Increasing endogenous retinoic acid inhibits leiomyoma cell proliferation

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: In tissue and leiomyoma cells, we previously identified molecular alterations in the retinoic acid (RA) pathway including increased expression of cytochrome P450 26A1 (CYP26A1) which results in decreased intracellular all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Exogenous ATRA inhibited proliferation and extracellular matrix production, but systemic use of ATRA therapeutically for women with leiomyomas could be associated with significant toxicity. Liarozole inhibits CYP26A1 activity, resulting in increased intracellular ATRA.