Transvaginal color Doppler sonography predicts ovarian interstitial fibrosis and microvascular injury in women with ovarian endometriotic cysts.
OBJECTIVE
To determine novel predictors of ovarian interstitial fibrosis and microvascular injury associated with ovarian endometriotic cysts (OECs).


METHODS
Case-control study.


METHODS
The gynecology unit of an affiliated hospital in China.


METHODS
Women <40 years of age with OECs or benign ovarian tumors (controls).


METHODS
Transvaginal color Doppler sonography was performed preoperatively to detect ovarian interstitial flow. Postoperatively, expressions of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), as well as microvessel density in ovarian interstitial, were analyzed using immunohistochemistry.


METHODS
Ovarian interstitial flow and expressions of TGF-β1, TSP-1, and microvessel density.


RESULTS
Compared with controls, ovarian interstitial flow in the study group was decreased and arterial spectra indicated significantly higher resistance indices. Microvessel density was reduced, but TGF-β1 and TSP-1 were elevated in the study group. There was a positive correlation between TGF-β1 and TSP-1. There were negative correlations between TGF-β1 and microvessel density, and between TSP-1 and microvessel density. Microvessel density and resistance indices were negatively correlated, whereas the correlations of TGF-β1 and TSP-1 with resistance indices were positive.


CONCLUSIONS
Resistance indices are consistent with pathological indices. Changes in resistance indices in ovaries with endometriosis are related to interstitial fibrosis and microvascular injury.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.
Jun-Jun
JJ
Qiu
Man-Hua
MH
Liu
Zhong-Xin
ZX
Zhang
Li-Ping
LP
Chen
Qi-Chang
QC
Yang
Hong-Bing
HB
Liu
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D055806:Microvessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D010048:Ovarian Cysts / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010053:Ovary / Q000098:blood supply*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D019700:Thrombospondin 1 / Q000097:blood; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D014621:Vagina / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
D019700:Thrombospondin 1; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1