Role of Activin-A and Myostatin and Their Signaling Pathway in Human Myometrial and Leiomyoma Cell Function

CONTEXT: Uterine leiomyomas are highly prevalent benign tumors of premenopausal women and the most common indication for hysterectomy. However, the exact etiology of this tumor is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the role of activin-A and myostatin and their signaling pathways in human myometrial and leiomyoma cells. DESIGN: This was a laboratory study. SETTING: Myometrial and leiomyoma cells (primary and cell lines) were cultured in vitro. PATIENTS: The study included premenopausal women who were admitted to the hospital for myomectomy or hysterectomy. INTERVENTIONS: Primary myometrial and leiomyoma cells and/or cell lines were treated with activin-A (4 nM) and myostatin (4 nM) for different days of interval (to measure proliferation rate) or 30 minutes…