Objectives: The aim of the study was the evaluation of acidic and basic FGF expression, as well as collagenolitic activity in human uterine leiomyomas at various stages of tumour growth.
Material and methods: Studies were performed on human myometrium and uterine leiomyomas of various weights (small: i.e. less than 10 g, and large: i.e. more than 100 g). The RT-PCR method was used to determine the acidic and basic FGF mRNA levels. The content of both FGF was evaluated by immunoenzymatic method (ELISA). The collagenolitic activity was detected by zymography.
Results: A distinct increase in the expression of aFGF, the amounts of both FGFs, and collagenolitic activity was observed during the tumour growth.
Conclusions: Myometrium conversion into leiomyoma and an increase in its mass is accompanied by a significant increase in aFGF gene expression. The collagenolitic activity elevation favours a release of both FGF isoform from complexes with extracellular matrix components.