Apoptosis and Differential Expression of Apoptosis-Related Proteins in Endometriotic Glandular and Stromal Cells

Anastasia G. Goumenou, Goumenou AG, Matalliotakis IM, Ioannis M Matalliotakis, Ioannis Matalliotakis, Maria Tzardi, Tzardi M, Yvoni G Fragouli, Fragouli YG, Yvoni Fragouli, Neal G Mahutte, Neal Mahutte, Mahutte NG, Aydın Arıcı, Aydin Arici, Arici A
Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation · 2004 · vol. 11(5) , pp. 318–322 · doi:10.1016/j.jsgi.2004.02.005 · PMID:15219886 · W2006195375
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This study investigated apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in both glandular and stromal cells from endometriosis.

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Abstract

ObjectiveApoptosis is an important regulator of eutopic endometrial function. Endometriosis, the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, could result from increased cellular proliferation or decreased apoptosis in response to appropriate stimuli. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis-related Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in endometriotic tissues within the glandular and stromal compartments, according to the phase of the menstrual cycle and the stage of disease.MethodsOvarian endometriosis samples were evaluated in 75 women who had surgery at a university hospital. Apoptotic cells were detected with the use of the dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Bcl-2 and Bax expression were assessed by immunohistochemical techniques.ResultsThe percentage of apoptotic cells was significantly higher in endometriotic stromal cells (73.3%) compared with glandular cells (48%; P =.002). In contrast, the expression of the apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2 and Bax was significantly lower in the endometriotic stroma (17.3% for both) than in the glandular epithelium (38.6% and 41.3%, respectively; P <.004). No significant menstrual cycle phase-dependent changes or endometriosis stage-related changes were observed in TUNEL, Bcl-2, or Bax positivity within ovarian endometriotic tissues.ConclusionApoptosis occurs in ovarian endometriotic lesions at significantly higher levels in the stroma than the glandular epithelium. However, Bcl-2 and Bax proteins are distributed preferentially in glandular epithelial cells. The apoptotic rate as well as Bcl-2 and Bax expression in ovarian endometriotic cells were not affected by the stage of endometriosis or the phase of the menstrual cycle.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Apoptosis Endometrium Stromal Cells Adult Apoptosis bcl-2-Associated X Protein Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometrium Female Humans In Situ Nick-End Labeling Laparoscopy Laparotomy Middle Aged Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 Stromal Cells

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