Alterations in expression of endometrial endothelial nitric oxide synthase and alpha(v)beta(3) integrin in women with endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the expression of endometrial endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein and alpha(v)beta(3) integrin in patients with and without endometriosis.


METHODS
Case-control cohort study.


METHODS
University-based tertiary care center.


METHODS
Endometrial biopsy samples were obtained from 9 fertile women with regular cycles and 30 infertile women with varying severity of endometriosis. Peritoneal fluid levels of nitric oxide were determined in 13 infertile women with a normal pelvis and 12 infertile women with endometriosis.


METHODS
Expression of eNOS and alpha(v)beta(3) integrin protein in the endometrium and peritoneal fluid levels of nitric oxide.


RESULTS
In patients with endometriosis, expression of eNOS was significantly increased in the glandular and luminal epithelium, with no significant changes in the stroma. Peritoneal fluid levels of nitric oxide were unchanged, and expression of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin expression in glandular and luminal epithelium was significantly decreased compared with controls. A significant negative correlation was observed between luminal expression of eNOS and alpha(v)beta(3) integrin and between glandular expression of eNOS and luminal expression of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin.


CONCLUSIONS
The nitric oxide pathway may play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Khorram
Omid
O
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin, Madison, USA. okhorram@obgyn.humc.edu
Lessey
Bruce A
BA
D000328:Adult; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry; D001706:Biopsy; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000737:chemistry*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000737:chemistry / Q000201:enzymology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000201:enzymology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000032:analysis; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000032:analysis*; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; D019030:Receptors, Vitronectin / Q000032:analysis*; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000201:enzymology
D019030:Receptors, Vitronectin; D009569:Nitric Oxide; C496314:NOS3 protein, human; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III