Abstract
Uterine fibroids (UFs) are benign tumors of the female genital tract made of the smooth muscle of the uterus. UF growth depends mostly on the influence of the steroid hormones and selected growth factors. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-βs) is a polypeptide that consists of three isoforms: TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3. At present, TGF-β is considered to be one of the key factors in the pathophysiology of UFs. It plays a major role in cellular migration within the tumor, stimulates tumor growth, and enhances tumor metabolism. As a consequence of various dependencies, the synthesis and release of TGF-β in a UF tumor is increased, which results in excessive extracellular matrix production and storage. High concentrations or overexpression of TGF-β mediators may be responsible for clinically symptomatic UFs. The aim of this review was to check the available evidence for the influence of the TGF-β family on UF biology. We conducted their search in PubMed of the National Library of Medicine with the use of the following selected keywords: “uterine fibroid”, “leiomyoma”, and “transforming growth factor β”. After reviewing the titles and abstracts, more than 115 full articles were evaluated. We focused on the TGF-β-related molecular aspects and their influence on the most common symptoms that are associated with UFs. Also, we described how the available data might implicate the current medical management of UFs.
Highlights
Uterine fibroids (UFs) are benign tumors of the female genital tract that are made of the smooth muscle of the uterus
The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature reports regarding the role of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family in the UF biology
We focused on the TGF-β-related molecular aspects and their influence on the most common symptoms that are associated with UFs
Summary
Uterine fibroids (UFs) are benign tumors of the female genital tract that are made of the smooth muscle of the uterus. They are a very common pathology, affecting up to 80% of women in some populations [1,2], and may impair normal functioning and lower the quality of patient life [2,3]. The symptoms, especially in women of childbearing age, include iron deficiency anemia, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, or gastrointestinal symptoms manifested by constipation or bloating [1,4]. UFs are one of the recognized factors negatively affecting fertility [5,6].
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