Elevated level of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor after gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment for leiomyomata

Abstract

Objective. Uterine leiomyomata are the most common gynecological benign tumor and greatly affect reproductive health and well-being. The pathophysiology and epidemiology of fibroids are poorly understood. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) pretreatment is one of the unfavourable factors for leiomyomata treatment with uterine artery embolisation (UAE). In this study, we investigated the plasma level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in uterine leiomyoma patients with or without GnRH-a pretreatment.

Study design. Thirty-two women who underwent UAE for symptomatic uterine leiomyoma were analysed. The plasma level of VEGF was studied before UAE.

Results. The level of plasma VEGF was significantly higher in the GnRH-a pretreated group compared with the non-treated group.

Conclusion. A compensative reaction for vasculature after GnRH-a treatment is speculated. Higher level of VEGF in GnRH-a pretreatment group could be one of the unfavourable factors for the treatment of uterine leiomyomata by UAE.

Keywords:

• Vascular endothelial growth factor
• uterine leiomyomata
• gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist