PubMed Health⌕ Search

PubMed · 11028902

TNFalpha expression in hyperplastic endometrium.

Abstract

PROBLEM: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) is produced by the endometrium, and it has been shown that this cytokine has cyclic variations through the menstrual cycle. METHOD OF STUDY: In this study we assessed TNFalpha, estradiol and progesterone levels in the endometrium and serum of 21 patients with recent abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Eleven women showed histological diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia, and ten women showed normal endometrium. RESULTS: The TNFalpha value in the serum of patients with hyperplasia and in normal endometrium did not show significant differences (64.8 +/- 21.4 vs 77.6 +/- 14.8 pg). The amounts of TNFalpha released by hyperplastic endometrial tissue were significantly higher than in control patients (258.8 +/- 78.0 vs 140.6 +/- 79.8 pg/g; P < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry of hyperplastic endometria showed a stronger staining than normal ones. Serum E2 levels in patients with hyperplastic endometrium were 49.5 +/- 31.6 ng/mL, and in controls were 107.3 +/- 66.0 ng/mL. The levels of estradiol released by hyperplastic endometria were significantly lower than in normal endometria (152.7 +/- 60.0 vs 279.9 +/- 178.7 ng/g; P < 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperplastic endometria produce higher amounts of TNFalpha with respect to controls. These findings may explain the frequent bleeding observed in the patients with endometrial hyperplasia, since TNFalpha promotes apoptosis and endometrial shedding.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

E Zupi, M Sbracia, D Marconi, P Alò, G Atzei, T Brazolin, D Arduini, C Romanini. 2000. TNFalpha expression in hyperplastic endometrium.. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.8755-8920.2000.440305.x

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

Adenomyosis: epidemiological factors.

Epidemiological studies of adenomyosis are difficult to interpret because the diagnostic criteria vary so widely that the disease may be easily over-diagnosed. This would severely hamper any attempt to define incidence and prevalence of the condition and the related risk factors, and would limit the possibility of clarifying to what extent adenomyosis contributes to clinical symptoms. There is a need for stringent and widely accepted diagnostic criteria in order to define not only the presence of adenomyosis but also depth of penetration and degree of spread of foci. Moreover, the evidence available on epidemiological characteristics of women with adenomyosis is greatly biased by the type of population studied, i.e. women undergoing hysterectomy. Therefore, a consensus on non-surgical diagnostic criteria at transvaginal ultrasonography and MRI is indispensable and urgently needed in order to be able to conduct epidemiological studies in women younger than those evaluated until now.

Endometrial Hyperplasia↗

Von Willebrand disease.

UNLABELLED: Von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most common inherited bleeding disorder, results from a deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF), a protein required for the normal adhesion of platelets to the site of injured endothelium and for preservation of factor VIII in the circulation. The prevalence of VWD has been reported to be as high as 1.3%. Among women with VWD, menorrhagia is the most common symptom, affecting 32% to 100%. Treatments that have been reported to control menorrhagia in these women include combined oral contraceptives, 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP), tranexamic acid, and the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. With the exception of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, any treatments effective in the treatment of menorrhagia, including hysterectomy, may be suitable. Besides menorrhagia, women with VWD appear to be at an increased risk of developing hemorrhagic ovarian cysts and possibly endometriosis. As they grow older, they may be more likely to manifest conditions that present with bleeding such as fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia, and polyps. During pregnancy, they may be at greater risk of miscarriage and bleeding complications, particularly delayed or secondary postpartum hemorrhage. Vaginal or vulvar hematomas, extremely rare in women without bleeding disorders, are not uncommon. Although women with VWD are at risk for the same obstetric and gynecologic problems that affect all women, they appear to be disproportionately affected by conditions that manifest with bleeding. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to recall that Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is a common inherited disease, especially in women with menorrhagia; state that prophylaxis therapies against bleeding in pregnant and nonpregnant women are available; and explain that, despite prophylaxis, miscarriage and bleeding complications can still occur.

Endometrial Hyperplasia↗