ER and COX2 expression in endometrial hyperplasia processes

Abstract

Endometrial hyperplastic processes (EHPs) encompass various morphological changes, characterized by an increased ratio of endometrial glands to stroma. These changes manifest as endometrial hyperplasia (EH) and endometrial polyps. The objective of this study was to investigate the expressions of ER and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) in EH and endometrial polyps, and determine their correlation with histological and anthropometric parameters. Tissue samples were obtained during hysteroresectoscopy and divided into 3 groups: non-atypical EH, glandular EP, and glandular-fibrous EP. We examined the immunoprofile of epithelial and stromal cells using rabbit polyclonal anti-COX2 antibodies and rabbit monoclonal anti-ER antibodies (clone SP1). Our results indicate that there is no association between the expressions of ER and COX2 and the type of EHP. Furthermore, the expression levels of ER and COX2 are not influenced by the patients anthropometric parameters. However, tissues with EHPs exhibited significantly higher COX2 expression compared to intact tissues. We also observed a direct correlation between ER and COX2 expression in the endometrial epithelium. The variability in ER and COX2 expressions observed in hyperplastic processes of the endometrium potentially suggests their synergistic involvement in the initiation and progression of EHPs, as well as their potential role in subsequent tumor transformation.