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Vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA in eutopic and ectopic endometrium
P Kressin1, E M Wolber, H Wodrich
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany. kressin@medinf.mu-luebeck.de
Fertility and Sterility
|December 4, 2001
Summary
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA levels, particularly VEGF(165), significantly increased in human endometrial explants grown on a chicken chorioallantoic membrane. This suggests VEGF expression may aid in vascularizing endometrial tissue during endometriosis.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology and developmental science.
- Molecular biology and gene expression analysis.
- Endocrinology and women's health research.
Background:
- Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in angiogenesis.
- Understanding VEGF expression in ectopic endometrial tissue is vital for exploring treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression in human endometrial explants.
- To utilize a chicken chorioallantoic membrane model to simulate an endometriosis environment.
- To analyze specific VEGF mRNA splice variants, focusing on VEGF(165).
Main Methods:
- Experimental prospective study conducted at a university hospital.
- Endometrial biopsy samples were obtained from healthy women.
- Human endometrial fragments were grafted onto the chicken chorioallantoic membrane for 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours.
Main Results:
- All tested endometrial grafts expressed VEGF(121), VEGF(145), VEGF(165), and VEGF(189) mRNA.
- A significant up to 10-fold increase in VEGF(165) mRNA expression was observed at 24 to 72 hours post-implantation.
- Expression levels were normalized to glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA.
Conclusions:
- VEGF(165) mRNA levels rise in endometrial explants after implantation on the chicken chorioallantoic membrane.
- This induction may be linked to relative hypoxia and insufficient vascularization of the explants.
- Increased VEGF expression could facilitate the vascularization of endometrial tissue, potentially relevant to retrograde menstruation in endometriosis.