Expression of integrin α_5 in endometriotic cells and its steroidal regulation

Objective To study the expression of integrin α_5 in cultured human endometriotic cells and its regulation by steroidal hormones.Methods Eighteen samples of ectopic endometrium were cultured in vitro.The cultured endometriotic cells were divided into five groups: control group,E_2 group,P group,TAM group and RU486 group.The expression of integrin α_5 mRNA of each group were determined by reverse transcript polymerase chain reaction method.Results The expression of integrin α_5?mRNA in E_2 and P group was 1.415±0.286 and 1.304±0.170 respectively,which were significantly higher than that of control group(1.082±0.069,P0.05).In TAM and RU486 group,it was 0.882±0.013 and(0.866±)(0.054) respectively,which was significantly lower than that of control group(P0.05). Conclusions Estradiol and progesterone may regulate the expression of integrin α_5.Estradiol and progesterone increase the integrin α_5 mRNA in ectopic endometrium,and promote the adhesion leading to endometriosis.Tamoxifen and mifepriston decelerate occurrence of endometriosis by way of resisting estradiol and progesterone or inhibiting ectopic endometrial cells from secreting integrin α_5.