A Review on Mechanotransduction in Leiomyoma

Abstract

Uterine leiomyomata are the most widespread medical problem of the female reproductive tract. They are the benign tumors of uterus and clinically apparent in a large part of reproductive aged women but still, there are few non-surgical treatment options. They occur in 20−50% of women, especially in older women. Uterine fibroids are a major cause of morbidity in women of a reproductive age. In comparison to other non-malignant diseases, leiomyoma research is underfunded and there is currently no clinical method to distinguish a benign uterine leiomyoma from a malignant leiomyosarcoma prior to treatment. Mechanotransduction is a process of having an impact on cancer biology; where cells detect, interpret, and respond to mechanical signals further converting them to biochemical signals. This process is responsible for the activation of tumorigenic biochemical pathways. Extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation is crucial for uterine leiomyoma. This study summarizes the available literature regarding ECM of uterine fibroids and the properties of cell and tissue stiffness that lead to signal transduction and contemporary understanding of mechanotransduction.