Review
Physiology
Elizabeth A. Stewart, Romana A. Nowak
Summary: Uterine fibroids are a common condition in women that can cause serious health issues. The mechanisms behind their growth and development are currently not well understood and require further research.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Pasquapina Ciarmela, Giovanni Delli Carpini, Stefania Greco, Alessandro Zannotti, Nina Montik, Luca Giannella, Lucia Giuliani, Camilla Grelloni, Francesca Panfoli, Michela Paolucci, Gloria Pierucci, Federica Ragno, Pamela Pellegrino, Felice Petraglia, Andrea Ciavattini
Summary: Understanding the vascular network and angiogenesis in uterine fibroids is crucial for predicting treatment effectiveness, differentiating from other conditions, and developing new therapeutic approaches. This review explores the current knowledge on fibroid vascularization and its implications in clinical manifestations, highlighting the role of ultrasound in evaluating vascularization.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sadia Afrin, Malak El Sabeh, Mariko Miyashita-Ishiwata, Natasha Charewycz, Bhuchitra Singh, Mostafa A. Borahay
Summary: Simvastatin alters the caveolae and CAV1 in human leiomyomas, influencing ER-alpha signaling and plasma membrane trafficking, providing new insights for the treatment of uterine leiomyomas.
Editorial Material
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
David A. Resto, Peter Sang Uk Park, Thomas J. Werner, Poul F. Hoilund-Carlsen, Abass Alavi
Summary: This report presents a case of incidentally detected calcifying uterine leiomyoma using F-18-NaF PET/CT scans in a postmenopausal 61-year-old woman, with a follow-up image 2 years later. The findings highlight the potential of F-18-NaF in monitoring both the molecular and structural progression of uterine leiomyomas.
CLINICAL NUCLEAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Carlos M. Parra, Taraneh Shirazian
Summary: This study provided the first video demonstration of laparoscopic removal of bilateral uterine remnants in a patient with Mullerian agenesis. The surgery successfully alleviated the symptoms and highlighted the importance of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of this condition.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Mohamed Ali, Michal Ciebiera, Somayeh Vafaei, Samar Alkhrait, Hsin-Yuan Chen, Yi-Fen Chiang, Ko-Chieh Huang, Stepan Feduniw, Shih-Min Hsia, Ayman Al-Hendy
Summary: Uterine fibroids are a significant benign neoplastic threat to women's health globally, affecting up to 80% of premenopausal women and causing symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and infertility. Progesterone signaling is crucial for the development and growth of uterine fibroids, promoting cell proliferation through genetic and epigenetic pathways. This review discusses the role of progesterone signaling in uterine fibroid pathogenesis and explores the therapeutic potential of compounds that modulate progesterone signaling, including selective progesterone receptor modulator drugs and natural compounds. Further research is needed to ensure safety and understand the exact molecular mechanisms of selective progesterone receptor modulator drugs, while clinical trials are necessary to confirm the effectiveness of natural compounds as a potential long-term treatment option, particularly for women planning pregnancy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tsai-Der Chuang, Jianjun Gao, Derek Quintanilla, Hayden McSwiggin, Drake Boos, Wei Yan, Omid Khorram
Summary: Recent studies have found that somatic mutations in exon 2 of MED12 gene occur at a frequency of up to 80% and play a functional role in leiomyoma development. This study aimed to investigate the expression profile of RNA transcripts in leiomyomas with and without these mutations, as well as in their paired myometrium. Using next-generation RNA sequencing, the researchers found that there were 394 genes differentially and aberrantly expressed only in the mutated tumors. These genes mostly regulated the components of the extracellular matrix. Additionally, although the myometrium did not have MED12 mutations, there were significant differences in the transcriptome landscape compared to non-mutated specimens, with genes related to the response to oxygen-containing compounds being most affected.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Clement A. Adebamowo, Imran O. Morhason-Bello, Sally N. Adebamowo
Summary: Self-report of uterine fibroids underestimates the prevalence of UF and is not accurate enough for epidemiological research. Future studies should use population-based designs and more accurate diagnostic tools such as TVUS.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Gregory Shifrin, Matthias Engelhardt, Phyllis Gee, Gregor Pschadka
Summary: The study found that transcervical fibroid ablation is an effective single-stage treatment option for non-pedunculated submucous myomata, as well as larger or deeper uterine fibroids (including fibroid clusters) for which hysteroscopic treatment is not suitable.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Malak El Sabeh, Subbroto Kumar Saha, Sadia Afrin, Mostafa A. Borahay
Summary: The study revealed that simvastatin significantly reduced the expression of Wnt4 and LRP5 in leiomyoma cells, as well as decreasing the levels of total beta-catenin and nonphosphorylated beta-catenin. Simvastatin also inhibited the effects of estrogen and progesterone on the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway, as well as the expression of c-Myc. These results suggest that simvastatin may have a beneficial effect on uterine leiomyoma by suppressing the overactive Wnt/beta-catenin pathway.
Review
Immunology
Lidia Korczynska, Natalia Zeber-Lubecka, Magdalena Zgliczynska, Elzbieta Zarychta, Kornelia Zareba, Cezary Wojtyla, Michalina Dabrowska, Michal Ciebiera
Summary: The long-held belief that the uterus is a sterile organ has been challenged by the growing evidence of a relationship between the gut and uterine microbiome. This systematic review explores the link between intestinal and uterine dysbiosis and uterine fibroids, a common yet poorly understood condition. The analysis of 16 studies suggests that dysbiosis in the gut microbiota may play a role in the development of uterine fibroids, calling for further research and possible microbiome modulations for prevention and treatment.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Rishi Philip Mathew, Swati Francis, Vinayak Jayaram, Shameema Anvarsadath
Summary: Uterine leiomyomas, or fibroids, are common neoplasms in women, with a significant percentage of patients being asymptomatic. Typical leiomyomas are easily diagnosed on imaging, but larger, extrauterine, or degenerate tumors can pose challenges for diagnosis. Understanding the imaging appearance of atypical leiomyomas and their differential diagnosis is crucial for effective patient management.
ABDOMINAL RADIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Tsai-Der Chuang, Derek Quintanilla, Drake Boos, Omid Khorram
Summary: This study investigated the expression profile of SE-lncRNAs and associated mRNAs in leiomyomas and paired myometrium, revealing that differential expression of SE contributes to dysregulation of protein coding genes in leiomyomas. The study also found that race and MED12 mutation can influence the expression of certain SE-lncRNAs.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Chih-Ting Chang, Cherng-Jye Jeng, Cheng-Yu Long, Linus T. Chuang, Jenta Shen
Summary: This retrospective study analyzed the data of patients treated with ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound for uterine fibroids. The study found that this treatment method was effective in reducing the volume of the uterus and fibroids and improving clinical symptoms and quality of life for the patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYPERTHERMIA
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sadia Afrin, Malak El Sabeh, Md Soriful Islam, Mariko Miyashita-Ishiwata, Minnie Malik, William H. Catherino, Askar M. Akimzhanov, Darren Boehning, Qiwei Yang, Ayman Al-Hendy, James H. Segars, Mostafa A. Borahay
Summary: The study found that simvastatin can significantly reduce E-2-induced proliferation and PCNA expression, as well as decrease total ER-alpha expression in leiomyoma cells. Additionally, simvastatin alters the subcellular localization of ER-alpha by inhibiting its trafficking, and inhibits E-2 downstream signaling, ER/ER activity, and responsive genes.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Reproductive Biology
Mariam Saadedine, Malak El Sabeh, Mostafa A. Borahay, Georges Daoud
Summary: COVID-19 infection may have an impact on reproductive health in women, primarily due to the cytokine storm and immune reaction, with less involvement of the COVID-19 receptor.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Kamran Hessami, Jennifer Welch, Anja Frost, Abdelrahman AlAshqar, Sara E. Arian, Ethan Gough, Mostafa A. Borahay
Summary: In this meta-analysis, we examined the quantity and dose of opioids dispensed during the perioperative period for benign hysterectomy, as well as the predictors of persistent opioid use after the procedure. A total of 8 studies involving 377,569 women were included. The findings showed that 83% of women were dispensed opioids during the perioperative period, and the rate of persistent opioid use after benign hysterectomy was 5%.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sadia Afrin, Malak El Sabah, Ahmed Manzoor, Mariko Miyashita-Ishiwata, Lauren Reschke, Mostafa A. Borahay
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which adipocytes contribute to the initiation and promotion of uterine leiomyoma tumors. The results showed that adipocytes promote inflammation, fibrosis, and angiogenesis in leiomyoma cells by upregulating associated factors and transferring free fatty acids. Adipocyte-leiomyoma cell interaction increases the phosphorylation of NF-.B and enhances cell proliferation.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jaden R. Kohn, Anja S. Frost, Anastasia Tambovtseva, Megan Hunt, Katharine Clark, Christina Wilson, Mostafa A. Borahay
Summary: This study aimed to identify the factors that drive total hospital charges for benign hysterectomy. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at five hospitals in Maryland. Patient, perioperative, and hospital characteristics were included as predictor variables in a multiple linear regression model. The results showed that perioperative and hospital factors significantly influenced the total hospital charges for benign hysterectomy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Tara Brah, Abdelrahman AlAshqar, Mostafa A. Borahay
Summary: This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the association between surgical start time and clinical and financial outcomes of hysterectomies for benign indications. The study found that an afternoon start time was associated with increased blood loss, longer length of stay, and decreased likelihood of same-day discharge. However, there was no significant difference in the rates of adverse perioperative events between the morning and afternoon groups. Interestingly, an afternoon start time was associated with decreased total hospital charges. Awareness of the relationship between surgical start time and outcomes can guide surgical scheduling and optimize same-day discharge.
