Insulin-like growth factor-1 isoform mRNA expression in women with endometriosis: eutopic endometrium versus endometriotic cyst

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2006 Dec:1092:434-9. doi: 10.1196/annals.1365.042.

Abstract

Pathogenesis of endometriosis involves growth factors, which are synthesized locally. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) prevents apoptosis and has mitogenic action on endometrial cells. The IGF-1 gene undergoes alternative splicing and results in three isoforms (IGF-1Ea, IGF-1Eb, and IGF-1Ec or MGF). We analyzed the mRNA expression of IGF-1 isoforms in tissue samples of eutopic endometrium and endometriotic cyst obtained during laparoscopy from women with endometriosis. We documented that all three IGF-1 isoforms are expressed in both eutopic endometrium and ovarian endometrioma. Furthermore, we documented a significant decrease in all IGF-1 isoform expression in endometriotic cyst compared to endometrium of women with endometriosis. The reduction may correlate with the disease status and presence of fibrotic inactive tissue found in late stages of the disease.

MeSH terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cysts / metabolism
  • DNA Primers
  • Endometriosis / metabolism*
  • Endometrium / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / analysis
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / genetics*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Protein Isoforms
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • Protein Isoforms
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I