Expression of nm23-H1, p53, and integrin β1 in endometriosis and their clinical significance

To investigate the expression and clinical significance of nucleoside diphosphate kinase A (nm23-H1), p53, and integrin β1 in endometriosis, normal and ectopic endometrial tissues were collected and the levels of nm23-H1, p53, and integrin β1 proteins were detected by western blotting. We also measured the mRNA expression of nm23-H1, p53, and integrin β1 in endometrial epithelial cells by droplet digital PCR, based on endometrial tissues using laser capture microdissection. Moreover, primary stromal cells from normal and ectopic endometrial tissues were also cultured and treated with different concentrations of estrogen. We assessed the mRNA levels of nm23-H1, p53, and integrin β1 by quantitative PCR. Compared with normal endometrial tissue, the levels of nm23-H1 and p53 proteins were significantly downregulated in ectopic endometrial tissues, while integrin β1 protein was upregulated. The same expression trend in the mRNA levels of nm23-H1, p53, and integrin β1 was also observed in both endometrial epithelial cells and stromal cells. In addition, with increasing estrogen concentration, nm23-H1 and p53 mRNA levels gradually decreased, while integrin β1 mRNA expression increased. Nm23-H1 and p53 may inhibit the progression of endometriosis, while integrin β1 has a promoting effect, and estrogen is involved in this process.