TGF-beta 1 and IGF-1 expression in atrophic post-menopausal endometrium

Giuseppe Loverro, G Loverro, Elda Perlino, E Perlino, Eugenio Maiorano, E Maiorano, Gennaro Cormio, G Cormio, R Ricco, E Marra, Ersilia Marra, L Nappi, Luigi Nappi, Teresa Giannini, T Giannini, Luigi Selvaggi, L. Selvaggi
Maturitas · 1999 · vol. 31(2) , pp. 179–184 · doi:10.1016/s0378-5122(98)00095-4 · PMID:10227013 · W2089672374
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This study investigated the expression levels of TGF-beta 1 and IGF-1 in atrophic endometrium from post-menopausal women.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Endometrial cells may synthetize cytokines and growth factors which may modulate some of the molecular mechanisms of endometrial proliferation and differentiation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We investigated the role of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta 1), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and relative receptors in five tissue samples from atrophic post-menopausal endometria. The control group was represented by proliferative and secretory endometria from 10 healthy, normally-menstratued women. TGF-beta 1 and IGF-1 m-RNA expression was evaluated by Northern hybridization analysis, while TGF-beta 1 and IGF-1 receptors distribution was studied by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In atrophic endometria Northern hybridization analysis showed a significant decrease of IGF-1 expression, and an increase of TGF-beta 1 expression compared to proliferative and secretory endometria. By immunohistochemistry it was demonstrated that TGF-beta 1 and IGF-1 receptors were both localized in cell cytoplasm, mainly in the stromal compartment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study would suggest a possible role of IGF-1 and TGF-beta 1 in maintaining the quiescent differentiative state of atrophic post-menopausal endometrium. The persistence of IGF-1 and TGF-beta 1 receptors in epithelial compartment could play a key role in proliferative response of atrophic endometrium to exogenous hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or endogenous intervening high estrogens levels.

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MeSH descriptors

Endometrium Endometrium Postmenopause Receptor, IGF Type 1 Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta Adult Animals Atrophy Blotting, Northern Case-Control Studies Endometrium Female Gene Expression Regulation Humans Immunohistochemistry Mice Middle Aged Rabbits Receptor, IGF Type 1 Receptor, IGF Type 1

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