FEATURES OF EPITHELIAL-MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION IN ECTOPIC ENDOMETRIUM IN PATIENTS WITH INTRAEPITHELIAL NEOPLASIA OF THE CERVIX

Abstract

Endometriosis is a benign yet invasive disease marked by the ectopic presence of endometrial tissue, significantly impacting women of reproductive age. This study explores the role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in extragenital endometriosis by analyzing the expression of key markers, E-cadherin and vimentin, in various localizations of the disease. Conducted in Moldova and Romania between 2012 and 2017, the study involved immunohistochemical analysis of postoperative specimens from patients aged 19 to 56 years. Results revealed low membrane expression of E-cadherin and pronounced cytoplasmic expression of vimentin in invasive forms, especially in cesarean section scars and inguinal hernias. A contrasting expression pattern was noted in intestinal forms, indicating variations in invasiveness and marker expression based on localization. These findings underscore the critical involvement of EMT in the pathogenesis and invasiveness of extragenital endometriosis, particularly in diffuse-infiltrative forms.