HOXA-10 expression in the mid-secretory endometrium of infertile patients with either endometriosis, uterine fibromas or unexplained infertility.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to investigate HOXA-10 expression in endometrium from infertile patients with different forms of endometriosis; with uterine fibromas, or with unexplained infertility and from normal fertile women.


METHODS
Expression levels of HOXA-10 mRNA and protein in endometrium were measured during the mid-secretory phase. This study utilized laser capture microdissection, real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
HOXA-10 mRNA and protein expression levels in endometrial stromal cells were significantly lower in infertile patients with different types of endometriosis (deep infiltrating endometriosis, ovarian endometriosis and superficial peritoneal endometriosis), with uterine myoma, and unexplained infertility patients as compared with healthy fertile controls. HOXA-10 mRNA expression levels of microdissected glandular epithelial cells were significantly lower than those of microdissected stromal cells, without significant differences among the different groups. No protein expression was detected in glandular epithelial cells. The percentage of patients with altered protein expression of HOXA-10 in stromal cells were significantly higher in patients with only superficial peritoneal endometriosis (100%, 20/20, P < 0.05) compared with the other infertile groups (deep infiltrating endometriosis: 72.7%, 16/22; ovarian endometriosis: 70.0%, 14/20; uterine myoma: 68.8%, 11/16; unexplained infertility: 55.6%, 5/9).


CONCLUSIONS
The present findings suggested that altered expression of HOXA-10 in endometrial stromal cells during the window of implantation may be one of the potential molecular mechanisms of infertility in infertile patients, particularly in patients with only superficial peritoneal endometriosis. One of the underlying causes of infertility in patients with only superficial endometriosis may be altered expression of HOXA-10 in endometrial stromal cells.
Matsuzaki
Sachiko
S
CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Polyclinique-Hôtel-Dieu, Gynécologie Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, Boulevard Léon Malfreyt, 63058 Clermont-Ferrand, France. sachikoma@aol.com
Canis
Michel
M
Darcha
Claude
C
Pouly
Jean-Luc
JL
Mage
Gérard
G
D000328:Adult; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D000080905:Homeobox A10 Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000601:surgery; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D008183:Luteal Phase; D009214:Myoma / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism; D009685:Nuclear Envelope / Q000378:metabolism; D010049:Ovarian Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000473:pathology; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism; D055815:Young Adult
D000080905:Homeobox A10 Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C069634:HOXA10 protein, human