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

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.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

University hospital.

METHODS

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.

METHODS

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.

METHODS

Evaluation of the impact of family history, vitamin D, and TGF-β3 serum concentrations on the risk of developing uterine fibroids.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSIONS

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