Evaluation of estrogen in endometriosis patients: Regulation of GATA-3 in endometrial cells and effects on Th2 cytokines

Aims: Endometriosis (EM) is a hormone-dependent chronic inflammatory disease, usually accompanied by a high level of localized estrogen and abnormal levels of cytokines, which are regulated by GATA-3 in lymphocytes. This study aimed to investigate the role of estrogen on GATA-3 expression and the relationship between GATA-3 and cytokine response. Methods: Endometrial tissues collected from 20 patients who underwent laparoscopic or open surgery were used. Immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, cell transfection, estrogen treatments and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to evaluate the effects of estrogen on GATA-3 expression and the relationship between estrogen-induced GATA-3 and the Th2 immune status of EM. Results: Estrogen regulated the expression of GATA-3 in a dose and time-dependent manner. GATA-3 was relocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Estrogen and GATA-3 regulated Th2 cytokine expression in eutopic endometrial cells, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and IL-10. Moreover, interferon-gamma and IL-2 were highly expressed in the GATA-3 knockdown groups. Conclusion: In summary, GATA-3 was induced by estrogen and may promote the occurrence and development of EM by regulating the secretion of cytokines in the eutopic endometrial cells of EM patients.