Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes and Signaling Pathways Related to Ovarian Endometriosis by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis

Abstract Purpose: Endometriosis was a common gynecological disease, however, the specific mechanism and the key molecules of endometriosis remained uncertain. This study aimed to single out key genes associated with poor prognosis, and further uncover underlying mechanisms.Methods: Data regarding mRNA expression profiles used in this study were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, a total of three mRNA expression profiles were included for subsequent analysis (GSE31515, GSE58178 and GSE120103). Then, we conducted Gene Ontology analysis (GO analysis), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis by the software R.Results: A total of 304 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between endometriosis tissues and normal endometrium tissues were identified in integrated analysis, including 185 up-regulated genes and 119 down-regulated genes. GO analysis reveals that the DEGs of endometriosis were closely associated with molecular origin of bacteria. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicates that the DEGs were mainly involved in AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications. In addition, PPI of these DEGs was visualized by Cytoscape platform with utilization of Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING). PPI analysis identifies 10 potential DEGs-related protein targets, including CCND1, IL6, CCL2, COL1A2, PTGS2, VCAM1, COL3A1, ELN, SERPINE1, HSP90B1. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study reveals that bacterial contamination, defect of female reproductive system development, retrograde menstruation and the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway may be involved in the development of endometriosis In addition, these identified DEGs may be of clinical significance for the diagnosis and treatment of the endometriosis.