MLL1:EZH2 Ratio in Uterine Secretions and Endometrial Receptivity in Patients with Endometriosis

Abstract

Objective: To establish a novel approach for diagnosing endometriosis (EM) in patients with impaired endometrial receptivity.

Method: Mixed lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1) and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) levels were analyzed. The MLL1:EZH2 ratio in identifying impaired endometrial receptivity has been established and validated.

Results: In normal endometrial tissue, the MLL1:EZH2 ratio increased significantly in the midsecretory phase, compared with that in the proliferative phase. In the midsecretory phase, the MLL1:EZH2 ratio in endometrial tissues and uterine secretions accurately identifies patients with EM who have impaired endometrial receptivity. In the validation group, the sensitivity and specificity of the MLL1:EZH2 ratio in the uterine secretions of the midsecretory phase, in diagnosing patients EM who have impaired endometrial receptivity, were 100% and 96.55%, respectively.

Conclusions: The MLL1:EZH2 ratio in uterine secretions of the midsecretory phase may serve as a marker to diagnose EM in patients with impaired endometrial receptivity.

Keywords: biomarker; diagnosis; endometrial receptivity; endometriosis; enhancer of zeste homolog 2; mixed lineage leukemia 1.