Serum Oxidative Stress Markers in Women with Uterine Fibroids in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackgroundUterine fibroid is the most common benign gynaecological tumour in women of reproductive age group, with significant impact on the quality of life, economy, morbidity and sometimes mortality of affected women. Black women of reproductive age group are more likely to develop uterine fibroids. Although available evidence suggests racial and genetic predisposition to the aetiology of uterine fibroid, oxidative stress has been implicated in the onset and progression of uterine fibroids. Epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of gynaecological diseases including uterine fibroids.Aim and ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the serum levels of antioxidants (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) and oxidants (protein carbonyl (PC), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP)) in women with uterine fibroids and to identify any association between the size of uterine fibroids and serum levels of the analysed antioxidants and oxidants.MethodsForty-four women with ultrasound diagnosis of uterine fibroids and 44 women without uterine fibroids were recruited from a University Teaching Hospital. Blood samples were obtained and analysed for serum levels of selected antioxidants (CAT, SOD, GPx) and oxidants (PC, AOPP). Pelvic ultrasonography was performed on all study participants.ResultsThe median serum levels of antioxidants: CAT (2.20 vs 4.32 ng/ml; p < 0.001); SOD (285.54 vs 380.96 ng/ml; p < 0.001) and GPx (9.67 vs 11.26 µU/ml; p < 0.001) were significantly lower in women with uterine fibroids. The median serum levels of oxidants: PC (162.08 vs 142.36 ng/ml; p = 0.04); and AOPP (22.42 vs 13.94 ng/ml; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in women with uterine fibroids. There was a strong negative correlation between serum levels of AOPP and SOD (r = -0.95; p < 0.001) in women with uterine fibroids. The maximum diameter of fibroids showed a significant positive correlation with AOPP (r = 1.000; p < 0.001) and a negative correlation with SOD (r = -1.000; p < 0.001).ConclusionWomen with uterine fibroids had lower levels of antioxidants and higher levels of oxidants. In women with uterine fibroids, AOPP negatively correlated with SOD. There was a positive correlation between fibroid size and AOPP and a negative correlation between fibroid size and SOD. The findings of this study suggests that AOPP and SOD may play an important role in uterine fibroids.