Loss of PP2A and PTEN immunoexpression coexists with survivin overexpression in adenomyosis

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and protein phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) are negative modulators of PI3K/AKT/survivin signaling. To evaluate immunoexpression of PTEN, PP2A and survivin in adenomyosis, ectopic lesions from 28 patients with adenomyosis and endometria from 30 controls without adenomyosis were employed in the study. The expression of PTEN, PP2A and survivin was examined with the use of immunohistochemistry. We found a decreased expression of PP2A and PTEN in adenomyosis. The expression of PTEN showed great individual differences in adenomyosis, although expression of both PP2A and PTEN was lower in adenomyosis than in normal endometria. In contrast, the expression of survivin was higher in adenomyosis. Our results suggest the important role of the PI3K cascade in the pathogenesis and development of adenomyosis.