Endometriosis Knowledgebase


A repository for genes associated with endometriosis

Results


PMID 17609243
Gene Name PLAUR
Condition Endometriosis
Association Associated
Population size 121
Population details 121 (71 women with endometriosis, 50 controls)
Sex Female
Associated genes VEGF, uPA and MMP-3
Other associated phenotypes Endometriosis
Expression of angiogenic factors in endometriosis: relationship to fibrinolytic and metalloproteinase systems.

Hum Reprod. 2007 Aug;22(8):2120-7. Epub 2007 Jul 3.

Gilabert-Estelles, J| Ramon, L A| Espana, F| Gilabert, J| Vila, V| Reganon, E| Castello, R| Chirivella, M| Estelles, A

Gynecology Service, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, Valencia, Spain.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a highly prevalent, benign disease in which the angiogenic, fibrinolytic and metalloproteinase (MMP) systems may be implicated. The objective of this study is to analyse mRNA expression and protein levels of several angiogenic factors and to correlate them with several components of the fibrinolytic and MMP systems in samples from 71 women with endometriosis and 50 controls. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eutopic endometrium showed higher mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients than in controls. However, ovarian endometrioma had lower VEGF mRNA levels than did the eutopic endometrium of patients. Similar results were obtained for VEGF protein levels. On the other hand, a significant increase in thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) levels was observed in ovarian endometrioma than in eutopic endometrium. The peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis showed a significant increase in VEGF, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and MMP-3 levels than that of controls. A significant correlation was observed between the levels of VEGF and uPA in endometrium and in peritoneal fluid. CONCLUSIONS: Endometrium and peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis have increased levels of VEGF, uPA and MMP-3 levels. Therefore, the development of endometriotic implants at ectopic sites may be facilitated, promoting the progress of the endometriosis.

Mesh Terms: Adult| Angiogenesis Inducing Agents/*metabolism| Angiogenic Proteins/*biosynthesis| Ascitic Fluid/metabolism| Endometriosis/*metabolism| Endometrium/metabolism| Female| Fibrinolytic Agents/*metabolism| Humans| Matrix Metalloproteinases/*metabolis