Expression of the proto-oncoprotein breast cancer nuclear receptor auxiliary factor (Brx) is altered in eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha), estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta), and breast cancer nuclear receptor auxiliary factor (Brx) in eutopic endometrium of normal women and women with endometriosis.


METHODS
Prospective observational study.


METHODS
Tertiary care and research center.


METHODS
Twenty-nine women with endometriosis and 35 healthy ovulatory volunteers of similar ages.


METHODS
Endometrial biopsy.


METHODS
Expression of immunohistochemical staining intensity and localization of ERalpha, ERbeta, and Brx proteins in eutopic endometrium during the menstrual cycle.


RESULTS
Expression of ERalpha and ERbeta was highest in the proliferative phase and was similar in both groups. Brx expression differed between healthy volunteers and those with endometriosis. During the proliferative phase, immunostaining intensity of Brx was greater in both the glandular and the stromal compartments of biopsies from patients with endometriosis compared to healthy volunteers; nuclear stromal Brx staining was more common in patients with endometriosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The spatiotemporal expression of Brx was altered in eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis. These findings suggest a fundamental alteration in the endometrium of women who have endometriosis. The role of Brx in ectopic implantation of endometrium deserves further study.
Hearns-Stokes
Rhonda
R
Reproductive Biology and Medicine Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Mayers
Chantal
C
Zahn
Christopher
C
Cruess
David
D
Gustafsson
Jan-Ake
JA
Segars
James
J
Nieman
Lynnette
L
D054758:A Kinase Anchor Proteins; D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha / Q000378:metabolism; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000378:metabolism; D015778:Minor Histocompatibility Antigens; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D054758:A Kinase Anchor Proteins; C085467:AKAP13 protein, human; D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta; D015778:Minor Histocompatibility Antigens; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins