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Klaus Friese

Publications and source records attributed to Klaus Friese.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Expression of endothelial NO synthase, inducible NO synthase, and estrogen receptors alpha and beta in placental tissue of normal, preeclamptic, and intrauterine growth-restricted pregnancies.

In the physiology of placental blood circulation, nitric oxide (NO) synthases seem to play important roles, although their expression in pathological placentas and their role is still unclear. In addition, NO synthase activation seems to be related to estrogen receptor expression. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the expression of estrogen receptors alpha (ERalpha), estrogen receptor beta (ER and the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) placentas, preeclamptic placentas, and in normal healthy control placentas. Slides of paraffin-embedded placental tissue were obtained after delivery from patients diagnosed with IUGR, preeclampsia, and normal term placentas and analyzed for eNOS, iNOS as well as ERalpha and ERbeta expression. Intensity of immunohistochemical reaction was analyzed using a semiquantitative score and statistical analysis was performed. In addition, Western blot experiments were performed for comparison of staining intensities obtained by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Expression of eNOS, iNOS, and ERbeta is significantly reduced in trophoblast cells of placentas with IUGR. However, preeclamptic placentas demonstrated a significant elevated expression intensity of these proteins compared with normal controls. A different expression of eNOS, iNOS, ERalpha, and ERbeta by human trophoblast cells seems to results in lower NO output and impaired trophoblast invasion. Results obtained in our study provide evidence that reduced expression of the investigated proteins is related to IUGR.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed2005

Coxsackie and adenovirus receptor promotes adenocarcinoma cell survival and is expressionally activated after transition from preneoplastic precursor lesions to invasive adenocarcinomas.

PURPOSE: The cell adhesion protein, coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR), is differentially expressed in various human adenocarcinomas. We analyzed the role of differential CAR expression during tumorigenesis and in cell survival of adenocarcinomas. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: In a murine mammary cancer model, a syngenic preneoplastic mammary tissue was implanted into the mammary fat pads of syngenic female BALB/c mice. CAR expression was determined by semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR in the preneoplastic noninvasive precursor lesions and the developing invasive adenocarcinomas. Cell clones overexpressing CAR were generated and tested for their response to apoptotic factors and for the expression of apoptosis relevant proteins by reverse transcription-PCR and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: In comparison of preneoplastic precursor lesions with established adenocarcinomas, CAR expression was enhanced 2- to 5-fold in all six tissues which had survived and transformed into invasive adenocarcinomas. When stable CAR-overexpressing cell clones of the human cancer cell lines HeLa, CaSki, and A2780 were compared with the parental cell lines, 1.5- to 6-fold more cells survived application of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand or growth factor withdrawal. CAR-enhanced cell survival was accompanied by reduced activation of caspase 3 and enhanced expression of bcl-2 or bcl-XL, depending on the cell type tested. Up-regulation of bcl-2 was found in all CAR-expressing adenocarcinomas of the murine cancer model. CONCLUSIONS: CAR expression is enhanced after transition from preneoplastic precursor lesions to neoplastic mammary cancer outgrowths. Enhanced CAR expression can promote cancer cell survival. These data suggest differential expression of CAR as a new factor in tumorigenesis.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2005

Characterisation of disseminated tumor cells in the bone marrow of breast cancer patients by the Thomsen-Friedenreich tumor antigen.

