Uterine myomas, dyspareunia, and sexual function

Clinical signs and diagnosis of fibroids from adolescence to menopause

The aim of this review was to provide an updated assessment of the present diagnostic tools and clinical symptoms and signs to evaluate uterine fibroids (UFs) on the basis of current guidelines, recent scientific evidence, and a PubMed and Google Scholar search for peer-reviewed original and review articles related to clinical signs and diagnosis of UFs. Approximately 50%-75% of UFs are considered nonclinically relevant. When present, the most common symptoms are abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain and/or bulk symptoms, and reproductive failure. Transvaginal ultrasound is recommended as the initial diagnostic modality because of its accessibility and high sensitivity, although magnetic resonance imaging appears to be the most accurate diagnostic tool to date in certain cases. Other emerging techniques, such as saline infusion sonohysterography, elastography, and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, may contribute to improving diagnostic accuracy in selected cases. Moreover, artificial intelligence has begun to demonstrate its ability as a complementary tool to improve the efficiency of UF diagnosis. Therefore, it is critical to standardize descriptions of transvaginal ultrasound images according to updated classifications and to individualize the use of the different complementary diagnostic tools available to achieve precise uterine mapping that can lead to targeted therapeutic approaches according to the clinical context of each patient.

Infertility in patients with uterine fibroids: a debate about the hypothetical mechanisms

Fibroids are benign tumours of the myometrium and are the most common gynaecologic abnormality. Although most fibroids are asymptomatic, they can cause symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, pressure complaints, and infertility. The association between fibroids and infertility has been debated for decades. It is generally acknowledged that the closer the fibroid is to the uterine cavity and the endometrium lining, the more unfavourable effect it might have on fertility, reducing the odds for successful implantation and gestation. Based on the limited available literature, we propose and discuss seven hypotheses on the underlying mechanism by which fibroids may reduce fertility. (i) Fibroids can cause sexual dysfunction, as fibroids can cause dyspareunia, pelvic pain, and prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding, which could interfere with sexual arousal and as a consequence the frequency of intercourse, resulting in a reduced probability of conception. (ii) Mechanical compression by fibroids on theinterstitial part of the fallopian tubes or deformation of uterine cavity could disturb oocyte and sperm transport. (iii) Fibroids can disturb peristalsis of the junctional zone in the myometrium, which could negatively influence oocyte and sperm transport as well as implantation. In addition, fibroids could induce a detrimental environment for implantation in other ways, by: (iv) changing the vagino-uterine microbiome; (v) disturbing the levels of inflammation and autophagy; (vi) inducing molecular changes in the endometrium; and (vii) inducing aberrant angiogenesis and altering the endometrial blood supply. After the discussion of these hypotheses, the implication of the influence of fibroids on early pregnancy loss is discussed. Surgical fibroid treatment is not tailored nor focussed on the pathophysiology of the fibroid; consequently it may be accompanied by recurrence of fibroids and risks of complications. Unravelling the pathogenic mechanisms about how fibroids influence fertility is essential to evolve classic surgical fibroid treatment. Instead of treatment of fibroid-related symptoms, the research should supports development of fibroid-targeted (pharmaceutical) treatment that is compatible with an active wish to become pregnant.

Comparison of laparoscopic enclosed electromechanical morcellation and vaginal enclosed scalpel morcellation at laparoscopic myomectomy: A prospective randomized trial

AIM

This study aimed to compare the laparoscopic-enclosed electromechanical morcellation (LEM) with vaginal-enclosed scalpel morcellation (VSM) in laparoscopic myomectomy procedures.

METHODS

One hundred eighteen patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy were enrolled the prospective randomized interventional clinical study in tertiary university hospital. After myomectomy, tissue removal was accomplished via either LEM using the in-glove morcellation technique or VSM.

RESULTS

The median tissue removal time was longer in the LEM group (25 min [range: 14-55]) than the VSM group (20 min [range: 6-38] [p = 0.001]). Rescue analgesia requirement was significantly higher in the LEM group than the VSM group (mean rank: 56.92 vs. 40.92 doses, respectively; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative third month total scores of female sexual function index (FSFI) and subdomains in the LEM group. Conversely, all subdomains and total scores of FSFI (26.5 [16.7-34.8] vs. 22.7 [15.2-28.7]) except pain significantly worsened 3 months after operation in the VSM group.

