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DOI: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijprp.2278.148X.7318.15

Abstract

Aim: To analyze the expression of VEGF and find the significance of upregulation of VEGF in uterine leiomyomas in different phases of endometrium. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 leiomyoma specimens were selected of which 25 cases showing proliferative phase in endometrium, 25 cases showing secretory phase in endometrium and 10 cases of normal myometrium used as control. Haematoxylin and Eosin slides of all the tissues were evaluated. The formalin fixed, paraffin embedded blocks were sliced in 3-4 µm thickness for IHC. The Avidin Biotin complex (ABC) detection system was used. Immunoreactivity was regarded as positive when brown staining was localized in the cytoplasm of leiomyoma cells. Results: The intensity of immunostaining in leiomyoma and matched myometrium in both phases of menstrual cycle was observed and graded as 0,1+,2+ and 3+. Conclusion: VEGF expression in leiomyoma was abundant relative to the normal myometrium of the same individual uterus and that VEGF protein expression in leiomyoma cells predominated in the secretory phase than the proliferative phase. Therefore, both oestrogen E2 and progesterone P4 seemed to induce the tumour growth. VEGF expression was significantly higher in those with myomas compared to those with a healthy myometrium suggesting that VEGF may play a significant role in pathogenesis of uterine myomas. These suggest that VEGF and other angiogenic factors may represent potential targets for the treatment and prevention of uterine fibroids. 

 

Keywords: VEGF Protein; Leiomyoma; Immunohistochemistry.

 

Corresponding Author : Nagalakshmi J., Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Enathur, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631552, India.