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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

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Open Access 01-11-2020 | Endometriosis | Reproductive Physiology and Disease

GRN, NOTCH3, FN1, and PINK1 expression in eutopic endometrium – potential biomarkers in the detection of endometriosis – a pilot study

Authors: Isabell Holzer, Amanda Machado Weber, Anne Marshall, Alexander Freis, Julia Jauckus, Thomas Strowitzki, Ariane Germeyer

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 11/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Endometriosis (EM) is a common gynecological disease affecting 10–15% of women of reproductive age. However, molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis are still not completely understood. Furthermore, due to the absence of a reliable clinical biomarker, the only viable method for the often-delayed definitive diagnosis is laparoscopic surgery. Our objective was to analyze molecular differences of selected endometrial proteins and genes of women suffering from different stages of EM compared with healthy women to evaluate potential clinical biomarkers.

Methods

We analyzed eutopic endometrial tissue samples from women undergoing a laparoscopic surgery (n = 58). mRNA gene expression of progranulin (GRN), neurogenic locus notch homolog protein (NOTCH3), fibronectin (FN1), and PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) was analyzed using qRT-PCR. Protein expression was determined using ELISA and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Significant differences in gene expression between the different stages of the disease were noted for GRN, NOTCH3, FN1, and PINK1 (p < 0.05). The endometrium of women with minimal EM (ASRM I) showed the highest mRNA expression. Protein levels of GRN and FN1 on the other hand were significantly decreased in the endometrium of women with EM compared with those of healthy controls. Furthermore, for GRN and FN1, we could detect a correlation of protein expression with the severity of the disease.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a potential use of GRN and FN1 as clinical biomarkers to detect endometriosis. In addition, GRN, NOTCH3, FN1, and PINK1 could potentially be useful to differentiate between the underlying stages of the disease. However, a validation with a larger study population is needed.

Results of the Mann–Whitney U test (exemplary only significant values are shown): GRN—control versus ASRM II: p = 0.043, control versus ASRM III: p = 0.011, control versus EM: p = 0.006; FN1—control versus ASRM II: p = 0.009, control versus ASRM III: p = 0.003, control versus EM: p = 0,006.

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Title: GRN, NOTCH3, FN1, and PINK1 expression in eutopic endometrium – potential biomarkers in the detection of endometriosis – a pilot study
Authors: Isabell Holzer
Amanda Machado Weber
Anne Marshall
Alexander Freis
Julia Jauckus
Thomas Strowitzki
Ariane Germeyer
Publication date: 01-11-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Endometriosis
Biomarkers
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 11/2020
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-020-01905-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

GRN, NOTCH3, FN1, and PINK1 expression in eutopic endometrium – potential biomarkers in the detection of endometriosis – a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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