CONCLUSIONS

LEM was associated with a longer tissue removal time and increased postoperative analgesic requirement. On the other hand, VSM was associated with worsened postoperative sexual function from baseline.

Treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause: the potential effects of intravaginal ultralow-concentration oestriol and intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone on quality of life and sexual function

The climacteric is considered a natural phase in a woman's aging process and is defined as the period starting from the decline in ovarian activity until after the end of ovarian function. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is commonly observed in menopausal women and is characterised by a collection of symptoms resulting from changes to the internal and external genitalia as well as the lower urinary tract. Several studies have demonstrated the close association between sexual dysfunction and symptoms related to GSM. Many medications, at different doses, have been studied over the years for the treatment of the symptoms of GSM. More specifically, ultralow-dose intravaginal oestriol and intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are reported to improve symptoms, signs, and quality of life of women with GSM, and they are safe owing to their specific local effect. While the dosage and the administration of intravaginal DHEA are well defined, the literature on intravaginal oestriol is less uniform: different doses and times of administration are proposed with different possible combinations with other non-pharmacological therapies, although a more standardised treatment may be necessary. The aim of this review is to summarise the available data about the effects of ultralow-concentration oestriol and intravaginal DHEA on the menopause-related symptoms, quality of life, and sexual function of women affected by GSM.

Ultrasonography of uterine leiomyomas

Uterine leiomyomas or uterine fibroids are the most common gynaecological tumours and occur in about 20-50% of women around the world. Ultrasonography (USG) is the first-line imaging examination in suspected fibroids and shows high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing this condition. Ultrasound scans can be performed transvaginally (transvaginal scan – TVS) or transabdominally (transabdominal scan – TAS); both scans have advantages and limitations, but, in general, transvaginal sonography is superior to transabdominal sonography in most cases of pelvic pathology. Whether a leiomyoma is symptomatic or not depends primarily on its size and location. During ultrasound examination, leiomyomas usually appear as well-defined, solid, concentric, hypoechoic masses that cause a variable amount of acoustic shadowing. During the examination of leiomyomas differential diagnosis is important. Some of the most common misdiagnosed pathologies are adenomyosis, solid tumours of adnexa, and endometrial polyps. Misdiagnosis of a leiomyosarcoma has the most negative consequences, presenting symptoms are very similar to benign leiomyoma, and there is no pelvic imaging technique that can reliably differentiate between those pathologies. Magnetic resonance and computer tomography might be helpful in the diagnostics of uterine leiomyoma; however, ultrasound examination is the basic imaging test confirming the existence of leiomyomas, allowing the differentiation of myomas with adenomyosis, endometrial polyps, ovarian tumours, and pregnant uterus.

Alternatives to hysterectomy: The burden of fibroids and the quality of life

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumor in reproductive-aged women. While the majority of women are asymptomatic, those with symptoms may suffer from abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, pelvic pain or pressure, and urinary dysfunction. Fibroids represent a significant healthcare burden for women and society as a whole. Women with fibroids have compromised overall quality of life and impairment in many specific domains including work productivity, sexuality, self-image, relationships, and social emotional and physical well-being. Many women are reluctant to ask for help and delay seeking treatment. To date, myomectomy remains the gold standard for treating fibroid-related symptoms in reproductive-aged women. However, many less invasive uterine preserving approaches have been developed. Quality of life is improved in many women following treatment for fibroids. This article aims to provide an overview of the substantial impact of fibroids on health-related quality of life.

Postoperative Quality of Life and Sexual Function in Premenopausal Women Undergoing Laparoscopic Myomectomy for Symptomatic Fibroids: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Introduction

Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign gynecologic tumors. To date laparoscopy myomectomy is the gold standard for treatment of symptomatic fibroids in reproductive-aged women. Detailed counseling about the effects of this procedure on postoperative sexuality and quality of life is important in these patients. However, available data on these subjects are limited and contradictory. The aim of this study was to assess sexual function and quality of life in premenopausal women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy for symptomatic uterine fibroids.

