Malignant Transformation Of Endometriosis Research Articles

Expression patterns of HDAC6 in correlation to ARID1A status in different subtypes of endometriosis: A retrospective tissue microarray analysis

Endometriosis is a disease affecting approximately 10% of reproductive age women. Loss of the tumor suppressor gene AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A) occurs in some endometriosis cases. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC-6) is an enzyme with implication in several diseases including different cancer types and immunological disorders, where it is involved in protein trafficking and degradation, cell shape, and migration. In ARID1A-deficient ovarian cancer increased HDAC-6 expression lead to apoptosis-inhibiting post-translational modification of p53. It is not known if HDAC-6 expression is also altered in ARID1A-deficient endometriosis. The aim of this study was to assess HDAC-6 expression in endometriotic lesions in correlation to ARID1A-status.Two tissue-microarrays with 168 endometriotic lesions, including ovarian (64/168, 38 %), peritoneal (66/168, 39 %) and deep-infiltrating (38/168, 23 %) subtypes, and 73 endometrium of women without endometriosis were assessed. Mean ARID1A immunoreactivity score (IRS) in endometriosis group was 10.83 (±2.36) and 10.78 (±1.94) in the epithelium and stroma, respectively, while the respective mean HDAC6 IRS were 9.16 (±2.76) and 5.94 (±2.88). The comparison of the HDAC6 expression between endometriosis subtypes showed higher expression in deep-infiltrating endometriosis, in both, epithelium (p = 0.032) and stroma (p = 0.007). In ARID1A negative cases, epithelial expression of HDAC6 was higher in endometriosis compared to women without endometriosis (p = 0.031), and this was also specifically observed in the subset of ovarian endometriosis (p = 0.037). There were no significant differences in the stromal expression of HDAC6.In conclusion, our results demonstrate a complex expression pattern of HDAC6 depending on ARID1A status in different endometriosis subtypes. Further studies on HDAC6 and ARID1A are important to elucidate mechanisms involved in malignant transformation of endometriosis.

MiRNA Expression Profiles in Ovarian Endometriosis and Two Types of Ovarian Cancer-Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancer and High-Grade Ovarian Cancer.

Endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EOC) consisting of endometrioid cancer and clear-cell ovarian cancer could be promoted by many factors. miRNAs, which are small, non-coding molecules of RNA, are among them. The aim of this study was to detect miRNAs connected with the malignant transformation of endometriosis. FFPE (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded) samples of 135 patients operated on for endometriosis and different types of ovarian cancer (EOC and HGSOC-high-grade serous ovarian cancer) were studied. Healthy ovarian tissue was used as a control group. From the expression panel of 754 miRNAs, 7 were chosen for further tests according to their ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curves: miR-1-3p, miR-125b-1-3p, miR-31-3p, miR-200b-3p, miR-502-5p, miR-503-5p and miR-548d-5p. Furthermore, other potentially important clinical data were analysed, which included age, BMI, Ca-125 concentration, miscarriages and deliveries and concomitant diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes and smoking. Among the miRNAs, miR200b-3p had the lowest expression in neoplastic tissues. miR31-3p had the highest expression in women without any lesions in the ovaries. miR-502-5p and miR-548-5p did not differ between the studied groups. The examined miRNA panel generally distinguished significantly normal ovarian tissue and endometriosis, normal ovarian tissue and cancer, and endometriosis and cancer. The malignant transformation of endometriosis is dependent on different factors. miRNA changes are among them. The studied miRNA panel described well the differences between endometriosis and EOC but had no potential to differentiate types of ovarian cancer according to their origin. Therefore, examination of a broader miRNA panel is needed and might prove itself advantageous in clinical practice.