JOURNAL OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sadia Afrin, Malini Ramaiyer, Umme Aoufa Mafruha Begum, Mostafa A. Borahay
Summary: This study investigated the effects of adipocyte coculture and leptin treatment on human myometrium and leiomyoma cells. The results showed that coculture and leptin treatment increased the expression of JAK2/STAT3, MAPK/ERK, and PI3k/AKT signaling pathways, as well as promoting the upregulation of tumor-related inflammatory, fibrotic, and angiogenic factors, and increasing leiomyoma cell growth. These findings suggest that adipocytes or their secreted hormones may contribute to leiomyoma development and growth by activating leptin receptor signaling pathways.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Chailee Moss, Carolyn Brookhart, Prerna Pandya, Mostafa A. Borahay, Melindia Mann, Victoria Handa, Anna Maya Powell
Summary: In this prospective cohort study, predictors of patient satisfaction with pain control, including opioid prescribing practices, were investigated. The analysis showed that patient satisfaction with pain control was primarily influenced by subjective assessment of shared decision-making with the gynecologist, rather than opioid prescription status. These findings suggest the need for a larger cohort to further explore the impact of opioid use on pain control satisfaction after minor gynecologic surgery.
JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abdelrahman AlAshqar, Bethlehem Lulseged, Akailah Mason-Otey, Jinxiao Liang, Umme Aoufa Mafruha Begum, Sadia Afrin, Mostafa A. Borahay
Summary: In recent decades, our understanding of the complex pathobiology of uterine fibroid development has expanded. It is now known that uterine fibroids have different aspects of their genesis and oxidative stress plays an important role in their development. The influence of oxidative stress on fibroid development is mediated through genetic, epigenetic, and profibrotic mechanisms. This knowledge has led to clinical implications for diagnosis and treatment using biomarkers and antioxidants.
Review
Biology
Gregory W. Kirschen, Kamran Hessami, Abdelrahman AlAshqar, Sadia Afrin, Bethlehem Lulseged, Mostafa Borahay
Summary: RNA sequencing has advanced our understanding of the cellular complexity and dynamics underlying normal menstruation and gynecological disorders. Single-cell RNA sequencing has revealed novel endometrial cell subpopulations and their aberrant activity in pathological states, providing insights for developing novel therapeutic interventions.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Irem Kurt, Mehmet Kulhan, Abdelrahman AlAshqar, Mostafa A. Borahay
Summary: Collagen cross-linking is essential for maintaining the normal function and integrity of the uterus. Changes in cross-link density can lead to uterine disorders such as preterm birth and uterine fibroids. Studying the regulators of collagen cross-linking presents an opportunity for developing therapeutic targets in common uterine disorders.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Sadia Afrin, Gregory W. Kirschen, Mostafa A. Borahay
Summary: This study aims to determine how adipocytes and adipocyte-secreted factors affect changes in myometrial stem cells (MSCs) in a manner that promotes the growth of uterine leiomyomas. The results showed that co-culture of MSCs with adipocytes increased proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and adipocyte-secreted factors induced oxidative damage and DNA damage in MSCs. These findings suggest that obesity may mediate the initiation of tumorigenesis in MSCs, leading to the development of leiomyomas.
Review
Surgery
Youssef Youssef, Huda Afaneh, Mostafa A. Borahay
Summary: This review article examines various factors that affect the cost and quality of gynecologic surgery and presents strategies for cost-effective change and improvement in patient care.
JSLS-JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF LAPAROENDOSCOPIC SURGEONS
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Economics
R. Ishiwata, A. AlAshqar, M. Miyashita-Ishiwata, M. Borahay
Meeting Abstract
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Mariko Miyashita-Ishiwata, Malak El Sabeh, Lauren Reschke, Sadia Afrin, Mostafa Borahay
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Lauren Reschke, Sadia Afrin, Mostafa Borahay
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2022)
