Effect of oral contraceptives on vascular endothelial growth factor, Cox-2 and aromatase expression in the endometrium of uteri affected by myomas and associated pathologies.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The study was conducted to evaluate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Cox-2 and aromatase expression in the endometrium of uteri with myomas and other associated pathologies.

STUDY DESIGN:

Hysteroscopy was performed in 118 women of reproductive age with myomas and menorrhagia, 40 of whom were using a pill containing 75 mcg gestodene+30 mcg ethinylestradiol. Aromatase p450, VEGF and Cox-2 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry. Fisher's Exact Test and the Mann-Whitney test were used in the statistical analysis, with significance established at p<.05.

RESULTS:

In patients with myomas and menorrhagia, associated pathologies such as adenomyosis, endometrial polyps and endometriosis were found in 32%, 12% and 17% of cases, respectively. Aromatase, Cox-2 and VEGF expression was greater during the proliferative phase compared to the luteal phase of the cycle or following oral contraceptive use.

CONCLUSION:

Endogenous progesterone or combined oral contraceptives are potent inhibitors of VEGF, aromatase and Cox-2 expression in the endometrium of patients with myomas and menorrhagia.

• Authors: Hugo Maia Jr, Julio Casoy, Kleber Pimentel, Tania Correia, Célia Athayde, Thomaz Cruz, Elsimar Metzker Coutinho
• Journal: Contraception (Contraception) Vol. 78 Issue 6 Pg. 479-85 (Dec 2008) ISSN: 1879-0518 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19014794 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Contraceptives, Oral
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
• Progesterone
• Aromatase
• Cyclooxygenase 2

Topics

• Adult
• Aromatase (metabolism)
• Contraceptives, Oral (pharmacology)
• Cyclooxygenase 2 (metabolism)
• Endometrium (enzymology, metabolism, pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Hysterectomy
• Immunohistochemistry
• Luteal Phase
• Menorrhagia (complications, enzymology, pathology)
• Progesterone (pharmacology)
• Uterine Neoplasms (complications, enzymology, pathology)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (metabolism)