Influence of vitamin D and transforming growth factor β3 serum concentrations, obesity, and family history on the risk for uterine fibroids

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the influence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and transforming growth factor β3 (TGF-β3) serum concentrations, weight, and family history on the risk of developing uterine fibroids.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: University hospital.

Patient(s): A total of 188 women, including patients admitted for uterine fibroid surgery (n = 105) as the study group and healthy women of similar age (n = 83) as controls.

Intervention(s): Medical history and completion of specially designed questionnaire, transvaginal or transabdominal genital ultrasound scan, blood sampling, and measurement of vitamin D and TGF-β3 serum concentrations.

Main outcome measure(s): Evaluation of the impact of family history, vitamin D, and TGF-β3 serum concentrations on the risk of developing uterine fibroids.

Result(s): Mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum concentrations were 21.9 ± 8.9 ng/mL and 26.7 ± 11.9 ng/mL in patients with uterine fibroids and controls, respectively. The difference was statistically significant. The TGF-β3 serum concentrations in the fibroid-positive group ranged from 1.20 to 436.15 pg/mL (half the patients had concentrations >16.25 pg/mL). Concentrations in the control group ranged from 0.96 to 49.08 pg/mL (half the women had concentrations of >11.80 pg/mL). The differences were statistically significant. Higher body mass index (BMI) and positive family history were also found to be among the risk factors for uterine fibroids.

Conclusion(s): Our study confirmed higher BMI, positive family history, and lower vitamin D and higher TGF-β3 serum concentrations as risk factors for uterine fibroids.

Keywords: 25-Hydroxyvitamin D; risk factor; transforming growth factor β3; uterine fibroid; vitamin D.