Growth factors and pathogenesis

Sphingosine 1-phosphate acts as proliferative and fibrotic cue in leiomyoma cells

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the bioactive sphingolipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) modulates cellular proliferation and synthesis of fibrotic proteins in leiomyoma differently than myometrial cells.

DESIGN

A basic science study using human leiomyoma and myometrial cells.

PATIENT(S)

Not applicable. This is an in vitro study performed on cellular models.

SETTING

Academic laboratory.

INTERVENTION(S)

Leiomyoma and myometrial cells were treated with S1P, as well as with selective antagonists for S1P-specific G protein-coupled receptors and secondarily with inhibitors of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and ezrin.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The main outcome measures included cellular proliferation and fibrogenesis. Bromodeoxyuridine Cell Proliferation Assay was employed to measure deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis and proliferation, whereas western blot analysis was used to assess the expression of the fibrotic markers N-cadherin, α-smooth muscle actin, transgelin, and collagen type I alpha 1.

RESULT(S)

Sphingosine 1-phosphate stimulates cellular proliferation of leiomyoma but not myometrial cells. The mitogenic effect elicited by S1P relies on the engagement of its specific receptor S1P2 and is mediated by ERK1/2 and ezrin activation. Furthermore, S1P exerts a profibrotic effect in a S1P-specific G protein-coupled receptor-dependent manner in leiomyoma but not myometrial cells.

CONCLUSION(S)

These results, besides extending the knowledge on the molecular mechanism underlying uterine leiomyoma development and fibrosis, demonstrate the pathogenetic role of S1P in leiomyoma and support the rationale for targeting S1P signaling pathway as innovative potential treatment.

The role of VEGF and TGF-β blood levels for fibroid shrinkage, menorrhagia score, and quality of life improvement after uterine artery embolization for uterine fibroids: a study protocol

Uterine leiomyoma is a common condition affecting women that occurs in more than 70% of females. Women with leiomyomas overall have lower quality of life and deficiency in many specific spheres of life including work-related productivity, sexuality, relationships, social-emotional health, and physical well-being that might be present even in pre-and extended throughout early postmenopausal life. Choices for symptomatic fibroid management include medical, interventional radiology procedures, surgical, and expectant management. The uterine artery embolization (UAE) procedure has gained justified popularity for myoma management. Growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor growth factor β (TGF-β), hold an important role in leiomyoma progression. However, blood levels of VEGF and TGF-β in patients before and after UAE are not fully investigated and the possible relationship with myoma shrinkage has not been evaluated. Therefore, this study aims to assess menorrhagia score and quality of life improvement after UAE for uterine fibroids and compare blood levels of VEGF and TGF-β in patients with uterine leiomyoma before and after UAE. This cross-sectional study will be performed at the University Medical Center, Astana, Kazakhstan. Women undergoing the UAE procedure for uterine leiomyoma will be involved in the study following the precisely defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Uterine leiomyoma nodules' structural changes after UAE will be assessed along with the blood levels of growth factors (VEGF and TGF-β), menorrhagia score, and quality of life. An important outcome of this project will be an investigation of the blood levels of growth factors (VEGF and TGF-β) before and after the procedure and their association with leiomyoma shrinkage in correlation with the menorrhagia score and quality of life alterations among patients undergoing UAE.

Raf kinase inhibitor protein expression in smooth muscle tumours of the uterus: a diagnostic marker for leiomyosarcoma?

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the expression pattern of Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) in different subtypes of leiomyoma (usual type, cellular, apoplectic or haemorrhagic leiomyoma, leiomyoma with bizarre nuclei and lipoleiomyoma) and leiomyosarcoma specimens, and what is its biological role in leiomyosarcoma cells?

DESIGN

Leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma specimens underwent immunohistochemistry staining. Leiomyosarcoma SK-LMS-1 cell line was RKIP knocked down and RKIP overexpressed, and cell viability, wound healing migration and clonogenicity assays were carried out.

RESULTS

A higher immunohistochemical expression of RKIP was observed in bizarre leiomyomas, than in usual-type leiomyomas. Decreased expression was also found in cellular leiomyoma, with generally absent staining in leiomyosarcomas. Upon RKIP expression manipulation in SK-LMS-1 cell line, no major differences were observed in cell viability and migration capacity over time. RKIP knockout, however, resulted in a significant increase in the cell's ability to form colonies (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

RKIP distinct expression pattern among leiomyoma histotype and leiomyosarcoma, and its effect on leiomyosarcoma cells on colony formation, encourages further studies of RKIP in uterine smooth muscle disorders.

