Increased expression of uteroglobin associated with tubal inflammation and ectopic pregnancy

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of uteroglobin (UG) expression in the fallopian tube in different tubal diseases. DESIGN: The UG was screened and quantified in samples of fallopian tubes from patients with salpingitis, hydrosalpinx, and ectopic pregnancy by exposing the UG with immunohistochemical techniques. SETTING: University hospital and electron microscopy center. PATIENT(S): Women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and complicated tubal ectopic pregnancy consulting for medical care. INTERVENTION(S): Salpingectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Tubal tissues were collected and examined using regular pathologic techniques. The UG immunoreactivity in the tubal epithelium was also assessed. RESULT(S): Fallopian tube epithelium displayed an increased UG expression in patients with PID and complicated tubal pregnancy compared with control patients. CONCLUSION(S): Uteroglobin is present in the human fallopian tube as a secretory protein and appears to be involved in immunosuppressive responses in the fallopian tube.