Uterine myomas: management

Proinflammatory and profibrotic mediators: principal effectors of leiomyoma development as a fibrotic disorder

Leiomyomas are believed to derive from the transformation of myometrial smooth muscle cells/connective tissue fibroblasts. Although the identity of the molecule(s) that initiate such cellular transformation and orchestrate subsequent growth is still unknown, conventional evidence indicates that ovarian steroids are essential for leiomyoma growth. Ovarian steroid action in their target cell/tissue is mediated in part through local expression of various growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines. These autocrine/paracrine molecules with proinflammatory and profibrotic activities serve as major contributing factors in regulating cellular transformation, cell growth and apoptosis, angiogenesis, cellular hypertrophy, and excess tissue turnover, events central to leiomyoma growth. This review addresses the key regulatory functions of proinflammatory and profibrotic mediators and their molecular mechanisms, downstream signaling that regulates cellular events that result in transformation, and commitments of specific cells into forming a cellular environment with a possible role in development and subsequent growth of leiomyomas.

Green tea extract inhibits proliferation of uterine leiomyoma cells in vitro and in nude mice

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on rat leiomyoma (ELT3) cells in vitro and in a nude mice model.

STUDY DESIGN

ELT3 cells were treated with various concentrations of EGCG. Cell proliferation, proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4) protein levels were evaluated. ELT3 cells were inoculated subcutaneously in female athymic nude mice. Animals were fed 1.25 mg EGCG (in drinking water)/mouse/day. Tumors were collected and evaluated at 4 and 8 weeks after the treatment.

RESULTS

Inhibitory effect of EGCG (200 micromol/L) on ELT3 cells was observed after 24 hours of treatment (P < .05). At > or = 50 micromol/L, EGCG significantly decreased PCNA and Cdk4 protein levels (P < .05). In vivo, EGCG treatment dramatically reduced the volume and weight of tumors at 4 and 8 weeks after the treatment (P < .05). The PCNA and Cdk4 protein levels were significantly reduced in the EGCG-treated group (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

EGCG effectively inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in rat ELT3 uterine leiomyoma cells in vitro and in vivo.

Intramyometrial ectopic pregnancy in an ICSI patient following uterine artery embolization

Myometrial pregnancy represents a rare subtype of ectopic pregnancy. A history of uterine artery embolization (UAE) because of symptomatic uterine fibroids, and assisted reproductive treatment may predispose to this unusual implantation site. A 40-year-old woman with a history of uterine fibroids underwent a transfer of two embryos after intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. The combined findings on transvaginal ultrasound scan, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging scan, suction curettage, diagnostic hysteroscopy and laparoscopy were compatible with a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy within the myometrium, at the site of a necrotized intramyometrial fibroid following UAE. Treatment with systemic methotrexate resulted in successful resolution of this ectopic pregnancy. In conclusion, this study reports a pregnancy within a previously necrotized fibroid. Findings suggest that in patients with a history of UAE for the treatment of uterine fibroids and who subsequently undergo assisted reproductive treatment, the risk of an ectopic pregnancy within the myometrium has to be considered.

Leiomyoma shrinkage after MRI-guided focused ultrasound treatment: report of 80 patients

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of leiomyoma ablation and shrinkage after MRI-guided focused ultrasound treatment performed according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration protocols for commercial trials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 147 symptomatic leiomyomas in 80 women (average age, 46 years; range, 34-55 years) were managed with MRI-guided focused ultrasound. The average volume of treated fibroids was 175+/-201 (SD) cm3. Before treatment, T2-weighted MR images in three planes were obtained to measure leiomyoma volume. Immediately after treatment, T1-weighted contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed MR images in three planes were used to measure nonperfused volume ratio. Similar images obtained 6 months after treatment were used to determine leiomyoma shrinkage. Qualitative and quantitative relations between fibroid volume, nonperfused volume ratio at treatment, and 6-month shrinkage were measured.

RESULTS

The average nonperfused volume ratio was 55%+/-25% immediately after treatment. Six months after treatment, the average volume of treated fibroids had decreased to 112+/-141 cm3 (n=81) (p<0.0001) with an average volume reduction of 31%+/-28%. A linear regression model showed highly significant correlation between posttreatment nonperfused volume ratio and shrinkage at 6 months (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

MRI-guided focused ultrasound therapy for leiomyoma can result in nonperfused volume ratio and shrinkage that exceed those in previous clinical trials because the treatment guidelines have been relaxed to allow a greater amount of tissue ablation. The results suggest that a larger nonperfused volume ratio can be achieved, resulting in greater shrinkage and improved relief of symptoms.