The detection of disseminated tumor cells in the bone marrow (DTC-BM) of breast cancer patients has proved prognostic significance in all stages of the disease. Further characterisation of those cells could help to improve the biological understanding of metastases, develop targeted therapies and define surface markers for enrichment techniques. The Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF) antigen has been shown to be a tumor specific antigen in breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of TF on DTC-BM in 25 patients. Bone marrow samples were first double-stained by a Cy3 conjugated cytokeratin (CK) antibody (ab) A45 B/B3 (IgG) and anti-TF ab Nemod 2 (IgM), followed by Cy2 conjugated goat anti-mouse IgM ab. For further characterisation samples were also double-stained with anti-TF ab Nemod 2 (IgM), followed by Cy2 conjugated goat anti-mouse IgM ab, and anti MUC1 ab A76-A/C7 IgG, followed by Cy3 conjugated goat anti-mouse IgG. CK positive DTC-BM showed co-expression of TF antigen in 22/23 patients (96%) and 61 of 62 detected cells (98%). Mononuclear BM cells without CK expression were also negative for TF. All of the TF positive cells showed strong MUC1 expression. This is the first study showing co-expression of CK and TF as markers of DTC-BM. Double staining experiments of TF and MUC1 expression showed that MUC1 is the carrier protein of TF in these cells. As TF is a specific marker of DTC-BM, it could be used as a target for antibody based therapy and immunomagnetic enrichment techniques for the isolation of DTC-BM.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell's palsy) in the immediate puerperium in a patient with mild preeclampsia: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic peripheral facial palsy is the most common and frequent unilateral cranial neurological disorder characterized by an isolated facial nerve paralysis. CASE REPORT: We report a case of an idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell's palsy) in the immediate puerperium in a patient with mild preeclampsia and diagnosed fetal IUGR. Additionally, the presence of Bell's palsy in the puerperium of the mother of our patient suggests a familiar tendency. DISCUSSION: Every gynaecologist and obstetrician should be aware of this quite uncommon complication during pregnancy and the puerperium. This case report illustrates that Bell's palsy can occur in the immediate post-partum after mild preeclamptic symptoms. For these women, a maternal surveillance can be recommended. A fast and accurate diagnosis with a subsequent immediate treatment might be very important in avoiding worsening of the symptoms and therefore improve the recovery prognosis.

Acyclovir↗
PubMed2005

Regulation of progesterone production in human term trophoblasts in vitro by CRH, ACTH and cortisol (prednisolone).

BACKGROUND: In most mammals, onset of labor is accompanied with progesterone withdrawal. In humans, cortisol blockade of progesterone is a possible mechanism involved in the initiation of labor. Therefore, aim of the study was to clarify the effect of CRH, ACTH and cortisol (prednisolone) on the release of progesterone by term trophoblast cells in vitro. METHODS: Cytotrophoblast cells were prepared from human term placentas by standard dispersion of villous tissue followed by a percoll gradient centrifugation step. Trophoblasts were incubated with CRH, ACTH as well as with prednisolone. RESULTS: The release of progesterone is decreased in CRH- and ACTH-treated trophoblast cell cultures compared to untreated trophoblast cells. Addition of prednisolone in varying concentrations leads to an increase of trophoblast progesterone production. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that CRH and ACTH directly modulate the endocrine function of trophoblasts in culture by downregulating progesterone production. Prednisolone on the other hand showed a stimulating effect on progesterone production in term trophoblast cells in vitro. Because blockade of progesterone is a possible mechanism involved in initiation of labor, we may speculate that CRH and ACTH are directly involved in the auto- or paracrine regulation of this procedure.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed2005

The persistence of isolated tumor cells in bone marrow from patients with breast carcinoma predicts an increased risk for recurrence.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic significance of isolated tumor cells (ITCs) in bone marrow (BM) from patients with breast carcinoma at the time of their primary diagnosis recently was been confirmed by a large pooled analysis. If the persistence of ITCs after adjuvant therapy confers a similar risk for recurrence, then it would be an indication to consider secondary adjuvant therapy. METHODS: The authors analyzed BM aspirates from 228 patients during recurrence-free follow-up at a median interval +/- standard deviation (SD) of 21.3 +/- 29.1 months after a primary diagnosis of breast carcinoma (pathologic T1 [pT1]-pT2, pN0-pN3, pM0). Carcinoma cells were detected using a standardized immunoassay with monoclonal antibody A45-B/B3 directed against cytokeratin (CK). Patients were followed for a median +/- SD of 49.8 +/- 32.1 months after their primary diagnosis. RESULTS: Persistent ITCs in BM were detected in 12.7% of patients (n=29 patients). Positive BM status was more frequent (15.7%) within the first 21 months after primary diagnosis than after a follow-up > 21 months (9.7%). The Kaplan-Meier estimate for mean recurrence-free survival was 149.7 months (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 139.6-159.8 months) in patients with negative BM status and 86.5 months (95% CI, 65.7-107.4 months; P=0.0003) in patients with positive BM status at the time patients underwent follow-up BM aspiration. Patients who were without evidence of persistent ITCs had a significantly longer overall survival (162.1 months; 95% CI, 152.1-172.0 months) compared with patients who had positive BM status (overall survival, 98.7 months; 95% CI, 79.7-117.9 months; P=0.0008). In multivariate Cox regression analysis that included BM status, tumor size, lymph node status, and histopathologic grade, evidence of ITCs was an independent significant predictor for reduced disease-free survival (relative risk [RR], 4.57; P <0.0001) and overall survival (RR, 5.57; P=0.002). Persistent ITCs had the greatest prognostic relevance when they were detected between 25 months and 42 months after primary diagnosis (RR, 7.68). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of persistent ITCs in BM from patients with breast carcinoma indicated an increased risk for subsequent recurrence. Prospective trials should investigate the benefit of secondary adjuvant treatment on the basis of BM marrow status.

