Presence Of Uterine Leiomyomas Research Articles

671 Etiopatogenic aspects of pelvic organs prolapse in women, modern surgical correction

The abstract discusses risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse, such as uterine leiomyoma and levels of hormones in reproductive aged women. The study was aimed to assess the risk factors for the pelvic organ prolapse occurrence and identify significant risk factors in women of reproductive age that affect further fertility. This is retrospective study in which clinical and laboratory data of 120 cases of reproductive aged women were reviewed. Group A maintained women with pelvic organ prolapses, according to the POP-Q classification, and group B was undergoing routine examination. Presence of uterine leiomyoma during USG examination and levels of hormones in blood samples were tested. According to the obtained data, uterine leiomyoma occurs significantly more often (p <0.05) in patients of group A, in comparison with group B. Also noteworthy is the decrease in the level of sex hormones in 88% of women in group A, while in group B it is reduced only in 95%. The results of the study clearly demonstrate the relevance of uterine leiomyoma in combination with pelvic organ prolapse. Also, an important role is played the level of sex hormones decrease, which manifests as skin and vaginal mucosa dryness, decreased libido and dissatisfaction sexual life. Based on retrospective observations, was determined that isolated removal of fibroids does not guarantee the absence of prolapse progression, and therefore there is a need to develop a myomectomy technique with simultaneous correction of pelvic organ prolapse and hormone replacement therapy.

Потенційний вплив мелатоніну на розвиток міоми матки у жінок репродуктивного віку (огляд літератури)

For a long time, Ukraine has been showing negative dynamics between birth and death rates. The demographic situation in any country is an important indicator. Therefore, the issue of women's health and ability to reproduce is significant and urgent. The purpose of the study was to analyze current data from domestic and foreign literature on provoking factors, etiology and pathogenesis of uterine fibroids, new approaches to treatment and the impact of this pathology on a woman's reproductive potential. Hyperplastic processes of the uterus in women of reproductive age are among the most common gynecological diseases. Uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign proliferative pathology. The presence of uterine leiomyoma leads to disorders of women's reproductive health, is one of the causes of infertility, in addition, significantly affects the quality of life of the patient due to constant pain, excessive uterine bleeding, dysfunction of adjacent organs. Many studies confirm the unfavorable course of pregnancy and the postpartum period in women with fibroids, namely: complicated pregnancy, reproductive losses, birth defects and postpartum complications. Despite the intensive work of scientists, the implementation of a large number of studies, the pathogenesis to this day remains multifaceted and poorly understood. Results and discussion. After analyzing current data from domestic and foreign literature on provoking factors, etiology and pathogenesis of uterine fibroids, the review article presents data on current opportunities, new approaches to treatment and the impact of this pathology on a woman's reproductive potential. For a long time, the pineal gland with the hormone melatonin has not been studied. During the scientific research, the review of the current domestic and foreign literature on the potential inhibitory effect of melatonin on uterine fibroid cells, and the direct and indirect effect on fertility was reviewed and analyzed. As a result of analysis of experimental and clinical data presented in the literature, it can be argued that melatonin has the ability not only to regulate biological rhythms, but also that it is promising to study metabolic and immunomodulatory effects, as well as antitumor effects, which gives us a chance to reduce surgery of this group of patients. Conclusion. The information presented in the review suggests that melatonin has the potential as a therapeutic agent for clinical trials against uterine leiomyoma in women of reproductive age. Therefore, there is a need to study deeply the etiopathogenesis of uterine leiomyoma and in particular the effect of melatonin on growth, reduction of surgical interventions, the impact on the pre- and postoperative period, and to determine melatonin as a therapeutic drug

Presence of Uterine Leiomyomas Has No Significant Impact on Gene Expression Profile in the Scalp of Patients with Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is associated with increased expression of genes implicated in fibroproliferative disorders and a higher prevalence of uterine leiomyomas (ULs) among affected individuals. We sought to examine the effect of UL status on the gene expression profile of the lesional scalp in patients with CCCA. Scalp biopsy was obtained from 16 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CCCA between 2017 and 2020. Microarray analysis was used to identify differential gene expression between patients with CCCA with a history of UL and those without the history. Of more than 20,000 genes analyzed, 23 of 25 genes with the highest expression in patients with CCCA with UL held no statistical significance. No genes previously implicated in fibroproliferative disorders were found among the upregulated transcripts. Of all genes analyzed, only eight upregulated genes and zero downregulated genes had a fold change in expression >2 in patients with CCCA with UL compared with those in patients with CCCA without UL. Our findings highlight similar gene expression patterns in the lesional scalp of patients with CCCA with and without a history of UL. This analysis is key in highlighting no evidence of causational or linked mechanobiology that accounts for the increased prevalence of UL seen in patients with CCCA that previous studies have not addressed.

