Human uterine and ovarian expression of growth hormone–releasing hormone messenger RNA in benign and malignant gynecologic conditions

O Khorram, Omid Khorram, Khorram O, Mark A. Garthwaite, M Garthwaite, Garthwaite M, E Grosen, Elizabeth A. Grosen, Grosen E, Golos T, Ted Golos, T Golos
Fertility and sterility · 2001 · vol. 75(1) , pp. 174–179 · doi:10.1016/s0015-0282(00)01658-7 · PMID:11163834 · W2028553991
article OA: bronze CC0 ⤵ 3 in-corpus citations
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This study quantified growth hormone-releasing hormone mRNA in human uterine and ovarian tissues, finding altered expression in secretory endometrium, endometriotic cysts, and ovarian cancer, suggesting GHRH's role in gynecologic pathophysiology.

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Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine uterine and ovarian expression of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) messenger RNA (mRNA) in benign and pathologic gynecologic states.DesignCase-control study.SettingTertiary-care academic department.Patient(s)Women undergoing hysterectomy for benign or malignant gynecologic conditions.Intervention(s)Ovarian and uterine tissue was obtained for measurement of GHRH mRNA levels by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.Main outcome measure(s)Levels of GHRH mRNA in normal tissues were compared with those in tissues with pathologic abnormalities.Result(s)Growth hormone-releasing hormone mRNA was detectable in the ovary, endometrium, myometrium, fallopian tubes, and placenta. Levels of GHRH mRNA were significantly increased in secretory endometrium compared with proliferative endometrium. Hormone replacement therapy did not affect endometrial GHRH mRNA levels. Uterine myomas expressed similar levels of GHRH mRNA as normal myometrium. No changes in endometrial GHRH mRNA were detected in endometrial cancers compared with normal endometrium or myometrium obtained from the same patient; however, these levels were higher than those in noncancerous myometrial tissue obtained from other patients with benign gynecologic disease. In ovarian tissue, no differences in GHRH mRNA were found between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Ovarian GHRH mRNA was significantly decreased in endometriotic cysts, whereas significantly greater GHRH expression occurred in ovarian cancer compared with normal ovarian tissue.Conclusion(s)Endometrial and ovarian GHRH gene transcription are altered in selective physiologic and pathologic states and are influenced by such factors as ovarian hormones. Because it is a growth factor, GHRH may promote endometrial proliferation and may be involved in the pathogenesis of ovarian and endometrial cancer and endometriosis.

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MeSH descriptors

Genital Neoplasms, Female Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Ovary RNA, Messenger Uterus Adenocarcinoma Adenocarcinoma Adult Endometrial Neoplasms Endometrial Neoplasms Female Genital Neoplasms, Female Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Humans Leiomyoma Leiomyoma Menstrual Cycle Menstrual Cycle Ovarian Neoplasms Ovarian Neoplasms

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