The influence of uterine fibroids on adverse outcomes in pregnant women: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the meta-analysis was to determine the influence of uterine fibroids on adverse outcomes, with specific emphasis on multiple or large (≥ 5 cm in diameter) fibroids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and SinoMed databases for eligible studies that investigated the influence of uterine fibroids on adverse outcomes in pregnancy. The pooled risk ratio (RR) of the variables was estimated with fixed effect or random effect models.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies with 237 509 participants were included. The pooled results showed that fibroids elevated the risk of adverse outcomes, including preterm birth, cesarean delivery, placenta previa, miscarriage, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), placental abruption, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), fetal distress, malposition, intrauterine fetal death, low birth weight, breech presentation, and preeclampsia. However, after adjusting for the potential factors, negative effects were only seen for preterm birth, cesarean delivery, placenta previa, placental abruption, PPH, intrauterine fetal death, breech presentation, and preeclampsia. Subgroup analysis showed an association between larger fibroids and significantly elevated risks of breech presentation, PPH, and placenta previa in comparison with small fibroids. Multiple fibroids did not increase the risk of breech presentation, placental abruption, cesarean delivery, PPH, placenta previa, PPROM, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction. Meta-regression analyses indicated that maternal age only affected the relationship between uterine fibroids and preterm birth, and BMI influenced the relationship between uterine fibroids and intrauterine fetal death. Other potential confounding factors had no impact on malposition, fetal distress, PPROM, miscarriage, placenta previa, placental abruption, and PPH.

CONCLUSION

The presence of uterine fibroids poses increased risks of adverse pregnancy and obstetric outcomes. Fibroid size influenced the risk of breech presentation, PPH, and placenta previa, while fibroid numbers had no impact on the risk of these outcomes.

Discovery and development of small-molecule heparanase inhibitors

Heparanase-1 (HPSE) is a promising yet challenging therapeutic target. It is the only known enzyme that is responsible for cleavage of heparan sulfate (HS) side chains from heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), and is the key enzyme involved in the remodeling and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Overexpression of HPSE is found in various types of diseases, including cancers, inflammations, diabetes, and viral infections. Inhibiting HPSE can restore ECM functions and integrity, making the development of HPSE inhibitors a highly sought-after topic. So far, all HPSE inhibitors that have entered clinical trials belong to the category of HS mimetics, and no small-molecule or drug-like HPSE inhibitors have made similar progress. None of the HS mimetics have been approved as drugs, with some clinical trials discontinued due to poor bioavailability, side effects, and unfavorable pharmacokinetics characteristics. Small-molecule HPSE inhibitors are, therefore, particularly appealing due to their drug-like characteristics. Advances in the chemical spaces and drug design technologies, including the increasing use of in vitro and in silico screening methods, have provided new opportunities in drug discovery. This article aims to review the discovery and development of small-molecule HPSE inhibitors via screening strategies to shed light on the future endeavors in the development of novel HPSE inhibitors.

Phytoprogestins: Unexplored Food Compounds with Potential Preventive and Therapeutic Effects in Female Diseases

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in natural therapies to prevent or treat female diseases. In particular, many studies have focused on searching natural compounds with less side effects than standard hormonal therapies. While phytoestrogen-based therapies have been extensively studied, treatments with phytoprogestins reported in the literature are very rare. In this review, we focused on compounds of natural origin, which have progestin effects and that could be good candidates for preventing and treating female diseases. We identified the following phytoprogestins: kaempferol, apigenin, luteolin, and naringenin. In vitro studies showed promising results such as the antitumoral effects of kaempferol, apigenin and luteolin, and the anti-fibrotic effects of naringenin. Although limited data are available, it seems that phytoprogestins could be a promising tool for preventing and treating hormone-dependent diseases.

