Expression of Survivin Gene among Human Normal Endometrium, Atypical Hyperplasia of Endometrium and Endometrial Carcinoma

ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of survivin gene among human normal endometrium, atypical hyperplasia of endometrium, and endometrial carcinoma.MethodsTissue samples of human normal endometrium during proliferative phase (NE, n=20), atypical hyperplasia of endometrium (AHE, n=11), and endometrial carcinoma (EC, n=9) were collected. Besides, Paraffin embedded sections of NE (n=20), AHE (n=20), and EC (n=20) were used. The expression of survivin gene was determined by immunohistochemistry and the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.ResultsSurvivin immunostaining appeared in the cytoplasm of endometrial epithelial cells. Both survivin staining and mRNA had higher levels in AHE or EC than those in NE (P<0.01). No difference was found on survivin staining and mRNA between AHE and EC (P>0.05).ConclusionHigh expression of survivin gene in human endometrium is associated with the risk of atypical hyperplasia progressing to endometrial carcinoma. The high level of survivin expression is useful as a predictive indicator for endometrial carcinoma.