We previously found that compared to patients with benign uterine diseases (polyps, myomas), patients with premalignant (hyperplasia simplex and complex) and malignant (adenocarcinoma) lesions had enhanced lipid peroxidation and altered uterine antioxidant enzyme (AOE) activities. To further elucidate the mechanism of the observed changes, we examined protein and mRNA levels of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and transcription factor Nrf2. We also examined correlations of AOE expression with AOE activity, lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) level, and level of Nrf2. Our results showed decreased CuZnSOD, CAT, and Nrf2 levels, and increased GPx and GR levels in hyperplasias, while in patients with adenocarcinoma, the level of CAT was decreased and GR was increased, compared to benign groups. Similar changes in mRNA levels were also detected, indicating predominantly translational control of the AOE expression. The positive correlation of enzyme expression/activity was recorded for CuZnSOD, GPx, and GR, but only among groups with benign diseases. Only GR and GPx expressions were positively correlated with LOOH. Nrf2 protein was positively correlated with mRNA levels of CuZnSOD and GR. Observed results indicate involvement of diverse redox mechanisms in etiopathogenesis of different gynecological diseases, and may improve redox-based approaches in current clinical practice.
Keywords: adenocarcinoma; antioxidant enzymes; hyperplasia; myoma; polyps.