Differential Expression of ARX and OTX۲ Genesin Blood Samples of Women with Endometriosis versusHealthy Control

Background: Endometriosis is a multifactorial disease with anunknown origin, in which endometrial-like tissue forms outsidethe uterine cavity. Because of the invasiveness of current diagnostic methods, the lack of specific biomarkers, and also a longdiagnos tic delay after onset of symptoms, specific biomarkerfor non-invasive diagnosis of the disease is necessary. Previouss tudy at Royan Ins titute demons trated that the mRNA expressionof ARX and OTX۲ (homeodomain-containing genes) weresignificantly upregulated in ectopic tissues of endometriumcompared to normal endometrium. The purpose of this s tudyis to answer this ques tion: Is the expression profile of ARX andOTX۲ genes different in the plasma of women with endometriosisversus healthy control?Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collectedfrom endometriosis women in Ⅲ and Ⅳ disease s tages,as well as healthy women (male factor) referred to Royan Institute (n=۴, in each group), after obtaining written cons tant accordingto the local ethical approval. The plasma fractions wereseparated by centrifuge. RNA extraction was performed on theplasma samples of both groups, and the expression levels ofcandidate genes were evaluated by qRT-PCR technique.Results: ARX and OTX۲ genes showed significant increasedexpressions in plasma of the endometriosis group compared tothe control group.Conclusion: Our results sugges t ARX and OTX۲ genes as potentialbiomarkers for the non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosisin the future.