Implication of the RAGE-EN-RAGE axis in endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the involvement of the receptor gene for advanced glycation (RAGE), its ligand EN-RAGE, and COX-2 in endometriosis.


METHODS
The mRNA and protein expression of the corresponding genes were determined from endometriotic cells from 28 study patients and healthy endometrial stromal cells from 20 controls by semiquantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively, using beta-actin as an invariant control.


RESULTS
The expression of COX-2, RAGE, and EN-RAGE was significantly increased, as evidenced by the significantly greater mRNA and protein expression in the cells of the study patients (P<0.001). Previous treatment for endometriosis did not lessen mRNA and protein expression (P<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings strengthen the hypothesis of an underlying inflammation in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and suggest exploring anti-inflammatory therapies as adjunct treatment.
Sharma
Indu
I
Department of Experimental Medicine & Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India.
Dhawan
Veena
V
Saha
Subhash Chand
SC
Rashmi
Bagga
B
Dhaliwal
Lakhbir Kaur
LK
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D000067759:Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000067616:S100A12 Protein; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D055815:Young Adult
D000067759:Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D009418:S100 Proteins; D000067616:S100A12 Protein; C090441:S100A12 protein, human; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human