子宫肌瘤患者VEGF、ER及PR的表达及相关性

目的:研究血管内皮生长因(VEGF)、雌激素受体(ER)、孕激素受体(PR)在子宫肌瘤组织中的表达及其相关性,探计三者在子宫肌瘤发生发展中的作用.方法:采用免疫组化sP法检测40例肌瘤组织及其附近正常平滑肌组织中VEGF、ER及PR的表达水平.同时采用Western-blot法检测其中VEGF的含量,结果:①经免疫组化检测,VEGF、ER及PR在子宫肌瘤组织中表达阳性率均高于相应的瘤旁组织,差异具有显著性(P＜0.05).②VEGF的表达与ER及PR成正相关.③经Western-blot检测,VEGF蛋白含量在子宫肌瘤组织中显著高于相应的瘤旁组织,差异具有显著性(P＜0.05).结论:雌孕激素及VEGF均参与了子宫肌瘤的发生发展.三者之间可能具有协同作用.     

子宫肌瘤大鼠模型的病理改变及病因分析

目的:观测子宫肌瘤大鼠模型的病理改变来探讨子宫肌瘤的病因机制。方法:将20只大鼠随机分为2组:正常对照组、模型组。采用雌、孕激素负荷法建立大鼠子宫肌瘤模型,观察大鼠子宫大体形态;HE染色镜下观察大鼠子宫平滑肌病理改变;镜下测量子宫平滑肌厚度,运用免疫组织化学检测方法来观察雌激素和孕激素在局部平滑肌的反应。结果:雌、孕激素负荷造模后,大鼠子宫大体观子宫色泽晦暗,明显肿胀、结节;镜下观察大鼠子宫平滑肌增生,细胞排列紊乱;平滑肌增厚,部分呈瘤样增生。两组局部ER、PR检测存在显著差异。结论:镜下观察大鼠模型组的子宫有平滑肌瘤形成,雌、孕激素负荷法大鼠子宫肌瘤模型成功建立。子宫平滑肌瘤形成的病因机制中,雌、孕激素起重要作用,而且跟局部平滑肌对雌、孕激素的敏感性密切相关。     

大鼠子宫游离酪氨酸与孕激素受体含量的关系

本文用高效液谱方法,检测了正常成年大鼠子宫内膜胞浆中游离酪氨酸(Tyr)含量,发现其浓度随动情周期的不同而发生波动,在动情前期最低,动情后期最高。同时检测了子宫内膜胞浆中孕激素受体(PR)含量的变化,以动情前期最高,动情后期最低。同样呈有规律的变化。表明酪氨酸与孕激素受体含量在子宫内膜胞浆中浓度的变化呈负相关,实验进一步证实,当向子宫腔内局部注射酪氨酸时,酪氨酸明显减少动情前期、动情期、间情期大鼠子宫内膜胞浆孕激素受体含量,但对动情后期孕激素受体含量无显著影响,这些结果提示酪氨酸可能影响孕激素受体的含量。     

溶血磷脂酸受体及下游信号通路在心脏细胞生长中的调节作用

溶血磷脂酸（1ysophosphatidic acid,LPA）是一种十分活跃的磷脂信号分子,具有广泛的生物学效应,包括诱导神经轴突回缩、应力纤维形成、促进血小板凝集、诱导平滑肌收缩、刺激血管平滑肌细胞增殖等。LPA通过其受体及耦联的G蛋白调节细胞内信号途径,介导各种生物学效应。心脏组织中存在多种LPA受体亚型,尤其受体LPAl亚型在心脏组织中的含量仅次于脑,位居第二,暗示LPA在心脏中有重要的生物学功能。本文着重对LPA的5种受体亚型的组织分布、与G蛋白的耦联和对第二信使的活性调节,以及LPA及其受体亚型对心脏细胞的生长调节作一综述。     

人输卵管粘膜凝集素受体表达的研究

研究正常、妊娠及慢性炎症三种状态下输卵管粘膜凝集素受体表达及其相互关系。应用免疫组织化学ABC方法,以六种生物素化的凝集素为探针,对以上三种状态下的输卵管粘膜凝集素受体进行标记。结果表明PNA.UEA－1.SJA的表达在分泌期比增生期为强;妊娠时输卵管壶腹部粘膜DBA、PNA、SJA表达比分泌期为强,而UEA－1表达比分泌期减弱;慢性输卵管炎粘膜凝集素受体的表达与输卵管妊娠时接近或相同。提示：月经周期中输卵管粘膜凝集素受体的表达受雌激素及孕激素的调节;输卵管妊娠时的表达除受雌孕激素的影响外,还可能与着床时胚泡的局部作用有关;慢性输卵管炎易致输卵管妊娠的因素之一,可能与输卵管粘膜凝集素受体的改变有关。     

