Objective: To explore the relationship between expression of ERR alpha mRNA and estrogen and progesterone and to elucidate the function of ERR alpha in endometrial carcinoma.
Methods: The expression of ERR alpha mRNA was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Endometrial carcinoma cell line Ishikawa was dealt with different concentrations of 17beta-estradiol (10(-10) mol/L, 10(-8) mol/L and 10(-6) mol/L) for 15 min, 30 min and 24 h and 17beta-estradiol and ER inhibitor-ICI182780 were given concomitantly to observe the change of ERR alpha mRNA. Different concentrations of progesterone (10(-8) mol/L, 10(-7) mol/L, 10(-6) mol/L and 10(-5) mol/L) were also given to Ishikawa cell line for 24 h to observe the change of ERR alpha mRNA.
Results: The expression level of ERR alpha mRNA was slightly higher than that of the control group after being stimulated for 15 min, 30 min and 24 h by 10(-10) mol/L 17beta-estradiol. However the expression level of ERR alpha mRNA was significantly lower than that of the control group after being stimulated for 15 min, 30 min and 24 h by 10(-8) mol/L and 10(-6) mol/L of 17beta-estradiol. When 10(-6) mol/L of ICI182780 and 10(-8) mol/L of 17beta-estradiol were given simultaneously to Ishikawa cell line, this down-regulation was blocked. After being stimulated for 24 h by 10(-7) mol/L, 10(-6) mol/L and 10(-5) mol/L of progesterone, the expression levels of ERR alpha mRNA were significantly higher than that of the control group, but no change was found in 10(-8) mol/L of progesterone.
Conclusion: 17Beta-estradiol can down-regulate the expression of ERR alpha mRNA and this regulation is mediated by estrogen receptor. Progesterone can up-regulate the expression of ERR alpha mRNA.