The study of relationship between the expression of VEGF and Ang-2 and Tie-2 in endometriosis

Abstract

Objective: To detect the expression of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), Ang-2 (angiopoietin-2) and Tie-2 in endometriosis (EMs) and their correlations with menstrual cycle and clinical stage. Methods: Thirty specimens of normal endometrium, eutopic endometrium and ectopic endometrium tissues were collected. The expression of VEGF, Ang-2 and Tie-2 was detected by immunohistochemistry methods. Results: The positive rate of expression of VEGF in the normal endometrium, eutopic endometrium and ectopic endometrium tissues gradually increased (16.67%, 86.67%, 90.00%), compared three groups (p < .01). The positive rate of expression of Ang-2 in the normal endometrium, eutopic endometrium and ectopic endometrium tissues was 33.33%, 70.00%, 60.00%, respectively (p < .05). The positive rate of expression of Tie-2 in the normal endometrial, eutopic endometrium and ectopic endometrial tissues was 13.33%, 50.00%, 40.00%, respectively (p < .01). The expression of VEGF, Ang-2 and Tie-2 was closely correlated with each other (r = 0.875, r = 0.905, r = 0.898). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that there is a close relation between VEGF, Ang-2 and Tie-2, the up-regulation of VEGF and Ang-2 may cooperatively contribute to survival and invasion of EMs. This may provide new targets for therapy of EMs.Key Words: Vascular endothelial growth factor, Angiopoietin-2, Tie-2, Endometriosis, Immunohistochemistry Endometriosis (EMs) is a common gynecological and frequently-occurring disease, seriously affecting the general health and quality of life of women. Among women of childbearing age, the incidence of the disease is 5% to 15%, [1] and the incidence of infertile women is up to 40% to 50%. At present, its exact pathogenesis still remains unclear. With the development of molecular biology and the further study of angiogenesis theory, more and more evidences indicate that angiogenesis is an important part of the development and progression of EMs. The angiogenic disorder of the endometrium may be the basis of the pathogenesis of EMs. The role of Ang-2 in EMs is not clear, and the correlation between the expression of Ang-2 (angiopoietin-2) and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), in EMs has not been determined. There are no consistent conclusions at home and abroad. Therefore, immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of VEGF, Ang-2 and its receptor Tie-2 in EMs specimens. The relationship between the three factors and EMs was discussed for the first time. We hope to provide valuable laboratory data of the early diagnosis and prognosis of EMs, and provide a reliable theoretical basis for the development of new ways of effective clinical treatment.