Peculiarities of genital tract microbiocenosis and immunological homeostasis in reproductive-age women with uterine leiomyoma

The objective: To determine the features of the microbiocenosis of the genital tract and immunological homeostasis and in women of reproductive age with uterine leiomyoma.Materials and methods. The microbiocenosis of the genital tract and immunological homeostasis of 308 women with uterine leiomyoma aged 23–49 years were studied. The control group included 30 healthy women aged 24–37 years. Results. In women of reproductive age, the development of uterine leiomyoma is associated with a significant violation of the microecology of the genitals, the presence of nonspecific vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis, increased frequency and concentration of pathogenic flora (staphylococci and streptococci with hemolytic properties, enterobacteria), STIs or reducing the concentration of protective microflora.The study of the peculiarities of the functioning of the immune system at the local level in the presence of uterine leiomyoma indicates unidirectional disorders in the state of local immunity and changes in the protective function of cervical mucus in the examined women. Thus, under conditions of uterine leiomyoma, there is a significant activation of local immunological factors, as evidenced by a significant increase in the concentration of IgG, IgA and the appearance of IgM in cervical mucus in 27,5–32,5 % of women with uterine leiomyoma. In addition, there was suppression of phagocytic activity of neutrophils, which was manifested by a significant decrease in activity and intensity of phagocytosis, with a decrease in their functional reserve by NRT test, which creates conditions for intracellular persistence of infection, activation and persistence of inflammatory progression.Conclusions. The obtained data indicate a violation of the microecology of the genitals and the intensity of immunogenesis in women with uterine leiomyoma, which indicates that the inflammatory process of the genitals is one of the significant factors that lead to the emergence and progression of uterine leiomyoma.

Pathomorphological features of the endometrium in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding in the presence of uterine leiomyoma

Hypothesis/Aims of study. One of the problems discussed in the field of obstetrics and gynecology is the combined pathology of the reproductive system. Among the female reproductive system disorders associated with uterine leiomyoma, endometrial pathology prevails in the form of local inflammatory, receptor and hormonal changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the structural features of the endometrium and its receptivity in patients with uterine leiomyoma, depending on its histological type and localization.&#x0D; Study design, materials and methods. We examined 128 women with leiomyoma manifesting abnormal uterine bleeding, using clinical, instrumental and morphological methods.&#x0D; Results. Combined pathological changes in the endometrium are more characteristic of submucous leiomyoma compared to intramural and subserous leiomyomas. The proliferative activity of endometrial cells in submucous leiomyoma is two or more times higher than in intramural and subserous leiomyoma. In submucous leiomyoma, cell proliferation occurs significantly more often than in other locations of myomatous nodes.

Indicators of the immune system after correction of climacteric syndrome in women with uterine leiomyoma and endometrial hyperplasia

Indicators of the immune system after correction of climacteric syndrome in women with uterine leiomyoma and endometrial hyperplasia

Морфологічні особливості ендо- та міометрія у пацієнток з лейоміомою матки і безплідністю

The objective: determination of morphofunctional features of leiomatous nodes and endometrium in women with uterine leiomyoma and infertility to restore reproductive function and prevent recurrence of the underlying disease. Materials and methods. In order to restore reproductive function and prevent recurrence of the underlying disease, morphofunctional features of leiomatous nodes and endometrium in women with uterine leiomyoma and infertility were determined. Thirty samples of leiomyomatous nodes and endometrium were examined, among which 15 were obtained from women with multiple uterine leiomyoma and infertility and 15 samples from women with uterine leiomyoma with isolated uterine leiomyoma. During the study, a general-histological method was used for staining with hematoxylin-eosin and picrofuxin by van Gizon, as well as immunohistochemical methods. Histological examination of the endometrium was performed according to conventional protocol, taking into account the day of the menstrual cycle and R.W. Noyes criteria. Results. In the morphological examination of leiomyomatous nodes in the vast majority of cases the presence of uterine leiomyomas of simple and cell types or their combination was established. In women with multiple uterine leiomyoma, simple-type leiomyoma (53.3%) was predominant, and in patients with isolated leiomyoma the signs of cellular uterine leiomyoma (66.7%) were more frequently found. In 80.0% of women with uterine leiomyoma revealed pathology of the endometrium, such as glandular and glandular-fibrous polyps, simple and complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia, which confirms the theory about the only pathogenetic mechanisms of the emergence of hyperplastic processes of female organs. In 66.7% of women with multiple leiomyomas, signs of chronic endometritis have been found, which exacerbates the pathological process and can have a negative impact on the reproductive function, such as secretory endometrial transformation and impaired blastocyst implantation, and explains a much higher percentage of infertility in the group. Conclusion. In women with impaired reproductive function, patients with uterine leiomyoma, it is necessary to conduct a study of the receptivity of the reproductive organs, namely - the endometrium and leiomatous nodes. This will make it possible to use one or another method of treatment in order to restore reproductive function and prevent recurrence of the underlying disease. Keywords: infertility, uterine leiomyoma, endometrium, receptive apparatus.

Leiomyomatous uterus and preterm birth: an exposed/unexposed monocentric cohort study

The risk of preterm birth may increase in the presence of uterine leiomyomas during pregnancy. Whether myomectomy abrogates this risk has never been studied. Our aim was to evaluate the association between the presence of uterine leiomyomas during pregnancy and preterm birth and, if an association exists, to evaluate its persistence in case of a history of myomectomy. This exposed/unexposed monocentric retrospective cohort study included all women with singleton pregnancies delivering >22 weeks in a tertiary university hospital maternity unit from January 2011 through September 2015. Women with a leiomyomatous uterus were compared to women with no myomas. Women in the leiomyomatous uterus group were women with uterine leiomyoma(s) during pregnancy (≥1 leiomyoma, measuring ≥20 mm or multiple leiomyomas whatever the size) seen on at least 1 obstetric ultrasound without history of myomectomy, or women with a history of myomectomy (removal of ≥1 leiomyoma, measuring ≥20 mm or multiple leiomyomas whatever the size) by hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, or laparotomy with or without persistent leiomyomas. The association between leiomyomatous uterus and preterm birth was assessed through univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Among the 19,866 women in the cohort, 301 (1.5%) had a leiomyomatous uterus (154 unoperated women and 147 operated women). The rate of premature delivery was 12.0% in the leiomyomatous uterus group and 8.4% in the nonleiomyomatous uterus group. After adjusting for the risk factors for preterm birth, leiomyomatous uterus was significantly associated with preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-3.7). This association was significant for unoperated women (adjusted odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-4.6) as well as operated women (adjusted odds ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-3.9) when compared to the nonleiomyomatous uterus group. Uterine leiomyomas are associated with preterm birth and this association persists after myomectomy.

Association of uterine leiomyoma and overactive bladdersyndrome.

To assess associations between anterior and/or fundal uterine leiomyoma and overactive bladder syndrome. The present cohort study recruited women diagnosed with fundal/anterior uterine leiomyoma by standardized transvaginal ultrasonography at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2013, in addition to an age-matched control group of women without uterine leiomyoma. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder Module (ICIQ-OAB) was mailed to all eligible participants. The main outcome was the ICIQ-OAB sum score. Among 304 questionnaires sent out, 129 were returned. After the exclusion of incomplete datasets, 80 women were included in the analysis (uterine leiomyoma group, 43; control group, 37). The mean±SD ICIQ-OAB sum score was 9.7±10.2 for women with uterine leiomyoma and 4.2±5.3 for women in the control group; thus, the ICIQ-OAB sum score was on average 5.5 points higher in the uterine leiomyoma group (P=0.003). The Spearman correlation coefficient between the total volume of leiomyoma per woman and the ICIQ-OAB sum score was 0.072 (P=0.645). The study found a significant association between anterior and/or fundal leiomyoma and overactive bladder syndrome. The presence of uterine leiomyoma should be ruled out during the evaluation of overactive bladder.

Large, extra-abdominal leiomyoma of the round ligament with carneous degeneration

Round ligament tumours represent a rare entity that can present similarly to an incarcerated hernia. Basic understanding and appropriate preoperative management is imperative in order to differentiate between the two...

