Effects of levonorgestrel intrauterine system on the expressions of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and insulin-like growth factor-1

Abstract

To explore the effects of levonorgestrel intrauterine system on estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) of endometrial polyps and surrounding endometrial tissue. A total of 250 cases of hysteroscopic resection for endometrial polyps were divided into study group (n = 125) with placement of levonorgestrel intrauterine system after hysteroscopic electroresection and control group (n = 125) without placement. The intraoperative and postoperative expressions of ER, PR and IGF-1 in endometrial biopsy specimens were measured by immunohistochemistry. They were followed up for 2 years to analyze the recurrence of endometrial polyp. All patients had successful surgery. When intraoperative and postoperative specimens were compared with regards to the expressions of ER, PR and IGF-1, significant differences existed between two groups. During a 2-year follow-up, the recurrence of endometrial polyp was 10.89% in control group versus 0 in study group. Levonorgestrel intrauterine system may inhibit the recurrence and formation of endometrial polyp through lowering the expressions of ER, PR and IGF-1.