The Role of Cell Proliferation and Extracellular Matrix Accumulation Induced by Food Additive Butylated Hydroxytoluene in Uterine Leiomyoma

Leiomyoma is the most common benign uterine tumor in reproductive-age women. Increasing numbers of studies are focusing on the effects of environmental exposure on the incidence and progression of tumors. One major step taken in the food industry is the addition of food preservatives to maintain freshness. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant, which is widely used as an additive to develop fat-soluble characteristics, as well as in cosmetics and rubber. Previous studies also highlighted that BHT may be related to increased fibrosis capacity and carcinogenic effects. In this study, we explored the effects of the commonly used food additive BHT on leiomyoma progression, and the related mechanism. The exposure of the ELT-3 leiomyoma cell line to BHT for 48 h increased the proliferative effect. Since leiomyoma progression is related to increases in extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), BHT could effectively increase ECM-related protein expression, as well as MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expression. This increase in ECM, in response to BHT, may be linked to the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Through PI3K inhibition, BHT’s effect on leiomyoma progression could be partially modulated. These results suggest the harmful effect of BHT exposure on leiomyoma progression may relate to PI3K modulation. However, an in vivo study is necessary to confirm these findings.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate signaling in uterine fibroids: implication in activin A pro-fibrotic effect

OBJECTIVE

To explore the link between sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) signaling and leiomyoma and the possible S1P cross-talk with the fibrotic effect of activin A.

DESIGN

Case-control laboratory study.

SETTING

University institute and university hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Patients with uterine fibroids (n = 26).

INTERVENTIONS(S)

Tissue specimens of leiomyoma and normal myometrium were obtained from patients undergoing myomectomy or total hysterectomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Expression of mRNA levels of the enzyme involved in S1P metabolism, S1P receptors, and S1P transporter Spns2 was evaluated in matched leiomyoma/myometrium specimens and cell populations. The effects of inhibition of S1P metabolism and signaling was evaluated on activin A-induced fibrotic action in leiomyoma cell lines.

RESULT(S)

The expression of the enzymes responsible for S1P formation, sphingosine kinase (SK) 1 and 2, and S1P₂, S1P₃, and S1P₅ receptors was significantly augmented in leiomyomas compared with adjacent myometrium. In leiomyoma cells, but not in myometrial cells, activin A increased mRNA expression levels of SK1, SK2, and S1P₂. The profibrotic action of activin A was abolished when SK1/2 were inhibited or S1P_2/3 were blocked. Finally, S1P augmented by itself mRNA levels of fibrotic markers (fibronectin, collagen 1A1) and activin A in leiomyomas but not in myometrial cells.

CONCLUSION(S)

This study shows that S1P signaling is dysregulated in uterine fibroids and involved in activin A-induced fibrosis, opening new perspectives for uterine fibroid treatment.

Oral and uterine leiomyomas exhibit high immunoexpression of Cripto-1 compared to normal myometrium

Leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors in women. Many of them are associated with significant morbidity. The present study aimed to analyze histomorphological and histochemical characteristics and immunoexpression of Cripto-1 in oral leiomyomas (OL), uterine leiomyomas (UL), and normal myometrium (NM). Sample was composed of ten OL, 11 UL and 11 NM. Histomorphological characteristics were analyzed at 100 and 400x magnifications with HE staining. The immunoexpression of Cripto-1 was analyzed in five high-power fields. Statistical analysis considered a significant difference when p<0.05. Six OL disclosed moderate/intense inflammatory infiltrate, while ten UL exhibited mild infiltrate (p=0.024). When analyzing all leiomyomas together, 20 exhibited hyalinization, whereas no NM exhibited this alteration (p<0.001). There was no statistical difference in the distribution of mast cells among the lesions. The median Cripto-1 was higher in UL (9.0), followed by OL and NM (4.0). Associations of the Cripto-1 expression between leiomyomas (separately and together) and NM were statistically significant (p<0.001). These results indicate that OL and UL exhibit similar histomorphological and histochemical characteristics, as well as differences to NM. The higher immunoexpression of Cripto-1 in leiomyomas compared to NM suggests that this protein may influence cell proliferation and tissue architecture of oral and uterine leiomyomas.

Vitamins and Uterine Fibroids: Current Data on Pathophysiology and Possible Clinical Relevance

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.

