The role of E-cadherin in the pathogenesis of endometriosis

Objective To study the role of E-cadherin in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.Methods E-cadherin in normal endometria,eutopic and ectopic endometria from patients with ovarian endometriosis were examined by means of immunohistochemical study and image analysis.Results The expression of E-cadherin was detected in eutopic endometrial epithelial cells of normal cycling women and patients with endometriosis,and it showed no variation throughout the menstrual cycle.When compared with that of normal endometrium in the same phase,the expression of E-cadherin in eutopic endometrial epithelial cells of endometriosis was significantly lower.The epithelial cells of endometriotic endometrium showed a significant lower E-cadherin expression than eutopic endometrium of endometriotic patients did.Conclusion The abnormal expression of E-cadherin in eutopic and ectopic endometrial epithelial cells of endometriosis might play a significant role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.