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Review
. 2008 Aug;22(4):589-601.
doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2008.01.014. Epub 2008 Mar 25.

Molecular genetics and racial disparities of uterine leiomyomas

Essam-Eldin R Othman  1 , Ayman Al-Hendy
Affiliations
Review

Molecular genetics and racial disparities of uterine leiomyomas

Essam-Eldin R Othman et al. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2008 Aug.

Abstract

Uterine leiomyomas (ULMs) are benign oestrogen-dependent tumours of the myometrium. They are the most common tumours of the female genital tract, affecting around 77% of the female population. ULMs are more common in Black women than White women. These tumours tend to develop earlier and be more numerous, larger in size and more symptomatic in Black women than other ethnic groups. The molecular mechanism underlying this ethnic disparity is not fully understood. Polymorphism of genes involved in oestrogen synthesis and/or metabolism (COMT, CYP17), variation in the expression levels or function of oestrogen and progesterone receptors or retinoic acid nuclear receptors (retinoid acid receptor-alpha, retinoid X receptor-alpha), or aberrant expression of micro-RNAs are some of the molecular mechanisms that may be involved.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Estimated age-specific cumulative incidence of uterine leiomyomas for Black and White women aged 35–49 years.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Cumulative incidence of hysterectomy by race.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Ethnic disparities in the incidence and biological behaviours of oestrogen-dependent diseases.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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