The Role of miRNA and Related Pathways in Pathophysiology of Uterine Fibroids-From Bench to Bedside

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign tumors of the female genital tract. Their prevalence usually is estimated at 30-40%, but may reach up to 70-80% in predisposed groups of women. UFs may cause various clinical issues which might constitute the major reason of the overall deterioration of the quality of life. The mechanisms leading to UFs formation and growth still remain poorly understood. The transformation of smooth muscle cells of the uterus into abnormal, immortal cells, capable of clonal division, is thought to be a starting point of all pathways leading to UF formation. Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are non-coding single-stranded RNAs about 22 nucleotides in length, that regulate gene expression. One of recent advances in this field is the comprehension of the role of miRNAs in tumorigenesis. Alterations in the levels of miRNAs are related to the formation and growth of several tumors which show a distinct miRNA signature. The aim of this review is to summarize the current data about the role of miRNAs in the pathophysiology of UFs. We also discuss future directions in the miRNA research area with an emphasis on novel diagnostic opportunities or patient-tailored therapies. In our opinion data concerning the regulation of miRNA and its gene targets in the UFs are still insufficient in comparison with gynecological malignancies. The potential translational use of miRNA and derived technologies in the clinical care is at the early phase and needs far more evidence. However, it is one of the main areas of interest for the future as the use of miRNAs in the diagnostics and treatment of UFs is a new and exciting opportunity.

Hydrogen sulfide alleviates cigarette smoke-induced COPD through inhibition of the TGF-1/smad pathway

Smoking has become a major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through weakening of the respiratory mucus-ciliary transport system, impairing cough reflex sensitivity, and inducing inflammation. Recent researches have indicated that hydrogen sulfide is essential in the development of various lung diseases. However, the effect and mechanism of hydrogen sulfide on cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have not been reported. In this study, rats were treated with cigarette smoke to create a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease model followed by treatment with a low concentration of hydrogen sulfide. Pulmonary function, histopathological appearance, lung edema, permeability, airway remodeling indicators, oxidative products/antioxidases levels, inflammatory factors in lung, cell classification in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured to examine the effect of hydrogen sulfide on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease model. The results showed that hydrogen sulfide effectively improved pulmonary function and reduced histopathological changes, lung edema, and permeability. Airway remodeling, oxidative stress, and inflammation were also reduced by hydrogen sulfide treatment. To understand the mechanisms, we measured the expression of TGF-β1, TGF-βIand TGF-βII receptors and Smad7 and phosphorylation of Smad2/Smad3. The results indicated that the TGF-β1 and Smad were activated in cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease model, but inhibited by hydrogen sulfide. In conclusion, this study showed that hydrogen sulfide treatment alleviated cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.

Impact statement

COPD has become a severe public health issue in the world and smoking has become a major cause of COPD. As a result, it is a demandingly needed to explore new potential therapy for cigarette smoke-associated COPD. The present study suggested that H2S treatment improved pulmonary function and reduced histopathological changes, lung edema, permeability, inflammation, airway remodeling and oxidative injury in a COPD model induced by cigarette smoke. Although additional studies are required to elucidate the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacology of H2S in the cigarette smoke-associated COPD, our findings provide an experimental basis for the potential clinical application of H2S in COPD treatment.

Quercetin and indole-3-carbinol inhibit extracellular matrix expression in human primary uterine leiomyoma cells

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the effect of quercetin and indole-3-carbinol (I3C) on extracellular matrix expression, cell migration and proliferation in human myometrial and uterine leiomyoma cells.

DESIGN

Myometrial and leiomyoma cells were treated with quercetin or I3C at different concentrations (10 µg/ml; 50 µg/ml; 100 µg/ml; and 250 µg/ml) for 48 h to measure mRNA and protein expressions of extracellular matrix (collagen 1A1, fibronectin and versican), as well as cell migration and the proliferation rate.

RESULTS

Quercetin decreased mRNA levels of collagen 1A1 in myometrial (P < 0.0001) and leiomyoma cells (P < 0.0001). Quercetin reduced mRNA and protein levels of fibronectin in myometrial cells (P < 0.05) and fibronectin protein in leiomyoma cells (P < 0.05). I3C reduced collagen 1A1 mRNA levels in myometrial (P < 0.05) and leiomyoma cells at higher dose (P < 0.05). The protein levels of fibronectin were also reduced in both myometrial and leiomyoma cells with highest dose of I3C (P < 0.05), although mRNA levels were not affected in leiomyoma cells. Neither quercetin nor I3C treatment altered versican mRNA levels in both cell types. A significant reduction of the migration of both myometrial and leiomyoma cells in response to quercetin was observed (P < 0.05) and I3C (P < 0.05 for myometrial and P < 0.01 for leiomyoma cells) treatment. Both quercetin and I3C significantly reduced myometrial cell proliferation (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The in-vitro anti-fibrotic, anti-migratory and anti-proliferative effects of quercetin and I3C form the scientific basis for developing new therapeutic, preventive agents, or both, for uterine leiomyomas.