Correlation of clinicopathological and prognostic characteristics between endometriosis-associated and primary ovarian cancer

BackgroundThe main aim of this study was to establish the clinicopathological and prognostic correlations between endometriosis-associated and non-endometriosis-associated primary ovarian cancer, with a view to providing a reference guide for revision of diagnostic criteria for malignant transformation of endometriosis.MethodsClinicopathological and follow-up data of 174 patients with clear cell and endometrial ovarian cancer were retrospectively extracted. Cases were divided into endometriosis-associated and non-endometriosis-associated primary ovarian cancer for comparative analysis of clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis.ResultsAverage age and post-menopausal rate in the endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer group were lower relative to the primary ovarian cancer group (P < 0.05). Body mass index, age at menopause, operation history, dysmenorrhea, complications, tumor size, tumor side, ascites, CA125, HE4, CA19.9, stage, differentiation, expression of ER, PR, P53, P16, Ki67, MMR, HNF-1β and Napsin A were not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05). Furthermore, rates of resistance to platinum chemotherapy, relapse, progression-free survival and overall survival were comparable between the two groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionEndometriosis-associated and primary ovarian cancers of the same pathological type are speculated to be homologous in terms of origin from malignant transformation of endometriosis. It may therefore be necessary to revise the diagnostic criteria for ovarian endometriosis malignancy.

Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma: Genomic Characterization, Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy.

Ovarian clear cell carcinomas (OCCCs) are a subtype of ovarian epithelial tumors that arise from the malignant transformation of endometriosis (EMs). These tumors have distinctive molecular features, high malignant potential, low sensitivity to conventional chemotherapy, and poor prognosis. The process and mechanism of malignant transformation from EMs to OCCCs remains elusive. Elucidation of the molecular pathogenesis and drug resistance mechanism of OCCCs is essential to guide the clinical management and basic research of this disease. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the mechanisms of malignant transformation, genomic characteristics, drug resistance and targeted therapy of OCCCs. The review aims to provide new insights for the clinical management of advanced OCCCs.

Adenomyosis as a Risk Factor for Myometrial or Endometrial Neoplasms-Review.

Adenomyosis is a common benign gynecological condition, defined as an extension of endometrial tissue into the myometrium. Some studies suggest that adenomyosis could be a favorable prediction factor associated with survival outcomes in endometrial cancer. The aim of our systematic review was to investigate the current knowledge regarding adenomyosis and a possible molecular mechanism of carcinogenesis in adenomyotic lesions. In addition, the long-term prognosis for patients with endometrial cancer and coexisting adenomyosis (and endometriosis) was a key point of the research. The current literature was reviewed by searching PubMed, using the following phrases: “adenomyosis and endometrial cancer” and “malignant transformation of adenomyosis”. According to the literature, genetic mutations, epigenetic changes, and inactivation of specific tumor suppressor genes in adenomyosis are still poorly understood. Data regarding the influence of adenomyosis on survival outcomes in endometrial cancer seem to be contradictory and require further clinical and molecular investigation.

Malignant transformation of endometriosis on vaginal cuff after hysterectomy: a case report

Objective. Endometriotic tissue implants rarely transform to malignant tissue, especially in a patient with a hysterectomy and bilaterally salpingo-oophorectomy. However, several cases with cancer arising from endometriosis after hysterectomy were reported in the literature. Hormone replacement therapy only with estrogen is a crucial risk factor for malignant transformation of persistent endometriotic tissue. Case Report. The present case demonstrates an endometrioid adenocarcinoma arising from persistent endometriosis tissue in a patient who was performed hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy 3 years ago. The histopathologic specimens of the previous surgery did not include any malignant tissue. After 3 years, she applied to the hospital with abnormal vaginal bleeding, and her histopathologic examination result found an ulcerated mass at the upper one-third of the vagina that is compatible with endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Conclusion. It is crucial to keep in mind the endometriosis history of the patient, to be able to diagnose cancer arising from endometriosis while evaluating the patient with a hysterectomy.

PROBLEMATIC ISSUES IN THE ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS OF ADENOMYOSIS

Nowadays, adenomyosis represents one of the most common pathology of female genital system. It occurs at different ages, including nulliparous, infertile and multiparous women. The etiology of adenomyosis is still under investigation. Despite the fact that there are many different theories, none of them fully explain the mechanisms of adenomyoisis development. The pathogeneis of adenomyosis is also less studied. Many studies indicate the involvement of female sex hormone receptors, cell proliferation and apoptosis, as well as the involvement of inflammation. Some investigators describe the malignant transformation of adenomyosis, which makes the study of the disease etiology and pathogenesis more important. In current review, we discuss the different theories of adenomyosis development, as well as the risk of malignant transformation.

