Treatment of 17β-estradiol on expression of β-catenin mRNA and protein in cultured entopic endometrial stromal cell of patients with endometriosis

Objectives: To investigate the expression of β-catenin mRNA and protein,the protein localization within the cultured entopic endometrial stromal cell(ESC) of endometriosis by estrogen treatment,and the role of Wnt signaling pathways in pathogenesis of endometriosis.Methods: Entopic ESCs of endometriosis patient were separated and cultured.The cultured cells were treated by 17β-estradiol(17β-E2) at various concentrations for 48h or 10-10 mol/L 17β-E2 for different durations(0,12,24,48h).The expressions of β-catenin mRNA and protein in ESC of endometriosis were detected by RT-PCR and western-blotting.Meanwhile,the expression of β-catenin mRNA in the cells treated by 17β-E2 plus ER inhibitor ICI 182,780(10-6 mol/L) was detected by the same method.Localization of β-catenin protein in the cells was observed after 17β-E2 treatment for 48h by immunocytochemistry.Results: RT-PCR and western-blotting showed that 17β-E2 stimulated the expression of β-catenin mRNA and protein in ESC of endometriosis in a time-and dose-dependent manner,and the effect was maximal at 10-10 mol/L for 48 h treatment.The 17β-E2 inhibitor ICI182,780 significantly reduced the expression of β-catenin mRNA and protein in ESC treated by 17β-E2.17β-E2 promoted the expression of β-catenin protein in nucleus. Conclusions: It is suggested that the promoted ectopic implantation of the endometriotic endometrium by estrogen involves the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways.