Abstract
Objective(s)To explore the atherogenic hypothesis of uterine fibroids among Chinese women.MethodsIn a case-control study, 335 patients confirmed by ultrasound or hysterectomy surgery and 539 controls were enrolled between October 1, 2009 and April 1, 2012. Unconditional logistic regressions were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) for the associations of subclinical atherogenic and cardiovascular risk parameters with uterine fibroids in the overall case group and hysterectomy-confirmed case group, respectively.ResultsHigher level of ankle-brachial index (ABI) was independently associated with increased odds of uterine fibroids. The odds of UF among women in the highest tertile of ABI were 1.88 times higher (95%CI: 1.17, 3.02, Ptrend = 0.008) compared to those in the lowest tertile. The serum concentration of homocysteine was inversely related to fibroids (middle vs. low: OR 0.56, 95%CI: 0.36, 0.85; high vs. low: OR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.79; Ptrend = 0.002). In the hysterectomy-confirmed group, an inverse association was suggested between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and fibroids (OR 0.46, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.84, Ptrend = 0.014). Moreover, the effect of homocysteine concentration was not observed in this group.Conclusion(s)These findings suggest that women with uterine fibroids might have an increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis.
Highlights
Uterine fibroids (UF) are common tumors of the uterus smooth muscle and represent a primary indication of hysterectomy [1,2]
Our study investigated the atherogenic risk factors that were associated with UF for the overall case group
Higher level of ankle-brachial index (ABI) was independently associated with increased odds of UF
Summary
Uterine fibroids (UF) are common tumors of the uterus smooth muscle and represent a primary indication of hysterectomy [1,2]. In comparison with White women, Black women have a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and obesity [14], which are independently associated with UF [12,15,16]. These factors are common cardiovascular risks and might be related to atherosclerosis [17]. Proliferating smooth muscle cells of a monoclonal origin are critical in the formation of both UF and atheromatous plaques [18], and cells from these two conditions behave identically in culture [19]
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