Bone Marrow↗
PubMed2005

Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is immunohistochemically expressed in normal, hyperplastic and malignant endometrial tissue.

OBJECTIVE: Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotrophic cytokine, which might play an important role in human reproduction and endocrine-responsive tumours. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the frequency and tissue distribution of LIF in normal, hyperplastic and malignant endometrium. STUDY DESIGN: Paraffin-fixed endometrial tissue was obtained from normal premenopausal women (n = 15), endometrial hyperplasia (n = 20), endometroid adenocarcinoma (n = 32) and endometrial polyps (n = 9). The LIF expression was demonstrated by immunohistochemical means and evaluated with a semi-quantitative immunoreactive score. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used for statistical evaluation. RESULTS: The lowest expression of LIF was observed in endometrial adenocarcinomas compared to all groups, while endometrial polyps expressed the highest LIF immunostaining. The expression in normal human glandular cells was significantly higher during the late secretory phase than in the proliferative phase. The highest expression of LIF was observed in endometrial polyps. Simple hyperplasia showed a significantly higher LIF expression than proliferative endometrium and adenocarcinoma. Adenomatous hyperplasia (AH) grade I-III had a significantly higher LIF expression than adenocarcinoma. The lowest expression of LIF was observed in adenocarcinoma, being statistically significant compared to all groups. CONCLUSION: LIF was immunohistochemically demonstrated in normal, hyperplastic and malignant endometrial tissue, suggesting a widespread but complex role for LIF in hyperplastic and malignant endometrial growth regulation. AH I-III also expressed LIF with statistically higher immunostaining than adenocarcinoma. Since AH III can be considered as a precursor of endometrial cancer, LIF could be a marker of cell transformation.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2005

Effects of phytoestrogens genistein and daidzein on production of human chorionic gonadotropin in term trophoblast cells in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Phytoestrogens are a diverse group of non-steroidal compounds that occur naturally in many plants. Because they possess a ring system similar to estrogens they are able to bind to estrogen receptors in humans. In the present study we tested the effects of the phytoestrogens genistein and daidzein on the production of human chorionic gondaotropin (hCG) in isolated trophoblast cells of term placentas in vitro. METHODS: Genistein and daidzein were incubated at different concentrations with trophoblast cells. Untreated cells were used as controls. At designated times aliquots were removed and tested for hCG production. RESULTS: Production of the protein hormone hCG was influenced by the phytoestrogens genistein and daidzein in trophoblast cells. We found a significant decrease of hCG production in genistein- and daidzein-treated trophoblast cells that was concentration-dependent. Compared with daidzein, genistein seems to be a more efficient inhibitor of the production of hCG. CONCLUSION: The phytoestrogens genistein and daidzein can reduce hCG production in human term trophoblasts. Both phytoestrogens belong to the group of isoflavones, which are enriched in soy-containing foods and are widely consumed by humans for putative beneficial health effects. Because both phytoestrogens have inhibitory effects on hCG production during pregnancy, exposure to these estrogen-like compounds during sensitive periods of development may have the capacity to alter the function of the reproductive system and thereby influence fertility.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Stimulation of hCG protein and mRNA in first trimester villous cytotrophoblast cells in vitro by glycodelin A.

