Differential TGFB1-signalling in endometrium from women with endometriosis: Importance of appropriate housekeeping genes

Abstract

Purpose: Endometriosis is characterised by inflammation, fibrosis and scarring, all processes known to involve transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFB1). We examined the expression of genes involved in TGFB1 signalling in epithelium and stroma from eutopic versus ectopic endometrium in women with endometriosis. Methods: Eutopic and ectopic endometrium was collected during laparoscopy from women with endometriosis (n = 4 proliferative, n = 7 secretory). Laser capture microdissection was used to collect glandular epithelium and CD10-positive stroma from ectopic lesions and eutopic endometrium. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to examine TGFB1, SMAD family member-2 (SMAD2), SMAD3 and SMAD4 mR..