Profile of Selected Cytokines and Growth Factors in Uterine Myomas in Females of Various Age.

Abstract

Objective: Uterine myomas are the most common non-malignant tumours in adult females. Causes of development and progression of the tumour remain unclear but, apart from steroid hormones, factors which stimulate growth of uterine myomas include cytokines and growth factors. In this study an analysis was conducted of cytokine environment in myomas of various size and in healthy uterine tissue in women of various age. Methods: Concentrations of selected cytokines and growth factors were evaluated using immunohistochemical techniques in small ( 5cm) uterine myomas, in women of generative age or perimenopausal age. Immunohistochemical studies were performed on properly prepared paraffin sections, to which the primary antibodies was applied. The obtained immunohistochemical reactions were evaluated under a light microscope. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Photographic documentation was prepared with photographic attachment. Results: Interleukin-1 level in young women in small myomas was higher than in the control, amounting to 345%. In large myomas - it was 415%. In women of perimenopausal age in small myomas was augmented to 320% and in large myomas - 240%. Interleukin-6 level in young women in small myomas was higher than in the control, reaching 255%. In large myomas – it was 285%. In women of perimenopausal age in small myomas was augmented to 240% and in large myomas - 235%. TNF-􀀁 level in young women in small myomas was higher than that in the control, amounting to 265%. In large myomas – it was 230%. In women of perimenopausal age in small myomas was augmented to 270% and in large myomas - 140%. TGF-􀀂1, TGF-􀀂2, TGF-􀀂3 levels in the young women in small myomas amounting to 310%, 285%, 335% of the control levels for, respectively, TGF-􀀂1, TGF-􀀂2 and TGF-􀀂3. In large myomas – it was respectively 390%, 375%, 320%. In women of perimenopausal age in small myomas was augmented, respectively, to 260%, 270%, 385% and in large myomas - 295%, 295%, 355%. IGF-1 and IGF-2 levels in young women in small myomas was higher than in the control, amounting to respectively 210% and 250%. In large myomas – it was respectively 290% and 200%. In women of perimenopausal age in small myomas was augmented, respectively, to 245% and 195% and in large myomas - 265% and 215%. Conclusions: in myomatous uterine cells of young women an increase was noted in expression of IL-1 and IL-6 both in small and in large myomas. In women of perimenopausal age, the increase in expression of TNF-􀀁 took place only in small myomas with lower expression in large myomas. In women of generative age subjected to evaluation of transforming growth factors, high expression of the peptide was detected in all groups of leiomyomas. In both types of leiomyomas a comparable expression of insulin-like growth factors was detected, irrespectively of women’s age.