metallothionein and Ovarian-Diseases

The coexistence of endometrial and immune cells during decidualization is preserved by the ability of endometrial cells to regulate the cytotoxic immune activity and their capability to be resistant to immune-mediated apoptosis. These phenomena enable the survival of endometrial ectopic cells. RCAS1 is responsible for regulation of cytotoxic activity. Metallothionein expression seems to protect endometrial cells against apoptosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate RCAS1 and metallothionein expression in human ovarian and scar endometriomas in relation to the presence of immune cells and their activity.. Metallothionein, RCAS1, CD25, CD69, CD56, CD16, CD68 antigen expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in ovarian and scar endometriomas tissue samples which were obtained from 33 patients. The secretory endometrium was used as a control group (15 patients).. The lowest metallothionein expression was revealed in ovarian endometriomas in comparison to scar endometriomas and to the control group. RCAS1 expression was at the highest level in the secretory endometrium and it was at comparable levels in ovarian and scar endometriomas. Similarly, the number of CD56-positive cells was lower in scar and ovarian endometriomas than in the secretory endometrium. The highest number of macrophages was found in ovarian endometriomas. RCAS1-positive macrophages were observed only in ovarian endometriomas. CD25 and CD69 antigen expression was higher in scar and ovarian endometriomas than in the control group.. The expression of RCAS1 and metallothionein by endometrial cells may favor the persistence of these cells in ectopic localization both in scar following cesarean section and in ovarian endometriosis.

Topics: Abdominal Wall; Adult; Antigens, CD; Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic; Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; Antigens, Neoplasm; CD56 Antigen; Cicatrix; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Lectins, C-Type; Macrophages; Metallothionein; Ovarian Diseases; Ovary; Receptors, IgG; Receptors, Interleukin-2

Endometriosis is an illness accompanied by invasion features, but malignant changes appear extremely seldom. Metallothionein (MT) is a protein and takes part in the detoxicating processes of the organism. MT is located, among others, in benign and malignant neoplasms in animals as well as humans, mainly in the S phase of cellular cycle, and that is why MT is considered to be both an index of cell proliferation and tumor progress.. 34 specimens from 21 women with ovary endometriosis (III degree according to AFS) have been examined. The specimens were obtained during surgery and they were histopathologically verified. The material was coloured by H + E and by van Gieson method, and MT was determined immunohistochemically. The measurement of the cells number containing MT was performed with measurement system Multi-Scan Base V8.08, with the microscope Axiophot, Zeiss Jena in so-called measurements areas, with the surface 18802 microns 2.. High MT capacity was found in the epithelial cells in the endometriosis focus. This high MT capacity may imply that there exists the proliferation process in the focuses of external endometriosis. Simultaneously, the lowest MT capacity was discovered in glandular ducts.. Proliferating epithelial cells contain the highest capacity of MT, which indicates increase of number of dividing cells particularly in the S phase of cellular cycle and that is why MT can be considered one of the markers of ovary endometriosis.

Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Cell Differentiation; Cell Division; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Metallothionein; Ovarian Diseases