Endometriotic lesions and their recurrence: A Study on the mediators of immunoregulatory (TGF-ß/miR-20a) and stemness (NANOG/miR-145).

Endometriosis is a common estrogen-dependent disease that involves various cellular processes. Additionally, miRNAs play a crucial role in the development of the disease as an important component of the microenvironment. In this study, tissue specimens of eutopic and ectopic lesions of 20 women, whose endometriosis was later approved by the pathology laboratory, were biopsied through laparoscopy. As a control group, endometrial tissue specimens were collected from 20 women who underwent curettage for reasons unrelated to endometriosis. The expression levels of miR-20A and miR-145 and their target genes, TGF-ß and NANOG, were measured in these samples as markers of stemness and immunomodulatory properties, respectively. The study also aimed to compare the expression levels of target genes and miRNAs in ectopic lesions regarding endometriosis recurrence post-surgery. The study revealed that the expression of TGF-ß and NANOG genes was significantly upregulated in endometriotic tissues compared to the control group. There was also a notable increase in miR-20A and miR-145 expression in the endometriotic tissues compared to the control group. While there was no significant correlation between the expression of miR-20a and TGF-ß, we observed a negative correlation between the expression level of miR-145 and NANOG. Additionally, the ROC curve analysis emphasized miR-14 as a potential biomarker for endometriosis over miR-20a. However, our findings on disease recurrence underscore the importance of miR-20a in the early detection of endometriosis recurrence.

Evaluation of diagnostic value of pelvic MRI in endometriosis in comparison with surgical findings: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Endometriosis is a multifocal gynecologic disorder during the fertility period in women. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important diagnostic modality for this disease and can either be used alone or along with transvaginal ultrasonography. Objective: This study aims to compare the accuracy of pelvis MRI in pelvic deep endometriosis with laparoscopic findings in women referred to Shahid Sadoughi hospital in one year. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 women suspicious of endometriosis who referred to Shahid Sadoughi hospital, Yazd, Iran from November 2020-2021. Based on clinical findings and history, participants were referred to the imaging center for pelvic MRI. Finally, the results of MRI and diagnostic laparoscopy were compared with pathologic findings. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of MRI for pelvic endometriosis were 94.8% and 20%, respectively. Also, the positive predictive value and negative predictive value of MRI were 90.2% and 33.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Laparoscopy is still the gold standard of endometriosis diagnosis, but MRI with susceptibility-weighted imaging sequence is the best noninvasive diagnostic method.

Expression of miR-21 &IL-4 in endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis characterized with existence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Fibrosis of ectopic lesions is an important feature of endometriosis. IL-4 induces fibrosis via fibroblast proliferation, collagen production and myofibroblast differentiation. Increasing of miR-21 expression promotes fibroblast activation and fibrosis expansion. The aim of study was to evaluate the expression of miR-21 and its relationship with IL-4 gene expression in endometrial ectopic and eutopic tissues of endometriosis patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ectopic and eutopic tissue samples were taken from 20 women with endometriosis, and control samples were taken from the endometrium of 20 endometriosis-free women. The relative expression of IL-4 and miR-21 evaluated by Real Time PCR. IL-4 relative gene expression was significantly increased in ectopic tissue compared to eutopic (p = 0.025) and control tissue (p = 0.021). The relative expression of miR-21 gene in ectopic tissue was increased compared to eutopic (p = 0.850) and control tissue (p = 0.978) but these differences were not significant. Also, the correlation between IL-4 and miR-21 relative gene expression was not significant (p = 0.083). CONCLUSION: The increased expression of miR-21 in endometrium of women with endometriosis may upregulate the IL-4 gene expression and lead to fibrosis. Further studies may suggest miR-21 and IL-4 as candidates for diagnosis of endometriosis.

