Expression of aromatase cytochrome P450 in eutopic endometrium and its application as a diagnostic test for endometriosis

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.