Oxytocin-induced cell growth proliferation in human myometrial cells and leiomyomas

OBJECTIVE

To assess the expression of the oxytocin receptor (OTR) and the role of oxytocin (OT) in the proliferation of myometrial and leiomyoma cells.

DESIGN

Prospective laboratory study.

SETTING

Research laboratory at the Italian National Research Council.

PATIENT(S)

Twenty-two women who underwent therapeutic myomectomy for fibroids.

INTERVENTION(S)

Primary cultures of leiomyoma and myometrium cells were established from eutopic and ectopic myometrial tissues. An immortalized myometrial cell line (h-TERTmyo) and a leiomyosarcoma cell line (SK-UT-1) were also characterized.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Expression of OTR and desmin mRNA was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell growth was determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H tetrazolium assay. Apoptosis was determined by annexin V cell staining and flow cytometry analysis.

RESULT(S)

Oxytocin stimulated proliferation of primary myometrial and leiomyoma cells but inhibited the proliferation of h-TERTmyo and SK-UT-1, indicating a change in phenotype during immortalization. A progressive and rapid decrease in desmin and OTR mRNA was observed in primary cultures, indicating that myometrial cells dedifferentiate very rapidly in culture. The relative expression of OTR mRNA varied widely in both myometrial and leiomyoma smooth muscle cells, but there was no significant difference.

CONCLUSION(S)

These results indicate that OT stimulates the proliferation of both myometrial and leiomyoma cells, demonstrating that the OT/OTR system plays an important role in regulating uterine cell growth and providing a rationale for evaluating the use of OTR antagonists in managing uterine myomas.

Use of uterine vessel occlusion in the management of uterine myomas: two different approaches

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the difference between uterine artery occlusion alone (UAO) and combined (UVO) with simultaneous blockage of anastomosis between the uterine and ovarian vessels in the management of women with myomas in a 3-year follow-up.

DESIGN

Case-control study.

SETTING

University-associated hospital.

PATIENT(S)

One hundred ten patients with uterine fibroids.

INTERVENTION(S)

Forty-four patients underwent UAO and 66 patients UVO; patients were matched using a statistically generated selection of all UVOs performed during the same period.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Outcomes were assessed by comparing surgical parameters, immediate postoperative recovery, and therapeutic outcomes.

RESULT(S)

During the 3-year follow-up, the majority of patients in both groups reported symptom relief (ranging from 61.5% to 84.6% in the UVO group and 31.6% to 77.3% in the UAO group, on the basis of different kinds of symptoms). However, symptom control seemed to be different between the two groups when the follow-up time was prolonged; for example, symptom control was better in the UVO group at the end of 3 years, especially for menorrhagia (76.5% vs. 34.5%). The fibroid size was smaller in the UVO group, resulting in a lower reintervention rate, compared with the UAO group (13.6% vs. 36.4%).

CONCLUSION(S)

If UVO is used for uterine fibroids, the 3-year efficacy might be better than that with UAO. This finding is worthy of further investigation.

Mesenchymal Tumors of the Female Genital Tract: Treatment

Mesenchymal tumors of the female genital tract include various benign and malignant neoplasms. Mesenchymal tumors may arise from the stroma or associated elements of the organ of origin, such as connective tissue, vascular or neural structures, or others. Malignant mesenchymal tumors of the female genital tract represent a rare group of gynecologic cancers. They are generally aggressive tumors, with a propensity for local and distant recurrence. The mainstay of treatment usually involves surgical excision of the primary tumor. Malignant mesenchymal tumors of the female genital tract are generally refractory to systemic chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This review highlights the treatment options for the most common types of mesenchymal tumors of the female genital tract.

Non-invasive magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound treatment of uterine fibroids in a large Japanese population: impact of the learning curve on patient outcome

OBJECTIVES

To describe the learning curve effect of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) on the outcomes of patients treated for uterine fibroids in four centers in Japan.

METHODS

The extent of fibroid ablation (often used to measure treatment success) was evaluated using the non-perfused volume (NPV) ratio in 287 Japanese patients. The patients were divided into two equal groups according to the chronological treatment time and results were compared between these groups to estimate the learning curve effect. Results were also compared with published data from clinical trials.

