Differential effects of progestogens, by type and regimen, on estrogen-metabolizing enzymes in human breast cancer cells.

Objectives: To investigate the in vitro effects of five progestogens commonly used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on estrogen-metabolizing enzymes in human breast cancer cells.

Methods: The human hormone-dependent breast cancer cell lines T47D, MCF-7, and MCF-7aro were cultured with estradiol (E(2)) and progestogens. The mRNA levels of estrogen-metabolizing enzymes were determined by RT-PCR or Northern blot, and enzyme activities by radiolabeled substrates.

Usefulness and limits of CA-125 in diagnosis of endometriosis without associated ovarian endometriomas.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic significance of CA-125 for endometriosis without ovarian endometriomas.

Methods: Preoperative serum CA-125 levels were measured in 775 consecutive women diagnosed by laparoscopy or laparotomy with endometriosis, adenomyosis, leiomyomas, or normal pelvis.

Results: Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the area under the curve for endometriosis without endometriomas was 0.

Expression of allograft inflammatory factor-1 in human eutopic endometrium and endometriosis: possible association with progression of endometriosis.

Allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1) is a cytokine originally identified in rat cardiac allografts with chronic rejection. AIF-1 is expressed in various human immune-related tissues and is thought to play a role in inflammatory responses and the immune activation and function of macrophages. Expression has also been shown in human placentas and bovine embryos, suggesting that AIF-1 may be involved in reproductive function.

Genetic contribution of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha gene promoter (-1031, -863 and -857) and TNF receptor 2 gene polymorphisms in endometriosis susceptibility.

Problem: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is a major cytokine involved in inflammatory and immune function. The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphisms at positions -1031, -863 and -857 in the TNF gene promoter region (TNFA) and TNF receptor type 2 gene (TNFR2) are responsible in part for genetic susceptibility to endometriosis.

Methods Of Study: TNFA and TNFR2 polymorphisms were determined in 123 patients with endometriosis and 165 fertile healthy women by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) - preferential homoduplex formation assay and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism, respectively.

Interferon-gamma gene dinucleotide (CA) repeat and interleukin-4 promoter region (-590C/T) polymorphisms in Japanese patients with endometriosis.

Background: Endometriosis is a multifactorial disease with possible genetic predisposition and involvement of environmental factors in its pathogenesis. Cytokines may play important roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the interferon-gamma gene (IFNG) CA-repeat and interleukin-4 (IL-4) promoter region (-590C/T) polymorphisms may be responsible in part for genetic susceptibility to endometriosis.

Aromatase cytochrome P450 and estrogen and progesterone receptors in uterine sarcomas: correlation with clinical parameters.

We examined the immunohistochemical expression of aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom), estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and Ki-67 in postoperative uterine sarcomas (n = 31) and the corresponding eutopic endometria (n = 20) to evaluate the relationships between the endocrine character of uterine sarcomas and the clinical features. In sarcoma tissues, P450arom was detected in 55% of cases, ER in 42%, PR in 42%, and Ki-67 in 90%. In eutopic endometria, P450arom was detected in 60% of cases, ER in 60%, and PR in 35%.

Relationships between the serum levels of soluble leptin receptor and free and bound leptin in non-pregnant women of reproductive age and women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the serum levels of soluble leptin receptor (SLEPR), and total, free and bound leptin, and the change in the serum SLEPR level during an IVF cycle.

Methods: Serum concentrations of leptin and SLEPR were measured in 50 Japanese women of reproductive age, and 20 patients participating in an IVF programme. The total leptin was fractionated into free and bound portions by gel filtration chromatography.