Immunoexpression of DNA fragmentation factor 40, DNA fragmentation factor 45, and B-cell lymphoma 2 protein in normal human endometrium and uterine myometrium depends on menstrual cycle phase and menopausal status.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

DNA fragmentation factors 40 and 45 (DFF40 and DFF45) are final executors of apoptosis, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) is a well-recognized apoptosis inhibitor. We aimed to evaluate DFF40, DFF45 and Bcl-2 immunoexpression in the normal human endometrium with respect to the glandular and stromal layer and in uterine myometrium.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 expression was assessed via immunohistochemistry in the endometrium and myometrium collected postmenopausally and premenopausally during the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle.

RESULTS:

Compared to the myometrium and stroma, endometrial glands showed the highest DFF40 and DFF45 expression in pre- and postmenopausal specimens. DFF45, but not DFF40, glandular expression dependent on menstrual cycle phase and DFF40 and DFF45 scoring was significantly lower in postmenopausal specimens. Significantly higher Bcl-2 expression was observed in proliferative glandular endometrium compared to secretory and postmenopausal specimens. No cycle- or menopause-dependent changes were reported for stromal or myometrial DFF40, DFF45 or Bcl-2 expression. DFF40, DFF45 and Bcl-2 expression was independent of age, age at menarche and menopause, BMI, menstrual cycle and menses lengths, parity and gravidity.

CONCLUSIONS:

The study provides important evidence regarding menstrual cycle-dependent changes in the expression of DFF40, DFF45 and Bcl-2 in the normal human endometrium, especially in the glandular layer, and shows that their levels are stable in the normal uterine myometrium.

• Authors: Tomasz Banas, Kazimierz Pitynski, Krzysztof Okon, Marcin Mikos, Aleksandra I Czerw, Andrzej Deptała, Artur Ludwin
• Journal: Archives of medical science : AMS (Arch Med Sci) Vol. 14 Issue 6 Pg. 1254-1262 (Oct 2018) ISSN: 1734-1922 [Print] Poland
• PMID: 30393479 (Publication Type: Journal Article)