A prominent action of Insulin like growth factor I (IGF-I) in stimulation of uterine leiomyomata: a review

Abstract

Uterine leiomyomata is a common disease of the female reproductive system. It causes many complications, such as heavy bleeding and menorrhagia. However, the causes of uterine leiomyomata are still unclear. Studies have shown that estrogen, progesterone, and insulin-like growth factor I play key roles in the development of uterine leiomyomata. Abnormal expression of insulin-like growth factor I is believed to be one of the factors that lead to uterine leiomyomata. Uterine leiomyomata are con­sidered benign tumors, which do not lose division control like malignant cells. There are many factors involved in the pathways of uterine leiomyomata onset, such as various growth factors, cytokines, and steroid hormones.