Abstract | BACKGROUND: It is well established that tumors are dependent on angiogenesis for their growth and survival. Although uterine fibroids are known to be benign tumors with reduced vascularization, recent work demonstrates that the vasculature of fibroids is grossly and microscopically abnormal. Accumulating evidence suggests that angiogenic growth factor dysregulation may be implicated in these vascular and other features of fibroid pathophysiology. METHODS: Literature searches were performed in PubMed and Google Scholar for articles with content related to angiogenic growth factors and myometrium/ leiomyoma. The findings are hereby reviewed and discussed. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: Angiogenic growth factors play an important role in mechanisms of fibroid pathophysiology, including abnormal vasculature and fibroid growth and survival. Moreover, the fibroid's abnormal vasculature together with its aberrant hypoxic and angiogenic response may make it especially vulnerable to disruption of its vascular supply, a feature which could be exploited for treatment. Further experimental studies are required in order to gain a better understanding of the growth factors that are involved in normal and pathological myometrial angiogenesis, and to assess the potential of anti-angiogenic treatment strategies for uterine fibroids.
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Authors | Reshef Tal, James H Segars |
Journal | Human reproduction update
(Hum Reprod Update)
2014 Mar-Apr
Vol. 20
Issue 2
Pg. 194-216
ISSN: 1460-2369 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 24077979
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural, Review)
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Chemical References |
- Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors
- Antineoplastic Agents
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
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Topics |
- Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
(metabolism)
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors
(therapeutic use)
- Antineoplastic Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Female
- Humans
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
(metabolism, physiology)
- Leiomyoma
(blood supply, drug therapy, etiology)
- Myometrium
(metabolism)
- Neovascularization, Pathologic
(etiology)
- Uterine Neoplasms
(blood supply, drug therapy, etiology)
- Uterus
(blood supply)
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
(metabolism, physiology)
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