AIM: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by fetal trophoblast cells and secreted into maternal circulation mainly in the first trimester of pregnancy. Another glycoprotein, glycodelin A, is one of the main products of the maternal decidua during this period. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of glycodelin A on hCG release by isolated cytotrophoblast cells in vitro. METHODS: Cytotrophoblast cells were prepared from human first trimester placenta and incubated with varying concentrations of glycodelin A. Supernatants were assayed for hCG protein concentrations, and quantification of beta hCG mRNA was carried out by RT-PCR. Expression of hCG was analysed in stimulated trophoblast cells and in unstimulated controls by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: Glycodelin A induces a dose-dependent increase of hCG production. An increase of hCG expression was measured at 100 and 200 microg/mL glycodelin-A treatment in trophoblast cell culture by TaqMan assay on mRNA level. We found a moderate staining of hCG in control trophoblast cells, whereas a strong hCG staining was seen in glycodelin A-treated trophoblast cells. CONCLUSIONS: HCG is a marker for the differentiation process of trophoblast cells. Our results suggest that glycodelin A secreted by the decidualized endometrium is involved in the regulation of hormones produced by the trophoblast.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed2005

Inhibin/activin subunits (inhibin-alpha, -betaA and -betaB) are differentially expressed in human breast cancer and their metastasis.

Inhibins (INH) are dimeric glycoproteins, composed of an alpha-subunit (INH-alpha) and one of two possible beta-subunits (INH-betaA or -betaB). Aims of this study were to determine the frequency and tissue distribution of INH-alpha, -betaA and -betaB in breast cancer tissue. Paraffin-fixed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS; n=7), invasive ductal carcinomas without lymph node metastases (IDC; n=8), infiltrating ductal carcinomas with their lymph node metastases (IDC/LN; n=8), primary ductal carcinomas with their subsequent recurrence (n=7) were analyzed by immunohistochemical means with monoclonal antibodies against inhibin-alpha, -betaA and -betaB subunits. INH-alpha was observed in DCIS (5/7), while its expression was significantly higher in DCIS than IDC (1/7; p<0.05) and IDC/LN (0/8; p<0.005) and recurrent breast cancer tissue (0/7; p<0.005). The INH-betaA subunit was also demonstrated in all DCIS cases with a significantly higher intensity compared to IDC (p<0.05), IDC/LN (p<0.01) and primary carcinoma with subsequent recurrence (p<0.05). INH-betaA expression was significant higher in primary tumors with subsequent recurrence compared to IDC/LN (p<0.05). The metastatic lymph nodes expressed the lowest inhibin-betaA compared to all other groups (p<0.01). INH-betaB was also demonstrated in all mammary carcinoma tissues, but without any statistical differences. The differential expression of INH-alpha in DCIS might suggest a function as a tumor suppressor in breast tissue, suggesting a useful marker for recognizing patients with subsequent risk of developing invasive ductal cancer. The higher INH-betaA expression in DCIS than invasive cancer suggests an important role in mammary carcinogenesis. Interestingly, primary breast tumor with a subsequent recurrence expressed a higher intensity of the inhibin-betaA subunit, suggesting an important role in metastatic pathogenesis, and utilization as a tumor marker. The immunoreactivity of inhibin-betaA was significantly higher in DCIS than invasive ductal carcinomas, suggesting an important role in mammary carcinogenesis. The metastatic lymph nodes expressed lower INH-betaA and -betaB than the primary tumor, which might be the cause of less differentiated and aggressive tumor cells within the primary tumor. Therefore, inhibin/activin subunits might be useful prognostic markers for breast cancer.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed2005

Expression of glycodelin protein and mRNA in human ductal breast cancer carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinomas, their lymph node and distant metastases, and ductal carcinomas with recurrence.

