Effects of LNG-IUS on nerve growth factor and its receptors expression in patients with adenomyosis

Growth Factors. 2010 Dec;28(6):452-60. doi: 10.3109/08977194.2010.511619. Epub 2010 Sep 21.

Abstract

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is effective in the treatment of dysmenorrhea associated with adenomyosis. However, the mechanism of pain relief of LNG-IUS in patients with adenomyosis is unclear. We aimed to investigate the effects of LNG-IUS on the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptors, NGFR p75 and TrkA in patients with adenomyosis. Endometrial and myometrial tissues were prepared from 17 LNG-IUS-treated patients and 15 hormonally untreated patients who had undergone hysterectomies for adenomyosis. Immunohistochemistry with antibodies against NGF, NGFR p75, and TrkA, was performed. The expression of NGF, NGFR p75, and TrkA in endometrium and myometrium of LNG-IUS-treated patients was significantly decreased compared to those of hormonally untreated patients. Our findings may indicate that the suppression of NGF and its receptors by LNG-IUS is another possible mechanism of relieving pain in patients with adenomyosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dysmenorrhea / drug therapy
  • Endometriosis / drug therapy
  • Endometriosis / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Humans
  • Levonorgestrel / administration & dosage*
  • Levonorgestrel / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Growth Factor / genetics
  • Nerve Growth Factor / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / genetics
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor
  • Levonorgestrel
  • Nerve Growth Factor