Steroid Receptors in the Uterus: Implications in Endometriosis

Abstract

Receptor proteins for estrogens, progesterone, androgens, and glucocorticoids have been detected in the various cell types of the uterus. Reference is made to the genes encoding these receptors, to the structure of the receptor proteins, and their functional domains. The mode of action of steroid hormones by gene activation, through their cognate receptors, and by nongenomic effects is briefly presented. The role of the steroid receptors in uterine physiology and the significance of the use of steroid receptor knock-out animals in delineating the in vivo action of the hormones is discussed. Recent results on the possible correlation of steroid receptor gene polymorphisms and of quantitative and qualitative changes in the receptor proteins to the etiopathology of endometriosis are reviewed.

Right endometrioma is related with more extensive obliteration of the Douglas pouch

“…However, retrograde menstruation theory has gained the widest acceptance. In addition, a growing body of evidence M. Ulukus · A. Ö. Yeniel (&) · A. M. Ergenoglu · T. Mermer Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Bornova, 35100 Izmir, Turkey e-mail: drayeniel@hotmail.com indicates that a combination of genetic, hormonal, immunological and environmental factors also seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of this enigmatic disorder [2][3][4][5][6]. Ectopic endometrial implants, endometriomas and pelvic adhesions related to disease may cause pelvic pain and infertility, the two main nonspeciWc symptoms of endometriosis.…”

Estrogen and progesterone receptors in smooth muscle component of deep infiltrating endometriosis

“…Interestingly, several studies have demonstrated that uterine adenomyosis is a hormonal-dependent disease, and that either circulating and/or locally produced estrogen or progesterone stimulate the growth of preexisting uterine muscle cells by the way of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors, which are naturally present in these cells (6)(7)(8)(9).…”

Serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor in the prediction of preterm delivery

“…3,4 Cortisol is an endogenous glucocorticoid that suppresses proinflammatory cytokine production by acting on glucocorticoid receptors, which have a broad tissue distribution including immune cells, brain, and female reproductive organs (uterus, cervix, placenta). [5][6][7][8] Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine that has been well demonstrated to override the action of glucocorticoids at target tissues, hence amplifying proinflammatory responses. 9-11 MIF is expressed in the human ovary, endometrial cells, 1 st trimester trophoblasts, reflected fetal membranes, and chorioamniotic membranes at delivery.…”