Material and Methods

All premenopausal women who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy for symptomatic fibroids between April 2012 and August 2014 at a tertiary university center were enrolled in this prospective observational cohort study. Sexual function and quality of life were assessed for the pre- and postoperative (six months post-operatively) state using two validated questionnaires, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the European Quality of Life Five-Dimension Scale (EQ-5D).

Results

Ninety-five of the 115 (83%) eligible patients completed the study. Overall a significant improvement in quality of life and sexual function was observed in the study cohort: Median FSFI (28 (18.7–35.2)) and EQ-5D scores (1 (0.61–1) after laparoscopic myomectomy were significantly higher than preoperative scores (21.2 (5.2–33.5); 0.9 (0.2–1); p ≤ 0.01). The number, position and localization of the largest fibroids were not correlated with pre- or postoperative sexual function or quality of life.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic myomectomy might have positive short-term effects on postoperative quality of life and sexual function in premenopausal women suffering from symptomatic fibroids.

Myoma-associated pain frequency and intensity: a retrospective evaluation of 1548 myoma patients

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the possible relation between symptoms (especially pain) reported by myoma patients and objective features of their myomas as determined by ultrasound. Specifically: (1) What is the frequency and intensity of myoma-related pain? (2) Does the pain intensity depend on the number, size, or location of the myomas? (3) Is there any correlation between premenstrual pain, menstrual pain, and pain during sexual intercourse?

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of data from a patient questionnaire and ultrasound exams, collected from February 2009 until January 2013 at the myoma clinic of a university hospital in a large European city. The study analyzed data from 1548 myoma patients. Patients completed a 0-10 Likert scale questionnaire about their symptoms. The number, size, and location of myomas were determined from ultrasound exams.

RESULTS

The three most frequent symptoms reported were hypermenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and premenstrual pain. There was no statistically significant relationship between premenstrual pain or pain during sexual intercourse on the one hand and the number, size, or location of myomas on the other hand. For women with severe dysmenorrhea (Likert-scale scores of 8-10), submucosal myomas were significantly more frequent than all other myoma locations (p=0.01). Severe dysmenorrhea (Likert-scale scores of 8-10) was reported by a significantly (p<0.001) greater portion of the women whose largest myoma had a largest diameter of <5cm than by the women whose largest myoma had a diameter ≥5cm. The number of myomas did not have a significant influence on the dysmenorrhea intensity. The three types of pain (premenstrual, menstrual, and/or during sexual intercourse) had moderate pairwise correlations (ρ values from 0.304 to 0.542) that were all statistically highly significant (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Myoma-associated pain is, alongside hypermenorrhea, the most frequent problem reported by the affected patients. Unlike premenstrual pain and pain during sexual intercourse, the intensity of menstrual pain is clearly dependent on the location and size of the largest myoma. Further research is needed to better understand the degree to which the pain reported by the patients is due to features of the myomas versus other possible factors.

Dyspareunia in a Teenager Reveals a Rare Occurrence: Retroperitoneal Cervical Leiomyoma of the Left Pararectal Space

BACKGROUND

Retroperitoneal uterine leiomyoma is a very rare occurrence and to discover it as a cause of female sexual dysfunction in a teen is unusual.

CASE

An 18-year-old black woman reported deep dyspareunia, resulting in severe distress. Gynecological and instrumental examinations showed a pelvic mass of 7 cm in diameter. The preoperative diagnosis was uterine fibroid, but the exact location of the leiomyoma was uncertain. Laparoscopic examination showed a pedunculated retroperitoneal cervical leiomyoma in the left pararectal space. After surgical excision of the mass, normal sexual activity was restored.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

When a teen experiences pain with intercourse, pelvic masses should be part of differential diagnosis of dyspareunia.

Prevalence of female sexual dysfunction among Indian fertile females

Background:

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is described as difficulty experienced by a female during any stage of a normal sexual activity including physical pleasure, desire, arousal, or orgasm. There are various factors responsible for FSD including psychological status of a person, gynecological or medical problems, long use of certain drugs, and social beliefs.

Objectives:

To study the prevalence and various factors associated with FSD.

