Estrogen receptor localization in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded endometrium and endometriotic tissues

Monoclonal estrogen receptor (ER) antibody and indirect immunoperoxidase techniques were used to study the immunohistochemical localization of ER in paraffin sections of 20 surgical specimens containing foci of endometriosis. The eutopic endometrium, available in 16 of 20 cases, was dated histologically and stained for ER. Specific nuclear staining was observed in glandular and stromal cells of the endometrium during the proliferative and early secretory phases. Mid and late secretory phase endometria showed only focal staining. Dating of the endometriotic tissues using morphologic criteria revealed that these were in phase with the endometrium in nine of 16 cases. In these cases the ER staining of both the endometriotic tissues and endometrium was similar. The endometriotic tissues could not be dated as either proliferative or secretory in seven cases and stained variably for ER. Diffuse nuclear staining for ER was present in the endometriotic glands of three of these cases in which the endometriotic glands morphologically resembled glands of the basalis contrasting with weak, focal staining in the corresponding eutopic secretory endometria. The majority of endometriotic tissues examined mimicked the cyclic ER expression of the eutopic endometrium and thus appeared to correspond to the morphologic appearance of the endometriotic glands. Immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal estrophilin antibodies may be helpful in supporting the histopathologic diagnosis of endometriosis.     

Polycystic ovary syndrome: infertility,cardiovascular, metabolic and obstetrical risks,laboratory and clinical outcomes—The PICOLO Study

Aromatase expression in the endometrium seems to play a pivotal role in the development of endometriotic lesions. Because inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E2 appear to activate aromatase in the cells of the endometrial stroma, it was hypothesised that the ensuing inflammation caused by the arrival of aromatase-positive cells in the peritoneal cavity would stimulate local estrogen production, which would in turn facilitate the development of endometriotic lesions by suppressing macrophage phagocytosis. Aromatase expression in the eutopic endometrium will also hamper ovum nidation, thus causing infertility. Progestins, such as gestodene and danazol, are potent inhibitors of aromatase expression in the endometrium, and the use of vaginal rings with danazol in doses that do not block ovulation is associated with the occurrence of pregnancy in patients with severe endometriosis without the need for surgery. A local effect on the endometrium suppressing aromatase expression has been suggested as a possible mechanism of action for the danazol ring.     

Effect of mifepristone on estrogen and progesterone receptors in human endometrial and endometriotic cells in vitro

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expressions of estrogen (E) receptor and progesterone (P) receptor in human eutopic and ectopic endometrium and the effect of mifepristone (RU486) on them. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): Twenty-two patients with ovarian endometriosis and 13 patients with uterine leiomyoma were recruited. INTERVENTION(S): Samples of ovarian endometrioma cyst tissue and endometrium were obtained from the 22 patients. A sample of endometrium was obtained from the 13 patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Expressions of E and P receptors were determined using immunocytochemical method. RESULT(S): P receptor expression in endometrial epithelial cells with endometriosis was significantly higher than that without endometriosis in the early secretory phase. Estrogen receptor and epithelial P receptor expressions in endometriotic cells were significantly lower than those of endometrial cells during the proliferative phase, similar with the latter during the early secretory phase and significantly higher during the late secretory phase. RU486 down-regulated the expressions of E and P receptors in both the eutopic and the ectopic endometrial cells, and in some cases this down-regulating effect was more apparent when the concentration of RU486 was higher. CONCLUSION(S): Different steroid receptor expressions indicate different hormonal regulation between endometriotic and endometrial cells. The down-regulating effect on E and P receptors may be one of the therapeutic mechanisms of RU486 on endometriosis.     

The effect of oral contraceptives on aromatase expression in the eutopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of oral contraceptives containing gestodene on aromatase expression in the endometrium of patients diagnosed with endometriosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Endometrial biopsies were taken at the time of laparoscopy in 40 patients with endometriosis, 16 of whom were using an oral contraceptive containing gestodene at the time of laparoscopy. The remaining 24 patients were receiving no form of treatment for endometriosis. Endometrial biopsies taken from 23 patients with normal echographic signs and no symptoms were used as controls. Aromatase expression was evaluated in endometrial samples using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In the untreated, symptomatic endometriosis patients, aromatase expression was detected during the proliferative phase in 92% of cases, while in the symptom-free control patients aromatase was expressed in only 9% of cases. In patients with endometriosis who were using oral contraceptives, there were significantly fewer cases of positive endometria compared with the untreated patients with endometriosis (6%). CONCLUSION: Oral contraceptives containing gestodene are effective in decreasing aromatase expression in the eutopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis.     