Endometriosis and risk of ovarian cancer

Endometriosis is common in premenopausal women and affects about 10% of women of reproductive age. It is a benign condition but demonstrates malignant behaviour with recurrences and metastases. Its tendency to increase the risk of specific subtypes of ovarian cancer is being discussed, because they exhibit specific clinical features that distinguish them from classical ovarian cancer. Malignant transformation of endometriosis goes through its transition to atypical endometriosis. Although endometriosis-associated ovarian carcinomas have a good prognosis, adequate follow-up and monitoring after treatment of endometriosis are recommended.

Role of CD10 expression in endometriosis-associated mesenchymal stem cells on the progression of endometriosis-associated carcinoma.

5561 Background: Endometriosis-associated carcinomas (EACs) such as ovarian clear cell cancer (OCCC) are rare, aggressive, chemo-resistant malignancies. While endometriosis is a known chronic inflammatory condition, the molecular mechanisms for the malignant transformation of endometriosis is unknown. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are a critical component of the ovarian cancer microenvironment. Cancer cells reprogram MSCs to form carcinoma-associated MSCs (CAMSCs), which promote cancer growth, chemotherapy resistance, and metastases. MSCs are also found within the endometriotic microenvironment. CD10, a surface protein expressed by endometrial stromal cells, is also expressed on endometriosis-associated MSCs (enMSCs). Preliminary data demonstrate CD10 expression is lost in a subset of enMSCs and this loss is correlated with the acquisition of tumor-promoting properties. We hypothesized that the CD10 negative subset of enMSCs behave similarly to CAMSCs and support the growth of OCCC. Methods: EnMSCs were isolated from primary human benign endometriosis deposits involving the ovary or fallopian tubes. Flow cytometry was used to measure surface CD10 expression. We investigated the role of low CD10 enMSCs versus high CD10 enMSCs on OCCC tumor cell growth, chemotherapy resistance and stem-like cell properties in vitro and tumor cell engraftment, growth, and metastases in vivo. Luciferase-expressing OCCC cells were (1) used alone, (2) mixed with low CD10 enMSCs, or (3) mixed with high CD10 enMSCs and injected orthotopically into the ovarian bursa of NSG mice. In vivo imaging system was used to follow tumor progression and metastasis. Results: Our results demonstrated that enMSCs have variable CD10 expression. EnMSCs with low CD10 expression significantly enhanced OCCC proliferation, resistance to cisplatin, and sphere formation compared to OCCC alone. In contrast, high CD10 expressing enMSCs significantly reduce OCCC proliferation and sphere formation. Interestingly, low CD10 enMSCs selectively enhanced OCCC cell growth and had no effect on high grade serious ovarian cancer cell growth. Moreover, a reduction of CD10 expression was observed over time when high CD10 enMSCs were co-cultured with OCCC cells. Our results also showed enhanced tumor engraftment when OCCC cells were co-injected with low CD10 enMSCs to 100% one week post-injection, compared to 40% with OCCC and high CD10 enMSCs and 60% with OCCC alone. Further, mice co-injected with low CD10 enMSCs demonstrated increased metastasis and decreased survival compared to mice co-injected with high CD10 enMSCs. Conclusions: Our results indicate there is a sub population of enMSCs, marked by decreased CD10 expression, which selectively enhances OCCC growth. This highlights the existence of a tumor-promoting stromal cell within endometriosis which may be critical to the formation and propagation of EACs.

Immunologic factors involved in the malignant transformation of endometriosis to endometriosis-associated ovarian carcinoma.

