The role of VEGF and its receptors in the pathogenesis of uterine myoma

Objective To investigate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and its receptors(VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) in the pathogenesis of uterine myoma.Methods Totally 30 patients with uterine myoma who underwent hysterectomy in Renji Hospital affiliated to Medical School of Shanghai Jiaotong University from June 2005 to September 2005 were studied.The number and volume of patient's myoma were measured by ultrasound examination.The samples of myoma and normal muscular layer were obtained during operation.The expression levels of VEGF and its receptors were determined by Western blot.Results The expression level of VEGF and its receptors in myoma were much higher than in normal muscular layer(P〈0.01).No matter during the proliferative phase or during the secretory phase,the VEGF and its receptors expressed highly in myoma,and their expression level had no differences between the two phases.The expression level of VEGFR2 was much higher than VEGFR1 and the expression level of VEGF and VEGF2 were correlated with the number of myoma.Conclusion VEGF and its receptors are closely related with the pathogenesis of uterine myoma.If the antagonists of VEGF and its receptors are developed,the myoma may achieve atrophy or apoptosis,and it can be the new approach to the drug-treatment for uterine myoma.