title: 1-alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 regresses endometriotic implants in rats by inhibiting neovascularization and altering regulation of matrix metalloproteinase.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The exact pathogenesis of endometriosis has not been completely discerned. 1-alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25[OH][2]D[3]) has been shown to have an anti-angiogenic effect and extracellular matrix-proteases-degrading properties. We hypothesized that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) may have therapeutic value in the treatment of endometriosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Endometrial tissue was implanted into the abdominal peritoneum of 21 Wistar albino rats; the rats were randomized into 3 groups. In Group A (simultaneous group), we simultaneously induced endometriosis and began 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) treatment. Group B rats (sequential group) were treated after endometriosis was documented. Animals in Group C (control group) were followed without any treatment after the development of endometriosis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Histologic score, mean volume, and weight of the explants in Group A and B were found to be significantly lower than those of the control group. Levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) immunoreactivities in Group A and B were also significantly lower compared with Group C. In contrast, intensities of immunoreactivity staining for tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in Group A and B were significantly higher than that of the control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  1,25(OH)(2)D(3) regresses endometriotic implants in rat models by altering implant levels of VEGF, TIMP-2, and MMP-9.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
authors.forename: Basak
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yildirim
authors.forename: Tolga
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Guler
authors.forename: Metin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Akbulut
authors.forename: Ozer
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Oztekin
authors.forename: Gulcin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sariiz
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000187:drug effects*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009929:Organ Size; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000187:drug effects; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D014807:Vitamin D; C031271:1-alpha, 25-difluorovitamin D3; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9