Uterine fibroids: a new insight into an old problem

With the development of molecular methods in cancer biology, the etiopathogenesis of commonly occurring uterine myomas is con-stantly subject to amendment. It was found that ovarian steroid hormones are involved in the development of these benign tumors, hence the development of new therapies using selective progesterone receptor modulators (uliprystal acetate, UPA), especially in com-bination with vitamin D3 supplementation. Genetic changes associated with the pathogenesis of myomas, especially mutations in MED12 and related signaling via Wnt / β catenin, may be precursors to the development of aggressive forms of these benign tumors and therefore be influential regarding treatment options. Studies have also revealed the role of microRNA overexpression and angio-genesis in the development of uterine myomas, the inhibition of which may be associated with future therapy of these tumors. In recent years, the role of stem cells (SCs) in myomas and pathways involved in their activation have been described, which may also have clinical implications in the future.

Uterine fibroids; Steroid hormones; SPERMS; MED12 and HMGA mutations; Angiogenesis; Stem cells.

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