Effect of Maternal Retroplacental Leiomyomas on Fetal Growth

(Abstracted from J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2016;38(12):1100–1104) Leiomyomas or fibroids are benign tumors that grow from smooth muscle cells and occur most commonly within the uterine wall. The presence of uterine leiomyomas in pregnancy has been associated with fetal growth restriction, malpresentation, cesarean delivery, premature birth, placenta previa, and fetal death, although not all studies support an increased risk of adverse outcomes.

Urinary isoflavone and lignan phytoestrogen levels and risk of uterine fibroid in Jamaican women

BackgroundIsoflavones and lignans are phytoestrogens, and therefore, are able to bind to and activate estrogen receptors. The resultant estrogenic or antiestrogenic effect is dependent on the concentration of these phytoestrogens relative to endogenous estrogens and the site of their action, among others. Thus, isoflavones and lignans act as selective estrogen receptor modulators; having a beneficial effect in some tissues while simultaneously causing deleterious changes in others. ObjectiveThis case-control study investigates the relationship between urinary concentrations of genistein, daidzein, equol, and enterolactone, and the presence of uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) in Jamaican women. DesignPhytoestrogen concentration in spot urine samples from 157 uterine fibroid cases and 171 fibroid-free controls diagnosed by ultrasonography, were assessed by Time-resolved Fluoroimmnoassay. Statistical evaluations were performed using SPSS 12.0. ResultsThe median concentration of urinary enterolactone was significantly different between uterine fibroid cases and controls (p=0.029). However, this was not observed to affect risk of uterine fibroid, as trends across quartiles of urine enterolactone did not differ significantly between cases and controls. Median urinary genistein (p=0.510), daidzein (p=0.838), equol (p=0.621), total isoflavones (0.510) and total phytoestrogens (p=0.084) were similar for both groups. Binary logistic regression analysis of quartiles of urine genistein, daidzein, equol, enterolactone, total isoflavones, and total phytoestrogens showed no association with uterine fibroid. ConclusionsUterine fibroid cases had a higher median urine concentration of enterolactone compared with controls. However, this was not observed to affect ones risk of fibroid. Neither was urine genistein, daidzein, equol total isoflavones, and total phytoestrogens observed to be associated with risk of uterine fibroid.

Overt hypothyroidism is associated with the presence of uterine leiomyoma: a retrospective analysis

ObjectiveA possible correlation between uterine leiomyoma and thyroid disease was reported decades ago. We aimed to evaluate the possible associations between the presence of uterine leiomyomas and (i) the presence of overt hypothyroidism, (ii) the level of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TG-Ab), and (iii) thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Study designIn a retrospective study, all 215 sterile women who underwent reproductive surgery (hysteroscopy and laparoscopy/laparotomy) at our department from January 2007 to January 2011 were included. All leiomyomas suspected on gynecologic ultrasound were verified during surgery. As risk factors for uterine leiomyomas, thyroid parameters, age, African heritage, age at menarche, parity, and body mass index were included. ResultsOne or more uterine leiomyomas were found in 51 cases (23.7%). After multivariate analysis, three parameters remained significant, with African heritage the most important (odds ratio, OR, 27.80), followed by overt hypothyroidism (OR 3.10) and increasing age (OR 1.23). Larger leiomyomas were found in women with overt hypothyroidism than in those without overt hypothyroidism (median, 70mm; range, 5–88 vs. median, 30mm; range, 2–93, respectively; p=0.007). ConclusionsOvert hypothyroidism, but not autoantibodies against the thyroid gland, was associated with the presence of uterine leiomyoma in our study.

Carotid intima-media thickness: a new marker of patients with uterine leiomyoma

ObjectiveTo determine whether or not there are any significant differences in carotid intima-media thickness between patients with uterine leiomyoma and controls. Study DesignPatients whose ages were between 40 and 50 years, with body mass index <30kg/m2, and with a pathological diagnosis of uterine leiomyoma constituted the study group. Control subjects had no uterine leiomyoma proven by sonography. Demographic, clinical, and drug history data were collected. Right, left and mean carotid intima-media thickness measurements were obtained by ultrasonography. ResultsCarotid intima-media thickness and serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were significantly different between the groups (p=0.0001 and p=0.001 respectively), being respectively higher and lower in the leiomyoma group than in controls. Stepwise binary logistic regression analysis revealed that uterine leiomyoma development ratio was 159.32 times higher when carotid intima-media thickness was over 0.61mm (p=0.0001). In patients with uterine leiomyoma, carotid intima-media thickness was significantly less in patients taking statins compared to those not on these drugs (p=0.0001). ConclusionThe present study demonstrated a positive association between carotid intima-media thickness and the presence of uterine leiomyoma. Conversely, an inverse association was suggested between HDL and uterine leiomyoma. These findings suggest that women with uterine leiomyoma might have an increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine leiomyoma with the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system