Endometriosis is a risk factor for low-grade serous, clear cell, and endometroid ovarian carcinoma. In both endometriosis and ovarian carcinoma, immunological factors are associated with clinical outcome. Chronic inflammation in endometriosis may be linked to tumorigenesis, but exact processes contributing to endometriosis-associated ovarian carcinoma remain unknown. This review aims to describe potential immunological factors involved in the malignant transformation of endometriosis into ovarian carcinoma. PubMed and Embase were searched from inception up to October 2020 for studies comparing immunological processes in endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian carcinoma. Detailed analysis of immune components in the malignant transformation of endometriosis into endometriosis-associated ovarian carcinoma is lacking. Altered levels of chemokines and cytokines as IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α are reported and the function, number and polarization of NK cells, dendritic cells, and monocytes differ between endometriosis and associated ovarian carcinoma compared to healthy tissue. In addition, altered inflammasome and complement systems, indicate a role for the immune system in the carcinogenesis of endometriosis. Chronic inflammation in endometriosis may potentially drive inflammation-induced carcinogenesis in endometriosis-associated ovarian carcinoma. Exact immunological pathways and cellular processes remain unknown and require more thorough investigation.

Downregulation of SPOCK2 promotes the proliferation, adhesion, and invasion of endometrial epithelial cells

Purpose A previous study found that a lack of SPOCK2 expression was an early event that occurs during the malignant transformation of endometriosis (EMS); however, the role played by SPOCK2 in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and its malignant transformation remains unclear. Materials and methods In this study, SPOCK2 expression in human endometrial epithelial cells (hEECs) was downregulated by transfection with shRNA, and the biological behavior of the transfected cells was observed. Results We found that downregulation of SPOCK2 promoted cell proliferation, adhesion, and invasion. Conclusions Our data suggest that downregulation of SPOCK2 might participate in the pathogenesis and progression of EMS, as well as its malignant transformation, by promoting the proliferation, adhesion, and invasion of endometrial epithelial cells.

Endometriosis and ovarian cancer - what they have in common?

Introduction and purpose: Endometriosis is one of the most common diseases among women in the reproductive age. Although its etiology remains not fully understood, several models of endometriosis development are taken into consideration. Many studies have been focused on hormonal and genetic alterations in endometriosis. The results of these studies allow for a thesis on common origin of endometriosis anda few types of ovarian cancer. The aim of this review is to present actual knowledge about endometriosis’ development conditions and a possible association with ovarian cancer.Material and method: The review concerned articles published in years 2012-2020, which were collected in the PubMed and Google Scholar. Particular attention was paid to the development of both the endometriosis and Endometriosis-Related Ovarian Neoplasms (ERONs) and their genetic disorders.Results:Endometriosis development is connected with several risk factors and also immune, hormonal and genetic alterations. Some authors postulated that malignant transformation of endometriosis may be a multi-step process powered by increasing levels of estrogen. Many studies confirmed that mutations of ARID1A and PIK3CA genes are likely to be present in the majority of cases of ovarian cancer with adjacent endometriosis.Conclusions:The awareness of clinical features and medical complications of endometriosis is spreading increasingly around the world. Many studies are focused on genetic causes of this illness. It may be supposed that we will be able to select women with endometriosis and increased risk of ovarian cancer and prevent its development.

Multi-omics Study on the Pathogenesis of Malignant Transformation of Adenomyosis

Multi-omics Study on the Pathogenesis of Malignant Transformation of Adenomyosis

Endometriosis-assEndometriosis-associated ovarian tumors: morphological and immunohistochemical features

