Differences in gene expression in the proliferative human endometrium

Objective: To use microdissection and DNA microarray technology to demonstrate differences in gene expression between epithelial and stromal areas in the proliferative human endometrium. Design: Pilot study. Setting: University hospital. Patient(s): Patients with normal menstrual cycles and at least one previous intrauterine pregnancy. Intervention(s): Uterine endometrial biopsy. Main Outcome Measure(s): Gene expression. Result(S): From a total of 1,200 genes, 14 were strongly expressed in epithelial areas and 12 were strongly expressed in stromal areas. Among the genes strongly expressed in the stroma, expressions of decorin and discoidin domain receptor were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Decorin was localized in the stromal areas by immunohistochemical staining. To confirm the effects of estrogen on gene expression, stromal cells were cultured. When E, was added to the culture media, expression of decorin mRNA was increased. Conclusion(s): The data demonstrated in this study help to understand the physiology of human endometrium. Decorin was strongly expressed in the stromal areas and was regulated by estrogen, and therefore it may be involved in restoration of the endometrium. (Fertil Steril((R)) 2005;83(Suppl 1):1206-15. (c) 2005 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)