Approach to Expression of COX-2 mRNAs in Endometriosis Tissues and Its Mechanism

Objective: To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA in endometriosis tissues, and to approach its role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Methods: Endometrial specimens were obtained from 38 cases in endometriosis and 35 normal women for controls. Expression of COX-2 mRNAs was examined by in situ hybridization technique with specific cDNA probes. Results: COX-2 mRNA mainly expressed in plasma of glandular cell and rarely located in nucleus. In endometriosis cases, expression of COX-2 mRNA increased in proliferative phase(3.11±0.56)and secretory phase (3.05±0.41) , and were significantly higher than normal controls with the same phase, respectively (P0.01). There was no difference of COX-2 mRNA expression between proliferative and secretory endometrium in endometriosis group (P0.05). Conclusions: The increased expression of COX-2 mRNAs in endometriosis may be one of the pathogenesis of endometriosis, and it's possible to provide a new target for therapy of endometriosis in the further research to COX-2.