[Tumor necrosis factor in uterine leiomyomas at various stages of tumor growth]. / Czynnik martwicy nowotworów (TNF) w przebiegu wzrostu miesniaków macicy.

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.