Expression of aromatase cytochrome P450 in eutopic endometrium and its application as a diagnostic test for endometriosis

Endometriotic implants, like other estrogen-dependent tumors, contain both estrogen receptors and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom), suggesting that at a local level, endometriotic implants produce estrogens, which may be involved in tissue growth through interaction with the estrogen receptors. P450arom is also expressed in the eutopic endometria of patients with endometriosis, adenomyosis, and/or leiomyomas, whereas neither P450arom protein nor mRNA is expressed in the eutopic endometria of normal menstruating women with cervical carcinoma in situ yet showing no other gynecological disease (disease-free). Examination of P450arom expression in endometrial biopsy specimens enables the physician to discriminate between the presence and absence of endometriosis, and may be used as an initial screening at outpatient infertility clinics. Copyrightz1999S.KargerAG,Basel     

Immunocytochemistry of the estrogen receptor in spontaneous endometriosis in rhesus macaques

Immunocytochemical, biochemical, and histologic analysis of endometriotic lesions and endometria from rhesus macaques with endometriosis revealed several distinctions between ectopic and eutopic endometrium. In lesions, unlike endometrium, neither the mean percentages of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) cells nor the total ER content changed significantly during the menstrual cycle. In eutopic endometria, ER staining in both stromal and epithelial cells increased and decreased synchronously during the cycle, but in endometriotic lesions, such synchrony was lacking. Moreover, in lesions, unlike endometria, the percentage of ER+ cells was low in the stroma and highly variable in epithelium throughout the cycle. These data, taken together, indicate a defect in the hormonal regulation of ER in endometriotic lesions of monkeys.     

芳香酶P450与雌激素受体在子宫内膜异位症患者在位及异位子宫内膜中的表达及其相关性研究

目的　探讨芳香酶P450和雌激素受体 (ER)在子宫内膜异位症 (内异症 )患者在位内膜与不同部位异位内膜中的表达及其相关性。方法　收集 40例根据美国生育学会“修订的子宫内膜异位症分期法”分期为Ⅲ、Ⅳ期的内异症患者经手术切除的组织标本 83份,按内异症发生部位的不同分为 5组:内异症患者在位子宫内膜 25份 (Ⅰ组 );内异症患者位于卵巢的异位子宫内膜 23份(Ⅱ组);取自阴道直肠隔的异位内膜 11份(Ⅲ组);取自腹壁切口的异位内膜 8份 (Ⅳ组);取自子宫浆膜层的异位内膜 16份(V组)。对照组为正常子宫内膜 20份,取自同期门诊 20例行宫内节育器放置术的正常育龄妇女。采用免疫组织化学方法测定各组内膜组织腺细胞中芳香酶P450和ER的表达,根据阳性率和表达强度进行量化评分(组织化学评分),并进行相关性分析。结果　 (1)Ⅰ组腺细胞芳香酶P450和ER的表达 [分别为 ( 2.6±1.0 )分、( 3.8±0.5 )分 ]均显著高于对照组 [分别为(0.8±1.1)分、(1 3±1 3)分],两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.01)。(2)Ⅱ组腺细胞芳香酶P450和ER的表达[分别为(1 4±1.0)分、(1.9±1.6)分]显著低于Ⅰ组,两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P分别<0.05、<0.01)。(3)Ⅲ组腺细胞芳香酶P450和ER的表达 [分别为 (1.2±0.9)分、(1.8±1.6)分]均低于Ⅰ     

Metabolism of estrone sulfate in endometriotic tissue and in uterine endometrium in proliferative and secretory cycle phase

The metabolism of [3H]estrone sulfate (E1S) into [3H]estrone (E1) and [3H]estradiol-17 beta (E2) was studied in samples of endometriotic tissue and uterine endometrium obtained simultaneously from 13 patients, 7 in the proliferative and 5 in the secretory cycle phase, and 1 menstruating. E1S was efficiently converted into E1 and E2 by both types of tissue. Total hydrolysis (formation of E1 + E2), as well as the specific formation of E2, was higher in uterine endometrium than in endometriotic tissue, especially in the proliferative phase. Cycle phase associated variations in E2 formation occurred in both tissues, but were statistically significant only for uterine endometrium. E2 formation and total hydrolysis were correlated in endometriotic tissue, but not in uterine endometrium, indicating certain differences in the regulation of estrogen metabolism.     