间隙连接蛋白基因connexin43、ER、PR的表达在子宫平滑肌瘤中相关性研究

研究细胞间隙连接蛋白基因43（connexin43,CX43）及其蛋白、雌激素受体（estrogen receptor,ER）、孕激素受体（progesterone receptor,PR）在子宫平滑肌瘤中的表达,从核酸及蛋白水平探讨在子宫平滑肌瘤发生中的相关关系。应用核酸原位杂交技术和SP免疫组织化学法,研究37例子宫平滑肌瘤、20例正常子宫平滑肌组织中cx43mRNA及其蛋白、ER、PR的表达规律。结果显示,cx43mRNA及其蛋白、ER、PR在子宫平滑肌瘤中的表达明显高于在子宫平滑肌组织中的水平,差异有显著性（P＜0.05）。cx43mRNA及其蛋白在子宫平滑肌瘤中的过度表达,是子宫平滑肌瘤发生过程的重要事件,与ER、PR水平升高呈现一致性,对进一步揭示子宫平滑肌瘤的复杂分子机制、寻求可靠的早期标志有重要意义。     

Mir-26a 调控子宫肌瘤中孕激素受体a（PRa）、雌激素受体α（ER-alpha） 的表达

目的：雌激素和孕激素在子宫肌瘤发病中起重要作用。但miRNA 在子宫肌瘤发病中的作用还知之甚少,我们前期已证实 mir-26a 在子宫肌瘤中低表达,本实验进一步探讨mir-26a 在体外对子宫肌瘤中孕激素受体a（PRa）、雌激素受体琢（ER琢）表达 的调控。方法：利用TargetScan 软件预测mir-26a 的潜在靶基因,找出靶基因3''UTR 区片段,插入PmirGLO 绿色荧光蛋白编码 区下游,构建报告基因载体,同时原代培养子宫肌瘤平滑肌细胞。将报告基因载体与mir-26a 共转染入原代培养的子宫肌瘤平 滑肌细胞,引入双荧光素酶报告基因系统对mir-26a 的靶基因进行验证。转染mir-26a mimics 于子宫肌瘤平滑肌细胞,western blotting检测子宫肌瘤平滑肌细胞中mir-26a 靶蛋白表达水平。结果：用TargetScan 软件和双荧光素酶报告基因系统证实ER琢、 PRa 为mir-26a 的靶基因。蛋白水平进一步验证,mir-26a mimics 的转染量不同,ER琢、PRa 的蛋白表达水平下调不同。结论： Mir-26a 通过结合靶基因的3''-UTR 区调控靶基因的mRNA水平。Mir-26a 抑制雌激素受体琢（ER琢）、孕激素受体a（PRa）在子宫 肌瘤中的表达。Mir-26a 可能通过调控雌激素受体琢（ER琢）、孕激素受体a（PRa）影响子宫肌瘤的发展。本实验通过确定mir-26a 对子宫肌瘤的作用机制,有望进一步提高子宫肌瘤的治疗技术,减少手术治疗的创伤。     