Evaluation of the relationship between miR-1271 and GRB2 gene in endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition with a substantial economic burden on society. It is known that both genetic and environmental factors are contributing to the phenotypic development of the disease. MicroRNAs have a vital role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. miR-1271 and its direct target gene, GRB2 (growth factor receptor-bound protein 2), expression have been studied in gynecologic cancers, while their role in endometriosis has not been studied. OBJECTIVE: We measured miR-1271 and GRB2 gene expression in the eutopic and ectopic tissues of patients (endometrial tissues) in contrast to the control samples from healthy women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, a total of 45 samples (15 control samples, 15 eutopic samples and 15 ectopic samples) were collected. We used qRT-PCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) to evaluate the expression levels of the miR-1271 and GRB2 gene. RESULTS: We observed inverse expression of miR-1271 and GRB2 gene. MiR-1271 expression was significantly reduced in patients with endometriosis compared with healthy women. While there was a noticeable increase in the expression level of its target gene, GRB2, in tissues of endometriosis patients compared with normal control samples. CONCLUSION: We have shown an inverse relationship between the reduction of miR-1271 expression level and increase in the expression level of GRB2, therefore, increased GRB2 expression in endometriosis tissues can be due to decreased expression of this microRNA. Our findings suggested that miR-1271 maybe play a role as a biomarker in the diagnosis of patients with endometriosis.

Oxidative stress-related effects on various aspects of endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a chronic and relatively common disease in women of childbearing age. Complications of this disease include a wide range of disorders. The cause of this disease is not known for sure, but several hypotheses have been proposed for it. AIM: In this review, an attempt has been made to discuss the effects of oxidative stress on various complications of endometriosis. CONTENT: In endometriosis, the entry of endometrial tissues into the peritoneal cavity causes oxidative stress through the Fenton reaction and inflammation in this site. Fenton reaction can produce reactive oxygen species through a catalytic form of iron. This process can provoke inflammatory responses and oxidative injury. As a result, the activity of macrophages and expression of nuclear factor-kappa B increase. Oxidative stress can be associated with many complications of endometriosis. It has been reported that in the peritoneal fluid of endometriosis patients, there are activated macrophages, growth factors, and high concentrations of cytokines. These conditions act as a toxic to embryo survival and sperm function. IMPLICATIONS: Novel therapeutic strategies must regulate intracellular ROS signaling to inhibit the adverse effects of ROS-induced endometriosis-promoting events. According to features of antioxidants, they may inhibit early events of the development of endometriosis.

The relationship between postnatal hypoglycemia and umbilical artery Doppler ultrasonography in neonates with intrauterine growth restriction: A longitudinal follow-up study.

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to fetuses with an estimated ultrasonography weight below the 10% percentile. Hypoglycemia is a major concern in neonates with IUGR. Objective: To investigate the relationship between umbilical artery (UA) Doppler ultrasonography and neonate hypoglycemia and IUGR. Materials and Methods: This was a longitudinal follow-up study consisting of 114 neonates (gestational age of 28-40 wk) born with IUGR in the third trimester of pregnancy at Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, Iran between May 2016 and October 2017. The neonates were assigned into three subgroups of normal UA Doppler, absent end-diastolic flow (EDF) in UA Doppler, and reverse EDF in UA Doppler. The blood glucose of the neonates was checked one, two, three, six, 12, 24 and 48 hr after birth, and the neonates were placed in the hypoglycemia or euglycemia groups according to guidelines. Results: Out of the 114 neonates included in the study, 75 (65.8%) had normal UA Doppler, 29 (25.4%) had absent EDF in UA Doppler, and 10 (8.8%) had reverse EDF in UA Doppler. There was a significant difference in the mean blood glucose in the first hr between the normal UA Doppler group and the reverse EDF in UA Doppler group (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Postnatal hypoglycemia in neonates with IUGR is associated with the result of UA Doppler ultrasonography during pregnancy.

