{"paper_id":"42f3c13b-fc11-4ff1-a2f1-a6f896819cd0","body_text":"Adenomyosis demonstrates increased expression of the basic fibroblast growth factor receptor/ligand system compared with autologous endometrium\n- Anthony M. Propst\n- Bradley J. Quade\n- Antonio R. Gargiulo\n- Romana A. Nowak\n- Elizabeth A. Stewart\nObjectives\nBasic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is an angiogenic growth factor present in human endometrium and myometrium. Women with leiomyoma-related abnormal uterine bleeding have local dysregulation of bFGF and its type 1 receptor (FGF-R). This study was designed to evaluate if adenomyosis expresses bFGF and FGF-R, and if present, to compare bFGF and FGF-R expression in adenomyosis and autologous endometrium.\nDesign\nMenopausal uteri containing endometrium and adenomyosis were analyzed using immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies specific for bFGF, FGF-R, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a marker of cellular proliferation. The expression and intensity of staining for bFGF, FGF-R, and PCNA were evaluated in the glandular epithelium and stroma of adenomyosis and endometrium.\nResults\nGlandular epithelial staining was significantly greater in adenomyosis compared with autologous endometrium for bFGF and FGF-R. Stromal staining for bFGF and PCNA was significantly increased in adenomyosis compared with autologous endometrium.\nConclusions\nUpregulation of the bFGF receptor/ligand system and increased cellular proliferation in adenomyosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of abnormal uterine bleeding associated with adenomyosis.","source_license":"CC0","license_restricted":false}