COMT polymorphism and the risk of endometriosis-related infertility

Author(s)

Christofolini, Denise Maria ^[1] ; Teles, Juliana Souto ^[1] ; Vilarino, Fabia Lima ^[1] ; Andre, Gustavo Mendonca ^[1] ; Bianco, Bianca ^[1] ; Barbosa, Caio Parente ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] ABC, Fac Med, Dept Gynecol & Obstet, BR-09060650 Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Gynecological Endocrinology; v. 27, n. 12, p. 1099-1102, DEC 2011.
• Web of Science Citations: 7

Abstract

Estrogens are important factors in the development of endometriosis, and can induce cell proliferation and stimulate cell division. COMT constitutes a crucial element in estrogen metabolism and has been suggested to be involved in the development of endometriosis. This study had the objective of to determine whether the presence of COMT val/met polymorphism (rs4680) increases the risk to endometriosis in infertile patients. A case-control study that included 198 infertile women with endometriosis, 71 infertile women without endometriosis, and 168 fertile women as control group of the Faculdade de Medicina do ABC. COMT (val/met) genotypes were identified by real time PCR (genotyping TaqMan assay) and the results were analyzed statistically by chi(2) test. The data showed no statistical difference in the distribution of COMT genotypes neither between infertile patients with endometriosis and control group (p = 0.567), regardless disease degree, nor between infertile patients without endometriosis and control group (p = 0.460). In conclusion, the COMT val/met polymorphism is not associated to endometriosis-related infertility in the Brazilian population evaluated. However, more studies in larger populations are necessary to confirm these results. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/01960-2 - STUDY OF PTPN22 GENE POLYMORPHISM IN WOMEN WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS
• Grantee: Juliana Souto Teles
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation