Endometrial ILKAP Expression Among Patients With Endometriosis And Its Association With Clinical Characteristics

Objective:To test the expression of ILKAP (Integrin-linked kinase-associated phosphatase) in endometriosis, evaluate the role of ILKAP in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, and assess the association of ILKAP with the clinical characteristics of endometriosis.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze associations of ILKAP with endometriosis. Endometriosis patients confirmed by surgical findings and pathological examination between March 1,2012, and October 31,2012 were included. ILKAP expression was tested by immunohistochemistry.Results:ILKAP expression varied according to menstrual cycle, which was higher in the secretory phase. Compared with control endometrium (IOD:0.02153± 0.00429), ILKAP expression was lower in the eutopic (IOD:0.00321±0.00088) and ectopic (IOD:0.00155±0.00036) endometrium of endometriosis (P<0.0001). Furthermore, lower expression of ILKAP associated with dysmenorrhea, infertility, higher CA-125, longer course of disease and higher AFS (American Fertility Society) grade (P<0.05). Interestingly, longer course of disease associated with higher infertility rate after surgery in infertile patients (P=0.031).Conclusion:Low level of ILKAP facilitates the pathogenesis of endometriosis. So, ILKAP or its analogue can be a new treatment for endometriosis. Additionally, ILKAP expression in the ectopic endometrium may be a factor which reflects the severity of endometriosis.