Developmental Environmental Exposure Alters the Epigenetic Features of Myometrial Stem Cells.

Abstract

Uterine fibroids (UFs), are the most common pelvic tumors, occurring in 70-80% of all reproductive-aged women and are the leading indication for hysterectomy worldwide.1-3 Although UFs are benign tumors, they typically cause severe menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, preterm labor, recurrent abortion, and infertility. Hysterectomy is currently the main treatment used in women who no longer desire childbearing.4-6 UFs are hormonally responsive to estradiol and progesterone as well as other steroid hormones, and regress after menopause.7 Although, the cause of UFs is largely unknown, several risk factors are linked to UF development, which include age, race and ethnicity, family history, body mass index (BMI), etc.7,8