Proinflammatory mediators and reproductive failure in women with uterine fibroids

OBJECTIVE

study the levels of proinflammatory mediators and their correlation with reproductivefailure in women with uterine fibroids (UF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

90 women aged 18 - 45 years (mean age - 33.9 ± 0.31) were recruited in the study: 60 women with UF were included in the study group and 30 healthy women were included in the control group. The lymphocyte count was performed with laser-based flow cytofluorimetry. The levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interferon IFN-β (IFN-β), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrotizing factor α (TNF-α) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF basic) were detected with ELISA test. The diagnosis of UF was confirmed with histological examination of biopsy specimen.

RESULTS

Typical clinical features of UF (abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pains, symptoms of adjacent organs compression) were found in 66.67% women in the study group while 18.33% of them had miscarriages and 26.67% had infertility. Women with UF had significantly higher absolute count of lymphocytes: CD3⁺, CD19⁺, CD16⁺CD56⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺, CD95⁺CD3⁺, proinflammatory mediators: TNF-α, IFN-β, CRP, FGF basic and decreased levels of IFN-γ compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

In women of reproductive age, typical symptoms of UF are associated with reproductive failure with activation of adaptive immunity, angiogenic factors, inflammatory cell reactions, deficit of human antitumor factors, that is why detection of TNF-α, СРБ, IFN-γ in serum is necessary to perform in pregravid preparation of women, including IVF program.

The association between childbirth, breastfeeding, and uterine fibroids: an observational study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of childbirth and breastfeeding on uterine fibroids and to identify the factors associated with size variations. This was a monocenter observational study carried on women with a sonographic diagnosis of uterine fibroids from January 2007 to December 2016, with no indication for immediate treatment, and who became pregnant within one year from diagnosis. All patients were re-evaluated six months after delivery. Fibroid diameters were compared between pre-pregnancy period, first, second, third trimester and post-delivery. The rate of "regressed" (growth of diameter <-40%), "unchanged" (growth of diameter between -40% and +40%) or "increased" (growth of diameter >+40%) fibroids at the post-delivery evaluation with respect to the pre-pregnancy state was calculated. One-hundred fifty-seven women were included in the final analysis. At the post-delivery ultrasound, a significant reduction of the fibroid diameter with respect to all previous examinations was observed, and there was no evidence of 67 (37.2%) fibroids. Ongoing breastfeeding was positively associated with an "unchanged" or "regressed" fibroid diameter (adOR 3.23, 95%CI: 1.35-7.70, p < 0.01). Smaller pre-gravidic fibroids were more likely to return to pre-pregnancy dimensions or to regress, with a cut-off of 32 mm for lactating women and of 26 mm for non-lactating women. In conclusion, fibroids seem to return to pre-pregnancy dimensions or to regress in the post-partum period. This process may be sustained by uterine involution and hormonal variations, with an additional role of breastfeeding.

The Usefulness of Immunohistochemistry in the Differential Diagnosis of Lesions Originating from the Myometrium

Uterine leiomyomas (LMs), currently the most common gynecological complaint around the world, are a serious medical, social and economic problem. Accurate diagnosis is the necessary prerequisite of the diagnostic-therapeutic process. Statistically, mistakes may occur more often in case of disease entities with high prevalence rates. Histopathology, based on increasingly advanced immunohistochemistry methods, is routinely used in the diagnosis of neoplastic diseases. Markers of the highest sensitivity and specificity profiles are used in the process. As far as LMs are concerned, the crux of the matter is to identify patients with seemingly benign lesions which turn out to be suspicious (e.g., atypical LM) or malignant (e.g., leiomyosarcoma (LMS)), which is not uncommon. In this study, we present the current state of knowledge about the use of immunohistochemical markers in the differential diagnosis of LM, atypical LM, smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP), and LMS, as well as their clinical predictive value.

