DNA microarray analysis of gene expression markers of endometriosis

OBJECTIVE: To use DNA microarray technology to examine differential gene expression in uterine endometrium versus endometriosis implants. DESIGN: Pilot study. SETTING: Volunteers in an academic research environment. PATIENT(S): Premenopausal women scheduled for surgery for suspected endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S): Surgical excision of endometriosis tissue and uterine endometrial biopsy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Gene expression. RESULT(S): The expression of eight genes from a total of 4,133 genes on the DNA microarray was increased in endometriosis implants compared with uterine endometrium. The eight genes were beta-actin, alpha-2 actin, vimentin, 40S ribosomal protein S23, Ig-lambda light chain, Ig germline H chain G-E-A region gamma-2 constant region gene, major histocompatibility complex class 1,C, and complement component 1 S subcomponent. CONCLUSION(S): The data demonstrate that the DNA microarray is an effective tool for the identification of differentially expressed genes between uterine and ectopic endometrium; further study of the genes identified herein will expand our understanding of the nature of endometriosis and assist in the eventual development of new treatments for endometriosis.