Elevated level of basic fibroblast growth factor in leiomyoma-related abnormal uterine bleeding and its reversal by interferon-α

Abstract

Objectives: To test for the first time the role of basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) in abnormal uterine bleeding from myoma; to test for the first time in the literature the role of interferon-α as a new modality in the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding by myoma; to test for the first time the role of interferon-α in the treatment (nonsurgical) of the myoma.Methods: Twenty patients with multiple myoma, with abnormal uterine bleeding, and 20 control patients with no abnormal uterine bleeding as a control group were enrolled in the study. Serum levels of EGF were measured in the three groups. Interferon-α treatment was started for 1 week in both groups with abnormal bleeding. Measurement of uterine volume in the myomatous groups before and after treatment was performed.Results: A statistically significant increase in b-FGF is seen in the myomatous bleeding group; P <0.05 in the nonmyomatous bleeding group and the control group. Also, there was a statistically significant decrease in the amount of myomatous blood loss in the nonmyomatous group after 1 week of treatment with interferon-α; (P <0.05). There was also a statistically significant decrease in the uterine volume of the myomatous group after treatment with interferon-α (P <0.001).Conclusions: Patients with Leiomyoma related bleeding had elevated levels of b-FGF in the endometrium. They also had abnormal patterns of b-FGF. Interferon-α can effectively stop the bleeding from a myomatous uterus. A new mechanism of bleeding with myoma and a new line of treatment have been born. Basic fibroblast growth factor is an important in the regulation of human uterine cells, and a new line of treatment for myoma has been born (ie, interferon).