紧密连接蛋白claudin-4在子宫内膜异位症患者在位与异位内膜组织中的表达

目的 检测紧密连接蛋白claudin-4在正常子宫内膜、子宫内膜异位症(内异症)患者的在位和异位内膜组织中的表达,评价elaudin-4在内异症发病中的作用.方法 选择35例内异症患者的卵巢异位内膜组织(异位内膜组),其中27例内异症患者的在位子宫内膜(在位内膜组)和35例非内异症良性卵巢、子宫疾病患者(对照组)的子宫内膜组织.透射电镜观察各组内膜组织中紧密连接的形态学变化;免疫组化和免疫印迹法检测elaudin-4蛋白的表达量,RT-PCR技术检测claudin-4 mRNA的表达量.结果 (1)透射电镜下,异位内膜组内膜组织中紧密连接结构消失,胶原组织丰富;在位内膜组内膜组织中紧密连接的结构与对照组内膜组织相似,未见明显变化.(2)免疫组化检测结果显示,clandin-4蛋白的阳性染色主要定位于子宫内膜腺上皮细胞膜,异位内膜组织中claudin-4的阳性染色很弱甚至缺失;在对照组、在位内膜组和异位内膜组内膜组织中,claudin-4蛋白表达量分别为89±24、84±22、27±14;claudin-4 mRNA表达量分别为14.5±6.8、13.8±9.5、2.6±2.5.异位内膜组内膜组织中claudin-4 mRNA和蛋白的表达量均低于在位内膜组和对照组内膜,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).在位内膜组和对照组内膜组织中claudin-4 mRNA和蛋白的表达量分别比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 异位子宫内膜组织中clandin-4的低表达可能参与了内异症的发病.     

子宫内膜异位症在位内膜及裸鼠模型异位病灶芳香化酶的表达及意义

目的:探讨芳香化酶在子宫内膜异位症(EMs)在位内膜及其裸鼠模型异位病灶中的表达意义。方法:征集EMs组及非异位症(NEMs)组各24例,应用其分泌晚期子宫内膜,建立EMs裸鼠模型,取建模后5d、15d、30d裸鼠异位病灶,RT-PCR及免疫组化方法检测两组在位内膜和异位病灶芳香化酶mRNA及蛋白表达。结果:芳香化酶mRNA表达,EMs组异位病灶(0.894±0.23)表达强于在位内膜(0.685±0.15),P<0.05;阳性表达率(87.50%,83.33%)无差异。NEMs组异位病灶表达强度和阳性表达率(0.920±0.24,95.83%)均高于在位内膜(0.612±0.15,62.50%),P<0.05。两组在位内膜比较,EMs组阳性表达率高于NEMs组,P<0.05。两组异位病灶及各组不同时期异位病灶(EMs组,5d:0.889±0.23;15d:0.990±0.19;30d:0.880±0.29;NEMs组,5d:0.889±0.23;15d:0.905±0.23;30d:0.918±0.22)比较,芳香化酶mRNA表达无差异。芳香化酶蛋白阳性表达率,EMs组异位病灶(95.83%)与在位内膜(91.67%)比较,差异不显著。NEMs组异位病灶(95.83%)高于在位内膜(70.83%),P<0.05。EMs组在位内膜高于NEMs组,P<0.05;两组异位病灶比较,差异不显著。结论:局部雌激素合成增强在EMs发病机理中起重要作用。芳香化酶是EMs等雌激素依赖性疾病在子宫内膜特异性表达标记物。     

KISS-1及MMP-9在子宫内膜异位症患者异位及在位内膜的表达及意义

目的:探讨KISS-1及MMP-9在子宫内膜异位症患者在位及异位内膜组织的表达及意义。方法:用免疫组化方法检测46例患者异位子宫内膜组织及其中16例在位内膜组织和33例正常子宫内膜组织中KISS-1及MMP-9的表达情况。结果:KISS-1在子宫内膜异位症患者异位/在位内膜及正常子宫内膜组织中阳性表达率分别为30.43%、31.25%和63.64%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);MMP-9表达率分别为60.87%、56.25%和27.27%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);进一步比较KISS-1及MMP-9表达的阳性强度,3组间差异亦有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论:KISS-1在子宫内膜异位症的表达降低,MMP-9的表达增高可能与内异症的侵袭有关。     

CD44s expression is reduced in endometriotic lesions compared to eutopic endometrium in women with endometriosis.