Background. In 2016, the World Health Organization published an updated version of the Histological Classification for ovarian tumors presenting a new category of endometriosis-associated tumors. The predictors of malignant transformation of endometriosis have not been clearly defined so far.Purpose. The search for histological and immunohistochemical markers of endometriosis-associated malignancy.Materials and methods. 28 female patients with endometrioid ovarian cancer and 11 patients with clear cell ovarian carcinoma were enrolled. Histological and immunohistochemical studies were carried out using conventional techniques. Immunohistochemistry was applied to determine the hormone receptor status: expression of steroid hormone receptors, BAF250a (ARID1A), PTEN, P-catenin, MSH6, PMS2, р-53, WT-1, proliferative index (Ki-67). Microsatellite instability (MSI) testing was conducted according to the standard protocol.Results. In all cases of ovarian cancer, histological examination showed one of the endometriosis features. Atypical endometriosis was found in 39 % (11 / 28) of endometrioid tumors and in 9% (1/ 11) of clear cell carcinomas. Endometrioid ovarian cancer was found to be ER (74±7,8%) — and PR (67±5,4%) — positive; Ki-67 index was 68,2±3,7 %; loss of BAF250a (ARID1A) expression was observed in 14% (4/ 28), loss of PTEN expression in 29 % (8 / 28), nuclear expression of P-catenin in 32% (9/28) of cases. Loss of MMR expression was detected in 7% (2/28) of cases. MSI was found in one case only, which was also associated with loss of expression of BAF250a (ARID1A) and MSH6. Clear cell carcinoma of the ovary showed histological criteria for endometriosis; however, there were no changes immunohistochemical markers expression that were typical for endometriosis-associated malignancies. It could be due to a small number of patients in the group so further research is needed.Conclusion. Atypical endometriosis may be a morphological precursor of endometrioid and clear cell carcinoma of the ovary. Comprehensive assessment of a marker panel consisting of BAF250a (ARID1A), P-catenin, PTEN, p53, Ki-67 index, PMS2 and MSH6 will allow improving the diagnosis of atypical endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer.

Clinical significance of M2 macrophages expressing heme oxygenase-1 in malignant transformation of ovarian endometrioma

Malignant transformation of endometriosis is a rare and still poorly understood event, but is associated with the distortion of the pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant balance. The aim of the present study was to quantify the numbers of macrophages polarized as M1 or M2 phenotypes and the expression of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 in tissue sections from patients with benign ovarian endometrioma (OE) and its malignant transformation (endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer, EAOC). We performed a retrospective study at the Department of Gynecology, Nara Medical University hospital from December 2012 to March 2015. This study included 53 patients with OE (n = 33) and EAOC (n = 20), and we evaluated polarized functional status of macrophages by immunohistochemical staining of CD68, CD11c, CD163 and HO-1. The number of the M1 phenotype (CD11c+, p = 0.001) and the M2 phenotype (CD163+, p = 0.009) was significantly lower in EAOC patients than in OE patients. Analyzing the correlations between the studied markers, the expression of CD68, CD11c, and CD163 proteins significantly correlated with each other (p < 0.001). The number of M2 phenotypes expressing HO-1 was significantly decreased in the EAOC group, compared with the OE group (P < 0.001), demonstrating sustained downregulation of an antioxidant marker, HO-1, in EAOC. In conclusion, reduced number of M2 macrophages expressing HO-1 may have an important role in promoting malignant transformation of OE.

Association between ovarian cancer and advanced endometriosis.

We retrospectively analyzed clinicopathological data in two different countries over the past years on the association between ovarian endometriosis and ovarian carcinoma. Medical and pathological reports were evaluated from 1,000 patients with endometriosis from two different geographical areas. The prevalence and women characteristics of cases were analyzed. Endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer was present in 20 (2%) cases, among the study subjects. The observed prevalence was 12 (60%) for endometrioid carcinoma, 4 (20%) for clear cell ovarian carcinoma, 2 (10%) for serous and 2 (10%) for mucinous adenocarcinoma. A higher proportion of endometrioid carcinoma cases were noted in comparison with other types (P<0.001). We found only 3/20 (15%) postmenopausal cases. In all cases, we reported advanced stage of endometriosis (stage III or IV). Left-sided endometrioid carcinoma were notably more common than right-sided ones (P<0.001). In the majority of cases, malignant transformation of endometriosis was observed in endometrioid carcinoma or clear cell carcinoma of the ovary. Further research is required to establish the relationship between endometriosis and ovarian cancer.