Orthosiphon stamineus Extracts Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Uterine Fibroid Cells

Objectives: The effects of water and 50% ethanolic-water extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth (OS) on cell proliferation and apoptotic activity against uterine leiomyosarcoma (SK-UT-1) cells were investigated. Methods: Anti-proliferation effect was evaluated through cell cycle analysis whereas apoptotic activity was determined via screening and quantifying using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometric analysis, respectively. The effect of extracts on molecular mechanism was studied using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Results: Cell cycle flow cytometric analysis showed the induction of cell cycle arrests were behaves in a p53-independent manner. The examination using fluorescence microscopy and Annexin V flow cytometry revealed the presence of morphological features of apoptotic bodies. Downregulation of anti-apoptotic gene (Bcl-2) supports the apoptotic activity of OS extracts although poorly induce PARP-1 cleavage in Western blot analysis. The extracts also inhibit the SK-UT-1 growth by suppressing VEGF-A, TGF-β1 and PCNA genes, which involved in angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that O. stamineus extracts are able to inhibit proliferation and induced apoptosis of uterine fibroid cells and is worth further investigation.

Blood Serum Levels of Proinflammatory Cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, IL-8, IL-12p70, and IFNγ) in Patients with Uterine Myoma

We analyzed cytokine profile in blood serum of patients with uterine myoma and revealed significantly reduced level of IFNγ and a tendency towards a decrease in the levels of IL-1β and TNFα; the levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12p70 did not differ from those in healthy women. The drop in the concentrations of factors responsible for inflammation and angiogenesis in tissues are unfavorable for proliferation and differentiation of the uterine tissues.

Vitamin D and Uterine Fibroids-Review of the Literature and Novel Concepts

This article provides a detailed review of current knowledge on the role of vitamin D and its receptor in the biology and management of uterine fibroids (UFs). Authors present ideas for future steps in this area. A literature search was conducted in PubMed using the following key words: "uterine fibroid" and "vitamin D". The results of the available studies, published in English from January 2002 up to April 2018, have been discussed. Vitamin D is a group of steroid compounds with a powerful impact on many parts of the human body. This vitamin is believed to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation, inhibit angiogenesis, and stimulate apoptosis. Nowadays, hypovitaminosis D is believed to be a major risk factor in the development of UFs. In many studies vitamin D appears to be a powerful factor against UFs, resulting in inhibition of tumor cell division and a significant reduction in its size, however, the exact role of this compound and its receptor in the pathophysiology of UFs is not fully understood. According to available studies, vitamin D and its analogs seem to be promising, effective, and low-cost compounds in the management of UFs and their clinical symptoms, and the anti-tumor activities of vitamin D play an important role in UF biology. The synergy between vitamin D and selected anti-UF drugs is a very interesting issue which requires further research. Further studies about the biological effect of vitamin D on UF biology are essential. Vitamin D preparations (alone or as a co-drugs) could become new tools in the fight with UFs, with the additional beneficial pleiotropic effect.

[The molecular mechanisms and morphological manifestations of leiomyoma reduction induced by selective progesterone receptor modulators]

AIM

to investigate the molecular mechanisms and morphological substrate of reduced uterine leiomyoma in patients receiving the selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM) ulipristal acetate for 3 months, by estimating the immunohistochemical expression of the markers steroid receptor coactivator 1 (SRC-1), nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCoR-1), ER, PgR, Ki-67, p16, TGF-β, and VEGF in tumor tissue.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The investigation enrolled 75 women with uterine leiomyoma, menorrhagias, and anemia. Group 1 included 40 patients who were treated with ulipristal for 3 months, followed by laparoscopic myomectomy. Group 2 consisted of 35 patients who underwent surgery without previous preparation. The intra- and postoperative parameters and molecular and morphological changes in the myomatous nodules were comparatively analyzed in both groups.

RESULTS

After 3 months of therapy initiation, menorrhagia completely ceased, myomatous nodules decreased in size (p<0.05), hemoglobin levels were elevated (p<0.01), and total intraoperative blood loss and operative time decreased in all the patients in Group 1. The morphological substrate of partial leiomyoma reduction was leiomyocyte apoptosis and dystrophy, tumor stroma sclerosis and hyalinosis with diminished Ki-67 expression and elevated p16 in the smooth muscle cells, trophic nodular tissue disorders exhibited by vascular wall sclerosis and lower VEGF and TGF-β expression, and leiomyocyte hormonal reception dysregulation that made itself evident through the reduced expression of SRC-1 with the unchanged expression of PR and ER and the maintained level of NCoR-1.

