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Reduced levels of VEGF-A and MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity and increased TNF-alpha in menstrual endometrium and effluent in women with menorrhagia.
- Source :
-
Human reproduction (Oxford, England) [Hum Reprod] 2006 Aug; Vol. 21 (8), pp. 2158-66. Date of Electronic Publication: 2006 Apr 03. - Publication Year :
- 2006
-
Abstract
- Background: Heavy regular menstrual periods (menorrhagia) are an important cause of ill health in women and remain the leading indication for hysterectomy. Abnormalities of the endometrial blood vessels are among the possible causes of this condition. Many different factors affect endothelial cell growth, function and vessel remodelling. We sought to determine whether the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 and soluble VEGF receptor-1 (VEGF-R1) were altered in the menstrual effluent of women with objective menorrhagia. We have also quantitated the VEGF-A mRNA in the menstruated endometrium.<br />Methods and Results: We recruited 37 women and determined their menstrual blood loss (MBL) over two cycles and collected menstrual effluent during the 2nd day of bleeding for 4 h. There was no difference in the total level of VEGF-A, and neither latent MMP. However, the concentration of VEGF-A was significantly reduced in the women with menorrhagia, as was the VEGF-A mRNA level. In addition, the active forms of both MMPs were markedly reduced and the total sVEGF-R1 as well as the TNF-alpha content were increased.<br />Conclusions: This is the first study to show abnormalities of factors important for endothelial cell behaviour in the endometrium of women with menorrhagia. This may underlie the disordered vessel structure and/or function in this condition.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Female
Humans
RNA, Messenger metabolism
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A genetics
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 metabolism
Endometrium metabolism
Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 metabolism
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 metabolism
Menorrhagia metabolism
Menstruation metabolism
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha metabolism
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A metabolism
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0268-1161
- Volume :
- 21
- Issue :
- 8
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Human reproduction (Oxford, England)
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 16585124
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/del089