Leiomyoma and vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms: a systematic review

Leiomyomas (myoma or fibroid) are the most common gynecologic tumors that occur in women of reproductive age, but their molecular pathogenesis is still unknown. Since the growth of leiomyomas involve numerous vascular factors, an association between the leiomyoma and growth factors is suspected. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most important angiogenic growth factors. VEGF regulates angiogenesis and mediates sex steroid-induced cell growth and differentiation. VEGF-mediated activities seem to contribute to the pathogenesis of leiomyoma. Genetic variations, including polymorphisms, in VEGF might also be associated with the complex pathogenesis of leiomyomas. Here, we performed a systematic review of the roles of VEGF and its polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of leiomyoma.