Protein Expression of Human Progesterone Receptor Isoforms A and B in Uterine Leiomyoma / 中华妇产科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the role of two isoforms of human progesterone receptor A (hPR-A) and B(hPR-B) in the development of uterine leiomyoma, their distribution and expression in leiomyoma were detected. Methods The tissues of leiomyoma and normal myometrium from 30 uteri, which were excised for leiomyoma, were used for the localization and quantification of protein of the two isoforms. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were applied respectively. Results Both hPR-A and hPR-B were nuclear receptors. Concentrations of hPR-(A+B) and hPR-A in leiomyoma were higher than those in normal myometrium (295 796? 90 856,256 275?98 560; P =0 042, P =0 000 563). Both isoforms were presented in leiomyoma and normal myometrium, with a consistent dominance of hPR-B over hPR-A. More expression of hPR-A was found during secretive phase than proliferative phase, not only in leiomyoma but also in normal myometrium ( P =0 037, P =0 024). Conclusions The development of uterine leiomyoma seems to be related with the progesterone receptor isoforms, especially hPR-A.