Relationship between 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase and Endometriosis

Objective To investigate the expression of 17βhydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2(17βHSD2) in the eutopic endometrium and endometriotic tissue of endometriosis.Methods Eutopic endometrium were obtained from the operated patients with endometriosis and the control (patients with cervical cancer in situ).17βHSD2 was examined by RT-PCR.Results 17βHSD2 were expressed positively in eutopic endometrium of endometriosis(n=28) and control(n=15).There was no significant difference in level of 17βHSD2 beteewn the two groups(P0.05).17βHSD2 were expressed negatively in ovarian endometriotic tissue and there was significant difference in the level of 17βHSD2 compared with its eutopic endometrium(P0.05).Conclusion The absence of 17βHSD2 in endometriotic tissue may be associated with endometriosis.