Immunohistochemical expression of the standard form of CD44 (CD44s) was examined in archival formalin-fixed endometriotic and matching eutopic endometrial tissue obtained from 25 patients in proliferative (N = 16) and secretory (N = 9) stages of the cycle. CD44s was expressed in most eutopic endometria and endometriotic tissue. Its expression was significantly higher in secretory than in proliferative phase endometrium. It was low but detectable in 13 of 16 proliferative phase biopsies. The majority of these endometria exhibited both glandular and stromal staining (63%). In the secretory phase, glandular cells exhibited a significantly greater intensity of staining compared to stromal cells. In endometriotic tissue, stromal cell CD44s expression did not differ between tissue types in either stage of the cycle. In contrast, glandular expression in endometriotic tissue during the secretory phase was reduced (p < 0.05) compared to eutopic endometrium. It was absent in 66% of cases and reduced in the remaining cases. Our results indicate a correlation between CD44s expression and secretory differentiation of endometrial glands in the cycle, suggesting hormonal regulation of its expression. This cyclic pattern of CD44s expression was lost in corresponding endometriotic tissue. Reduced expression of CD44s in endometriotic tissue may provide insight into the pathophysiology of endometriosis.     

Reduction of apoptosis and proliferation in endometriosis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether endometriosis could be related to an impaired balance between apoptosis and proliferation, two processes which could be modulated by hormonal status. DESIGN: Immunohistochemical study. SETTING: Academic research laboratory. INTERVENTION(S): Endometriotic samples obtained from peritoneum of women aged 26-40 years who were undergoing laparoscopy for pain or infertility. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Apoptotic cells were detected with the use of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The production of p53 and bcl-2, estrogen and Progesterone (P) receptors, and cellular proliferation were assessed by immunohistochemistry in eutopic and ectopic endometria from 30 patients with endometriosis throughout the menstrual cycle. Results were compared with those from normal endometria from 15 fertile patients. RESULT(S): Endometriotic lesions were characterized by reduced TUNEL and p53 stainings and by enhanced bcl-2 staining. No correlation between apoptosis and estrogen receptor or P receptor levels was found. A lower amount of steroid receptor was found in endometriotic tissues, without cyclic modulation, compared with the eutopic endometrium. CONCLUSION(S): Our results suggest that when endometrial tissue is located at ectopic locations, it differs from eutopic endometrium by its proliferation rate, steroid hormone levels, and markers of apoptosis. A reduced sensitivity of endometriotic cells to apoptosis could promote the dissemination and implantation of these cells to ectopic sites.     

Gene expression of adhesion molecules and matrix metalloproteinases in endometriosis.

Various types of cell adhesion molecules and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) seem to play an important role in the invasion process of endometriosis; however, limited investigation has focused on their gene expression in human peritoneal endometriotic lesions. A total of 63 endometriotic tissues were surgically obtained from 35 women with endometriosis, which included 43 pigmented and 20 non-pigmented lesions. Gene expression levels of E-cadherin, alpha- and beta-catenin, MMP-2, MMP-9 and membrane-type 1 (MT1)-MMP in these endometriotic lesions were compared with those in normal eutopic endometrium obtained from 12 women without endometriosis. MMP-2, MMP-9 and MT1-MMP mRNA expression in pigmented lesions was significantly higher than that in normal endometrium (p < 0.05), whereas E-cadherin, alpha- and beta-catenin mRNA expression was not suppressed in endometriotic lesions. There was a close correlation between MMP-2 or MT1-MMP and E-cadherin, alpha- or beta-catenin gene expression in 63 endometriotic tissues examined (p < 0.01). Immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin, alpha- and beta-catenin in glandular epithelial cells was positive not only for all of seven cases with normal eutopic endometrium but also for 9 of 11 with ovarian endometriosis. MMP expression in ectopic endometrium was much greater than that in eutopic endometrium. These results suggest that endometriotic tissues expressing MMPs might be invasive and simultaneously possess cell-to-cell adhesion property in pelvic peritoneal foci.     

