Divergent expression of two prostaglandin E receptors (EP1 and EP3) in normal endometrium (NE) and in ectopic endometriosis lesions of ovarian origin (EC)

Jianjun Zhu, J Zhu, C Kuhn, S Mahner, Udo Jeschke, U Jeschke, Viktoria von Schönfeldt, V von Schönfeldt
Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde · 2016 · vol. 76(10) · doi:10.1055/s-0036-1592778 · W2530643438
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This study investigated prostaglandin receptor expression, finding divergent levels of EP1 and EP3 in normal endometrium compared to ectopic endometriosis lesions.

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This study investigated the divergent expression patterns of prostaglandin E receptors EP1 and EP3 in normal endometrium versus ectopic endometriosis lesions. Researchers analyzed tissue samples from 46 patients with normal endometrium across menstrual phases and 15 patients with ovarian endometriosis using immunohistochemistry. The results showed that EP1 expression was significantly higher in ectopic lesions compared to the early secretory phase of normal endometrium, while EP3 expression followed an opposite trend. These opposing regulatory changes suggest a complex interplay between these receptors in both physiological implantation and the pathophysiology of endometriosis. This paper is centrally about endometriosis — specifically examining receptor expression differences in ectopic ovarian lesions compared to normal endometrial tissue.

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Abstract

Background: Implantation and endometriosis are the results of intricate interactions of hormones, prostaglandins and cytokines designating tissues to adhesion, migration and apoptosis. EP1 and EP3 have been implicated in promoting these processes. Although the crucial role of prostaglandins in diverse physiological and pathological processes is known, the effects of their receptors on implantation and endometriosis remain to be elucidated. Here we investigate the expression levels of prostaglandin receptors in NE and EC.
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Background

Implantation and endometriosis are the results of intricate interactions of hormones, prostaglandins and cytokines designating tissues to adhesion, migration and apoptosis. EP1 and EP3 have been implicated in promoting these processes. Although the crucial role of prostaglandins in diverse physiological and pathological processes is known, the effects of their receptors on implantation and endometriosis remain to be elucidated. Here we investigate the expression levels of prostaglandin receptors in NE and EC. Study design: Normal endometrial tissues of 46 patients from at all phases of the menstrual cycle as well as ectopic endometrial tissues from 15 endometriosis patients were included.

Methods

Samples were stained by immunohistochemistry, using anti-EP1 and anti-EP3 antibodies. Staining intensity was analyzed with a semi-quantitative assay (IRS).

Results

EP1 expression of both glandular cells (P < 0.001) and stromal cells (p < 0.05) is significantly higher in NE during the proliferative phase compared to the early secretory phase. EP1 expression of glandular cells is also significantly higher in EC (P < 0.001) In contrast, analysis of EP3 expression revealed the exact opposite pattern: EP3 expression of NE was significantly lower in glandular cells during the proliferative phase compared to the early secretory phase (P < 0.05) and in EC (P < 0.05).

Discussion

While EP1 expression decreases during the window of implantation in NE and increases in EC, EP3 expression behaves in the opposite way. The mutually oppositional changes of EP1 and EP3 expression hint at a tightly orchestrated regulation to facilitate implantation and a possible role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis.

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endometriosis

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