Association between Fetal MTHFR A1298C (rs1801131) Polymorphism and Neural Tube Defects Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association of the fetal MTHFR A1298C (rs1801131) polymorphism and neural tube defects (NTDs) susceptibility has been widely demonstrated, but the results remain inconclusive. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the association between fetal MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and NTDs risk. METHODS: An electronic search of PubMed, web of science, SciELO, CNKI database for studies on the fetal MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and NTDs risk was performed up to March 30, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 22 case-control studies with 3,224 fetuses with NTDs and 3,295 controls were selected. Overall, pooled data showed that the fetal MTHFR A1298C polymorphism was not significantly associated with risk an increased risk of NTDs in the global population. When stratified analysis by ethnicity, country of origin and NTDs type, still no statistically significant association was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our pooled data emerged no evidence for significant association between fetal MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and NTDs risk.

Association of Fetal MTHFR C677T Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Neural Tube Defects: A Systematic Review and Update Meta-Analysis.

Background MTHFR gene may be a key epigenetic regulation-related factor crucial during embryogenesis. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the association of fetal MTHFR C677T polymorphism with neural tube defects (NTDs).Methods A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Embase, and CNKI database was performed up to April 10, 2020.Results A total of 19 case-control studies with 2,228 NTDs cases and 4,220 controls were identified. Pooled data revealed that the fetal MTHFR C677T polymorphism was significantly highly correlated with development of NTDs in the overall population. Stratified analysis showed a significant association among Caucasians and Asians, but not in mixed populations. There was a significant association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and spina bifida risk. No publication bias was found under any genetic model.Conclusions Our pooled data support the fetal MTHFR C677T polymorphism association with risk of NTDs, especially among Caucasians and Asians.

A Meta-Analysis for Association of XRCC3 rs861539, MTHFR rs1801133, IL-6 rs1800795, IL-12B rs3212227, TNF-α rs1800629, and TLR9 rs352140 Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Cervical Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: In spite of substantial declines in both incidence and mortality rates in the past 50 years, cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer associated mortality among women globally. We performed this meta-analysis to explore the role of XRCC3 rs861539, MTHFR rs1801133, IL-6 rs1800795, IL-12B rs3212227, TNF-α rs1800629 and TLR9 rs352140 polymorphism with susceptibility to cervical carcinoma. METHODS: The search databases include PubMed, SciELO, MedRxiv, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and China Biology Medicine disc up to 30 June 2021. The language is limited to English and Chinese. The comparison between the polymorphisms and cervical cancer was assessed using pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The data are statistically analyzed by Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) 2.0 software. RESULTS: A total of 59 studies including seven studies with 1,112 cases and 1,233 controls on XRCC3 rs861539, 14 studies with 2,694 cases and 3349 controls MTHFR rs1801133, four studies with 1,121 cases and 1,109 controls on IL-12B rs3212227, seven studies with 1,452 cases and 2,186 controls on IL-6 rs1800795, 20 studies with 4,781 cases and 4909 controls on TNF-α rs1800629, and seven studies with 1743 cases and 2292 controls on TLR9 rs352140 were included. There was a significant association between XRCC3 RS861539, TNF-α rs1800629, and IL-6 rs1800795 polymorphisms and an increased risk of cervical carcinoma in overall population. However, the MTHFR rs1801133, IL-12B rs3212227 and TLR9 rs352140 polymorphisms were not associated. CONCLUSION: The pooled analysis showed that XRCC3 RS861539, TNF-α rs1800629, and IL-6 rs1800795 were associated with cervical carcinoma susceptibility, but not MTHFR rs1801133, IL-12B rs3212227 and TLR9 rs352140 polymorphisms.

A meta-analysis for the risk and prevalence of preeclampsia among pregnant women with COVID-19