Mir-26a调控子宫肌瘤中孕激素受体a(PRa)、雌激素受体α(ERα)的表达

目的:雌激素和孕激素在子宫肌瘤发病中起重要作用。但miRNA在子宫肌瘤发病中的作用还知之甚少,我们前期已证实mir-26a在子宫肌瘤中低表达,本实验进一步探讨mir-26a在体外对子宫肌瘤中孕激素受体a(PRa)、雌激素受体α(ERα)表达的调控。方法:利用TargetScan软件预测mir-26a的潜在靶基因,找出靶基因3'UTR区片段,插入PmirGLO绿色荧光蛋白编码区下游,构建报告基因载体,同时原代培养子宫肌瘤平滑肌细胞。将报告基因载体与mir-26a共转染入原代培养的子宫肌瘤平滑肌细胞,引入双荧光素酶报告基因系统对mir-26a的靶基因进行验证。转染mir-26amimics于子宫肌瘤平滑肌细胞,westernblotting检测子宫肌瘤平滑肌细胞中mir-26a靶蛋白表达水平。结果:用TargetScan软件和双荧光素酶报告基因系统证实ERα、PRa为mir-26a的靶基因。蛋白水平进一步验证,mir-26amimics的转染量不同,ERα、PRa的蛋白表达水平下调不同。结论:Mir-26a通过结合靶基因的3'-UTR区调控靶基因的mRNA水平。Mir-26a抑制雌激素受体α(ERα)、孕激素受体a(PRa)在子宫肌瘤中的表达。Mir-26a可能通过调控雌激素受体α(ERα)、孕激素受体a(PRa)影响子宫肌瘤的发展。本实验通过确定mir-26a对子宫肌瘤的作用机制,有望进一步提高子宫肌瘤的治疗技术,减少手术治疗的创伤。     

酪氨酸对大鼠子宫胞浆雌,孕激素受体的影响

采用放射受体分析法,测定了动情周期不同阶段及去卵巢大鼠子宫胞浆雌二醇和孕酮受体含量,并观察了子宫腔内注射酪、丝、苏三种氨基酸对子宫胞浆雌。醇、孕酮受体含量的影响。结果表明：（１）Ｌ－酪氨酸对动情前期、动情期、间情期大鼠子宫胞浆雌二醇和孕酮受体都具有明显的降低作用。（２）Ｌ－酪氨酸也降低去卵巢大鼠子宫胞浆雌二醇和孕酮含量,即这一作用不是通过影响卵巢激素分泌实现的。（３）Ｌ－苏氨酸仅可降低动情期和间情期大鼠子宫胞浆孕酮受体含量,而对相应周期雌二醇受体没有明显作用。（４）Ｌ－丝氨酸和Ｌ－苏氨酸对去卵巢大鼠子宫胞浆雌二醇和孕酮受体均无影响。     

雌、孕激素受体及C-erbB2在子宫内膜癌中的表达和意义

目的探讨雌、孕激素受体（Estrogen Receptor ER、Progesterone Receptor PR）及C-erbB2在子宫内膜癌中的表达与临床病理参数的关系。方法采用免疫组织化学技术检测56例子宫内膜癌患者子宫内膜中ER、PR及C-erbB2的表达,并对56例患者的临床病理资料进行回顾性分析。结果子宫内膜癌患者内膜ER、PR及C-erbB2阳性率分别为41.07%、57.14%、53.57%。子宫内膜癌中ER表达与肿瘤分化程度、年龄、有无淋巴结转移呈负相关;PR表达与肿瘤组织学类型、分化程度、年龄、浸润肌层深度及有无淋巴结转移均呈负相关;而C-erbB2的表达与内膜癌分化程度、有无淋巴结转移呈正相关。结论激素依赖型子宫内膜癌ER、PR及C-erbB2表达水平均反映了子宫内膜癌的生物学行为,三者的测定对估计预后和指导术后辅助治疗具有重要意义。     

Differential expression of Akt/protein kinase B, Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in human leiomyoma and myometrium

The expression and activation of serine/threonine protein kinase, Akt, in leiomyoma and in adjacent myometrium of human uteri was studied parallel with the changes of Bcl-2, Bax proteins, estrogen and progesterone receptors during menstrual cycle and early stage of the menopause. Abundant expression of Akt protein was detected in the studied tissues during menstrual cycle, the rate of increase was higher in leiomyoma than in corresponding myometrium. The expression of estrogen receptor alpha, progesterone receptor and of Bcl-2 protein changed parallel with that of Akt protein. The level of phosphorylated Akt (pAkt⁴⁷³) was seen only in leiomyoma samples from the growing period of tumors. At early stage of menopause levels of all studied proteins were lower than that in the menstrual cycle with the exception of Bax protein expression, which was high in leiomyoma. Our data suggest the involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling in the pathomechanism of leiomyoma.     