Glycodelin, previously known as PP14, has been localized in endometrial, ovarian and cervical carcinoma cells. Recently, glycodelin was demonstrated to be expressed in cancerous human breast tissue. In this study, paraffin-embedded slides of carcinoma in situ, invasive carcinomas without metastases, invasive carcinomas with corresponding lymph node metastases, invasive carcinomas with corresponding recurrence and invasive carcinomas with corresponding distant metastases were investigated for glycodelin protein and mRNA expression. Protein expression was found in all cases of carcinoma in situ, in invasive carcinoma without lymph node metastases in 90% of cases, in breast cancer with lymph node metastases in 50% of cases, in breast cancer with recurrence in 38% of cases and in breast cancer with distant metastases in 40% of cases. Results were confirmed by in situ hybridization showing reduced glycodelin expression as lymph node metastasis progressed, compared to carcinoma in situ. Glycodelin mRNA expression is not further reduced in carcinomas with distant metastasis and recurrence compared to carcinoma in situ. Results demonstrate that invasive breast carcinomas without metastases are more likely to express glycodelin. In contrast, cases of breast cancer with metastatic infiltration and recurrence show weak expression of glycodelin. On the basis of these results, we speculate that glycodelin could be used as a prognostic marker for breast cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Genital mycoses].

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Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed2004

Inhibin/activin subunits alpha, beta-A and beta-B are differentially expressed in normal human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle.

Inhibins are dimeric glycoproteins composed of an alpha (alpha) subunit and one of two possible beta (beta-) subunits (betaA or betaB). The aims of this study were to assess the frequency and tissue distribution patterns of the inhibin subunits in normal human endometrium. Samples from human endometrium from proliferative phase (PP; n=32), early secretory phase (ES; n=10) and late secretory phase (LS; n=12) were obtained. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and a statistical analysis were performed. All three inhibin subunits were expressed by normal endometrium by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Inhibin-alpha was primarily detected in glandular epithelial cells, while inhibin-beta subunits were additionally localised in stromal tissue. Inhibin-alpha staining reaction increased significantly between PP and ES (P<0.05), PP and LS (P<0.01), and ES and LS (P<0.02). Inhibin-betaA and -betaB were significant higher in LS than PP (P<0.05) and LS than ES (P<0.05). All three inhibin subunits were expressed by human endometrium varying across the menstrual cycle. This suggests substantial functions in human implantation of inhibin-alpha subunit, while stromal expression of the beta subunits could be important in the paracrine signalling for adequate endometrial maturation. The distinct expression in human endometrial tissue suggests a synthesis of inhibins into the lumen and a predominant secretion of activins into the stroma.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed2004

Expression of the inhibin/activin subunits alpha (alpha), beta-A (betaA) and beta-B (betaB) in benign human endometrial polyps and tamoxifen-associated polyps.

BACKGROUND: Inhibins (INH) are dimeric glycoproteins, composed of an alpha subunit (INH-alpha) and one of two possible beta subunits (INH-betaA or INH-betaB). They have substantial roles in human reproduction and in endocrine-responsive tumours. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine the frequency and tissue distribution of INH-alpha, INH-betaA and INH-betaB in normal human endometrium and glandular-cystic endometrial polyps, and polyps caused by tamoxifen use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tissue samples were obtained from women in the proliferative, early secretory and late secretory phase as well as glandular-cystic polyps and endometrial polyps associated with tamoxifen use (n = 5 each). Immunohistochemistry with specific monoclonal antibodies, a semi-quantitative analysis and statistical evaluation was performed. RESULTS: INH-alpha, INH-betaA and INH-betaB were primarily observed in glandular and luminal epithelial cells, with a variant staining intensity in stromal cells. INH-alpha in glands was significantly higher during the early secretory phase (p < 0.05) and the late secretory phase (p < 0.01) than in the proliferative phase with a significant difference between the early secretory and the late secretory phases (p < 0.01). INH-betaA expression was significantly higher during the late secretory than the proliferative phase (p < 0.05) and the late secretory than the early secretory phase (p < 0.05), with no significant differences for INH-betaB. Glandular-cystic polyps showed significantly lower expression of INH-alpha and INH-betaA than the late secretory endometria (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 respectively). Additionally, tamoxifen-associated polyps also demonstrated a significantly lower expression of INH-alpha and INH-betaA than late secretory endometria (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01 respectively). No statistical differences were observed between tamoxifen-associated and glandular-cystic polyps. DISCUSSION: INH-alpha, INH-betaA and INH-betaB were expressed in normal endometrium and endometrial polyps. A cyclical expression of INH-alpha and INH-betaA in normal glands may reflect a functional and hormone-dependent role in human endometrium. Significant differences in staining reaction between the late secretory endometria and polyps suggest that this tissue remains in the proliferating state rather than the secretory state. Therefore, endometrial polyps may be tumours of dysregulation with mainly proliferating characteristics, being unable to synchronise with normal endometrium.

Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal↗
PubMed2004

Human amniotic fluid glycoproteins expressing sialyl Lewis carbohydrate antigens stimulate progesterone production in human trophoblasts in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Progesterone is thought to mediate immune modulator effects by regulating uterine responsiveness. The aim of the study was to clarify the effect of transferrin and glycodelin A (former name PP14) as sialyl Lewis X-expressing glycoproteins on the release of progesterone by trophoblast cells in vitro. METHODS: Cytotrophoblast cells were prepared from human term placentas by standard dispersion of villous tissue followed by a Percoll gradient centrifugation step. Trophoblasts were incubated with varying concentrations (50-300 microg/ml) of human amniotic fluid- and serum-transferrin as well as with glycodelin A. Culture supernatants were assayed for progesterone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and cortisol by enzyme immunometric methods. RESULTS: The release of progesterone is increased in amniotic fluid transferrin- and glycodelin A-treated trophoblast cell cultures compared to untreated trophoblast cells. There is no relation between transferrin and the hCG or cortisol production of trophoblast cells. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that sialyl Lewis carbohydrate antigen-expressing amniotic fluid glycoproteins modulate the endocrine function of trophoblasts in culture by upregulating progesterone production.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed2004

Binding of galectin-1 (gal-1) on trophoblast cells and inhibition of hormone production of trophoblast tumor cells in vitro by gal-1.

Galectin-1 (gal-1), a member of the mammalian beta-galactoside-binding proteins, recognizes preferentially Galbeta1-4GlcNAc sequences of oligosaccharides associated with several cell surface glycoconjugates. As demonstrated histochemically, the lectin recognizes appropriate glycoepitopes on the syncytiotrophoblast and on chorionic carcinoma cells (BeWo). Freshly isolated trophoblast cells and trophoblast tumor cells Jeg3 did not bind gal-1. BeWo cells in contrast to Jeg3 form a syncytium in vitro and synthesize progesterone as well as hCG. BeWo cells were used as an approach to study the effects of gal-1 on hormone production. The lectin decreased cellular hCG and progesterone production as well as hCGbeta gene transcription as measured by real-time RT-PCR. Gal-1 mediated inhibition of cellular progesterone production was reduced in the presence of a Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF)-polyacrylamide conjugate. Inhibition of cellular hCG and progesterone production was also induced by anti-TF monoclonal antibodies. The results demonstrate that ligation of Galbeta1-4GlcNAc and Galbeta1-3GalNAc (TF) epitopes on BeWo cells may have regulatory effects on hCG and progesterone production.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed2004

Immunohistochemical analysis of estrogen receptor alpha, estrogen receptor beta and progesterone receptor in normal human endometrium.

The endometrium expresses estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR), which are involved in autocrine and paracrine regulation processes in response to estrogen and progesterone. The aim of the present study was to evaluate immunohistochemical distribution patterns of estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha), estrogen receptor beta (ER beta) and PR in normal human endometrial tissue with the use of monoclonal antibodies. Human endometria were obtained from 17 premenopausal patients undergoing surgery for non-malignant diseases and were classified to be in proliferative, early secretory and late secretory phases by histological and anamnestical means. Distribution patterns of the steroid receptors were evaluated using the IRS-score and the Mann-Whitney rank-sum test was used to compare the means. Correlation was assessed with the Spearman factor and linear regression analysis. ER alpha and PR expression decreased significantly (p<0.05) in glandular epithelium from the proliferative to the late secretory phase. ER beta expression showed a similar significant decrease (p<0.05), although staining intensity was lower than that of ER alpha. A significant correlation between expression of all three steroid receptors was observed (p<0.001). Distribution patterns of ER alpha, ER beta and PR in normal human endometrium showed a cyclic variation during the menstrual cycle. A significant correlation between expression of ER alpha, ER beta and PR was also demonstrated using regression analysis, indicating dependence of expression of these three steroid receptors. The present study shows the presence of steroid receptors in human endometrial epithelium, indicating that these cells respond to estrogen and progesterone and thus playing a significant role in endometrial physiology.

Endometrium↗