Effect of gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues on apoptosis of cultured adenomyosis endometrial cells

Objective To investigate the effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) on apoptosis of cultured adenomyosis (AM) endometrial cells. Methods Eutopic endometrial cells from 32 women who received hysterectomy for AM (study group) and 20 women who received ovarian cyst surgery for benign ovarian epithelial tumor (control group) of gynaecoiogy department in our hospital were cultured in vitro. Apoptotic ratio was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated Dutp nick end labeling (TUNEL) and flow cytometry before and after using GnRHa(10-7 mol/L, 10-5 mol/L for 24 h, 48 h ,72h). Results (1)Cells in two groups showed cell shrinkage,floating, nucleus concentration, nuclear fragmentation and typical apoptotic bodies. (2)The apoptotic ratio of cultured AM endometrial cell without GnRHa was lower than that in control group and the apoptotic ratio increased with the prolongation of time in two groups (P < 0.01). (3) After GnRHa addition, each group showed higher apoptotic ratio and a trend towards higher apoptotic ratio linked to advanced concentration. Furthermore, apoptotic ratio in study group was significantly higher than that in control group at the same time point and same concentration(P <0.01). Conclusions The abnormality of apoptotic ratio of AM endometrial cells may be associated with the AM pathogenesis. GnRHa may increase the apoptotic ratio of cultured AM endometrial cells by autocrine or paracrine. Key words: Apoptosis;  Gonadotropin releasing hormone;  Endometrium;  Adenomyosis ;  Myometrium;  Cells, cultured