Inceboz US, Nese N, Uyar Y, Ozcakir HT, Kurtul O, Baytur YB, Kandiloglu AR, Caglar H, Fraser IS. Hormone receptor expressions and proliferation markers in postmenopausal endometrial polyps.
Gynecol Obstet Invest 2005;
61:24-8. [PMID:
16141722 DOI:
10.1159/000088018]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2004] [Accepted: 06/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS
Endometrial polyps are quite common in the general population, they have a significant role in postmenopausal bleeding, and the pathogenesis is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate proliferation markers and expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women.
METHODS
Endometrial polyps were removed by hysteroscopy from 36 women who presented with postmenopausal bleeding. None were using hormonal therapy. The control group consisted of 16 inactive-atrophic postmenopausal endometrial specimens removed at hysterectomy. Immunohistochemistry was used to demonstrate expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors and the cell growth and apoptosis markers, Ki67, bcl-2, c-erbB-2.
RESULTS
In both the glandular epithelium and stroma of endometrial polyps, estrogen and progesterone receptors, Ki67 and bcl-2 showed significantly more positive staining than the inactive endometrium from the control group. There was no difference in expression of c-erbB-2 between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Estrogen may have a role in the development of postmenopausal endometrial polyps, either by direct stimulation of localized proliferation or by stimulation of proliferation via other pathways, such as activation of Ki67 or through inhibition of apoptosis via bcl-2. c- erbB-2 is unlikely to play any role in development of these lesions.
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