Gene expression profiling of cumulus oophorus cells reveals altered pathways in patients with endometriosis

The objective of this experimental study was to compare the global gene expression profile of cumulus oophorus cells (CC) of mature oocytes in 18 patients with severe endometriosis and CC in 18 control patients affected by a severe male factor. 595 differentially expressed genes (320 downregulated, 275 up-regulated, p<0.05, fold change ≥1.5) were identified. The most significant changes were observed in genes involved in the chemokine signaling and cellcell or cell-extracellular matrix adhesion pathways. Several genes of these pathways were down-regulated in endometriosis. The impairment of these processes could explain the reduction of oocyte competence in endometriosis. This preliminary knowledge could be the starting point for a more detailed elucidation of the relationship between endometriosis and oocyte competence