Expression and Significance of PCNA and Survivin in Endometriosis

[Objective] To detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Survivin in endometriosis, so as to investigate the pathogenesis of endometriosis. [Methods] Immunohistochemical Strept Avidin Biotin Complex methods was used to examine the expression of PCNA and Survivin in the eutopic and ectopic endometrium of endometriosis, and compare with normal endometrium. [Result] The expression of PCNA and Survivin in endometrium of endometriosis was higher than that in normal endometrium. In control group endometrium the level of PCNA had a negative correlation with menstrual cycle. The level of PCNA in secretory phase of eutopic endometrium of endometriosis was higher than that in secretory phase of control group. The Survivin expression in eutopic endometrium of endometriosis had a positive correlation with menstrual cycle. The level of Survivin in proliferative and secretory phase of eutopic endometrium of endometriosis were respectively stronger than that in same phase of control group. The expression of PCNA and Survivin in ectopic endometrium in stage Ⅲ, Ⅳ patients with endometriosis was higher than that in stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ, which had positive correlation with R-AFS clinical staging of endometriosis. [Conclusions] The reinforcement of cell proliferation and anti-apoptosis in eutopic endometrium of endometriosis plays an important role in the occurrence and progression of endometriosis. The proliferative action of PCNA and the anti-apoptosis action of Survivin respectly play an crucial role in normal menstrual cycle and in menstrual cycle of eutopic endometrium of endometriosis. The expression of PCNA and Survivin is closely relavent to the severity of endometriosis.