Variation in sulfation pattern of galactosaminoglycan containing proteoglycans is associated with the development of uterine leiomyoma.

The variations in sulfation patterns of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) present in human normal myometrium and uterine leiomyoma were characterized following specific enzymic treatments and analysis by high-performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE). Differences in the disaccharide composition of galactosaminoglycans (GalAGs) between normal myometrium and uterine leiomyoma were found. The results of this study suggest that the development of uterine leiomyoma is closely related not only to quantitative changes in the amount of GAGs but also in the sulfation of GalAGs. These differences may be attributed to increased synthesis of fibrotic connective tissue and deposition of collagen.