Materials and Methods:

Study Design - This study design was a cross-sectional observational study conducted at Tertiary Care Centre, in Ahmedabad from June 2015 to March 2016. Sample Size - One hundred and fifty-three fertile females in reproductive age group (20–47 years) were included in the study. Written and informed consent was obtained from all the females. Methods - FSD was assessed with a detailed 19-item female sexual function index questionnaire. All six domains of sexual dysfunction, i.e., desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain were studied. Various associated factors such as gynecological or psychological problems were also studied. Exclusion - Infertile patients were excluded from the study.

Results:

The prevalence of FSD was 55.55% among 153 fertile females. FSD was more prevalent in the age group of 26–30 years and with duration of marriage >16 years. FSD was also more common in females with middle education and those belonging to upper middle socioeconomic status. Psychological stress was significantly associated with FSD.

Conclusion:

It is right of every female to lead healthy sexual life as it is key to happiness in marriage. Females with FSD can be managed with proper counseling and treating the underlying etiology.

[Prevalence of uterine fibroids in France and impact on quality of life: results of a survey among 2500 women between 30-55 years]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prevalence of symptomatic uterine fibroid in France, related symptoms and its impact on quality of life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Online prospective survey from December 2012 to February 2013 using two questionnaires on 2498 women aged between 30 and 55 years old and representatives of the feminine population.

RESULTS

On the studied population, 220 women presented a symptomatic uterine fibroid representing a prevalence of 8.8%. 163 women (73.7%) presented bleedings associated or not with pain, and 58 (26.3%) suffered from pain only. For 77 (34.9%) women, the symptoms preceded the diagnostic and the mean delay between first symptoms and diagnostic was 2.22 years (ET : 3.56). At the time of the survey, 144 (65%) women with symptomatic uterine fibroid were followed by a physician (a gynecologist in 91.6% (n=132)), and 110 (49.7%) evaluated their pain as severe or extremely severe and 178 (80.6%) were bothered by their symptoms in their everyday life.

CONCLUSION

This analysis shows a strong prevalence for symptomatic uterine fibroid with a major impact on the quality of life.

Examining the relationship between uterine fibroids and dyspareunia among premenopausal women in the United States

INTRODUCTION

Despite estimates of a high prevalence of deep dyspareunia (DD) among women in the United States, risk factors for this important area of sexual dysfunction have been largely understudied.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between uterine fibroids and the prevalence of DD.

METHODS

We used data from the Uterine Fibroid Study (enrollment 1996-1999 in a U.S. metropolitan area). Participating women were ages 35-49 and were randomly selected from the membership rolls of a prepaid health plan. Women were asked to provide detailed health information including a symptom questionnaire with questions about DD and to have a study ultrasound to screen for fibroids ≥ 0.5 cm in diameter. The analysis included 827 women, after restriction to participants who were premenopausal with an intact uterus, sexually active, completed the symptom questionnaire, and had fibroid status adequately assessed. Logistic regression was conducted to estimate the adjusted prevalence odds ratio (aPOR) for the association of DD with presence of fibroids after adjusting for age, ethnicity, education, depression, physical activity, parity, and pelvic pathology.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Our main outcome measures were the presence and severity of DD.

RESULTS

The presence of fibroids was significantly associated with DD (aPOR = 1.7 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1, 2.5). The aPOR was stronger for severe DD, DD that interfered with normal activity "some" or "a lot" (aPOR = 3.1 95% CI 1.2, 8.2). However, there was not a significant dose response relationship between fibroid burden (measured by uterine volume) and DD. Fundal fibroids were more strongly associated with DD than other fibroids. Additional factors associated with significantly elevated odds of DD were parity, depression, younger age, and pelvic pathology.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that fibroids are associated with DD. The association may not be causal but may reflect shared etiology and/or pathologic pathways.

Single or repeated gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment avoids hysterectomy in premenopausal women with large symptomatic fibroids with no effects on sexual function

AIM

The aim of our study was to explore the effects on symptoms and female sexual function of the medical management with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) in women of more than 45 years old compared to surgical management.

