ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) on uterine fibroids of women of childbearing age and uterine artery embolization (UAE) using Embosphere microspheres. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 128 eligible women were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group (n = 64) who received UAE using Embosphere microspheres and panhysterectomy, respectively. Another 128 healthy women receiving physical examination in the same period were also enrolled. Serum TGF-ß levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum TGF-ß level, size of uterine fibroid and prognosis were followed up. RESULTS: The serum TGF-ß level of patients was significantly higher than that of healthy subjects. After treatment, the red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels of the two patient groups significantly increased compared with those before (p < .05). After UAE, the diameter of uterine fibroids was significantly smaller than that before treatment, and the TGF-ß level significantly decreased (p < .05). The expression of TGF-ß in uterine fibroids was significantly higher than that in surrounding normal tissue (p < .05). CONCLUSION: With the uterus retained, the therapeutic effect of UAE was similar to that of panhysterectomy. TGF-ß expression level was associated with growth of uterine fibroid in women of childbearing age, which can be used as a target for treatment.