Proteomic analysis of follicular fluid from women with and without endometriosis: New therapeutic targets and biomarkers

Abstract

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease that affects women of reproductive age. The protein profiles of women with endometriosis who were able or unable to achieve pregnancy and women without endometriosis who did achieve pregnancy were compared in this study. The follicular fluid was collected from 21 patients undergoing in vitro-fertilization treatment, according to the following groups: nine women in the control group (Group C), four women with endometriosis who achieved pregnancy (Group E.P), and eight women with endometriosis who did not achieve pregnancy (Group E.NP). Follicular fluid proteins were separated using 2D-electrophoresis, and their spots were compared, excised, and submitted to LC-ESI-MS/MS for proteins identification. The analysis showed 29 differentially expressed spots among the groups, and from these, 21 proteins were identified. Analysis showed some functional enrichment in the E.P group, including response to oxidative stress and apoptosis, while the E.NP group showed functions related to response to reactive oxygen species and positive regulation of apoptosis. These data suggest that endometriosis leads to differential protein expression in the follicular fluid, which can influences the outcome of pregnancy. These proteins may be potential targets for better diagnostics and new therapeutic intervention in affected women, as well as assisting in comprehending the physiopathologic mechanisms underlying endometriosis.

Ecto-nucleotidases Activities in the Contents of Ovarian Endometriomas: Potential Biomarkers of Endometriosis

“…However, the study of endometriomas contents has been proven to be very informative [15, 16]. In the present work, we have evaluated the ectonucleotidase enzyme activities present in endometriomas in comparison with ovarian simple cysts.…”

“…For example, endometriotic cysts contain significantly more iron than other ovarian cysts; this has been suggested as a possible cause of carcinogenesis in endometriomas through iron-induced persistent oxidative stress [15]. Proteomic analysis of follicular fluid of women with endometriosis has also pointed to an altered immunologic function possibly related to infertility [16]. …”

Oocyte environment: follicular fluid and cumulus cells are critical for oocyte health

“…Many of these proteins involve metabolism, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and immune responses (145) and also have been identified in other studies (146,147), along with additional biomarkers of oocyte competence (i.e., superoxide dismutase activity 150)). Additional examination of the human follicular fluid proteome in reproductive disorders like endometriosis (151) and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (152) could reveal new information about disease pathology and additional biomarkers of oocyte quality.…”

Follicular fluid alterations in endometriosis: label-free proteomics by MSEas a functional tool for endometriosis

“…The Gene ontology unifies the representation of gene and gene product attributes for all species, facilitating the detection of potential biomarkers [Gene Ontology Consortium 2008]. Furthermore, biomarkers involved in prominent pathways of complex systems have already been identified by our endometriosis research group [Lo Turco et al 2010;Lo Turco et al 2013]. …”

“…Several MS approaches and sample types have been used in endometriosis-based studies such as evaluation of the endometrial fluid, endometrial tissue, and FF by 2D gel electrophoresis [Ametzazurra et al 2009;Flowler et al 2007;Lo Turco et al 2013]. This is in addition to the surfaceenhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis of protein or peptide expression in plasma [Fassbender et al 2012].…”