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Expression of sex hormone-binding globulin mRNA in human endometrial cancers
R Misao1, Y Nakanishi, S Ichigo
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gifu University School of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
To more fully understand the role of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) on the intracellular steroidal action in endometrial cancers, we investigated the expression of SHBG mRNA as the substitute of SHBG expression in human endometrial cancers. In the present study, the levels of SHBG mRNA were analyzed using competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-Southern-blot analysis. The higher level of SHBG mRNA tended to be expressed in the normal secretory and late proliferative phase endometrium > early proliferative phase endometrium > well differentiated adenocarcinoma of the endometrium (G1) > moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (G2) > poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (G3), in the order shown. These studies indicate that endometrial cancer cells might synthesize intracellular SHBG to conserve their estrogen-dependent properties. Further, it indicates that endometrial cancer cell synthesis of SHBG mRNA is lost as these cells undergo de-differentiation.
Insights
Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) mRNA levels decrease as endometrial cancers become less differentiated. This suggests SHBG loss contributes to cancer progression and loss of estrogen dependency.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) plays a role in regulating steroid hormone action.
- Understanding SHBG's intracellular function in endometrial cancer is crucial for comprehending estrogen-dependent properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of SHBG mRNA in human endometrial cancers.
- To correlate SHBG mRNA levels with the differentiation status of endometrial adenocarcinomas.
Main Methods:
- Competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-Southern-blot analysis was employed.
- SHBG mRNA levels were quantified in normal endometrium and endometrial cancer tissues of varying differentiation grades.
Main Results:
- SHBG mRNA expression was highest in normal secretory and late proliferative endometrium.
- A significant decrease in SHBG mRNA levels was observed with increasing tumor grade: G1 > G2 > G3.
- Normal endometrium exhibited higher SHBG mRNA levels compared to all grades of endometrial adenocarcinoma.
Conclusions:
- Endometrial cancer cells may synthesize intracellular SHBG to maintain estrogen-dependent characteristics.
- The loss of SHBG mRNA synthesis correlates with cellular de-differentiation in endometrial cancer, suggesting a role in tumor progression.