Molecular profiling of experimental endometriosis identified gene expression patterns in common with human disease.
OBJECTIVE
To validate a rat model of endometriosis using complimentary DNA (cDNA) microarrays by identifying common gene expression patterns between experimental and natural disease.


METHODS
Autotransplantation rat model.


METHODS
Medical school department.


METHODS
Female Sprague-Dawley rats.


METHODS
Endometriosis was surgically induced by suturing uterine horn implants next to the small intestine's mesentery. Control rats received sutures with no implants. After 60 days, endometriotic implants and uterine horn were obtained.


METHODS
Gene expression levels determined by cDNA microarrays and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The Cy5-labeled cDNA was synthesized from total RNA obtained from endometriotic implants. The Cy3-labeled cDNA was synthesized using uterine RNA from a control rat. Gene expression levels were analyzed after hybridizing experimental and control labeled cDNA to PIQOR (Parallel Identification and Quantification of RNAs) Toxicology Rat Microarrays (Miltenyi Biotec, Cologne, Germany) containing 1,252 known genes. The Cy5/Cy3 ratios were determined, and genes with >2-fold higher or <0.5-fold lower expression levels were selected. Microarray results were validated by QRT-PCR.


RESULTS
We observed differential expression of genes previously shown to be up-regulated in patients, including growth factors, inflammatory cytokines/receptors, tumor invasion/metastasis factors, adhesion molecules, and antiapoptotic factors.


CONCLUSIONS
This study presents evidence in support of using this rat model to study the natural history of endometriosis and to test novel therapeutics for this incurable disease.
Flores
Idhaliz
I
Department of Microbiology, Ponce School of Medicine, Ponce, Puerto Rico. iflores@psm.edu <iflores@psm.edu>
Rivera
Elizabeth
E
Ruiz
Lynnette A
LA
Santiago
Olga I
OI
Vernon
Michael W
MW
Appleyard
Caroline B
CB
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling / Q000379:methods; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley