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Dolmans MM, Petraglia F, Catherino WH, Donnez J. Pathogenesis of uterine fibroids: current understanding and future directions. Fertil Steril 2024; 122:6-11. [PMID: 38453042 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Fibroids are benign uterine tumors characterized by the proliferation of uterine smooth muscle cells, embedded in an abundant extracellular matrix. Their prevalence is estimated to be >50% in women aged >45 years. Fibroids represent a considerable health burden. It is time to acquire a deeper mechanistic understanding of uterine fibroid-related etiology and pathogenesis, which may help pinpoint new strategies and an individualized approach. There is a need to gather prospective data and conduct studies to compare alternative approaches and assess long-term outcomes with respect to quality of life, recurrence of symptoms (bleeding and bulk symptoms), fertility, and even complications The goal of this review was to evaluate the widely accepted pathogenesis and identify risks factors and future directions for clinical and basic research into fibroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium; Gynecology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Maternal-Infancy, Careggi University Hospital Florence, Florence, Italy; Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - William H Catherino
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jacques Donnez
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Society for Research into Infertility (SRI), Brussels, Belgium
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Donnez J, Taylor HS, Marcellin L, Dolmans MM. Uterine fibroid-related infertility: mechanisms and management. Fertil Steril 2024; 122:31-39. [PMID: 38453041 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.02.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Fibroids are a common pathology and increasingly observed in women seeking medical treatment for infertility. The longer reproductive horizon because of improvements in medical care and current trend for women to postpone childbearing are making fibroid-related infertility increasingly common. This review aimed to critically analyze the association between uterine fibroids and infertility, mechanisms by which uterine fibroids may impair fertility, and management of myoma-related infertility. The association of fibroids with infertility is a source of controversy. As the focus of this review is infertility, it is crucial to analyze the mechanisms by which fertility may be impaired by the presence of fibroids. Current management strategies involve mainly surgical interventions, including myomectomy by hysteroscopy, laparotomy, or laparoscopy, and nonsurgical approaches, such as uterine artery embolization and focused ultrasound performed under radiologic or echographic guidance. The risks and benefits of each option should be discussed with patients, and several factors need to be considered, including the skills of surgeons and availability of different resources in various centers. Concerning the efficacy of oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists (i.e., elagolix, relugolix, and linzagolix), they were shown to have a rapid impact on heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in >70% of women. When used without add-back therapy, these drugs cause a significant reduction in fibroid volume, namely, approximately 50% from baseline to week 24. Further studies are required to determine the best protocol and optimal dosage if a reduction in myoma volume is the main goal, as in case of myoma-related infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Donnez
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; Society for Research into Infertility (SRI), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Louis Marcellin
- Département de Gynécologie Obstétrique II et Médecine de la Reproduction, Université Paris Cité, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Hôpital Universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Paris, France
| | - Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium; Gynecology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
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3
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Yin K, Whitaker L, Hojo E, McLenachan S, Walker J, McKillop G, Stubbs C, Priest L, Cruz M, Roberts N, Critchley H. Measurement of changes in uterine and fibroid volume during treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). Hum Reprod Open 2023; 2023:hoad021. [PMID: 37304815 PMCID: PMC10247393 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoad021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does application of an unbiased method for analysis of magnetic resonance (MR) images reveal any effect on uterine or fibroid volume from treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) with three 12-week courses of the selective progesterone receptor modulator ulipristal acetate (SPRM-UPA)? SUMMARY ANSWER Application of an unbiased method for analysis of MR images showed that treatment of HMB with SPRM-UPA was not associated with a significant reduction in the volume of the uterus or in the volume of uterine fibroids. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY SPRM-UPA shows therapeutic efficacy for treating HMB. However, the mechanism of action (MoA) is not well understood and there have been mixed reports, using potentially biased methodology, regarding whether SPRM-UPA has an effect on the volume of the uterus and fibroids. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION In a prospective clinical study (with no comparator), 19 women with HMB were treated over a period of 12 months with SPRM-UPA and uterine and fibroid size were assessed with high resolution structural MRI and stereology. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS A cohort of 19 women aged 38-52 years (8 with and 11 without fibroids) were treated with three 12-week courses of 5 mg SPRM-UPA given daily, with four weeks off medication in-between treatment courses. Unbiased estimates of the volume of uterus and total volume of fibroids were obtained at baseline, and after 6 and 12 months of treatment, by using the Cavalieri method of modern design-based stereology in combination with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Bland-Altman plots showed good intra-rater repeatability and good inter-rater reproducibility for measurement of the volume of both fibroids and the uterus. For the total patient cohort, two-way ANOVA did not show a significant reduction in the volume of the uterus after two or three treatment courses of SPRM-UPA (P = 0.51), which was also the case when the groups of women with and without fibroids were considered separately (P = 0.63). One-way ANOVA did not show a significant reduction in total fibroid volume in the eight patients with fibroids (P = 0.17). LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The study has been performed in a relatively small cohort of women and simulations that have subsequently been performed using the acquired data have shown that for three time points and a group size of up to 50, with alpha (Type I Error) and beta (Type II Error) set to 95% significance and 80% power, respectively, at least 35 patients would need to be recruited in order for the null hypothesis (that there is no significant reduction in total fibroid volume) to be potentially rejected. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The imaging protocol that we have developed represents a generic paradigm for measuring the volume of the uterus and uterine fibroids that can be readily incorporated in future studies of medical treatments of HMB. In the present study, SPRM-UPA failed to produce a significant reduction in the volume of the uterus or the total volume of fibroids (which were present in approximately half of the patients) after either two or three 12-week courses of treatment. This finding represents a new insight in respect of the management of HMB using treatment strategies that target hormone-dependence. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The UPA Versus Conventional Management of HMB (UCON) trial was funded by the EME Programme (Medical Research Council (MRC) and National Institutes of Health Research (NIHR)) (12/206/52). The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health Research, or Department of Health and Social Care.Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre grants to the Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH) (G1002033 and MR/N022556/1) are also gratefully acknowledged. H.C. has clinical research support for laboratory consumables and staff from Bayer AG and provides consultancy advice (All paid to Institution) for Bayer AG, PregLem SA, Gedeon Richter, Vifor Pharma UK Ltd, AbbVie Inc., and Myovant Sciences GmbH. H.C. has received royalties from UpToDate for an article on abnormal uterine bleeding. L.W. has received grant funding from Roche Diagnostics (Paid to Institution). All other authors have no conflicts to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The study reported here is an embedded mechanism of action study (no comparator) within the UCON clinical trial (registration ISRCTN: 20426843).
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Affiliation(s)
- K Yin
- Edinburgh Imaging Facility QMRI, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - L Whitaker
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - E Hojo
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S McLenachan
- Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - J Walker
- Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - G McKillop
- Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - C Stubbs
- Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - L Priest
- Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - M Cruz
- Departamento de Matemáticas Estadística y Computación, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - N Roberts
- Edinburgh Imaging Facility QMRI, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - H Critchley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Wojtyś ME, Kacalska-Janssen O, Ptaszyński K, Lisowski P, Kunc M, Wójcik J, Grodzki T. Benign Metastasizing Leiomyoma of the Lung: Diagnostic Process and Treatment Based on Three Case Reports and a Review of the Literature. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102465. [PMID: 36289727 PMCID: PMC9599094 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas may occasionally spread to the lungs forming nodular lesions detectable on chest X-ray. This condition known as benign metastasizing leiomyoma (BML) usually occurs in females with a history of hysterectomy or myomectomy. We present three cases of BML demonstrating the diagnostic process and treatment approaches. Two patients presented with the more common multiple-nodule variant while the other had a single mass, but all were symptom-free. The age of presented patients at diagnosis of BML ranged from 46-53. The first patient was diagnosed with BML at the age of 50, and 12 years prior to the diagnosis, underwent a supracervical hysterectomy. The second patient had a myomectomy at 36, and BML was diagnosed 17 years later at the age of 53. The third patient had a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at the age of 46, with lung lesions present before the hysterectomy. Immunohistochemical studies of postoperative materials showed positive staining of spindle cells with antibodies against desmin and smooth muscle actin, as well as estrogen and progesterone receptors. The final histopathological diagnoses were pulmonary BML. All patients are stable and symptom-free: two at two years follow-up and one at six months follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Edyta Wojtyś
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Transplantation, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-891 Szczecin, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-889944582
| | - Olga Kacalska-Janssen
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
| | - Konrad Ptaszyński
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Piotr Lisowski
- Students’ Scientific Circle of the Department of Thoracic Surgery and Transplantation, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-891 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Michał Kunc
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Janusz Wójcik
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Transplantation, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-891 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Grodzki
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Transplantation, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-891 Szczecin, Poland
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Carbajo-García MC, Corachán A, Juárez-Barber E, Monleón J, Payá V, Trelis A, Quiñonero A, Pellicer A, Ferrero H. Integrative analysis of the DNA methylome and transcriptome in uterine leiomyoma shows altered regulation of genes involved in metabolism, proliferation, extracellular matrix and vesicles. J Pathol 2022; 257:663-673. [PMID: 35472162 DOI: 10.1002/path.5920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age. Despite the high prevalence, tumor pathology remains unclear, which hampers development of safe and effective treatments. Epigenetic mechanisms appear to be involved in uterine leiomyoma development, particularly via DNA methylation that regulates gene expression. We aimed to determine the relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression in uterine leiomyoma compared to adjacent myometrium to identify molecular mechanisms involved in uterine leiomyoma formation that are under epigenetic control. Our results showed a different DNA methylation profile between uterine leiomyoma and myometrium, leading to hypermethylation of uterine leiomyoma, and a different global transcriptome profile. Integration of DNA methylation and whole-transcriptome RNA-sequencing data identified 93 genes regulated by methylation, with 22 hypomethylated/upregulated and 71 hypermethylated/downregulated. Functional enrichment analysis showed dysregulated biological processes and molecular functions involved in metabolism and cell physiology, response to extracellular signals, invasion, and proliferation, as well as pathways related to uterine biology and cancer. Cellular components such as cell membranes, vesicles, extracellular matrix, and cell junctions were dysregulated in uterine leiomyoma. In addition, we found hypomethylation/upregulation of oncogenes (PRL, ATP8B4, CEMIP, ZPMS2-AS1, RIMS2, TFAP2C) and hypermethylation/downregulation of tumor suppressor genes (EFEMP1, FBLN2, ARHGAP10, HTATIP2), which are related to proliferation, invasion, altered metabolism, deposition of extracellular matrix, and Wnt/β-catenin pathway dysregulation. This confirms that key processes of uterine leiomyoma development are under DNA methylation control. Finally, inhibition of DNA methyltransferases by 5-aza-2'-deoxycitidine increased expression of hypermethylated/downregulated genes in uterine leiomyoma cells in vitro. In conclusion, gene regulation by DNA methylation is implicated in uterine leiomyoma pathogenesis, and reversion of this methylation could offer a therapeutic option for uterine leiomyoma. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Cristina Carbajo-García
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología, Universidad de Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Corachán
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología, Universidad de Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Javier Monleón
- Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Payá
- Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Alicia Quiñonero
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,IVIRMA, Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Hortensia Ferrero
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
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Uimari O, Subramaniam KS, Vollenhoven B, Tapmeier TT. Uterine Fibroids (Leiomyomata) and Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:818243. [PMID: 36303616 PMCID: PMC9580818 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.818243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine Fibroids, or leiomyomata, affect millions of women world-wide, with a high incidence of 75% within women of reproductive age. In ~30% of patients, uterine fibroids cause menorrhagia, or heavy menstrual bleeding, and more than half of the patients experience symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or infertility. Treatment is symptomatic with limited options including hysterectomy as the most radical solution. The genetic foundations of uterine fibroid growth have been traced to somatic driver mutations (MED12, HMGA2, FH−/−, and COL4A5-A6). These also lead to downstream expression of angiogenic factors including IGF-1 and IGF-2, as opposed to the VEGF-driven mechanism found in the angiogenesis of hypoxic tumors. The resulting vasculature supplying the fibroid with nutrients and oxygen is highly irregular. Of particular interest is the formation of a pseudocapsule around intramural fibroids, a unique structure within tumor angiogenesis. These aberrations in vascular architecture and network could explain the heavy menstrual bleeding observed. However, other theories have been proposed such as venous trunks, or venous lakes caused by the blocking of normal blood flow by uterine fibroids, or the increased local action of vasoactive growth factors. Here, we review and discuss the evidence for the various hypotheses proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Outi Uimari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oulu University, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit for Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Surgery, Child Psychiatry, Dermatology, Clinical Genetics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Otorhinolaryngology and Ophthalmology (PEDEGO) Research Unit and Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Kavita S. Subramaniam
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Endometriosis CaRe Centre, Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Beverley Vollenhoven
- Women's and Newborn Program, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Thomas T. Tapmeier
- Endometriosis CaRe Centre, Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Thomas T. Tapmeier
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Ali M, Raslan M, Ciebiera M, Zaręba K, Al-Hendy A. Current approaches to overcome the side effects of GnRH analogs in the treatment of patients with uterine fibroids. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2021; 21:477-486. [PMID: 34612122 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2022.1989409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most prevalent benign neoplastic threat originating from myometria of reproductive age women, with a profound financial load valued in hundreds of billions of dollars. Unfortunately, there is no curative treatment so far except surgery and available pharmacological treatments are restricted for short-term treatment options. Thus, there is a large unmet need in the UF space for noninvasive therapeutics.Areas covered: The authors reviewed the literature available for the utility of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs in women with UFs. We also focused on clinical studies exploring the therapeutic benefits of novel oral non-peptide GnRH antagonists that were recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in combination with estradiol/norethindrone acetate for the management of heavy menstrual bleeding associated with UFs in premenopausal women.Expert opinion: The results regarding the efficacy of new-generation oral GnRH-antagonists, such as elagolix, relugolix and linzagolix, are promising and offer potential prospect for the future therapy of UFs. However, these antagonists must be combined with hormonal add-back therapy to minimize the resultant hypoestrogenic side effects such as bone loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ali
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Michał Ciebiera
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Cegłowska, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kornelia Zaręba
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Żelazna, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Szydłowska I, Grabowska M, Nawrocka-Rutkowska J, Kram A, Piasecka M, Starczewski A. Markers of Inflammation and Vascular Parameters in Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulator (Ulipristal Acetate)-Treated Uterine Fibroids. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3721. [PMID: 34442017 PMCID: PMC8397116 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The exact mechanism of selective progesterone receptor modulator action in leiomyoma still challenges researchers. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of ulipristal acetate (UPA) on immunoexpression of inflammatory markers and vascularization in fibroids. UPA-treated patients were divided into three groups: (1) good response (≥25% reduction in volume of fibroid), (2) weak response (insignificant volume reduction), (3) and no response to treatment (no decrease or increase in fibroid volume). The percentage of TGFβ, IL6, IL10, CD117, and CD68-positive cells were significantly lower in the group with a good response to treatment vs. the control group. Moreover, the percentage of IL10 and CD68-positive cells in the group with a good response to treatment were also significantly lower compared to the no response group. Additionally, a significant decrease in the percentage of IL10-positive cells was found in the good response group vs. the weak response group. There were no statistical differences in the percentage of TNFα-positive cells and vessel parameters between all compared groups. The results of the study indicate that a good response to UPA treatment may be associated with a decrease of inflammatory markers, but it does not influence myoma vascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Szydłowska
- Department of Gynecology, Endocrinology and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1 Street, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (J.N.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Marta Grabowska
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Żołnierska 48 Street, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Jolanta Nawrocka-Rutkowska
- Department of Gynecology, Endocrinology and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1 Street, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (J.N.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Andrzej Kram
- Department of Pathology, West Pomeranian Oncology Center, Strzałowska 22 Street, 71-730 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Piasecka
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Żołnierska 48 Street, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Andrzej Starczewski
- Department of Gynecology, Endocrinology and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1 Street, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (J.N.-R.); (A.S.)
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9
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Brache V, Vieira CS, Plagianos M, Lansiaux M, Merkatz R, Sussman H, Cochon L, Tejada AS, Kumar N, Loeven D, Blithe DL, Aprem AS, Williams AR, Kannan A, Bagchi IC, Sitruk-Ware R. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of a copper intrauterine contraceptive system releasing ulipristal acetate: A randomized proof-of-concept study. Contraception 2021; 104:327-336. [PMID: 34157312 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2021.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic outcomes of a novel copper (Cu) intrauterine system (IUS) releasing ulipristal acetate (UPA) in healthy women. STUDY DESIGN In this single-blinded, randomized proof-of-concept study, ovulatory women received one of three Cu-IUSs releasing low-dose UPA (5, 20 or 40 µg/d) for 12 weeks. The study included a baseline cycle, three 4-week treatment-cycles and 2 recovery cycles. Primary outcomes included effects of the IUS on bleeding profile, ovarian function, and the occurrence of progesterone receptor modulator associated endometrial changes (PAEC). Pharmacokinetics and safety profile were secondary outcomes. We compared outcomes in treatment-cycle 3 with baseline, using generalized linear mixed models with orthogonal contrasts. RESULTS We randomized 29 women (5 µg/d = 10, 20 µg/d = 10, 40 µg/d = 9). All had a successful IUS insertion; 27 completed the 12-week treatment period. Compared to baseline, the mean number of bleeding-only days at treatment-cycle 3 declined by 16.7% in the 5 µg/d group (3.6 vs 3.0, p = 0.66), 40.5% in the 20 µg/d group (4.2 vs 2.5, p = 0.14), and 77% in the 40 µg/d group (3.9 vs 0.9, p = 0.002). Most women reported reduction in the amount of bleeding: 4/8, 8/10, and 7/9 for the 5 µg/d, 20 µg/d, and 40 µg/d groups, respectively. During IUS use, ovulation occurred in most cycles [5 µg/d: 23/24 (96%), 20 µg/d: 26/30 (87%), 40 µg/d: 22/27 (81%)]. The frequency of PAEC at IUS removal was 1/10 (10%), 1/10 (10%) and 4/9 (44%) in the 5 µg/d, 20 µg/d, and 4 0 µg/d groups, respectively. No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS Reduction in bleeding, low incidence of PAEC, and no serious adverse events are reassuring findings of the novel Cu-UPA-IUS. The 20 µg/d seems the lowest dose promoting a favorable bleeding profile and limiting PAEC. IMPLICATIONS The preliminary results of this short-term study of a novel copper intrauterine system (IUS) delivering ulipristal acetate showed reduction of bleeding, low incidence of progesterone receptor modulator associated endometrial changes, and absence of serious adverse events. By preventing copper-induced increase in bleeding, this IUS could provide a noncontraceptive benefit, especially for women with low hemoglobin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Brache
- Investigaciones Biomédicas de Profamilia, Clínica Profamilia. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Carolina Sales Vieira
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Maud Lansiaux
- Population Council, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Ruth Merkatz
- Population Council, New York City, NY, United States
| | | | - Leila Cochon
- Investigaciones Biomédicas de Profamilia, Clínica Profamilia. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Ana S Tejada
- Investigaciones Biomédicas de Profamilia, Clínica Profamilia. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | | | - Daniel Loeven
- Population Council, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Diana L Blithe
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | | | - Alistair Rw Williams
- Department of Pathology, The University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
| | | | - Indrani C Bagchi
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
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10
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Ekanem E, Talaulikar V. Medical Therapy for Fibroids: What Next for Ulipristal Acetate? Adv Ther 2021; 38:137-148. [PMID: 33201387 PMCID: PMC7854411 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-020-01555-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ulipristal acetate (UPA) was introduced as a novel progesterone receptor modulator as effective therapy for symptomatic fibroids. Randomised clinical trials established its effectiveness in the management of heavy menstrual bleeding due to uterine leiomyomas. The trials did not find any significant evidence of clinical harm to the participants. Recently, however, there have been reports of liver injury necessitating liver transplant in women who have had UPA treatment. This has led to the suspension of UPA as one of the medical therapies in the treatment for uterine fibroids while the European Medicines Agency (EMA) conducts a review of liver injury risk with its use. The European Medicine Agency safety committee has advised that women should stop taking 5 mg UPA and that no new patients should commence treatment with the medicine until the ongoing review is completed. In this article, we review the rise of UPA as one of the emerging medical therapies for symptomatic uterine fibroids and the subsequent reports of adverse events leading to the suspension of its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Ekanem
- Speciality Trainee in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK.
| | - Vikram Talaulikar
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, University College London Hospital, 235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU, UK
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11
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Donnez J. Uterine Fibroids and Progestogen Treatment: Lack of Evidence of Its Efficacy: A Review. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9123948. [PMID: 33291422 PMCID: PMC7762035 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9123948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this review is to determine the evidence or, conversely, the absence of evidence regarding the effectiveness of progestogens in treating premenopausal women with uterine fibroids. In particular, the goal is to address recurring questions as to whether they are effective or not for managing symptoms commonly attributed to fibroids. METHODS A review of the most relevant papers (n = 63) on the efficacy of progesterone and progestogens as medical therapy for uterine fibroids. RESULTS Having reviewed the most significant papers on the relationship between uterine fibroids and progesterone/progestogens, it is clear that there is biochemical, histological and clinical evidence that progesterone and progestogens play a critical role in the pathogenesis of myomas. CONCLUSION Since progesterone is already implicated in the pathogenesis of this entity, using progestogens to manage fibroids is like constantly adding fuel to the fire, rendering this treatment ineffective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Donnez
- Société de Recherche pour l’Infertilité (SRI), 1150 Brussels, Belgium;
- Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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12
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Tinelli A, Kosmas IP, Mynbaev OA, Malvasi A, Sparic R, Vergara D. The Biological Impact of Ulipristal Acetate on Cellular Networks Regulating Uterine Leiomyoma Growth. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:310-317. [PMID: 31987017 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200121141533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Uterine Fibroids (UFs), or leiomyomas, represent the most frequent pelvic tumor in reproductive-aged women. Although of benign origin, UFs decrease fertility and cause significant reproductive dysfunctions. Compared to normal myometrium, UFs are characterized by a clinical and molecular heterogeneity as demonstrated by the presence of multiple genetic alterations and altered signaling pathways. Recently, selective progesteronereceptor modulators (SPRM), as ulipristal acetate (UPA), have demonstrated their clinical benefits by reducing tumor growth and extracellular matrix deposition. For these reasons, UPA is used in the clinical practice as an intermittent treatment for women symptomatic for UFs or, sometimes, before a myomectomy. However, drug effects on signaling pathways frequently upregulated in UFs remain largely unknown. In fact, the mechanisms of action of the UPA on UFs and on the surrounding areas are not yet understood. To learn more about UPA molecular mechanisms, UF samples were treated ex vivo with UPA and profiled for drug effects on selected markers. During this preliminary ex vivo UPA administration, significant changes were observed in the expression levels of proteins related to cell cycle regulation, cytoskeleton remodeling, and drug resistance. The UPA administration reduced cofilin, Erk and Src phosphorylation, p27 and ezrin protein levels, but not Akt phosphorylation and cyclin D1 and β-catenin levels. This preliminary ex vivo biological analysis provided new insights into the mechanism of action of UPA in the treatment of UFs, which could better explain the biological functioning of the drug on UFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tinelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Experimental Endoscopic Surgery, Imaging, Technology and Minimally Invasive Therapy, Vito Fazzi Hospital, P.zza Muratore, Lecce, Italy
| | - Ioannis P Kosmas
- Ioannina State General Hospital G. Hatzikosta, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ospan A Mynbaev
- Laboratory of Human Physiology, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russian Federation
| | - Antonio Malvasi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Santa Maria Hospital, GVM Care & Research, Bari, Italy
| | - Radmila Sparic
- Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center of Serbia, Višegradska 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Daniele Vergara
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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13
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Palaia I, Del Negro V, Fracassi A, Schiavi M, Di Donato V, Fischetti M, Muzii L, Benedetti Panici P. Efficacy of ulipristal acetate (UPA) for the treatment of expulsion uterine myomas: report of two cases. Gynecol Endocrinol 2020; 36:660-661. [PMID: 31878806 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1707795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Expulsion leiomyoma can represent an emergency condition and may lead to severe vaginal hemorrhage with anemia and urgent hysterectomy. Among medical treatments used for leiomyoma, Selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRM) and, in particular, Ulipristal Acetate (UPA) have been proved to be effective in the management of bleeding and myoma size reduction. However, to our knowledge, there are no cases reported in literature on the use of UPA used as 'emergency' medical therapy in patients with severe anemia and vaginal bleeding due to expulsion leiomyoma. In this paper we would report two cases of patients affected by expulsion myoma successfully treated with UPA with immediate resolution of vaginal bleeding and subsequent elective conservative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Innocenza Palaia
