The role of TGF-B1 in etiopatogenesis of uterine leiomyom and endometrial polyp

Aims: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGF-β1) in the pathogenesis of endometrial polyps and uterine leiomyomas and to show that immunomodulation such as TGF-β1 inhibitors may be beneficial in targeted therapy instead of surgical therapy. Materials and Methods: This study is a retropective case-control type study. Thirty individuals diagnosed with uterine leiomyoma and 30 individuals diagnosed with endometrial polyps were included in our study. As the control group, 30 individuals with normal myometrium and normal endometrium tissue were included. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were scanned and recorded through the hospital database system. Tissue sections were deparaffinized with xylol and dehydrated with alcohol for immunohistochemical studies. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with TGF-β1 antibodies at 1/200 dilution during 30 minutes of incubation with DAKO Autostainer Link 48 device. Counterstaining with hematoxylin was applied. TGF-β1 levels in endometrial polyp, leiomyoma and normal tissue were evaluated by semi-quantitative method. Statistical significance was accepted as p<0,05. Results: The mean age of 90 individuals included in the study was 45,03±5,23 years. The mean age was similar between the groups (p=0,097). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of gravida and parity values (p=0,252, p=0,064, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of body mass index (p=0,457). TGF-β1 staining intensity was found to be higher in leiomyoma tissues compared to normal myometrium tissue (p=0,004). TGF-β1 staining intensity was found to be higher in leiomyoma tissues compared to normal myometrium tissue (p=0,045). TGF-β1 staining intensity was found to be higher in endometrial polyp tissues compared to normal endometrial tissues (p=0,029). Conclusion: In our study, we found that TGF-β1 expression was higher in leiomyoma and endometrial polyp tissues compared to control myometrium and endometrial tissues. There is a need for further studies in a large cohort to confirm our results and to provide alternative targeted therapy to surgery. Keywords: Uterine leiomyoma, endometrial polyp, TGF-β1