J. Kitawaki et al., Expression of aromatase cytochrome P450 in eutopic endometrium and its application as a diagnostic test for endometriosis, GYNECOL OBS, 48, 1999, pp. 21-26
Endometriotic implants, like other estrogen-dependent tumors, contain both
estrogen receptors and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom), suggesting tha
t at a local level, endometriotic implants produce estrogens, which may be
involved in tissue growth through interaction with the estrogen receptors.
P450arom is also expressed in the eutopic endometria of patients with endom
etriosis, adenomyosis, and/or leiomyomas, whereas neither P450arom protein
nor mRNA is expressed in the eutopic endometria of normal menstruating wome
n with cervical carcinoma in situ yet showing no other gynecological diseas
e (disease-free). Examination of P450arom expression in endometrial biopsy
specimens enables the physician to discriminate between the presence and ab
sence of endometriosis, and may be used as an initial screening at outpatie
nt infertility clinics. Copyright (C) 1999 S. Karger AG. Basel.