Heavy menstrual bleeding is an increasingly common health problem. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) has been advocated for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding as an alternative to surgery. Based on this established indication and theoretical potential of targeted endometrial solution of myoma-related bleeding, we evaluated the efficiency of LNG-IUS in treating selected cases presenting with heavy menstrual bleeding in the presence of uterine leiomyomas. This study included 68 patients with history of heavy menstrual bleeding and ultrasound-proved submucous uterine leiomyoma. Uterine bleeding was done by the semiquantitative pictorial blood loss assessment score. The 5-dimensional EuroQol was chosen as the primary measure of effectiveness on health-related quality of life. Patients were re-evaluated at 3, 6, 9, and 12 month. After 12 months of follow-up, a significant reduction of menstrual flow was observed up to amenorrhea (in 11 cases). No significant effect for the LNG-IUS on the volume of fibroids or the uterine volume was observed. A significant improvement of the quality of life (measured by EQ index) was observed. Side effects were reported in ten cases. Eight cases required removal of the IUS for different reasons. So this study shows that in selected cases of uterine leiomyomas, Mirena LNG-IUS is an effective therapy directed towards the local steroid environment of the endometrium for control of the bleeding with no valuable effect on the myomas themselves.

Vaginal Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy in Women With 12–20 Weeks’ Size Uterus

Vaginal hysterectomy has become increasingly popular, in part because of low mortality and complication rates, a shorter hospital stay, and better quality-of-life outcomes. Uterine size is the major factor in deciding whether this procedure is feasible. Traditionally, a uterine weight no greater than 280 gm, as at 12 weeks' gestation, has been a condition of vaginal hysterectomy. This prospective comparative study enrolled 241 consecutive women with benign disease, 158 of whom had a uterine weight <280 gm, and 83 had an estimated uterine weight exceeding 280 gm. A uterine size greater than that of a 20-week gestation contraindicated vaginal hysterectomy, as did a fixed uterus, a suspicious adnexal mass, and moderate to severe endometriosis. The author performed all operations. The most common indication in both groups was the presence of uterine leiomyomas. All 241 vaginal hysterectomies were completed successfully, and no patient had intraoperative or postoperative complications that mandated hospital admission. Mean operating time was significantly longer with a larger uterus (108 vs. 69 minutes), and there was an overall significant positive linear correlation between uterine weight and operating time. The rate of intraoperative hemorrhage was significantly higher with a uterus weighing 280 gm or more (8.4% vs. 1.2%), as was the change in hemoglobin. Rates of bilateral oophorectomy were similar in the 2 groups. One patient, whose uterus weighed <280 gm, had a bladder injury. The groups did not differ significantly with regard to the frequency of intraoperative and postoperative complications, febrile morbidity, or length of the postoperative hospital stay. These findings demonstrate that, despite a longer operating time and intraoperative blood loss, vaginal hysterectomy can be safely performed in women with a large uterus.

Association of the CYP17 gene polymorphism with risk for uterine leiomyoma in Brazilian women

Background. Uterine leiomyoma is the most common pelvic tumor in women of reproductive age. It is well established that endogenous sex hormones are involved in disease pathogenesis, and polymorphisms in genes encoding enzymes which act in the metabolism of steroid hormones, such as that for cytochrome P450c17α enzyme (CYP17), may therefore play a role in fibroid genesis. Variations in this gene have been thought to influence the susceptibility to hormone-related diseases. A single nucleotide polymorphism (T→C) [rs1042386] in promoter region of CYP17 may alter its transcription. The present study was conducted to investigate the association between this polymorphism and the presence of uterine leiomyoma in Brazilian women.Methods. Genotyping of CYP17 was performed in 121 uterine fibroid patients and 120 unaffected women, using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment-length polymorphism analysis.Results. No significant difference in the CYP17 genotype distribution was noted between cases and controls (p = 0.165).Conclusion. These findings suggest that the CYP17 gene polymorphism studied is unlikely to be associated with risk for uterine leiomyoma in Brazilian women.

