Demonstration of TGF-alpha-EGFR and EGF-EGFR autocrine loops and their relation to proliferation in complete hydatidiform moles (CHM).

Complete hydatidiform moles (CHM) are the most common form of gestational trophoblastic disease. The prevalence rate is much higher in the state of Kerala, India, than in other parts of the world. The biology and role of growth factors are not fully understood in these tumors.

A multivariate analysis of prognostic indicators in complete hydatidiform moles (CHM).

Objective: To analyse prognostic factors in complete hydatidiform moles using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Methods: Evaluation of host and tumour related parameters including (a) gestational age, patient age, parity, molar phenotype, grade of proliferation of the tumour and cytological atypia, (b) expression of beta-HCG, EGF, EGFR, TGF-alpha, TGF-beta, IL1-alpha, IL1-beta by immunohistochemistry, (c) serial monitoring of serum beta-HCG levels by ELISA, and (d) lectin binding using jack fruit lectin histochemistry as indices for persisting trophoblastic disease (PTD).

Results: Serum beta-HCG levels at 4 weeks, cellular atypia, lectin binding, expression of TGF-alpha and IL1-beta showed highly significant correlation with persistence of the tumour (P<0.

Immunolocalization and quantitation of transforming growth factor alpha in hydatidiform mole.

Complete hydatidiform mole (CHM), a condition related to abnormal gestation, occurs predominantly in the young reproductive age group and has a high prevalence rate in the Trivandrum region, occurring in 1.2% of deliveries. Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) is an important growth regulatory molecule, the location and function of which at the human fetomaternal interface in CHM remains to be determined.