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Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research

Dienogest increases the progesterone receptor isoform B/A ratio in patients with ovarian endometriosis

Authors: Atsushi Hayashi, Akiko Tanabe, Sachiko Kawabe, Mika Hayashi, Hiroko Yuguchi, Yoshiki Yamashita, Kiyoji Okuda, Masahide Ohmichi

Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Background

The resistance of endometriotic tissue to progesterone can be explained by alterations in the distribution of progesterone receptor (PR) and estrogen receptor (ER) isoforms. The aims of this study were to examine the expressions of PR-A, PR-B, ERα and ERβ in endometrioma and assess whether these expressions are affected by dienogest or leuprolide acetate (LA) treatment.

Methods

We enrolled 60 females, including 43 patients with endometriosis (14 who received no medical treatment, 13 who received dienogest and 16 who received LA before undergoing laparoscopic surgery) and 17 patients with leiomyoma. The expression levels of PR and ER isoforms in eutopic and ectopic endometrium were assayed with quantitative real-time PCR, and confirmed with immunohistochemistry.

Results

A decreased PR-B/PR-A ratio and an increased ERβ/ERα ratio were demonstrated in ectopic endometrium derived from females with endometriosis compared with the ratios observed in eutopic endometrium obtained from females without endometriosis. Although LA treatment did not affect the PR-B/PR-A and ERβ/ERα ratios, dienogest treatment increased the PR-B/PR-A ratio and decreased the ERβ/ERα ratio in patients with endometriomas.

Conclusions

Dienogest may improve progesterone resistance in endometriotic tissue by increasing the relative expressions of PR-B and PR-A, and decreasing the relative expressions of ERβ and ERα.

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Title: Dienogest increases the progesterone receptor isoform B/A ratio in patients with ovarian endometriosis
Authors: Atsushi Hayashi
Akiko Tanabe
Sachiko Kawabe
Mika Hayashi
Hiroko Yuguchi
Yoshiki Yamashita
Kiyoji Okuda
Masahide Ohmichi
Publication date: 01-12-2012
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1757-2215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-2215-5-31

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Dienogest increases the progesterone receptor isoform B/A ratio in patients with ovarian endometriosis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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