Abstract

GENE EXPRESSION OF EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR GENE (EGFR) IN EGYPTIAN WOMEN WITH UTERINE FIBROIDS

Magdy M. Youssef *, Afaf M. El-saeed and Mona M. Mohamed

ABSTRACT

Background: Uterine fibroids (UFs) are benign uterine tumors that grow from smooth muscle cells of the uterus and they are called myomas, fibromyomas, leiomyoma, and leiomyofibromas. The exact etiology of UF is not clearly understood. This most common complication can be related to infertility and malignancy. A fuller understanding of genetic characteristics of UFs may effect on treatments. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene has a major function in the pathogenesis of fibromyoma, cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, and mutagenesis. Material and methods: EGFR gene mutations in exons 21 and exons 19 of 100 patients and 100 healthy controls were studied. Aim of work: Investigate deletion mutations of EGFR gene in exon 19 (rs121913438) and point mutations of EGFR gene in exon 21 (rs121434568) in patients –controls. The results: Our results investigated that the serum concentrations of prolactin and estradiol hormones and TNF-α cytokines increased significantly with contrast patients –controls. Also, the frequency of G allele was significantly higher among patients compared to healthy women. The presence of G allele increased the danger of developing fibroid. The result also showed that the frequency of D allele was significantly higher among patients compared to controls. Also, the presence of D allele increased the risk of developing fibroids. Conclusion: The results suggested a significant between mutations in exon 19 (rs121913438) of EGFR gene and fibroids. Also, the results suggested a significant between mutations in exon 21 (rs121434568) of EGFR gene and fibroids among Egyptian women.

Keywords: UF, PCR, EGFR.