1. department of biology, Tabriz Branchn, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran 2. department of biology, Tabriz Branchn, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
Introduction
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease. its defining feature is the presence of endometrium-like tissue in sites outside the uterine cavity, primarily on the pelvic peritoneum and ovaries. the main clinical features are chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. evidence shows that various epigenetic deviations play a major role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. steroidogenic factor 1 (sf-1) is an essential transcription factor for activation multiple steroidogenic genes and estrogen biosynthesis. exist sf-1 in endometriosis and its absence in the endometrium are primarily determined by its promoter methylation. therefore, the present study aimed to compare the methylation status of the promoter region of sf-1 gene in endometriotic and endometrium samples in women with endometriosis.
Methods
In this study, dna was extracted from 20 endometriotic tissue samples in women with endometriosis and normal endometrium tissues under hysterectomy. the obtained dna samples were subjected to bisulfite-treatment by ez dna methylation gold kit. finally, the status of sf-1gene promoter methylation was evaluated by bisulfite sequencing pcr method.
Results
Methylation of sf-1 gene promoter in endometriotic decreased and there is significant differences in methylation status of sf-1 between endometriosis and endometriotc (p=0.001).
Conclusion
Hypomethylation of the promoter of the sf-1 gene can increase the relative expression of the sf-1 gene in the endometriosis, which may ultimately lead to the development or progression of the disease. it is also possible to use the amount of sf-1 promoter methylation in the diagnosis and prognosis of endometriosis.
