subserous uterine myoma or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) Ⅱ-Ⅲ treated by hysterectomy as controls including 12 endometrium in proliferative phase and 29 endometrium in secretory phase (19 cases in mid-secretory phase). The expression of Integrin β3 subunit and OPN in the endometrium were assessed by immunohistochemical staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results (1)Immunohistochemical staining showed that positive staining of integrin β3 and OPN were present predominantly in eutopic and ectopic endometrial glandular epithelium. There was significant different protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN, which were 1.6±0.8 and 1.7±0.7 in eutopic endometrium,1.7±0.7 and 1.8±0.9 in ectopic endometrium,2.1±0.9 and 2.0±0.9 in control endometrium (P<0.05). The protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN in eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis in the proliferative phase(0.8±0.4 and 0.7±0.3) were remarkably lower than those of the secretory phase(1.8±0.8 and 1.9±0.8,P<0.01). The protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN in the endometrium of controls in the proliferative phase(1.0±0.4 and 1.0±0.4) were significantly lower than those of the secretory phase(2.5±0.7 and 2.5±0.7)(P=0.000). In the mid-secretory phase, the protein expression of integrin β3(2.0±0.9) and OPN (2.1±0.8)in eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis were significantly lower than that of control endometrium(2.7±0.5 and 2.7±0.7)(P<0.01). (2)The mRNA expression level of integrin β and OPN in eutopic and ectopic endometrium were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR(result was shown by median index). It was observed that integrin β3 mRNA and OPN mRNA were significantly lower in the eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis (4.69 and 4.23), when compared with ectopic endometrium(7.96 and 14.84)and controls (13.47 and 17.40) (P<0.05). Eutopic endometrium had higher mRNA expression of integrin β and OPN mRNA in the secretory phase (5.54 and 11.40) than that in the proliferative phase(2.69 and 3.30) (P<0.01).The mRNA expression level of integrin β and OPN of control endometrium in the proliferative phase (3.12 and 4.75)were significantly lower than that in the secretory phase(19.94 and 21.00, P=0.000). The mRNA expression of integrin β and OPN were 10.10 and 14.34 in the mid-secretory phase, which were significantly lower than 21.50 and 24.18 in control endometrium(P<0.05). Conclusions High expression of integrin β3 and OPN in ectopic endometrium of adenomyosis may cause endometriotic lesions; abnormal expression of integrin β3 and OPN in the endometrium of adenomyosis during the implantation window may contribute to infertility in some patients.     

Expression of integrin β3 and osteopontin in endometrium of patients with adenomyosis

Objective To investigate the expression of integrin β3 and osteopontin(OPN) in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of adenomyosis. Methods From January 2007 to July 2008, the endometrium specimens were collected from 43 patients with adenomyosis undergoing hysterectomy in Peking University First Hospital. Eutopic endometrium were 11 in proliferative phase and 32 in secretory phase (18 cases in mid-secretory phase) were collected. Ectopic endometriums were also collected. In the mean time, it was chosen 41 cases with pure subserous uterine myoma or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) Ⅱ-Ⅲ treated by hysterectomy as controls including 12 endometrium in proliferative phase and 29 endometrium in secretory phase (19 cases in mid-secretory phase). The expression of Integrin β3 subunit and OPN in the endometrium were assessed by immunohistochemical staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results (1)Immunohistochemical staining showed that positive staining of integrin β3 and OPN were present predominantly in eutopic and ectopic endometrial glandular epithelium. There was significant different protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN, which were 1.6±0.8 and 1.7±0.7 in eutopic endometrium,1.7±0.7 and 1.8±0.9 in ectopic endometrium,2.1±0.9 and 2.0±0.9 in control endometrium (P<0.05). The protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN in eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis in the proliferative phase(0.8±0.4 and 0.7±0.3) were remarkably lower than those of the secretory phase(1.8±0.8 and 1.9±0.8,P<0.01). The protein expression of integrin β3 and OPN in the endometrium of controls in the proliferative phase(1.0±0.4 and 1.0±0.4) were significantly lower than those of the secretory phase(2.5±0.7 and 2.5±0.7)(P=0.000). In the mid-secretory phase, the protein expression of integrin β3(2.0±0.9) and OPN (2.1±0.8)in eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis were significantly lower than that of control endometrium(2.7±0.5 and 2.7±0.7)(P<0.01). (2)The mRNA expression level of integrin β and OPN in eutopic and ectopic endometrium were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR(result was shown by median index). It was observed that integrin β3 mRNA and OPN mRNA were significantly lower in the eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis (4.69 and 4.23), when compared with ectopic endometrium(7.96 and 14.84)and controls (13.47 and 17.40) (P<0.05). Eutopic endometrium had higher mRNA expression of integrin β and OPN mRNA in the secretory phase (5.54 and 11.40) than that in the proliferative phase(2.69 and 3.30) (P<0.01).The mRNA expression level of integrin β and OPN of control endometrium in the proliferative phase (3.12 and 4.75)were significantly lower than that in the secretory phase(19.94 and 21.00, P=0.000). The mRNA expression of integrin β and OPN were 10.10 and 14.34 in the mid-secretory phase, which were significantly lower than 21.50 and 24.18 in control endometrium(P<0.05). Conclusions High expression of integrin β3 and OPN in ectopic endometrium of adenomyosis may cause endometriotic lesions; abnormal expression of integrin β3 and OPN in the endometrium of adenomyosis during the implantation window may contribute to infertility in some patients.