[Tumor necrosis factor in uterine leiomyomas at various stages of tumor growth].

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of tumor necrosis factors -alpha and beta (TNF), their receptor and content in human uterine leiomyomas at various stages of tumor growth.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Studies were performed on human myometrium and uterine leiomyomas of various weights (small: less than 10 g and large: more than 100 g). Presence of both growth factors and their receptor was detected by Western Immunoblotting technique. The content of TNF-alpha was evaluated by immunoenzymatic method (ELISA).

RESULTS

Changes in the expression of tumor necrosis factors and their receptor and difference in content of TNF-alpha during the tumor growth were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Myometrium conversion into leiomyoma and an increase in its mass is accompanied by changes in the expression and contents TNF and TNF RI.