CONCLUSION

The molecular mechanisms of tumor reduction involved the reduced Ki-67 expression and elevated p16, lower VEGF and TGF-β, diminished SRC-1 expression with the maintained level of PR, ER, and NCoR-1. Overall, this is suggestive of enhanced apoptosis and reduced leiomyoma proliferation and angiogenesis induced by SPRM and indicative of the expediency of using ulipristal acetate as a preoperative agent for organ-sparing surgery in reproductive-aged patients with uterine myoma, menorrhagias, and anemia.

Extracellular matrix in uterine leiomyoma pathogenesis: a potential target for future therapeutics

BACKGROUND

Uterine leiomyoma (also known as fibroid or myoma) is the most common benign tumor of the uterus found in women of reproductive age. It is not usually fatal but can produce serious clinical symptoms, including excessive uterine bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, infertility and pregnancy complications. Due to lack of effective medical treatments surgery has been a definitive choice for the management of this tumor.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

Extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and remodeling are thought to be crucial for fibrotic diseases such as uterine leiomyoma. Indeed, ECM plays important role in forming the bulk structure of leiomyoma, and the ECM-rich rigid structure within these tumors is thought to be a cause of abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain. Therefore, a better understanding of ECM accumulation and remodeling is critical for developing new therapeutics for uterine leiomyoma.

SEARCH METHODS

PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for all original and review articles/book chapters related to ECM and medical treatments of uterine leiomyoma published in English until May 2017.

OUTCOMES

This review discusses the involvement of ECM in leiomyoma pathogenesis as well as current and future medical treatments that target ECM directly or indirectly. Uterine leiomyoma is characterized by elevated levels of collagens, fibronectin, laminins and proteoglycans. They can induce the mechanotransduction process, such as activation of the integrin-Rho/p38 MAPK/ERK pathway, resulting in cellular responses that are involved in pathogenesis and altered bidirectional signaling between leiomyoma cells and the ECM. ECM accumulation is affected by growth factors (TGF-β, activin-A and PDGF), cytokines (TNF-α), steroid hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and microRNAs (miR-29 family, miR-200c and miR-93/106b). Among these, TGF-βs (1 and 3) and activin-A have been suggested as key players in the accumulation of excessive ECM (fibrosis) in leiomyoma. The presence of elevated levels of ECM and myofibroblasts in leiomyoma supports the fibrotic character of these tumors. Interestingly, ECM may serve as a reservoir of profibrotic growth factors and enhance their activity by increasing their stability and extending their duration of signaling. At present, several classes of compounds, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (leuprolide acetate), GnRH antagonist (cetrorelix acetate), selective progesterone receptor modulators (ulipristate acetate and asoprisnil), antiprogestin (mifepristone) and natural compounds like vitamin D and resveratrol have been studied as medical treatments that target ECM in uterine leiomyoma.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Although several types of drugs (mostly antiproliferative agents) are available for leiomyoma treatment, none of them were introduced specifically as antifibrotic agents. In light of its critical role in the process of fibrosis in leiomyoma, we propose that ECM should be considered as a crucial target for future therapeutics. Thus, the introduction of drugs that are specifically antifibrotic could be a good solution to control abnormal leiomyoma growth and associated clinical symptoms. The antifibrotic compounds can be introduced based on their ability to regulate ECM components and their receptors, as well as growth factors, cytokines, steroid hormones and their corresponding receptors and intracellular signaling pathways, as well as microRNAs, involved in ECM production in leiomyoma.

Adverse obstetric outcomes in pregnant women with uterine fibroids in China: A multicenter survey involving 112,403 deliveries

Objective

To estimate the association between uterine fibroids and adverse obstetric outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of 112,403 deliveries from 14 provinces and 39 different hospitals in 2011 in mainland China. We compared pregnancy outcomes in women with and without uterine fibroids who underwent detailed second trimester obstetric ultrasonography during 18 to 22 weeks. Obstetric outcomes include cesarean delivery, breech presentation, preterm delivery, placenta previa, placental abruption, premature rupture of membranes and neonatal birthweight. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Of 112,403 women who underwent routine obstetric survey, 3,012 (2.68%) women were identified with at least 1 fibroid. By univariate and multivariate analyses, the presence of uterine fibroids was significantly associated with cesarean delivery (Adjusted odds radio [AOR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7–2.0), breech presentation (AOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2–1.5) and postpartum hemorrhage (AOR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1–1.4). The size of uterine fibroids and location in uterus had important effect on the mode of delivery. The rates of PPH were significantly higher with increasing size of the uterine fibroid (P<0.001). And the location of fibroid (intramural, submucosal or subserosal) also have a statistically significant impact on the risk of PPH (5.6% [subserosal] vs 4.7% [submucosal] vs 8.6% [intramural]).