Preeclampsia and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are both life-threatening disorders when they occur during pregnancy. They are similarly characterized by systemic immune activation and have a deleterious effect on maternal endothelial cells. During the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there were reports of preeclampsia or a preeclampsia-like syndrome occurring in pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We performed a meta-analysis to estimate the risk and prevalence of preeclampsia and SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure to identify all relevant studies published up to February 29, 2020. All studies that reported the prevalence of preeclampsia in pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection were selected. A total of 10 case-control studies and 15 case series met our inclusion criteria. Pooled data revealed no significant difference between infected pregnant women and uninfected pregnant women for the risk of preeclampsia [odds ratio (OR)=1.676, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.679-4.139, p=0.236]. The stratified analysis revealed significant risk in the infected Asian pregnant women (OR=2.637, 95% CI 1.030-6.747, p=0.043), but not Caucasian. The prevalence of preeclampsia was 8.2% (95% CI 0.057-0.117) in infected pregnant women with COVID-19 in the overall population. Its prevalence was highest in North America (10.7%), followed by Asian (7.9%), Caucasian (6.7%), European (4.9%), and West Asian (2.6%) infected pregnant women. Our pooled data showed that the prevalence of preeclampsia in pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection was 8.2%. However, there was no increased risk of occurrence of preeclampsia among pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Meta-analysis of the frequency of intrauterine growth restriction and preterm premature rupture of the membranes in pregnant women with COVID-19

The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in pregnancy has yet to be determined. Some studies indicate that SARSCoV- 2 infection may be associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes in pregnant women. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the frequency of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) in pregnant women with Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). A comprehensive search was performed in various databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, MedRxiv, and Web of Science, to find all relevant studies published before 10 February 2021. Cross-sectional and consecutive case series reporting the pregnancy outcomes of COVID-19 were included. A total of 24 studies, including 8 studies on IUGR and 16 studies on PPROM, were selected. Pooled data showed that the frequencies of IUGR and PPROM in pregnant women with COVID-19 were 2.6% and 9.9%, respectively. Analyses stratified by ethnicity showed that the frequencies of IUGR in Asian and Caucasian COVID-19-infected pregnant women were 2.9% and 2.0%, respectively. Moreover, the frequencies of PPROM in Asian and Caucasian COVID-19-infected pregnant women were 10.2% and 5.8%, respectively. This meta-analysis showed that the frequencies of IUGR and PPROM in COVID-19-infected pregnant women were 2.6% and 9.9%, respectively. However, well-designed, large-scale and multicenter clinical studies are required to improve and validate these results.

A meta-analysis for association of eNOS VNTR 4b/a, - 786 T > C and + 894G > T polymorphisms with risk of recurrent pregnancy loss.

BACKGROUND: The association of polymorphisms at nitric oxide synthases (eNOS) gene with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) susceptibility has been the focus of attention in several studies. However, the conclusions have been divergent and controversial. Therefore, we performed this study to precisely evaluate the association of eNOS polymorphisms with the risk of RPL. METHODS: A universal search in PubMed, Web of Knowledge, SciELO, MedRxiv, Scopus and web of Science was performed to identify relevant studies up to January 25, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 39 eligible studies including 15 studies with 2274 cases and 1933 controls on VNTR 4b/a, nine studies with 1640 cases and 1268 controls on -786C > T, and 15 studies with 2660 cases and 2557 controls on + 894G > T polymorphism were selected. Pooled data revealed that eNOS VNTR 4b/a (dominant model: OR = 1.174, 95% CI 1.021-1.350, p = 0.025) and + 894G > T (allele model: OR = 1.278, 95% CI 1.024-1.595, p = 0.030; homozygote model: OR = 1.442, 95% CI 1.084-1.917, p = 0.012; dominant model: OR = 1.305, 95% CI 1.006-1.693, p = 0.045; and recessive model: OR = 1.378, 95% CI 1.045-1.817, p = 0.023) polymorphisms were significantly associated with an increased risk of RPL, but not - 786 T > C. Stratified analysis by ethnicity revealed that the eNOS + 894G > T was associated with RPL risk in Asians. CONCLUSIONS: To sum up, our results indicated that the eNOS VNTR 4b/a and + 894G > T polymorphisms might be contributing to RPL development, but not the - 786C > T polymorphism.

A meta-analysis of the association of the ACE I/D and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms with recurrent pregnancy loss in Iranian women: Are the investigations adequate?

