Aldosterone stimulates the proliferation of uterine leiomyoma cells

Abstract

Objective. Although uterine leiomyomas are the most common gynaecological benign tumour and greatly affect reproductive health and well being, the pathophysiology and epidemiology of uterine leiomyomas are not well known. Elevated blood pressure has an independent, positive association with risk for clinically detected uterine leiomyomas. Aldosterone is a key biological peptide in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system that regulates blood pressure. In this study, we investigated the siginificant stimulatory effect of aldosterone on leiomyoma cells proliferation.

Study design. This study investigated the potential role of aldosterone in the proliferation of ELT-3 leiomyoma cells.

Results. Aldosterone-induced ELT-3 leiomyoma cell proliferation and the expression of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) were confirmed. Pre-incubating the cells with the MR blockers spironolactone or eplerenone effectively repressed aldosterone-induced and angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cell proliferation. Treatment of aldosterone increased the levels of Ang II type-1 receptor mRNA.

Conclusion. These experimental findings in vitro show the presence of complex regulation of Ang II and aldosterone induced leiomyoma cell proliferation.

Keywords:

• Aldosterone
• angiotensin II
• signal transduction
• mineralocorticoid receptor
• uterine leiomyoma

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.