METHODS

Women with symptomatic uterine fibroids were enrolled to participate to the present open-label study. We offered two different treatment options: medical with GnRHa for 6 months (group A) or hysterectomy (group B). The patients were reviewed in follow-up for 24 months. The impact of medical or surgical therapy on sexual life was evaluated.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in population characteristics between the two groups. GnRHa treatment was efficient in reducing symptoms in 88% of patients but 22% of patients needed adjunctive cycles of medical therapy. After 24 months, 16% of the patients did not complete the study. The failure percentage of the medical treatment was 12%. No severe side-effects were recorded, and eight patients had reached menopause. No significant differences were observed in the Female Sexual Function Index score in each domain between the medical and surgical groups, with total scores of 18.94 ± 10.16 and 22.00 ± 8.86, respectively (mean ± standard deviation), and the prevalence of dysfunction was 12% and 22%, respectively, similar to the general population of the same age.

CONCLUSION

We found that medical therapy with GnRHa is a satisfactory alternative to surgery for fibroids in women of more than 45 years old.

Comparison of Sexual Dysfunction Using the Female Sexual Function Index following Surgical Treatments for Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are a common problem in women. Statistics showing 20–50% of fibroids produce symptoms and consequently patients seek surgical intervention to improve their quality of life. Treatments for fibroids are typically successful in controlling the fibroid disease, yet sexual function following invasive surgical treatments for fibroids can be jeopardized. The Sexual Function Index (FSFI) is a valid instrument producing quantifiable reproducible results. In this paper three case reports are evaluated by the FSFI and compared between the following treatment groups: hysterectomy, myomectomy, and uterine embolization. Our goal is to illustrate how each of these treatment outcomes can result in sexual dysfunction and therefore decreased quality of life. Effects of invasive fibroid treatments on sexual functioning would be helpful in guiding patient's ultimate decisions regarding treatment.

Prevalence, symptoms and management of uterine fibroids: an international internet-based survey of 21,746 women

Background

In 2009 the Uterine Bleeding and Pain Women's Research Study (UBP-WRS) was conducted interviewing 21,479 women across 8 countries in order to gain patient-based prevalence data on uterine pain and bleeding indications and investigate uterine symptoms and women's treatment experiences. This article shows relevant results of the study for the indication uterine fibroids providing data on self-reported prevalence, symptomatology and management of uterine fibroids.

Methods

2,500 women (USA: 4,500 women) in each country (Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, the UK, the USA) completed an online survey. Women included were in their reproductive age (age group 15-49 years; USA: 18-49 years) and had ever experienced menstrual bleedings. Quotas were applied for age, region, level of education and household income of respondents. Variables have been analyzed descriptively and exploratory statistical tests have been performed.

Results

The self-reported prevalence of uterine fibroids ranged from 4.5% (UK) to 9.8% (Italy), reaching 9.4% (UK) to 17.8% (Italy) in the age group of 40-49 years. Women with a diagnosis of uterine fibroids reported significantly more often about bleeding symptoms than women without a diagnosis: heavy bleedings (59.8% vs. 37.4%), prolonged bleedings (37.3% vs. 15.6%), bleeding between periods (33.3% vs. 13.5%), frequent periods (28.4% vs. 15.2%), irregular and predictable periods (36.3% vs. 23.9%). Furthermore women with diagnosed uterine fibroids reported significantly more often about the following pain symptoms: pressure on the bladder (32.6% vs. 15.0%), chronic pelvic pain (14.5% vs. 2.9%), painful sexual intercourse (23.5% vs. 9.1%) and pain occurring mid-cycle, after and during menstrual bleeding (31.3%, 16.7%, 59.7%, vs. 17.1%, 6.4%, 52.0%). 53.7% of women reported that their symptoms had a negative impact on their life in the last 12 month, influencing their sexual life (42.9%), performance at work (27.7%) and relationship & family (27.2%).

Conclusions

Uterine fibroid is a common concern in women at fertile age causing multiple bleeding and pain symptoms which can have a negative impact on different aspects in women's life.

