Adenomyosis demonstrates increased expression of the basic fibroblast growth factor receptor/ligand system compared with autologous endometrium.
OBJECTIVE
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is an angiogenic growth factor present in human endometrium and myometrium. Women with leiomyoma-related abnormal uterine bleeding have local dysregulation of bFGF and its type 1 receptor (FGF-R). This study was designed to evaluate if adenomyosis expresses bFGF and FGF-R, and if present, to compare bFGF and FGF-R expression in adenomyosis and autologous endometrium.


METHODS
Menopausal uteri containing endometrium and adenomyosis were analyzed using immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies specific for bFGF, FGF-R, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a marker of cellular proliferation. The expression and intensity of staining for bFGF, FGF-R, and PCNA were evaluated in the glandular epithelium and stroma of adenomyosis and endometrium.


RESULTS
Glandular epithelial staining was significantly greater in adenomyosis compared with autologous endometrium for bFGF and FGF-R. Stromal staining for bFGF and PCNA was significantly increased in adenomyosis compared with autologous endometrium.


CONCLUSIONS
Upregulation of the bFGF receptor/ligand system and increased cellular proliferation in adenomyosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of abnormal uterine bleeding associated with adenomyosis.
Propst
A M
AM
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Quade
B J
BJ
Gargiulo
A R
AR
Nowak
R A
RA
Stewart
E A
EA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008875:Middle Aged; D017468:Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D015854:Up-Regulation / Q000502:physiology
D017468:Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2