EVALUATION OF METHYLATION STATUS OF ESTROGEN RECEPTORS IN CASES WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS

Background:Endometriosis is characterizedby the existence and growing of functional endometrial tissues, out of the uterine cavity, mainly in the ovaries, pelvic peritoneum and rectovaginal septum. While it is a benign disease, it appearswith the characteristics of malignant, like invasions to adjacent tissue, metastasis to distant positions and recurrence following treatments,Aim and objectives: The current work aimed to evaluate the methylation condition of estrogen receptor gene in endometriosis. The ultimate objective is to determine any potential role for such receptors as a diagnostic marker for the disease process.Subjects and methods: The current work was demonstrated on fifty cases recruited from gynecology clinics of Shatby Maternity Hospital Alexandria University complaining of pain or infertility. On ultrasound examination using 2D ultrasound (mindray) to diagnose endometrioma or pelvic endometriotic nodules. Laparoscopy was done for (30) cases and a biopsy were taken from suspicious endometriotic lesion. Results: A significant changewas found between cases and controls in terms of methylation index of estrogen receptors where cases values being 0.02-132.9 with mean value12.99 and p value <0.05 and control group being0.14-164.4 with a mean 66.04 and p value>0.05,Conclusion: The finding suggests that, Estrogen receptor gene hypomethylation in endometriotic tissue. Progesterone (P4) oppositionis found in endometriosis in general with down regulation of PR-B, as a result of promoter hypermethylation of PR-B.