Serum transforming growth factor ß and leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein 1 as potential biomarkers for diagnosis of uterine leiomyomas.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) and leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) play significant roles in the pathogenicity of uterine leiomyomas (ULMs). The current study aimed to assess the diagnostic values of serum TGF-ß and LRG1 in terms of the presence and severity of ULMs. METHODS: Premenopausal women with ULMs (n=44) together with age-adjusted ULM-free individuals (n=41) were incorporated into the study. ULMs were detected and evaluated using transvaginal ultrasonography. Serum levels of TGF-ß and LRG1 were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Mean concentrations of serum TGF-ß and LRG1 were significantly higher in the group of patients with ULMs compared to the control group (p<0.05). The volume of the largest leiomyoma was positively correlated with the levels of TGF-ß (r = 0.414, p= 0.005) and LRG1 (r = 0.341, p= 0.023). The receiver-operating characteristics analysis demonstrated moderate and robust values of area under the curve for TGF-ß (0.755) and LRG1 (0.90), respectively. CONCLUSION: Increases in serum levels of TGF-ß and LRG1 is associated with the incidence and severity of ULMs. LRG1 in particular but also TGF-ß may be able to serve as reliable biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of ULMs.