The associations of ACE I/D and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in Iranian women have yielded controversial results. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to obtain more certain results. A comprehensive literature search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, MedRxiv, SID, and CNKI databases up to January 1st, 2021, using the appropriate terms. All case-control studies were included. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the strength of associations. A total of 14 studies including eight studies with 783 patients and 761 healthy subjects on ACE I/D and six studies with 1.155 patients and 699 healthy subjects on PAI-1 4G/5G were included. Combined data revealed that ACE I/D polymorphism was significantly associated with RPL risk in Iranian women under three models i.e., allele [OR=0.744, 95% CI: (0.640-0.864); p≤0.001], dominant [OR=0.774, 95% CI: (0.601-0.996); p=0.047], and recessive [OR=0.767, 95% CI: (0.611-0.963); p=0.022]. Moreover, the pooled data showed a significant association between the PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism and RPL risk under all five models i.e., allele [OR=2.352, 95% CI: (1.623-3.408); p≤0.001], heterozygote [OR=8.364, 95% CI: (4.744-14.756); p≤0.001), homozygote [OR=2.192, 95% CI: (1.093-4.394); p=0.027), dominant [OR=2.354, 95% CI: (1.309-4.235); p=0.004], and recessive [OR=5.208, 95% CI: (3.005-9.025); p≤0.001]. Stratification analysis revealed that these polymorphisms were associated with RPL risk by the number of miscarriages. Our pooled data indicated that ACE I/D and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms were significantly associated with an increased risk of RPL in Iranian women. These significant findings showed that the investigation might be adequate for ACE I/D and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms in the Iranian population.

Correction to "Platelet-rich plasma in the management of Asherman's syndrome: An RCT" [Int J Reprod BioMed 2020; 18: 113-12].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v18i2.6423.].

Cumulative Evidence for Association of IL-10 -1082G > A Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The IL-10 -1082 G > A polymorphism has been reported to be associated with a risk of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) with inconsistent results. Thus, to clarify the effect of the polymorphism on the susceptibility to RPL, a meta-analysis was performed. Methods: A systematic literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and SciELO was performed to identify the relevant studies published up to December 20, 2019, and related information was extracted. Results: A total of 17 case-control studies with 3,224 RPL cases and 3,295 controls were selected. Pooled data revealed that IL-10 -1082 G > A polymorphism was significantly associated with risk of RPL in the global population. Moreover, subgroup analysis indicated a significant association in Caucasians, but not in Asian or mixed populations. Conclusions: Our pooled data highlights that IL-10 -1082 G > A polymorphism is a risk factor for RPL susceptibility in the global population, especially in Caucasians.

Association of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase 894G > T Polymorphism with Preeclampsia Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis based on 35 Studies.

BACKGROUND: Several case-control studies have been performed to investigate the association between 894 G > T polymorphism in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene and susceptibility to preeclampsia. However, the results were inconsistent and inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the association. Methods: All studies published up to September 30, 2019 were identified by searching electronic databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, and WANFANG. Results: A total of 35 case- control studies with 4,254 cases and 5,801 controls were selected. There was a significant association between the eNOS 894 G > T and preeclampsia risk. When stratified by ethnicity, an increased risk of preeclampsia was found in Caucasian and Mixed populations, but not in Asians or Africans. Conclusion: Based on our meta-analysis, the eNOS 894 G > T polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia, especially among Caucasian and Mixed populations.

Association of MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.

BACKGROUND: Genetic causes that contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of five polymorphisms at MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 genes with risk of RPL. Methods: The study comprised 250 women with RPL and 250 healthy controls. The MMP-2 (rs243865, rs2285053), MMP-3 (rs35068180), and MMP 9 (rs3918242, rs17576) polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. Results: A significant association was found between MMP-3 rs35068180 polymorphism and RPL risk. There was no significant association between RPL and polymorphisms at MMP-2 (rs243865, rs2285053) and MMP 9 (rs3918242, rs17576) genes. Conclusion: MMP-3 rs35068180 polymorphism may modulate RPL risk in Iranian women. There is no evidence to suggest that MMP-2 (rs243865, rs2285053) and MMP 9 (rs3918242, rs17576) polymorphisms are associated with RPL risk.