RESULTS

The NPV ratio increased chronologically, from 39.3% to 54.0% (P < 0.001), indicating increasing effectiveness of the treatment with experience. The mean NPV ratios for the entire patient population were over double that of previous clinical trials (46.6% vs. 21.9%; P < 0.001). No serious complications were reported.

CONCLUSION

The learning process and accumulation of data on MRgFUS enable the optimization of treatments in order to safely achieve large NPV ratios and sustained clinical benefit.

Breast cancer risk and hysterectomy status: the Multiethnic Cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The main objective was to examine the association between simple hysterectomy (without bilateral oophorectomy) and breast cancer risk. Because hysterectomy prevalence varies by ethnicity, the secondary objective was to examine whether inclusion of women with hysterectomies affects the estimates of breast cancer risk by ethnicity.

METHODS

The Multiethnic Cohort study was assembled between 1993 and 1996 and included 68,065 women from Hawaii and Los Angeles, aged 45-75 years, without any missing information or bilateral oophorectomy. Hysterectomy status was self-reported. After 7.7 years median follow-up, 1,862 cases of invasive breast cancer were identified. Proportional hazards models were used to estimate relative risks (RR) while controlling for known risk factors.

RESULTS

Prevalence of simple hysterectomy varied from 12% to 29% among the ethnic groups (White, African American, Native Hawaiian, Japanese American, and Latina). Overall, hysterectomy was not associated with breast cancer risk (RR = 0.98). Although the RRs were nonsignificantly elevated by 15% in White women and nonsignificantly reduced by 15% in Latinas of non-US origin, the variation by ethnicity was not significant (p(interaction) = 0.48). The breast cancer risk associated with ethnicity was very similar when estimated with and without women with hysterectomies.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that simple hysterectomy status does not alter breast cancer risk. Therefore, inclusion of women with simple hysterectomies does not substantially change estimated risk of breast cancer by ethnicity.

Reducing blood loss at myomectomy with use of a gelatin-thrombin matrix hemostatic sealant

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the hemostatic efficacy and handling of gelatin-thrombin matrix in abdominal myomectomy.

DESIGN

Prospective and randomized trial.

SETTING

University teaching hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Women (n = 50) with uterine fibroids with a uterine size equivalent to > or =16 weeks gestation.

INTERVENTION(S)

Gelatin-thrombin matrix (FloSeal Matrix; Baxter Healthcare Corp., Fremont, CA) was delivered to the site of the uterine bleeding during myomectomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Patient age, parity, number of myomas, operative time, blood loss, transfusion, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and length of hospitalization were evaluated.

RESULT(S)

The average blood loss during surgery was 80 +/- 25.5 mL for the FloSeal group and 625 +/- 120.5 mL for the control group. Intraoperative blood transfusion was necessary in five patients from the control group. Postoperative blood loss was 25 +/- 5 mL for the FloSeal group and 250 +/- 75 mL for the control group. Length of the postoperative hospital stay was 2.5 +/- 1.2 days for FloSeal group and 4.5 +/- 1.3 for the control group. No major immediate or delayed complications were observed in either group.

CONCLUSION(S)

Reductions in hemorrhage in FloSeal-treated women undergoing a myomectomy are encouraging, and provide evidence for the ability of gelatin-thrombin matrix to reduce blood loss when applied immediately and directly to bleeding uterine tissue.

Unmet therapeutic needs for uterine myomas

Uterine myomas may develop in many women, but only become clinically significant in about one third of the affected population. Although uterine myomas are most often benign, they are associated with debilitating symptoms and commonly result in hysterectomy. Current treatments for uterine myomas include pharmacologic therapies, delivery of focused energy, alteration of uterine vascular supply, or surgical procedures. Factors such as the woman's desire for future pregnancy, the importance of uterine preservation, symptom severity, and tumor characteristics direct the choice of therapeutic approach. The ideal treatment will have the following characteristics: easy to perform, minimally invasive, cost effective, preserves fertility, preserves the uterus, efficacious, acceptable tolerability and durability, and low incidence of myoma recurrence.

The role of interventional radiology in obstetric and gynaecology practice

Interventional radiology is continuing to reshape current practice in many specialties of clinical care. It is a relatively new and innovative branch of medicine in which physicians treat diseases non-operatively through small catheters guided to the target by fluoroscopic and other imaging modalities. The aim is to provide image-guided, minimally invasive alternatives to traditional surgical and medical procedures in suitable cohorts of patients. Procedures which previously required major surgery can now be performed by interventional radiologists, sometimes on an outpatient basis, with little patient discomfort. In this review, we highlight the importance of interventional radiology in treating a comprehensive range of obstetric and gynaecological pathologies.

