Autophagic impairment in endometrial polyps: A potential biomarker and therapeutic target

Endometrial polyps are a common gynecological condition associated with abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, and potential malignancies. This study investigated the expression of key autophagy proteins LC3A/B, p62, and Beclin-1 in endometrial polyps. Twenty patients with endometrial polyps and ten healthy controls were enrolled in a prospective randomized controlled trial. Tissue samples were collected via operative hysteroscopy. ELISA and immunohistochemistry were employed to assess the expression of LC3A/B, p62, and Beclin-1. While ELISA results did not reveal significant differences between the two groups, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated significantly lower levels of LC3A/B, p62, and Beclin-1 in endometrial polyps compared to healthy endometrial tissue (p = 0.041, p = 0.012, and p = 0.003, respectively). These findings suggest that impaired autophagy, as evidenced by reduced levels of these key autophagy proteins, may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometrial polyps. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying this association and to explore potential therapeutic implications.