Association of Insulin-like Growth Factor-II Apa1 and MspI Polymorphisms with Intrauterine Growth Restriction Risk.

BackgroundInsulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) has a prominent role in fetal growth and development. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of IGF-II Apa1 and MspI polymorphisms with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) risk. Methods: A total of 45 infants with IUGR and 45 infants appropriate for gestational (AGA) were enrolled. Genotyping of Apa1 and MspI polymorphisms was assayed by PCR-RFLP approach. Results: The heterozygote genotype (AG) of IGF-II Apa1 CT was associated with an increased risk of IUGR. Genotypes and alleles of IGF-II MspI polymorphism had no significant association with IUGR susceptibility (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The current study suggests that IGF-II Apa1 polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of IUGR, while IGF-II MspI showed no association with IUGR. Thus, IGF-II Apa1 polymorphism could be used as a relevant molecular marker to identify the fetus at risk of developing IUGR.

Investigating the expressions of miRNA-125b and TP53 in endometriosis. Does it underlie cancer-like features of endometriosis? A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is generally considered as a benign condition; however, there is a possibility for it to become cancerous. miR-125b is upregulated in both endometriotic tissues and serum samples of women with endometriosis but its potential targets in endometriosis are still not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: The role of miR-125b in the regulation of TP53 expression in endometriosis was tested with a bioinformatics approach. In addition, the expression of miR-125b and TP53 in both eutopic (Eu-p) and ectopic endometrium (Ec-p) in the endometrium tissues of women with endometriosis was compared to those in the normal endometrium tissues of controls (Normal). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, the Eu-p and Ec-p samples were collected from 20 women who underwent laparoscopic surgery, and the normal endometrium tissues were collected from 20 controls with no evidence of endometriosis. For bioinformatics approach, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed based on co-expressed potential targets of miR-125b. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique was used for the measurement of miR125b and TP53 expression. RESULTS: Our results showed that miR-125b was significantly overexpressed in Ec-p (p-value: 0.021). In addition, there was a significant TP53 under expression in both the Ec-p and Eu-p samples compared with the Normal tissues (p-value: 0.003). CONCLUSION: The negative correlation between miR-125b and TP53 as well as a noticeable decreased expression of TP53 in both Ec-p and Eu-p samples may be interpreted as the roles of miR-125b/TP53 axis in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. In addition, these findings and bioinformatic analyses imply a possible role of miR-125b in cancer-like features of endometriosis.

Association of IL-12B rs3212227 and IL-6 rs1800795 Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Primary studies have shown that the IL-12B rs3212227 and IL-6 rs1800795 polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. However, conflicting results warrant a meta-analysis to obtain more precise estimates. METHODS: A comprehensive literate search on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, and SciELO was performed to collect all eligible studies up to November 10, 2019. The pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to calculate the risk. This meta-analysis was carried out by utilizing CMA software. RESULTS: A total of eleven case-control studies including four studies on IL-12B rs3212227 and seven studies on IL-6 rs1800795 were selected. Pooled ORs revealed that the IL-6 rs1800795 polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer (C vs. G: OR = 1.294, 95% CI 1.071-1.564, p= 0.007; CC vs. GG: OR = 1.633, 95% CI 1.059-2.520, p= 0.027; CC+CG vs. GG: OR = 1.312, 95% CI 1.048-1.643, p= 0.018; and CC vs. CG+GG: OR = 1.592, 95% CI 1.268-1.999, p≤0.001), but not IL-12B rs3212227 polymorphism. Stratified analysis by ethnicity revealed that both IL-12B rs3212227 and IL-6 rs1800795 polymorphisms were associated with risk of cervical cancer in Asian women. CONCLUSIONS: Our pooled data revealed that the IL-12B rs3212227 and IL-6 rs1800795 polymorphisms may be used to identify individuals at high risk of cervical cancer in Asian women.
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