Abstract
Uterine fibroid (UF) is the most common benign tumor pathology of the female reproductive organs. UFs constitute the main reason for a hysterectomy and hospitalization due to gynecological conditions. UFs consist of uterine smooth muscle immersed in a large amount of extracellular matrix (ECM). Genetic studies have demonstrated that UFs are monoclonal tumors originating from the myometrial stem cells that have underwent specific molecular changes to tumor initiating stem cells which proliferate and differentiate later under the influence of steroid hormones. There is growing interest in the role of micronutrients, for example, vitamins, in UFs. This article is a comprehensive review of publications regarding the available data concerning the role of vitamins in the biology and management of UFs. In summary, the results showed that some vitamins are important in the biology and pathophysiology of UFs. For example, vitamins A and D deserve particular attention following studies of their influence on the treatment of UF tumors. Vitamins B3, C, and E have not been as widely studied as the abovementioned vitamins. However, more research could reveal their potential role in UF biology.
Highlights
We suggest that future strategies for the fight against vitamin D deficiency in women with Uterine fibroid (UF) should be implemented in daily medical practice, for example, by means of tests performed in patients in whom conservative treatment has been attempted
We presented an example of important pathways associated with vitamin A and UFs which contributed to the pathophysiology of the tumors as a very important signal transduction pathway [27]
The presented comprehensive review showed that some vitamins are involved in the biology and pathophysiology of UFs
Summary
The financial burden in United States due to UF has been estimated to have reached USD 34 billion, including direct costs such as the cost of medications, medical personnel salaries, and the cost of surgery, as well as indirect costs related to missing work, subsequent gynecological appointments, and diagnostics [12]. These factors [12] have increased interest in gaining a better understanding of UF biology and searching for new treatment methods [13,14]. Data regarding vitamin D utility in UFs are generally accessible and more widely recognized [44], while knowledge about other vitamins and their anti-UF potential role is practically negligible.
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