基质金属蛋白酶-26在正常妇女和子宫内膜异位症患者子宫内膜中的时空变化

目的 :研究正常生理状况下和子宫内膜异位症患者子宫内膜中 MMP- 2 6的时空变化 ,为进一步阐明 MMP- 2 6在子宫内膜周期性增生和剥脱及子宫内膜异位症发生中的作用提供依据。方法 :收集正常人和子宫内膜异位症患者在位及异位内膜共 1 0 5例 ,经苏木精 -伊红染色后 ,根据形态学标准确定标本的实际月经时期 ;以免疫组化分析研究 MMP- 2 6的时空变化。结果 :MMP- 2 6在子宫内膜功能层较强表达 ;在正常子宫内膜的基质细胞、腺上皮细胞和螺旋小动脉的血管内皮细胞均有阳性信号 ,信号强度随月经周期发生一定的变化 ,且内异症在位和异位内膜中的表达模式与正常组有显著不同。结论 :MMP- 2 6在正常子宫内膜中的表达模式显示这一分子在子宫内膜周期性变化和胚胎植入中发挥了一定的作用 ,而在异位症患者中的异常表达提示其与异位症的发病密切相关。     

Aromatase and endometriosis

Aromatase p450 (p450arom) is the key enzyme for biosynthesis of estrogen, which is an essential hormone for the establishment and growth of endometriosis. There is no detectable aromatase enzyme activity in normal endometrium; therefore, estrogen is not locally produced in endometrium. Endometriosis tissue, however, contains very high levels of aromatase enzyme, which leads to production of significant quantities of estrogen. Moreover, one of the best-known mediators of inflammation and pain, prostaglandin E (2), strikingly induces aromatase enzyme activity and formation of local estrogen in this tissue. Additionally, estrogen itself stimulates cyclo-oxygenase-2 and therefore increases the formation of prostaglandin E (2) in endometriosis. We were able to target this positive feedback cycle in endometriosis using aromatase inhibitors. In fact, pilot trials showed that aromatase inhibitors could decrease pelvic pain associated with endometriosis.     

Altered progesterone/estrogen receptor ratios in endometriosis. A comparative study of steroid receptors and morphology in endometriosis and endometrium

In a comparative study of endometriosis and endometrium, specimens were taken from both endometriotic and endometrial tissue in 14 patients. Receptor assays and histological examinations were performed on both specimens. Cytosolic estrogen receptors (ERc) as well as cytosolic progesterone receptors (PRc) were detected in 9/14 and 12/12 cases of endometriosis respectively. Nuclear estrogen receptors (ERn) were detected in 4/4 cases of endometriosis. Expressed as fmol/mg cytosol protein, significantly higher values of both ERc and PRc were found in endometrium than endometriosis (p less than 0.01). However, when the ratio between PRc and ERc was considered, significantly higher PRc/ERc ratios were found in the cytosol of endometriotic tissue (p less than 0.01). Thus the lower receptor concentrations found in endometriosis cannot be explained solely as ectopic endometrium being diluted by nonreceptor-containing tissue. In spite of high PRc/ERc ratios in endometriosis, secretory changes similar to those found in endometrium were observed in only one of 7 cases (p less than 0.05).     

Gene expression of adhesion molecules and matrix metalloproteinases in endometriosis

Various types of cell adhesion molecules and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) seem to play an important role in the invasion process of endometriosis; however, limited investigation has focused on their gene expression in human peritoneal endometriotic lesions. A total of 63 endometriotic tissues were surgically obtained from 35 women with endometriosis, which included 43 pigmented and 20 non-pigmented lesions. Gene expression levels of E-cadherin, α- and β-catenin, MMP-2, MMP-9 and membrane-type 1 (MT1)-MMP in these endometriotic lesions were compared with those in normal eutopic endometrium obtained from 12 women without endometriosis. MMP-2, MMP-9 and MT1-MMP mRNA expression in pigmented lesions was significantly higher than that in normal endometrium (p < 0.05), whereas E-cadherin, α- and β-catenin mRNA expression was not suppressed in endometriotic lesions. There was a close correlation between MMP-2 or MT1-MMP and E-cadherin, α- or β-catenin gene expression in 63 endometriotic tissues examined (p < 0.01). Immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin, α- and β-catenin in glandular epithelial cells was positive not only for all of seven cases with normal eutopic endometrium but also for 9 of 11 with ovarian endometriosis. MMP expression in ectopic endometrium was much greater than that in eutopic endometrium. These results suggest that endometriotic tissues expressing MMPs might be invasive and simultaneously possess cell-to-cell adhesion property in pelvic peritoneal foci.