Expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in endometriosis at proliferative phase

Objective To investigate the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in endometriosis(EMs),so as to the relationship between HIF-1α and VEGF and angiogenesis.Methods Immunohistochemistry(IHC) S-P method was used to examine the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF proteins and assess microvessel density(MVD) in 40 ectopic endometrium and 33 eutopic endometrium and 36 normal endometrium at proliferative phase,and HIF-1α and VEGF proteins were quantified by western blot(WB).Results ①The expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in ectopic endometrium,eutopic endometrium and normal endometrium was gradually reduced significantly;②There was significant difference of MVD between ectopic endometrium and eutopic endometrium,and between eutopic endometrium and normal endometrium respectively;③There was a significant positive correlation between VEGF and HIF-1α,VEGF and MVD,HIF-1α and MVD.Conclusion HIF-1α and VEGF may have a synergetic action to promote angiogenesis in the beginning and developing of endometriosis.