Neurovascular bundle in fibroid pseudocapsule and its neuroendocrinologic implications

The myoma pseudocapsule is a surgical-anatomical entity surrounding the fibroid that separates the myoma from normal uterine tissue. The myoma pseudocapsule has a delicate vascular network rich with neurotransmitters analogous to the neurovascular bundle surrounding the prostate. The pseudocapsule neurovascular bundle is extremely important during myomectomy to promote uterine myometrial healing and, consequently, for uterine reproductive function. New advancements in surgery, including the use of laparoscopic myomectomy by an intracapsular technique and magnification of the myoma pseudocapsule to enhance visualization are comparable to the dissection during a radical prostatectomy. Fibroid detachment occurring inside the pseudocapsule causes less bleeding, spares the neurovascular bundle and promotes better uterine healing. The maintenance of myometrial integrity after laparoscopic myomectomy maintains uterine function and therefore improves reproductive outcomes, including labor.

Optimal management of chronic cyclical pelvic pain: an evidence-based and pragmatic approach

This article reviews the literature on management of chronic cyclical pelvic pain (CCPP). Electronic resources including Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, Current Contents, and EMBASE were searched using MeSH terms including all subheadings and keywords: "cyclical pelvic pain", "chronic pain", "dysmenorrheal", "nonmenstrual pelvic pain", and "endometriosis". There is a dearth of high-quality evidence for this common problem. Chronic pelvic pain affects 4%-25% of women of reproductive age. Dysmenorrhea of varying degree affects 60% of women. Endometriosis is the commonest pathologic cause of CCPP. Other gynecological causes are adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, and pelvic floor myalgia, although other systems disease such as irritable bowel syndrome or interstitial cystitis may be responsible. Management options range from simple to invasive, where simple medical treatment such as the combined oral contraceptive pill may be used as a first-line treatment prior to invasive management. This review outlines an approach to patients with CCPP through history, physical examination, and investigation to identify the cause(s) of the pain and its optimal management.

The effect of myoma uteri and myomectomy on sexual function

INTRODUCTION

This is a report about the effects of myoma uteri and myomectomy on sexual function in women.

AIM

The aim of this article was to determine the effects of myoma uteri and myomectomy on sexual function in women.

METHOD

The study was designed as a controlled clinical study in an academic clinical research center. The study patients consisted of 80 women with myoma uteri and 75 control women. Baseline characteristics and properties of the myomas were recorded. A validated questionnaire was used to determine pre- and postoperative sexual function in the patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Female sexual function index (FSFI) scores of the women were recorded before and after surgery.

RESULTS

Women with myoma uteri had lower FSFI pain and satisfaction scores than women without it, even after correction for possible confounders. Fundal and posterior myomas were associated with pain, whereas only posterior myomas were related to the overall FSFI scores. However, although there was no relation between the volume of the myomas and the FSFI scores, women with a uterine volume over 200 cm(3) had significantly lower mean FSFI satisfaction, pain, and total scores. The mean FSFI pain and total scores of the patients improved significantly after undergoing a myomectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that a potential impairment of sexual function exists in women with myomas. This is mainly because of pain during sexual intercourse, although it does not seem to have an effect on either the arousal or orgasmic phases. Furthermore, the performance of a myomectomy may alleviate pain during intercourse, and thereby improve sexual function in the patients.

Increased expression of one isoform of leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein in peritoneal fluid of women with uterine leiomyomas

OBJECTIVE

To compare the peritoneal fluid (PF) proteome of women with and without uterine leiomyomas.

STUDY DESIGN

PF samples were collected at laparoscopy from 14 women with uterine leiomyomas and 14 patients without leiomyomas who underwent tubal sterilization. PF samples were subjected to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, silver stained, digitally captured, and compared by computerised analysis. Protein spots with aberrant expression in PF of women with leiomyomas were identified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

One isoform of leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRGm), one immunoglobulin light chain, and one unidentified protein (pI: 5.62; M(r): 51.1 kDa) had significantly higher expression in PF of women with leiomyomas. Two isoforms of fibrinogen gamma chain had decreased expression in PF of women with uterine leiomyomas. Following Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, the aberrant expressions of LRGm and of one isoform of fibrinogen gamma chain was confirmed. The expression of these molecules was not affected by the phase of the menstrual cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

Uterine leiomyomas are associated with changes in proteins present within the peritoneal fluid. The physiopathological relevance of the increased expression of LRGm in PF of women with uterine leiomyomas remains unclear.