Pregnancy Complications in Women with Uterine Fibroids and the Role of Stem Cells

Abstract

Introduction: Uterine fibroids are a prevalent and benign tumor in the uterine wall that commonly affects women of reproductive age. These growths can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to investigate the crucial role of myometrial stem cells in the development of fibroids and their impact on pregnancy complications.

Methods: The following terms were used in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect and MEDLINE databases to search for articles in English: Uterine Fibroids, Myometrial stem cells, Pregnancy complications, and Hormones. The articles selected were systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and reviews. These data were searched from 2016 to May 2023.

Results: The study found that myometrial stem cells differentiated into smooth muscle cells, contributing to fibroid development. These fibroid stem cells had distinct hormone receptor characteristics. Hormonal imbalances and genetic predisposition led to the uncontrolled growth of myocytes, which played a central role in the formation of fibroids. Estrogen and progesterone, which support

 uterine tissue growth, were identified as key factors in this process. In addition, ECM remodeling, angiogenesis, inflammation, and dysregulated signaling pathways were shown to be implicated in fibroid development.

Conclusion: Uterine fibroids have a significant impact on pregnancy outcomes, leading to various complications such as preterm birth, cesarean delivery, placental abnormalities, and heavy bleeding. The severity of these complications depends on factors like fibroid size, location, and individual factors. Therefore, understanding the complex interplay of factors, including the involvement of myometrial stem cells, hormonal influence, inflammation, and ECM changes, is crucial for improving patient care. The knowledge gained from this study has the potential to inform targeted therapies and interventions for women with fibroids during pregnancy, ultimately improving the health of both mother and baby. However, further research is needed to elucidate precise mechanisms and develop more effective treatments for managing pregnancies complicated by fibroids.