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetric Sciences, and Urological Sciences, University of Rome 'Sapienza', Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Del Negro
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetric Sciences, and Urological Sciences, University of Rome 'Sapienza', Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alice Fracassi
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetric Sciences, and Urological Sciences, University of Rome 'Sapienza', Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Schiavi
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetric Sciences, and Urological Sciences, University of Rome 'Sapienza', Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Violante Di Donato
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetric Sciences, and Urological Sciences, University of Rome 'Sapienza', Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Margherita Fischetti
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetric Sciences, and Urological Sciences, University of Rome 'Sapienza', Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetric Sciences, and Urological Sciences, University of Rome 'Sapienza', Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Benedetti Panici
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetric Sciences, and Urological Sciences, University of Rome 'Sapienza', Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
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14
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Donnez J, Dolmans MM. Hormone therapy for intramural myoma-related infertility from ulipristal acetate to GnRH antagonist: a review. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 41:431-442. [PMID: 32703756 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids may cause infertility, depending on their size and location according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics classification. In this review, infertility relating to intramural myomas is evaluated. The mechanisms linking uterine fibroids and infertility are numerous: uterine cavity distortion (fibroids types 0, 1, 2, 2-5); impaired endometrial and myometrial blood supply; increased uterine contractility; hormonal, paracrine and molecular changes; impaired endometrial receptivity in gene expression (decrease in homeobox 10 [HOXA-10] expression); and thicker capsule. The negative effect of intramural myoma is related to myoma size and proximity of the uterine cavity. Therefore, a medical approach could be proposed to reduce the size of the myoma and push it back deep into the myometrium. The relevant medical treatments, including selective progesterone receptor modulator and gonadotrophin releasing hormone antagonist are reviewed. Even if the mystery surrounding intramural myomas remains, the development of new algorithms for intramural myoma-related infertility, and evaluation of the place of medical treatment as a primary approach are urgently needed. An algorithm, taking into account the mechanisms linking uterine fibroids and infertility, is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Donnez
- Catholic University of Louvain and Société de Recherche pour l'Infertilité (SRI) 143 Avenue Grandchamp, Brussels B-1150, Belgium.
| | - Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
- Gynecology Department, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium: Pôle de Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, bte B1.52.02, Brussels 1200, Belgium
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15
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Herpes Simplex Viruses Whose Replication Can Be Deliberately Controlled as Candidate Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020230. [PMID: 32443425 PMCID: PMC7349925 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last few years, we have been evaluating a novel paradigm for immunization using viruses or virus-based vectors. Safety is provided not by attenuation or inactivation of vaccine viruses, but by the introduction into the viral genomes of genetic mechanisms that allow for stringent, deliberate spatial and temporal control of virus replication. The resulting replication-competent controlled viruses (RCCVs) can be activated to undergo one or, if desired, several rounds of efficient replication at the inoculation site, but are nonreplicating in the absence of activation. Extrapolating from observations that attenuated replicating viruses are better immunogens than replication-defective or inactivated viruses, it was hypothesized that RCCVs that replicate with wild-type-like efficiency when activated will be even better immunogens. The vigorous replication of the RCCVs should also render heterologous antigens expressed from them highly immunogenic. RCCVs for administration to skin sites or mucosal membranes were constructed using a virulent wild-type HSV-1 strain as the backbone. The recombinants are activated by a localized heat treatment to the inoculation site in the presence of a small-molecule regulator (SMR). Derivatives expressing influenza virus antigens were also prepared. Immunization/challenge experiments in mouse models revealed that the activated RCCVs induced far better protective immune responses against themselves as well as against the heterologous antigens they express than unactivated RCCVs or a replication-defective HSV-1 strain. Neutralizing antibody and proliferation responses mirrored these findings. We believe that the data obtained so far warrant further research to explore the possibility of developing effective RCCV-based vaccines directed to herpetic diseases and/or diseases caused by other pathogens.
