Susceptibility to ovarian endometriosis in Polish population is not associated with HLA-DRB1 alleles

Hum Reprod. 2005 Apr;20(4):970-3. doi: 10.1093/humrep/deh715. Epub 2005 Jan 21.

Abstract

Background: Endometriosis is associated with inflammatory autoimmune reactions; however, aetiopathogenesis of the disease is still poorly understood. While autoimmune disorders are often associated with particular HLA alleles, the possible involvement of HLA in the aetiopathogenesis of endometriosis is still a subject of controversy. The aim of the study was to examine the distribution of HLA-DRB1 alleles in women with endometriosis. To ensure homogeneity of the studied group, only women with ovarian endometrial cysts were included.

Methods: The study included 65 Polish patients of Caucasian origin in whom ovarian endometriosis had been confirmed by laparoscopic and histopathological examinations. HLA-DRB1 alleles were typed using a reverse slot blot method. A frequency of particular HLA-DRB1 alleles in patients was compared with that of a control group of 700 unrelated ethnically matched individuals as well as 193 age-matched women without endometriosis.

Results: No statistically significant differences were found in the distribution of HLA-DRB1 alleles in patients with ovarian endometriosis as compared with control populations.

Conclusions: The results of the present study show that ovarian endometriosis is not associated with particular HLA-DRB1 allele(s). This may suggest that aetiology of this form of endometriosis may be not primarily associated with class II HLA-mediated autoimmune reactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Endometriosis / genetics*
  • Endometriosis / immunology
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • HLA-DR Antigens / genetics*
  • HLA-DR Antigens / immunology
  • HLA-DRB1 Chains
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovarian Diseases / genetics*
  • Ovarian Diseases / immunology
  • Poland

Substances

  • HLA-DR Antigens
  • HLA-DRB1 Chains