Implication of the RAGE-EN-RAGE axis in endometriosis

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2010 Sep;110(3):199-202. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2010.03.037.

Abstract

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).

Conclusion: Our findings strengthen the hypothesis of an underlying inflammation in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and suggest exploring anti-inflammatory therapies as adjunct treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / genetics
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / metabolism*
  • Endometriosis / metabolism*
  • Endometrium / cytology
  • Endometrium / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products
  • Receptors, Immunologic / genetics
  • Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism*
  • S100 Proteins / genetics
  • S100 Proteins / metabolism*
  • S100A12 Protein
  • Stromal Cells / metabolism
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • S100 Proteins
  • S100A12 Protein
  • S100A12 protein, human
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • PTGS2 protein, human