Protein expression of estrogen receptors α and β and aromatase in myometrium and uterine leiomyoma.

Background: Leiomyomas are the most common tumors of the female reproductive tract and a major public health problem. The mechanism of tumorigenesis is unknown, but evidence suggests that estrogens regulate cell proliferation and myoma growth. This effect might be due to different amounts of estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) in normal and myoma tissues and overexpression of aromatase P450 in myomas.

Gene and protein expression of progesterone receptor isoforms A and B, p53 and p21 in myometrium and uterine leiomyoma.

Purpose: To assess gene and protein expression of progesterone receptor isoforms A and B, cell cycle regulators p53 and p21 in leiomyoma and myometrium.

Methods: Samples were collected from 14 patients in reproductive age who underwent abdominal hysterectomy. Gene expression of PRA, PRB, p53 and p21 was analyzed by real-time PCR.