Objective:

The aim of this study is investigate the role of the Twist homolog 1 (TWIST), serine peptidase inhibitor (SERPINB5), and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (SERPIN1) genes in uterine leiomyoma etiopathogenesis.

Material and Methods:

Twelve patients, aged between 39 and 58, and had a hysterectomy, were included in the study. The size of the leiomyomas was between 20 and 130 mm based on gross pathology after hysterectomy. Tissue samples were obtained from normal myometrium and leiomyoma (1 cm³) tissue of the uterus of the patients and stored at -86°C. Samples were divided to two groups after histopathological evaluation of the uterus: normal myometrial tissues as control group (Group 1) and leiomyoma tissue as the study group (Group 2). The TWIST, SERPINB5, and SERPIN1 genes were studied for uterine leiomyoma etiopathogenesis.

Results:

TWIST gene expression was significantly higher in the uterine leiomyoma tissue (p<0.001). SERPINB5 and SERPIN1 gene expression was decreased in the uterine leiomyoma tissue, but the differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

TWIST gene activity is significantly increased in leiomyoma tissue when compared to normal myometrium. In spite of the fact that the development of uterine leiomyomas is estrogen- and progesterone-dependent, myometrial cells could be triggered by the TWIST gene for uterine leiomyoma development.

Keywords: Uterine leiomyomas, etiopathogenesis