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Survivin gene expression in endometriosis
Masatsugu Ueda1, Yoshiki Yamashita, Mikio Takehara
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan. gyn017@poh.osaka-med.ac.jp
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|July 11, 2002
Summary
Survivin and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are upregulated in endometriosis, promoting tissue survival and invasion. This study links survivin and MMPs to the aggressive phenotype of endometriotic lesions.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Molecular oncology
- Cellular biology
Background:
- Survivin, an apoptosis inhibitor, is typically found in fetal development and cancer.
- Its expression in normal adult tissues or benign diseases like endometriosis is not well-documented.
- Endometriosis is a benign disease characterized by endometrial tissue outside the uterus, often exhibiting invasive properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate survivin gene and protein expression in endometriosis.
- To correlate survivin expression with apoptosis and the invasive phenotype of endometriotic tissues.
- To compare survivin and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression in endometriotic tissues versus normal endometrium.
Main Methods:
- Gene and protein expression analysis of survivin, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MT1-MMP in 63 endometriotic tissues and 12 normal endometrium samples.
- Comparison of expression levels between pigmented (clinically aggressive) and nonpigmented endometriotic lesions.
- Immunohistochemical analysis and dUTP nick-end labeling to assess apoptosis and protein localization.
Main Results:
- Survivin, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MT1-MMP mRNA levels were significantly higher in aggressive pigmented endometriotic lesions than in normal endometrium.
- Survivin gene expression was also higher in pigmented lesions compared to nonpigmented ones.
- A strong correlation was observed between survivin and MMP gene expression in endometriotic tissues.
- Apoptotic cells were rare in endometriotic tissues with positive survivin and MMP expression.
Conclusions:
- Upregulation of survivin and MMPs is associated with the clinically aggressive phenotype of endometriosis.
- Survivin and MMPs may cooperatively drive the survival and invasion of endometriotic tissues.
- These findings highlight survivin and MMPs as potential therapeutic targets for endometriosis.