Expression of VEGF isoforms and their receptors in uterine myomas

The aim of the study was to determine the expression of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) isoforms and their receptors in uterine myomas.

The study included 40 women with myomas of reproductive age and 40 perimenopausal women (the study group). Myometrial samples (the control group) were taken from 10 women undergoing hysterectomy for ovarian tumors and 10 older women undergoing hysterectomy for uterine prolapse.

A significantly increased expression of VEGF-A has been found in myomas, both small and large, in the younger women, which may by a sign of increased angiogenesis and intensive tumor growth. In perimenopausal women, the increase of VEGF expression was observed only in the endothelium and vascular smooth muscle.

An important conclusion of this study is that angiogenesis is independent of myoma size, which may suggest intensive tumor growth and the related increased angiogenesis. High expression of VEGF-A and VEGF-R1 receptors in large myomas can probably cause malignant transformation and more extensive growth, regardless of patient age.