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16
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Vitale SG, Ferrero S, Caruso S, Barra F, Marín-Buck A, Vilos GA, Vitagliano A, Török P, Ciebiera M, Cianci A. Ulipristal Acetate Before Hysteroscopic Myomectomy: A Systematic Review. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2020; 75:127-135. [DOI: 10.1097/ogx.0000000000000764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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17
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Szydłowska I, Marciniak A, Nawrocka-Rutkowska J, Rył A, Starczewski A. Predictive Factors of Response to Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulator (Ulipristal Acetate) in the Pharmacological Treatment of Uterine Fibroids. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17030798. [PMID: 32012826 PMCID: PMC7037608 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17030798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: Selective progesterone receptor modulator ulipristal acetate (UPA) is a drug used in management of symptomatic myomas. It was observed that the response to UPA treatment in uterine myomas varied amongst patients. An attempt was thus made at establishing predictive factors conducive to better reaction to treatment with UPA. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of UPA treatment in women with myomas, depending on pretreatment myomas’ volume, number of myomas, age of patients, estrogenic status of women, and pretreatment blood flow in uterine arteries. Materials and methods: The study included patients with one to four myomas. The UPA treatment was a preparation stage for surgical treatment in all patients. The study group was divided into the subgroups according to pretreatment myomas’ volume, number of myomas, age of patients, estrogenic status of women, and pretreatment blood flow in uterine arteries. Results: A better effect of reduction in size of myomas after UPA treatment was noted when pretreatment myomas’ volume was lower than 30 cm3. A significant reduction in fibroids’ size was observed after UPA therapy independently of the number of myomas and age of patients. A good response after the UPA therapy was observed when pretreatment estradiol concentration was below 50 pg/mL and when uterine artery resistance index (RI) was above 0.8. Conclusions: Our research demonstrates that treatment with ulipristal acetate is an efficient method in preoperative preparation of patients with uterine fibroids. The most important factor of positive response to UPA therapy is myoma volume. The number of myomas and patient’s age do not interfere with effects of UPA therapy. Pretreatment estradiol concentration is significant, yet secondary for the effects of therapy. The UPA therapy has no impact on blood flow in the uterine arteries and no adverse influence on estradiol concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Szydłowska
- Department of Gynecology, Endocrinology and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Marciniak
- Department of Gynecology, Endocrinology and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-91-425-0541
| | - Jolanta Nawrocka-Rutkowska
- Department of Gynecology, Endocrinology and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Rył
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Clinical Physiotherapy, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Starczewski
- Department of Gynecology, Endocrinology and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
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18
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Biscione A, Barra V, Bellone E, Severi FM, Luisi S. Ulipristal acetate on quality of life and sexual function of women with uterine fibromatosis. Gynecol Endocrinol 2020; 36:87-92. [PMID: 31328597 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1640202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate quality of life and sexual function of childbearing-age women, affected by uterine fibromatosis undergoing medical treatment with ulipristal acetate. The data obtained by filling the questionnaires European Quality of Life Five-Dimension Scale and modified Female Sexual Function Index, were analyzed to assess UPA usefulness in improving QoL and sexual activity. A total of 139 patients affected by uterine fibromatosis undergoing conservative ulipristal acetate treatment were enrolled in this prospective observational cohort study. Seventy-one women (average age 46.5 years) answered the questionnaires: QoL and sexuality were evaluated before and after ulipristal acetate treatment. 59 patients (83.1%) had an improvement of QoL and general health state, with a reduction of VAS score after ulipristal acetate treatment. EQ-5D-5L showed a statistically significant improvement of usual act impairment, mobility, discomfort, anxiety/depression (p < .0005). There was no difference in personal care management after therapy. Modified FSFI showed a statistically significant improvement (p < .0001) of sexual satisfaction and sexual life. A not statistically significant improvement in dyspareunia was also highlighted. This study provides a clear picture about QoL impact on women and confirms the effectiveness of the ulipristal acetate in improving different aspects of daily and sexual life of patients undergoing medical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Biscione
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obsterics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Valeria Barra
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obsterics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Emma Bellone
