Altered endometrial expression of α-inhibin subunit and its co-receptor betaglycan in infertile women with endometriosis

Background: Inhibins and their co-receptor betaglycan are members of the transforming growth factor β superfamily, a group of signaling molecules that control the differentiation of human endometrium in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. Objective: Since endometriosis is associated with endometrial dysfunction and infertility, this study aimed at evaluating the expression of α-inhibin a nd betaglycan mRNA and proteins in endometrial samples of infertile women with and without endometriosis. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants/Materials: Endometrial samples of women with (n=17) and without (n=22) endometriosis, subdivided according to the menstrual cycle phase into prolifera tive and secretory. Setting: University hospital. Methods: We used real-time RT-PCR to quantify mRNA levels and immunohistochemistry to localize the proteins. Results: α-inhibin mRNA levels were significantly increased in the secretory phase (p
Source: Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation - Category: OBGYN Source Type: research