Laparoscopy vs laparoscopically assisted myomectomy in the management of uterine myomas: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to compare the intraoperative and short-term outcomes between the 2 modalities of minimally invasive surgery for the management of uterine fibroids.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 116 patients with inclusion criteria were prospectively collected in a study period from March 1997 through 2007. Laparoscopic (n = 40) vs laparoscopically assisted myomectomy (n = 76) were compared for the management of no more than 3 intramural or subserous uterine myomas, of a maximum diameter of 90 mm.

RESULTS

The patients' characteristics by age, parity, body mass index, number and location of myomas were well balanced between the 2 study groups. The mean diameter of the myomas was the only characteristic significantly higher in the laparoscopically assisted myomectomy group. The operative time in the laparoscopically assisted myomectomy was significantly shorter compared with the laparoscopic myomectomy (mean +/- standard deviation: 66 +/- 19 minutes vs 94 +/- 18 minutes, P < .0001). A shorter uterine incision was found in the laparoscopically assisted myomectomy technique compared with the laparoscopic myomectomy (2.9 +/- 0.6 vs 4.3 +/- 1.2, P < .0001). Estimated blood loss was significantly higher in the laparoscopically assisted myomectomy group (P = .002). Intraoperative, early postoperative complications, hospitalization days, and fully returned activity were similar between the 2 study groups.

CONCLUSION

The present data suggest that the laparoscopically assisted myomectomy is a valid alternative to laparoscopy in a setting of minimally invasive surgery for the management of uterine fibroids.

Endometrial receptivity and implantation are not affected by the presence of uterine intramural leiomyomas: a clinical and functional genomics analysis

CONTEXT

Uterine leiomyomas are the most frequent benign tumors during reproductive age. Whether intramural leiomyomas cause infertility and should be removed is controversial because no study has addressed the underlying mechanism of infertility.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to test the effect of intramural leiomyomas on endometrial function by comparing gene during the window of implantation and implantation in an oocyte donation program, in which the quality of the embryos replaced is similar and the endocrine environment of the endometrium is standardized by exogenous steroids.

DESIGN

Human endometria of women with single intramural leiomyomas (group A, <5 cm and group B, > or =5 cm) and controls (group C) were collected on day LH+7 and processed for histology and gene expression analysis, using different methods and validated by quantitative RT-PCR. To compare in vitro fertilization outcome, a total of 1035 cases from our oocyte donation database were included, comprising patients with one fibroid less than 5 cm (A1, n = 532); two leiomyomas less than 5 cm (A2, n = 128); three or more leiomyomas less than 5 cm (A3, n = 125); one fibroid 5 cm or greater (B, n = 22); and two control groups: C1 (n = 93), women with previous myomectomy; and C2 (n = 135), women without uterine pathology treated on the same dates as C1.

RESULTS

There was a strong positive and negative correlation in the expression profile of 69 genes according to the leiomyomas's size, but only three of the 25 genes related to the window of implantation were dysregulated. Term pregnancy rates after oocyte donation were 36.9, 34.1, 39.0, 36.4, 39.2, and 42.6% (P = 0.769) among the established groups. Similarly, no correlation between implantation and miscarriage with leiomyoma number and size was found.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that intramural leiomyomas not affecting the endometrial cavity alters the expression pattern of some endometrial genes, but the genes involved in implantation are not affected. This is confirmed by leiomyomas having no effect on oocyte donation outcome when the size and number of leiomyomas are analyzed.

Unusual complication after uterine artery embolization and laparoscopic myomectomy in a woman wishing to preserve future fertility

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of uterine fistula arising after laparoscopic myomectomy after a uterine artery embolization.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

A university hospital center.

PATIENT(S)

A 38-year-old woman with a uteroperitoneal fistula after laparoscopic myomectomy after a uterine artery embolization.

INTERVENTION(S)

Laparoscopic excision of the fistula and repair of the myometrial defect with laparoscopic suture.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Not applicable.

RESULT(S)

Complete correction of the myometrial defect was observed after laparoscopic surgery.

CONCLUSION(S)

Uterine artery embolization before myomectomy may interfere with myometrial cicatrization and thus alter the repair.