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obsterics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Filiberto Maria Severi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obsterics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Luisi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obsterics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Lewis TD, Malik M, Britten J, Parikh T, Cox J, Catherino WH. Ulipristal acetate decreases active TGF-β3 and its canonical signaling in uterine leiomyoma via two novel mechanisms. Fertil Steril 2019; 111:806-815.e1. [PMID: 30871768 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the effect of ulipristal acetate (UPA) treatment on transforming growth factor (TGF) canonical and noncanonical signaling pathways in uterine leiomyoma tissue and cells. UPA decreased extracellular matrix in surgical specimens; we characterize the mechanism in this study. DESIGN Laboratory study. SETTING University. INTERVENTION(S) Exposure of leiomyoma cell lines to UPA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) RNAseq was performed on matched myometrium and leiomyoma surgical specimens of placebo- and UPA-treated patients. Changes in gene expression and protein were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western immunoblot analysis, respectively. RESULT(S) In surgical specimen, mRNA for TGF-β3 was elevated 3.75-fold and TGFR2 was decreased 0.50-fold in placebo leiomyomas compared with myometrium. Analysis of leiomyomas from UPA-treated women by western blot revealed significant reductions of active TGF-β3 (0.64 ± 0.12-fold), p-TGFR2 (0.56 ± 0.23-fold), pSmad 2 (0.54 ± 0.04-fold), and pSmad 3 (0.65 ± 0.09-fold) compared with untreated leiomyomas. UPA treatment demonstrated statistically significant reduction in collagen 1, fibronectin, and versican proteins. Notably, there was a statistically significant increase of the extracellular matrix protein fibrillin in leiomyoma treated with UPA (1.48 ± 0.41-fold). Data from in vitro assays with physiologic concentrations of UPA supported the in vivo findings. CONCLUSION(S) TGF-β pathway is highly up-regulated in leiomyoma and is directly responsible for development of the fibrotic phenotype. UPA attenuates this pathway by reducing TGF-β3 message and protein expression, resulting in a reduction in TGF-β canonical signaling. In addition, UPA significantly increased fibrillin protein expression, which can serve to bind inactive TGF-β complexes. Therefore, UPA inhibits leiomyoma fibrosis by decreasing active TGF-β3 and diminishing signaling through the canonical pathway. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT00290251.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terrence D Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland; Program in Reproductive Endocrinology and Gynecology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Minnie Malik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Joy Britten
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Toral Parikh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland; Program in Reproductive Endocrinology and Gynecology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jeris Cox
- Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, Virginia
| | - William H Catherino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland; Program in Reproductive Endocrinology and Gynecology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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20
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Pathologic Changes in Uterine Leiomyomas After Extended Treatment With Ulipristal Acetate. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2019; 39:146-151. [PMID: 30702466 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0000000000000581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ulipristal acetate is a selective progesterone receptor modulator that acts on progesterone receptors in uterine muscle and endometrium. It is effective in reducing the size of uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) and in managing associated menorrhagia. Although ulipristal acetate-associated pathologic changes have been previously documented in the endometrium, it is unclear what morphology can be expected in posttreatment fibroids. We herein report 2 cases in which patients underwent hysterectomy, after at least two 3-mo courses of ulipristal acetate. The fibroids demonstrated some pathologic changes that have previously been described associated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment and other progestogens. In addition, both cases demonstrated plexiform/"patchwork" fibrosis and vascular medial myxoid degeneration. Mitotic activity was absent; however, the presence of ischemic necrosis and mild nuclear atypia may mimic a more aggressive neoplasm in some areas. Awareness of these histopathologic patterns is important in the setting of ulipristal acetate treatment, to avoid over-diagnosis of "uncertain malignant potential" or malignant smooth muscle tumors.
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21
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Abstract
Uterine fibroids are the most common tumors affecting premenopausal women, responsible for bleeding, pain, and reduced quality of life. When symptomatic, their management mainly involves surgery, which is all too often radical (hysterectomy). While surgical options sparing the uterus (hysteroscopic and laparoscopic myomectomy) and other non-surgical approaches do indeed exist, drug-based therapies are associated with lower costs and morbidity rates. Since progesterone is required for fibroid growth, gonadotropin agonists have been used to control bleeding and decrease fibroid volume, but they only represent a temporary remedy due to adverse events. Ulipristal acetate (UPA), a selective progesterone receptor modulator, is indicated for fibroid management. It is safe, provides fast control of bleeding, and causes sustained fibroid volume reduction in the vast majority of cases (80%). Indeed, UPA-treated fibroids shrink by a combination of inhibition of cell proliferation, stimulation of cell death, and fibrosis resorption. In the case of symptom recurrence, repeated intermittent 3-month courses of daily UPA considerably maximize the impact of treatment, sometimes resulting in complete disappearance of treated fibroids. Despite the therapeutic dose of UPA being very well tolerated, patients with liver anomalies or disorders should be excluded at screening according to European Medicines Agency-Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) recommendations. We therefore propose new algorithms for fibroid management in premenopausal women with symptomatic fibroids, depending on their localization, the patient's wishes, and clinical response, while monitoring liver enzymes and bilirubin, as recommended by the PRAC, in order to minimize the risks of possible liver toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Donnez
- a Société de Recherches pour l'Infertilité , Professor Emeritus, Université Catholique de Louvain , Brussels , Belgium
| | - G E Courtoy
- b Pôle de Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique , Université Catholique de Louvain , Brussels , Belgium
| | - M-M Dolmans
- b Pôle de Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique , Université Catholique de Louvain , Brussels , Belgium.,c Gynecology Department , Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc , Brussels , Belgium
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