Pathophysiology of fibroid disease: angiogenesis and regulation of smooth muscle proliferation.
Uterine fibroids are the most common tumours presenting in women. The pathophysiology of fibroids is poorly understood, but disordered angiogenesis and altered smooth muscle cell proliferation are believed to play a role. In this review, current knowledge of both of these processes will be summarized. Differences between 'normal' adjacent myometrium and fibroid tumours within the same uterus are outlined. Exploiting these differences represents one of the best opportunities for the development of medical treatments that target fibroid tissue selectively.
Fleischer
Roni
R
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Monash University, Level 5 Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
Weston
Gareth C
GC
Vollenhoven
Beverley J
BJ
Rogers
Peter A W
PA
D049109:Cell Proliferation; D004967:Estrogens / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000473:pathology*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000473:pathology*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000502:physiology; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*
D004967:Estrogens; D006133:Growth Substances; D011374:Progesterone