Effects of progesterone on uterine leiomyoma growth and apoptosis

Uterine leiomyomas appear during the reproductive years and regress after menopause, indicating the ovarian steroid-dependent growth potential. Recently we have found that the use of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (IUS) is effective in the long-term contraception and management of menorrhagic women with uterine myomas because of a striking reduction in menorrhagia. These clinical experiences prompted us to characterize the effects of progestin on the proliferation and apoptosis of leiomyoma cells cultured in vitro. As epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been shown to mediate estrogen action and play a crucial role in regulating leiomyoma growth, we also investigated the effects of sex steroids on EGF and EGF receptor (EGF-R) expression in leiomyoma cells. In cultures of leiomyoma cells, the addition of either E(2) (10 ng/ml) or P(4) (100 ng/ml) resulted in an increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in the cells; whereas in cultures of normal myometrial cells, the addition of E(2) augmented PCNA expression in the cells, but P(4) did not. Immunoblot analysis revealed that leiomyoma cells contained immunoreactive EGF and that P(4) treatment resulted in an increase in EGF expression in the cells. In contrast, E(2) treatment augmented EGF-R expression in cultured leiomyoma cells, but P(4) did not. These results indicate that P(4) up-regulates the expression of PCNA and EGF in leiomyoma cells, whereas E(2) up-regulates the expression of PCNA and EGF-R in those cells. It is, therefore, conceivable that P(4) and E(2) act in combination to stimulate the proliferative potential of leiomyoma cells through the induction of EGF and EGF-R expression. We also found that Bcl-2 protein, an apoptosis-inhibiting gene product, was abundantly expressed in leiomyoma relative to that in normal myometrium, suggesting that the abundant expression of Bcl-2 protein in leiomyoma cells may be one of the molecular bases for the enhanced growth of leiomyoma relative to that of normal myometrium in the uterus. Furthermore, Bcl-2 protein expression in leiomyoma cells was up-regulated by P(4), but down-regulated by E(2). Therefore, it seems likely that P(4) may also participate in leiomyoma growth through the induction of Bcl-2 protein in leiomyoma cells.     

Immunohistochemical detection of estrogen receptors in the canine uterus and their relation to sex steroid hormone levels

Cyclic changes in estrogen receptor expression in the uterine tissue of 60 female dogs were evaluated, using an immunohistochemical technique on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections. The expression of estrogen receptors in the uterine horns, body and cervix was quantified by means of an immunohistochemical score. A negative correlation was found between staining scores in the uterine horns and serum progesterone levels. Generally, staining scores in the uterine horns were highest during proestrus, declined during estrus and were lowest during early metestrus. During anestrus high staining scores for estrogen receptors were observed, indicating sensitivity for estrogens in a sexual quiescence stage. Compared with the uterine horns, high staining scores were found in the uterine body and cervix during estrus and metestrus. No positive staining for estrogen receptors was detected in 1 pregnant uterus. Fluctuations in estrogen receptors were more pronounced in endometrial stroma cells than in epithelial cells of the uterine horns. The importance of stromal cells in the sexual cyclicity of the canine uterus should not be underestimated when studying uterine endocrinology and pathology.     

Differential DNA binding by calf uterine estrogen and progesterone receptors results from differences in oligomeric states

The studies presented here provided evidence that the calf uterine estrogen and progesterone receptors exhibit different DNA-binding properties in vitro as a result of having different dimerization constants. The affinity of the estrogen and progesterone receptors for DNA was measured by using isocratic elution from DNA-Sepharose. The hormone-free estrogen receptor had a 10-fold higher affinity for DNA than did the hormone-free progesterone receptor when measured at receptor concentrations of 6-12 nM and 180 mM KCl. No effect on DNA binding by binding progesterone to its receptor was detected. This contrasts with the increased affinity for DNA and increased number of ions released upon DNA binding exhibited by the hormone-bound estrogen receptor. Between 2 and 3 ions were released when the progesterone receptor and the diluted estrogen receptor bound DNA. These observations suggested the progesterone receptor was in the monomeric state, whereas the estrogen receptor was in the dimeric state at receptor concentrations of 6-12 nM. When the dimerization constant of the progesterone receptor was measured, the value of approximately 7 nM obtained was 20-fold higher than the value of 0.3 nM reported for the estrogen receptor. This makes it likely the two receptors exist in different forms at the same concentration in vitro. It is also suggested the predominant form of the estrogen and progesterone receptors in vivo could differ.     

