Uterine fibroids- a literature review
Abstract
Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are benign smooth muscle tumors that may cause pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding and reproductive dysfunctions. The objective of this work was to review the epidemiological profile, pathophysiology, risk factors, symptoms and treatments of uterine fibroids. To carry out this review, we searched the databases PubMed, SciELO and Europe PMC, selected relevant references and performed a narrative synthesis. We found that the development of uterine fibroids is conditioned by some risk factors such as ethnicity, body weight, red meat consumption and tobacco smoking. Despite little understanding of the pathophysiology of uterine fibroids, it is known that there is a genetic predisposition, along with a permissive effect of estrogen and progesterone for the proliferation of leiomyoma cells. In addition to the hormonal fact, cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-11, IL-13, IL-15, interferon-gamma (IFN-?) and TNF act in the development of uterine leiomyoma. In vivo and in vitro experiments expose a relationship between the ?-catenin gene and the growth factor TGF?3. The treatment of uterine leiomyomas involves different methods, both surgical, such as hysterectomy and myomectectomy, and hormonal such as administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists or antagonists. Hormonal contraceptives do not treat specifically the fibroids, but they can help control abnormal uterine bleeding from the disease.
More research must be carried out in order to seek a more effective treatment of this pathology, which is the main cause of morbidity among women of reproductive age.
Key words: “uterine fibroids”, “leiomyoma”, “progesteron” and “ estrogen”
O contato com a Comissão Científica pode ser rezalizado através do e-mail:
cientifico.comau@fcm.unicamp.br
Ferramenta completa de submissão, avaliação e publicação de anais para eventos científicos.
