Serum prolactin and CA 125 levels in uterine adenomyosis

Abstract

Objective: It is suggested that prolactin has a role in the pathogenesis of uterine adenomyosis. Besides, it is also reported that elevated cancer antigen 125 levels are related with this benign disorder. The aim of the study was to investigate serum prolactin and cancer antigen 125 levels in patients with adenomyosis. Methods: In this retrospective chart review study, data of patients with clinically diagnosed and histopathologically proven adenomyosis in hysterectomy specimens were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the ultrasonographically calculated preoperative uterine volume: Group 1 (n = 62): uterine volume ⩽240 cm3 (⩽12 gestational weeks) and Group 2 (n = 42): uterine volume >240 cm3 (>12 gestational weeks). Age, obstetric history, body mass index, preoperative hemoglobin, thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin and cancer antigen 125 levels, and ultrasonographic findings were recorded. Preoperative prolactin and cancer antigen 125 values were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 104 patients were included in the study. No differences in the baseline characteristics were observed between the groups, except the number of pregnancies and miscarriages. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in terms of serum prolactin and cancer antigen 125 levels between the groups. Conclusion: Serum prolactin and cancer antigen 125 levels were not associated with uterine volume in patients with uterine adenomyosis.

Functional Implications of Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors Expression in Adenomyosis, Potential Targets for Endocrinological Therapy

“…High doses of prolactin have been proven to have an antiapoptotic effect in certain types of tumors, e.g., breast cancer or myeloma, and support their growth potency [ 54 , 55 ]). However, only local prolactinemia seems to play a role in adenomyosis, as no correlation between prolactin levels in serum and adenomyosis incidence has been found [ 56 ]. Further investigations are necessary to characterize the signaling pathways underlying the local prolactin production in adenomyosis.…”