DNA methylation of HOXA10 in eutopic and ectopic endometrium

• Published in: Human reproduction (Oxford) Vol. 29; no. 9; pp. 1906 - 1911
• Main Authors: Andersson, K.L., Bussani, C., Fambrini, M., Polverino, V., Taddei, G.L., Gemzell-Danielsson, K., Scarselli, G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 01-09-2014
• Subjects: Adult; DNA Methylation; Endometriosis - genetics; Endometrium - metabolism; Endometrium - pathology; Female; Homeodomain Proteins - genetics; Homeodomain Proteins - metabolism; Humans; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Pilot Projects; endometriosis; DNA methylation; HOXA10 gene
• ISSN: 0268-1161; 1460-2350; 1460-2350
• DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu161

STUDY QUESTION
Does the methylation status of the promoter region of the HOXA10 gene differ in eutopic and ectopic endometrium?
SUMMARY ANSWER
The eutopic endometrium in women with endometriosis is significantly more methylated when compared with controls.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Expression of the HOXA10 gene, which is important for successful implantation, is reduced in women affected by endometriosis.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION
A pilot study was carried out including 18 women admitted for surgery for endometriosis-related pain (cases) and 12 women admitted for surgery because of non-endometriotic disease (control). Sample collection and analysis were performed between November 2010 and July 2013.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Endometrial tissue (eutopic and ectopic) underwent sodium bisulfite DNA modification, PCR amplification of two regions of the HOXA10 promoter and pyrosequencing analysis.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
The eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis was significantly more methylated compared with endometrium from the control group (sequence 1: 8.68% in cases and 6.25% in the control group: P = 0.037, sequence 2: 11.89% in cases and 9.25% in the control group: P = 0.032). The eutopic endometrium was significantly more methylated than the ectopic tissue in patients with endometriosis (mean difference −3.6 sequence 1: P = 0.001 and −6.0 sequence 2: P = 0.0001).
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
The study had a limited sample size and the fertility status of the majority of patients in our study was unknown.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Our data regarding methylation state of the ectopic tissues contribute to a better etiopathologic understanding of endometriosis.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
No external funding was either sought or obtained for this study. The authors have no conflicts of interests to declare.