Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist induces downregulation of tensin 1 in women with endometriosis

Abstract

Introduction Many cell migration‐related molecules are associated with endometriosis. Tensin 1 (TNS1), which has been implicated in cell migration, may play a role in endometriosis. The study goal was to evaluate the TNS1 expression in endometrial tissue and serum from women with endometriosis treated with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa). Material and methods Tissue and serum samples were collected from women with endometriosis who were treated (n = 29) with GnRHa or untreated (n = 30). TNS1 mRNA was examined using quantitative PCR. TNS1 protein levels in tissue and serum samples were investigated using Western blot, immunohistochemistry and ELISA. Eleven women with endometriosis participated in a follow‐up investigation of serum TNS1 before and after GnRHa treatment. Results TNS1 mRNA (P = 0.006) and protein (P = 0.001) were significantly downregulated in endometriotic tissue from women with endometriosis who received GnRHa. Immunolocalization of TNS1 showed strong expression in the epithelial and stromal cells of endometriotic tissue from women untreated with GnRHa, whereas endometriotic tissue from GnRHa‐treated women showed low TNS1 expression. Follow‐up monitoring of serum TNS1 concentration in 11 women showed an average decrease in concentration of 53%, from 294.9 ± 66.69 to 140.3 ± 55.21 pg/mL, following GnRHa treatment (P = 0.003). Conclusions GnRHa induces downregulation of TNS1 in tissue and serum in women with endometriosis. These results emphasize the importance TNS1 as a potential therapeutic molecular target for the treatment of endometriosis with GnRHa.

Adhesion proteins: Suitable therapeutic targets or biomarkers of therapy response for endometriosis?

“…The rationale of this study is based on previous evidence supporting the aberrant adhesion of ectopic endometrial cells, which may contribute to disease establishment and progression . The immunohistochemical overexpression of TNS1 in the glandular epithelial and stromal cells of endometriotic tissue from women with endometriosis not receiving any treatment as shown by the authors, supports this hypothesis . However, the molecular mechanisms involved in aberrant endometriotic cell adhesion are still unclear.…”

“…In conclusion, the results of study by Rahmawati et al are interesting. However, new studies are needed to better contextualize the role of TNS1 and other adhesion molecules in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.…”

“…However, although Rahmawati et al should be congratulated for their work, we would like to point out a relevant methodological concern . In Material and methods, the authors stated that samples were obtained from 26 women affected by endometriosis.…”

“…We have read with interest the original research article by Rahmawati et al entitled “Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist induces downregulation of tensin 1 in women with endometriosis,” recently published in AOGS. Tensin 1 (TSN1) localizes to focal adhesions, and this protein is likely to have an important role in cell migratory processes .…”

Reply to: Adhesion proteins: Suitable therapeutic targets or biomarkers of therapy response for endometriosis?

“…We were pleased to read the recent Letter to the Editor by Barra and Ferrero, who were interested in our recent publication in AOGS . In that report, we demonstrated the decreased expression of Tensin 1 (TNS1) in tissue and serum of women with endometriosis after receiving gonadotropin‐releasing‐hormone agonist (GnRHa) treatment.…”