NAD dependent 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in human endometrium and endometrial tumors

Background: The isoforms of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-HSD) types 1 and 2, regulated by ovarian steroids, catalyze the interconversion of glucocorticoids and their 11-keto metabolites. The role of these enzymes in malignancies of human endometrium is unknown. We compare NAD dependent 11 beta-HSD (type 2) activity levels among normal human endometrium and endometrial carcinomas of differing grades and histologies. Methods: NAD dependent 11 beta-HSD activity was determined in endometrial tissue obtained from patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign or malignant disease (endometroid, serous and carcinosarcomas). Student's t test was utilized with p < 0.05 considered significant. Data are presented as mean +/- SD. Results: NAD dependent 11 beta-HSD activity was present in all endometrial samples. The activities were 0.61 +/- 0.27 in normal (n = 9), 0.43 +/- 0.29 in endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (n = 14), 0.50 +/- 0.26 in uterine serous carcinoma (n = 6) and 0.25 +/- 0.37 in carcinosarcomas (n = 9). NAD dependent 11 beta-HSD activity was lower in the carcinosarcoma group as compared to normal endometrial tissue (p = 0.03). Conclusions: NAD dependent type 2 11 beta-HSD activity was demonstrated in all normal and endometrial tumors. Enzyme activity in endometroid and uterine serious carcinoma tumors was similar to enzyme activity in normal endometrium. In contrast, carcinosarcomas show significantly lower enzyme activity compared to normal tissue. Copyright (c) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.