Beyond VEGF and TGF-β: A Comprehensive Review of Growth Factor Pathways in the Pathophysiology of Uterine Leiomyomas
Rozmurat N. Terzic S. Zhao P. Bapayeva G. Kongrtay K. Tanko M.N. Terzic M.
January 2026Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Biology
2026#15Issue 1
Uterine leiomyomas or fibroids, are non-cancerous smooth muscle proliferations of the uterus, occurring mostly in women of reproductive age. Their pathogenesis involves complex growth factor interactions that regulate cellular proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and angiogenesis in myometrium. Women affected by fibroids often have a range of consequences such as infertility, endometriosis, and dysmenorrhea. Several growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor (TGF-β), and platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF) have long been described as key regulators of angiogenic and fibrotic activities in fibroid tissue. Moreover, we summarized updated information between 2015 and 2025 following strictly inclusion/exclusion criteria and key research areas, including growth factors and its isoform-interaction, their roles within key signaling pathways, and the contribution of ECM deposition in uterine fibroids development and growth. Implementing growth factors in the clinical research field can develop new biomarkers and treatment options, focusing on effective and advanced management of uterine fibroids.
angiogenesis , clinical management , extracellular matrix , growth factors , TGF-β3 , uterine leiomyoma , VEGF
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School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Zhanybek-Kerey Khans Street 5/1, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Zhanybek-Kerey Khans Street 5/1, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Obstetrics, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, China
Clinical Academic Department of Women’s Health, CF “University Medical Center”, Turan Ave. 32, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Zhanybek-Kerey Khans Street 5/1, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
School of Medicine
Department of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics
Clinical Academic Department of Women’s Health
Department of Surgery
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