Abnormal expression of the angiopoietins and Tie receptors in menorrhagic endometrium

To identify changes in expression of stimulatory and inhibitory factors when normal endometrium becomes menorrhagic.

Retrospective blinded immunohistologic study.

Private research center.

Premenopausal and postmenopausal women with non-menorrhagic and menorrhagic endometrium undergoing curettage or hysterectomy were selected.

Samples of endometrium were obtained from all patients.

Expression of angiopoietins 1 and 2, and vascular receptors Tie-1 and Tie-2 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS).

Angiopoietin 1 (ANG-1) expression was similar in non-menorrhagic and menorrhagic endometrium. However, there was a significant increase in expression of ANG-2 and its receptor Tie-2 in menorrhagic tissues, which may be important in destabilizing the endometrial vasculature. Tie-1, responsible for endothelial integrity, was also increased in menorrhagic tissues, and is a likely compensatory mechanism for the existing vascular pathology. Expression of eNOS was also increased in menorrhagic women.

Differences in the expression of ANG-2, Tie-2, Tie-1, and eNOS were found in menorrhagic endometrium, which may represent a new target for therapeutic intervention to correct menorrhagic conditions.