Expression of galectin-3 in the endometrium from women with endometriosis during the window of implantation

Objective:To investigate the expression of galectin-3 in the eutopic endometrium in women with endometriosis.Methods:Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the location and expression of galectin-3 protein.The mRNA expression of galectin-3 was detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR.Results:galectin-3 protein localized in luminal,glandular and stromal cells of eutopic and control endometrium.Compared with controls,galectin-3 mRNA and protein expression in eutopic endometrium are significantly decreased.There was significant difference of galectin-3 mRNA and protein expression in secretory phase than that in proliferative phase.Conclusion:The lower expression of galectin-3 in endometrium of women with endometriosis may has a close relationship with change of uterine receptivtity and contribute to implantation failure in women with endometriosis and infertility.