Conclusion

Pregnant women with uterine fibroids are at increased risk for cesarean delivery, breech presentation and postpartum hemorrhage. And different characteristics of uterine fibroids affect obstetric outcomes through different ways. Such detailed information may be useful in risk-stratifying pregnant women with fibroids.

Preperitoneal Fat Thicknesses, Lipid Profile, and Oxidative Status in Women With Uterine Fibroids

PURPOSE

There is growing evidence supporting a possible role for metabolic syndrome and its determinants, such as dyslipidemia, in uterine fibroid (UF) pathogenesis. The present study aims to investigate the association between UFs and visceral and subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), lipid profile, and oxidative and antioxidative status.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 35 patients diagnosed with UFs and 15 women without UFs were enrolled. Clinical history and anthropometric parameters were collected for every woman. Characteristics of UFs, preperitoneal fat thickness (PFT), and SFT were assessed ultrasonically. Lipid profile, glucose, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were evaluated on plasma from participants.

RESULTS

Women with UFs showed a significantly increased PFT (11.63 ± 3.39 vs 7.01 ± 3.10 mm; P < .001), lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; 45.4 ± 8.3 vs 57.2 ± 13.4 mg/dL; P = .017), higher levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; 92.3 ± 21.5 vs 72.0 ± 14.6 mg/dL; P = .007), and oxidized LDL (65.2 ± 20.7 vs 43.0 ± 11.3 U/L; P = .002). In patients, TBARs concentration was significantly higher (9.41 ± 6.49 vs 2.92 ± 1.65 nmol malondialdehyde/100 μg prot; P < .001), whereas SOD activity was lower (1.09 ± 0.19 vs 1.37 ± 0.41 U/μL; P = .005). Preperitoneal fat thickness was positively associated with body mass index, oxidized LDL, and TBARs. At multivariate analysis, PFT and HDL-C maintained a significant correlation with the diagnosis of UFs.

CONCLUSION

Chronic inflammation triggered and sustained by visceral fat could play a determinant role in cell differentiation and proliferation processes, necessary for the development of UFs. Alterations in cholesterol fractions may be explained as a consequence of the increased visceral fat deposits and can reflect an increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with UF.

Locostatin, a disrupter of Raf kinase inhibitor protein, inhibits extracellular matrix production, proliferation, and migration in human uterine leiomyoma and myometrial cells

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the presence of Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) in human myometrium and leiomyoma as well as to determine the effect of locostatin (RKIP inhibitor) on extracellular matrix (ECM) production, proliferation, and migration in human myometrial and leiomyoma cells.

DESIGN

Laboratory study.

SETTING

Human myometrium and leiomyoma.

PATIENT(S)

Thirty premenopausal women who were admitted to the hospital for myomectomy or hysterectomy.

INTERVENTION(S)

Myometrial and leiomyoma tissues were used to investigate the localization and the expression level of RKIP through immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Myometrial and leiomyoma cells were treated with locostatin (10 μM) to measure ECM expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction, GSK3β expression by Western blotting, cell migration by wound-healing assay, and cell proliferation by MTT assay and immunocytochemistry.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The expression of RKIP in human myometrial and leiomyoma tissue; ECM components and GSK3β expression, migration, and proliferation in myometrial and leiomyoma cells.

RESULT(S)

RKIP is expressed in human myometrial and leiomyoma tissue. Locostatin treatment resulted in the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway (ERK phosphorylation), providing a powerful validation of our targeting protocol. Further, RKIP inhibition by locostatin reduces ECM components. Moreover, the inhibition of RKIP by locostatin impaired cell proliferation and migration in both leiomyoma and myometrial cells. Finally, locostatin treatment reduced GSK3β expression. Therefore, even if the activation of MAPK pathway should increase proliferation and migration, the destabilization of GSK3β leads to the reduction of proliferation and migration of myometrial and leiomyoma cells.

CONCLUSION(S)

Our results indicate that RKIP may be involved in leiomyoma pathophysiology.