Does hormone therapy, tibolone or raloxifene modify VEGF expression in cervical epithelial cells?

Climacteric

Menopause Clinic, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Aretaieio Hospital, 33 Metonos Street, Holargos, Athens, Greece.

Published: April 2012

Aim: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) seems to be a critical molecule in cervical carcinogenesis. We aimed to investigate the possible associations between hormonal factors and VEGF expression in cervical epithelial cells from postmenopausal women.

Method: A total of 105 healthy postmenopausal women (aged 45-68 years old) attending a university menopause clinic were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Pap smears were derived from current users of 17β-estradiol 1 mg + norethisterone acetate 0.5 mg (n = 28), tibolone 2.5 mg (n = 23), raloxifene HCl 60 mg (n = 21) and women not receiving treatment (n = 33). VEGF immunostaining was evaluated in squamous, glandular and metaplastic cells, using a semiquantitative method (rating scale: 0-3).

Results: Concerning endogenous hormones, higher Δ4-androstenedione levels were associated with more intense VEGF immunostaining in glandular (p = 0.041) and metaplastic cells (p = 0.004). Hormone therapy and raloxifene did not induce any changes in VEGF immunoreactivity in the examined cells. In contrast, tibolone administration was accompanied by diminished VEGF presence in metaplastic cells (p = 0.016 vs. controls).

Conclusion: Our findings may in part reflect the molecular processes contributing to the safe profile of hormone therapy, tibolone and raloxifene in cervical carcinogenesis.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/13697137.2011.604144DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

hormone therapy
12
tibolone raloxifene
12
metaplastic cells
12
therapy tibolone
8
vegf expression
8
expression cervical
8
cervical epithelial
8
cervical carcinogenesis
8
vegf immunostaining
8
vegf
7

Similar Publications

Advances in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) treatment have improved prognosis, shifting focus towards symptom management. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the World Health Organization functional class (WHO-FC) in CTEPH patients. The CTEPH AC registry is a prospective, multicenter database from 35 Japanese institutions, analyzing data from August 2018 to July 2023.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Increasing matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity by treatment of ovine cervical explants with a long-acting analogue of oxytocin (Carbetocin) at the expected time of artificial insemination.

Vet Res Commun

January 2025

Biochemistry, Veterinary Biosciences Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad de la República, Ruta 8, Km 18 y Ruta 102, Montevideo, 13000, Uruguay.

The aim was to study the effect of long-acting analogue of oxytocin (Carbetocin) on cervical collagenolysis of MAP-eCG synchronized ewes. At the expected time of artificial insemination, five ewes were slaughtered (n = 5) and their cervical explants (100-200 mg) were incubated during 12 h with MEM supplemented with 0, 8, 16, 32 and 64 ng/mL of Cb. Activities of activated and latent forms of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and - 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9, respectively) in the supernatant were determined by a SDS-PAGE zymography and prostaglandin E2 concentration by immunoassay.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-established risk factor for postoperative complications. Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are a common orthopedic injury and often require open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The rise of ORIF utilization warrants investigation into factors that may expose patients to postoperative complications following DRF ORIF.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Guidelines specify steroids as therapy for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). However, the duration of survival benefit associated with steroids and the optimal dosage of nebulized budesonide (NB) during hospitalization remain unclear.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of hospitalized AECOPD patients.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This paper critically examines the scientific and ethical underpinnings of gender-affirming care, particularly for minors. While major medical organizations endorse such interventions as medically necessary, the evidence supporting their long-term safety and efficacy remains limited. Research into hormonal, neuroanatomic, and genetic influences reveals a strong biological basis for gender identity, challenging social constructionist arguments.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!