Immunohistochemical detection of insulin-like growth factor type I receptor and uterine volume changes in gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog-treated uterine leiomyomas.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to assess the relationship between insulin-like growth factor (IGF) type I receptor (IGF-I-R) expression in uterine leiomyomas after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog administration and modifications in uterine size.


METHODS
Forty-six women with menorrhagia for uterine leiomyomatosis were treated monthly with leuprolide acetate depot 3.75 mg before undergoing surgery. The uterine volume before and after therapy was assessed by transabdominal ultrasonography. Immunohistochemical detection of IGF-I-R was performed on leiomyoma tissue samples. The relationship between IGF-I-R levels and uterine volume changes was analyzed.


RESULTS
Uterine volume decreased after therapy. Patients with a lower immunohistochemical expression of IGF-I-R showed a larger decrease in uterine size.


CONCLUSIONS
The shrinkage in uterine volume induced by GnRH analogs seems to be related to the observed reduction in IGF-I-R levels. So, the IGF-I/IGF-I-R system might be involved in leiomyoma growth, and the pharmacologic action of GnRH analogs on uterine leiomyomas might also be related to the effects on IGF-I-R expression.
Di Lieto
Andrea
A
Department of Obstetrical-Gynaecological and Urological Science and Reproductive Medicine, University Federico II, Naples, Italy. dilieto@unina.it
Iannotti
Francesca
F
De Falco
Marianna
M
Staibano
Stefania
S
Pollio
Fabrizio
F
Ciociola
Francesca
F
De Rosa
Gaetano
G
D000328:Adult; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017526:Receptor, IGF Type 1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D014599:Uterus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D017526:Receptor, IGF Type 1; D016729:Leuprolide