Prevalence of common polymorphisms of AT-rich interaction domain 1A and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in patients with endometriosis compared to control group

Introduction: Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disorder defined as ectopic presence of endometrial tissue in extrauterine sites. Endometriosis is associated with infertility and risk of malignancy. Identification of genetic factors responsible for development and malignant transformation of endometriosis can improve therapeutic approaches. In this study, we investigated the association of AT-rich interaction domain 1A ( ARID1A) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase ( eNOS) polymorphisms with endometriosis and staging of the disease. Methods: A total of 100 women with laparoscopy-confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis were included and compared with 100 women without endometriosis as the control group. Genotypes of patients regarding Gln920Ter polymorphism of ARID1A gene and Glu298Asp polymorphism of eNOS gene were determined by polymerase chain reaction techniques on blood samples from the study population. The prevalence of each genotype in endometriosis patients was compared with healthy controls using the chi-square test. Results: Significantly higher prevalence of non-CC genotype for ARID1A Gln920Ter polymorphism and non-GG genotype for G894T polymorphism of the eNOS gene was detected in the endometriosis group. There was no significant relationship between these polymorphisms and staging of endometriosis. Discussion: Significant variation of prevalence of Gln920Ter polymorphism of the ARID1A gene and Glu298Asp polymorphism of the eNOS gene among the two groups can indicate a causative effect of these genetic alterations on the development of endometriosis.

New knowledge and insights about the malignant transformation of endometriosis.

Endometriosis may be a definitive risk factor for ovarian cancer, the most fatal gynecological cancer. The ability of endometriosis to transform into malignancy, first described by Dr. Sampson in 1925, is considered a rare occurrence, affecting approximately 1% of ovarian endometriomas. Recently we conducted a retrospective study regarding the malignant transformation of endometriosis in Japanese women. Many studies have reported a consistent correlation between endometriosis and ovarian cancer according to histological subtypes. However, the existing epidemiological evidence linking this association is insufficient to define the role of endometriosis as a cause of ovarian cancer and to influence changes to current clinical practice. Prospective cohort studies are therefore needed to clarify this issue. Additionally, the results of many molecular studies are conflicting, and earlier studies showing the molecular aberrations involved in genomic instability and mutation that enable malignant transformation have not been replicated in later studies. Careful long-term observation of a patient with endometrioma is required to detect possible subsequent incidence of malignant transformation. More importantly, a precise strategy should be set up for better prevention, early detection, specific diagnosis and treatment targeting molecular pathogenesis to understand the mechanisms of endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer. Clinicians need to be aware of the increased ovarian cancer risk in women with endometriosis.

Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma Arising from Endometriosis

The malignant transformation of endometriosis is a very uncommon event but can occur in 0.7% to 1% of all cases. Any histological type of tumor found in the endometrium might also occur in endometriosis. Most malignant tumors that originate from endometriosis are endometrioid adenocarcinomas and also clear-cell type carcinomas. On the other hand, sarcomas, especially endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS), are extremely unusual representing 12% of all cases. ESS is an uncommon neoplasm and accounts for 0.2% of the uterine malignances. Malignant tumors arising from endometriosis can derive from the uterine wall as well as from extra-uterine sites. The most frequent extrauterine location is the ovary (78.7%), followed by the pelvic peritoneum (5.7%), the rectovaginal septum (4.3%), the colon (4.3%) and the vagina (2%), representing the majority of extragonadal sites. ESSs arising from the extrauterine and extraovarian endometriosis sites in the absence of a primary uterine lesion are extremely rare and the treatment options are not clear. Surgical debulking seems to be the best treatment. Adjuvant therapy, such as radiation, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy are not yet proven to be effective. Molecular target therapy could be a future possibility of treatment. A systematic review of English Medical Literature about incidence, treatment and prognosis of extrauterine ESS arising from endometriosis foci was performed. The selected articles on which this review is based are the following: 9 literature reviews, 8 retrospective studies, 7 case series, 1 prospective trial and 11 case reports.

Malignant transformation of adenomyosis with coexisting ovarian cancer: case report

Malignant transformation of adenomyosis with coexisting ovarian cancer: case report