Genotype distribution of estrogen receptor-alpha, catechol-O-methyltransferase, and cytochrome P450 17 gene polymorphisms in Caucasian women with uterine leiomyomas

To evaluate the association between the presence of uterine leiomyomas and three functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), and cytochrom P450 17 (CYP17A) genes, which have been described to modify the estrogen metabolism. Prospective case control study. Academic research institution. One hundred thirty women with clinically and surgically diagnosed uterine leiomyomas and 139 population controls. Peripheral venous puncture. Polymerase chain reaction and pyrosequencing were performed to genotype women with respect to the ESR1 IVS1-397 T/C (PvuII), COMT G158A, and the CYP17A 34T-->C SNPs. Comparing women with uterine leiomyomas and controls, no statistically significant differences with respect to allele frequency and genotype distribution were ascertained for ESR1 IVS 1-397 T/C (PvuII) (P=0.9 and P=0.6, respectively), COMT G158A (P=0.3 and P=0.6, respectively), and CYP17A 34T-->C (P=0.1 and P=0.5, respectively). When all two-way interactions of investigated SNPs were ascertained, no significant interactions were observed. In a multivariate model, no SNP was significantly associated with leiomyomas. Carriage of the ESR1 IVS1-397 T/C (PvuII), COMT G158A, and the CYP17A 34T-->C SNPs is not associated with the susceptibility to uterine leiomyoma in a Caucasian population.

Polymorphism of the p53 tumor suppressor gene is associated with susceptibility to uterine leiomyoma

To evaluate the association between the presence of uterine leiomyoma and two single nuclear polymorphisms of the p53 tumor suppressor and the angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) genes. Prospective case control study. Academic research institution. One hundred thirty-two women with clinically and surgically diagnosed uterine leiomyomas and 280 controls. Peripheral venous puncture. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-based amplification of the Arg and Pro variants at codon 72 of the p53 gene and by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the G/G and G/A alleles in exon 4 of the ANGPT2 gene. Comparing women with uterine leiomyomas and controls, no statistically significant difference with respect to allele frequency and genotype distribution were ascertained for the ANGPT2 polymorphism (P=.2 and P=.5, respectively). However, for the p53 tumor suppressor gene polymorphism, statistically significant differences in terms of a higher Pro allele frequency and a higher prevalence of the Pro/Pro genotype among women with uterine leiomyoma (32.0% vs. 16.0%, respectively, and 21.3% vs. 4.7%, respectively) were ascertained (P=.001, OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.24-2.45, P=.001; OR 3.84, 95% CI 1.81-8.14; respectively). Carriage of the p53 polymorphism at codon 72 predicts the susceptibility to leiomyoma in a Caucasian population and may contribute to the pathogenesis of uterine leiomyoma.

Concentrations of alpha-fetoprotein, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3, c-erbB-2, and epidermal growth factor in serum of patients with endometriosis.

Endometriosis, although it is a benign disorder, shares many similarities with cancer. There is increasing levels of evidence suggesting that some circulating factors involved in gynecologic cancers, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), c-erbB-2 (HER-2/neu), and epidermal growth factor (EGF), could also play a role in endometriosis. Hence, the present study was aimed at evaluating whether the levels of these molecules are modulated in the serum of patients with endometriosis. Levels of AFP, IGFBP-3, c-erbB-2, and EGF were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in serum from 36 subjects with surgically confirmed endometriosis and 36 controls with no surgical evidence of the disease. In addition, information such as demographic characteristics, personal habits, menstrual characteristics, and clinical profile was collected from each participating subject. No significant difference was found between serum levels of AFP, IGFBP-3, c-erbB-2, and EGF in patients with endometriosis and controls, even when we adjusted for potential confounders and took into account the menstrual cycle. Moreover, no correlation was observed between the serum concentrations of these molecules and the stage of the disease. However, a correlation was detected between soluble levels of IGFBP-3 and presence of uterine leiomyoma. Although AFP, IGFBP-3, c-erbB-2, and EGF are not altered in the circulation of patients with endometriosis, their involvement in the development of endometriotic lesions cannot be excluded.