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 treatment shrinks uterine leiomyoma tumors in the Eker rat model

Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age. These tumors are three to four times more prevalent in African American women, who also have a 10 times higher incidence of hypovitaminosis D than white women. Recent studies have demonstrated the antitumor effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on several cancers, but its effects on uterine leiomyomas are still unknown. To determine the antitumor and therapeutic effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on uterine leiomyomas, female Eker rats (14-16 mo old) harboring uterine leiomyomas were randomized into control and experimental groups and were given vehicle versus 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (0.5 μg/kg per day) subcutaneously for 3 wk, respectively. At the end of the experiment, the rats were euthanized, and the leiomyoma tumors were analyzed. Treatment with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 significantly reduced leiomyoma tumor size in Eker rats. It also reduced leiomyoma size by suppressing cell growth and proliferation-related genes (Pcna, cyclin D1 [Ccnd1], Myc, Cdk1, Cdk2, and Cdk4), antiapoptotic genes (Bcl2 and Bcl2l1 [Bcl-x]), and estrogen and progesterone receptors. Additionally, immunohistochemistry revealed decreased expression of PCNA and MKI67 (a marker of proliferation) and increased expression of caspase 3 in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-treated Eker rat leiomyomas. Toxicity analyses using serum samples showed similar levels of SGOT, SGPT, calcium, and total bilirubin in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-treated and vehicle-treated control Eker rats. These results support that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 is an antitumor agent that may be a potential safe, nonsurgical therapeutic option for the treatment of uterine leiomyomas.     

Estrogen Receptor Is Not Primarily Responsible for Altered Responsiveness of Ovalbumin mRNA Induction in the Oviduct From Genetically Selected High- and Low-Albumen Chicken Lines

The role of estrogen receptor on ovalbumin mRNA induction by steroid hormones was investigated in primary cultures of oviduct cells from estrogen-stimulated immature chicks of genetically selected high- and low-albumen egg laying lines (H- and L-lines). In experiment 1,the extent of ovalbumin mRNA induction and changes in estrogen and progesterone receptors were compared between the oviduct cells from H- and L-lines with or without steroid hormones in the culture medium. In experiment 2, the effect of estrogen receptor gene transfection on the induction of ovalbumin mRNA was studied in the oviduct cells from the L-line chicks. The results showed a close correlation of the changes in ovalbumin mRNA with the numbers of nuclear and total estrogen receptors in the oviduct cells but not with the numbers of nuclear and total progesterone receptors. Estrogen receptor gene transfection induced ovalbumin mRNA to a moderate extent in the absence of the steroid hormones. To our surprise, however, estrogen receptor gene transfection apparently suppressed the ovalbumin mRNA responsiveness to estrogen to a considerable extent. It was concluded, therefore, that the extent of estrogen receptor expression might not be primarily responsible for the differences in responsiveness to steroid hormones of oviduct cells from genetically selected H- and L-line chickens.     

Expression of nerve growth factor and its receptors NTRK1 and TNFRSF1B is regulated by estrogen and progesterone in the uteri of golden hamsters

Experiments were conducted using female golden hamsters to identify the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptors NTRK1 and TNFRSF1B in the uteri of female animals and regulation on their expression by estrogen and progesterone. NGF and its receptor NTRK1 were immunolocalized to luminal epithelial cells, glandular cells, and stromal cells. TNFRSF1B was immunolocalized in luminal epithelial and glandular cells, with no staining found in stromal cells of the uterine horns of normal cyclic golden hamsters. Strong immunostaining of NGF and its receptors NTRK1 and TNFRSF1B was observed in uteri on the day of proestrus as compared to the other stages of the estrous cycle. Results of immunoblot analysis of NGF revealed that there was a positive correlation between uterine NGF expression and plasma concentrations of estradiol-17beta. To clarify the effects of estrogen and progesterone on NGF, NTRK1, and TNFRSF1B expression, adult female golden hamsters were ovariectomized and treated with estradiol-17beta and/or progesterone. Immunoblot analysis and immunohistochemistry indicated that estradiol-17beta stimulated expression of NGF and its two receptors in the uterus. Treatment with progesterone also increased NGF and NTRK1 expression in the uterus. However, no additive effect of these steroids on expression of NGF and its receptors was observed. Changes in uterine weights induced by estradiol-17beta and/or progesterone showed the same profile with that of NGF, suggesting that a proliferative act of NGF may be involved in uterine growth. These results suggest that NGF may play important roles in action of steroids on uterine function.