Abstract
Several studies have indicated a relationship between metallothionein (MT) polymorphisms and the development of different pathologies, including neoplastic diseases. However, no studies thus far have been conducted on the influence of MT polymorphisms and the development of endometrial lesions, including endometrial cancer. This study included 140 patients with normal endometrial tissue, endometrial polyps, uterine myomas and endometrial cancer. The tissue MT2 concentration was determined using the ELISA method. MT1A, MT2A and MT1L polymorphisms were analyzed using TaqMan real-time PCR genotyping assays. We found no statistical difference between the tissue MT2 concentration in patients with EC vs. benign endometrium (p = 0.579). However, tissue MT2 concentration was significantly different between uterine fibromas and normal endometrial tissue samples (p = 0.019). Menopause status did not influence the tissue MT2 concentration (p = 0.282). There were no significant associations between the prevalence of MT1A, MT2A and MT1L polymorphisms and MT2 concentration. The age, menopausal status, and diabetes status of patients were identified as EC risk factors.