Melatonin Receptors in Uterine Leiomyomas: An Immunohistochemical Study
6 affiliations
- 1Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Aswan University, Egypt.
- 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Egypt.
- 3Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Egypt.
- 4Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Alhasa, Saudi Arabia.
- 5General and Bariatric Surgery, Arab Bariatric and Plastic Center, Egypt.
- 6Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Al Rayan National Colleges, Madina, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract
Background:: Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age, often causing significant symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, pain, and infertility. Melatonin, a hormone with anti-proliferative and oncostatic properties, has been studied; however, its effects on uterine leiomyomas remain unclear.
Objective:: This study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 in uterine leiomyomas compared to normal myometrium, and to correlate their expression with clinical and histopathological features.
Methods:: A case-control study was conducted on ninety cases retrieved (60 leiomyoma cases, thirty normal myometrium controls). Immunohistochemical staining was performed to assess the expression of MT1 and MT2 receptors. Clinical data were collected, and statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between receptor expression and demographic, clinical, and histological features.
Results:: MT1 and MT2 were significantly overexpressed in leiomyomas compared to controls (MT1: 70% vs. 30%, p < 0.0001; MT2: 60% vs. 16.7%, p < 0.0001). A strong positive correlation was observed between MT1 and MT2 expression (r = 0.6, p < 0.0001). MT1 score varied significantly with age (p = 0.03), tumor location (p = 0.04), and presenting symptoms (p = 0.03), while MT2 expression was positively associated with the number of lesions (p = 0.033).
Conclusion:: Melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 are significantly upregulated in uterine leiomyomas, suggesting a potential role in their pathogenesis. These findings support further investigation into melatonin-based therapies as adjunctive treatments for leiomyomas.
Related
- Association between hypovitaminosis D and uterine leiomyomas among women of reproductive age attending selected hospitals in Uganda: A multicenter cross-sectional study
- A Rare Case of Multiple Recurrent Parasitic Leiomyomas Managed Surgically Without Additional Chemical Estrogen Suppression.
- PD-1 and PD-L1 Expression in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Paired Immunohistochemical Study
- Immunohistochemical Expression of M30, BCL-2, BAX, and Ki-67 in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Association with Clinicopathological Features
- The Therapeutic Effects of 4-Aminopyridine Administration via Phonophoresis on Sutured Postoperative Wounds: A Histopathological, Immunohistochemical, Molecular, and Morphometric Study
BibTeX
@article{sayed2026melatonin,
title = {{Melatonin Receptors in Uterine Leiomyomas: An Immunohistochemical Study}},
author = {Rasha Mohamed Samir Sayed and Ahmed A. A. Taha and Ahlam Wagih Mohamed and Shereen Mahmoud Refaie and Mohamed AbdelSalam Newira and Hanaa Mohammed},
journal = {Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP},
year = {2026},
month = jun,
doi = {10.31557/apjcp.2026.27.6.2203},
url = {https://doi.org/10.31557/apjcp.2026.27.6.2203},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Melatonin Receptors in Uterine Leiomyomas: An Immunohistochemical Study
AU - Rasha Mohamed Samir Sayed
AU - Ahmed A. A. Taha
AU - Ahlam Wagih Mohamed
AU - Shereen Mahmoud Refaie
AU - Mohamed AbdelSalam Newira
AU - Hanaa Mohammed
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/06/20
JO - Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP
DO - 10.31557/apjcp.2026.27.6.2203
UR - https://doi.org/10.31557/apjcp.2026.27.6.2203
AB - Background:: Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age, often causing significant symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, pain, and infertility. Melatonin, a hormone with anti-proliferative and oncostatic properties, has been studied; however, its effects on uterine leiomyomas remain unclear. Objective:: This study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 in uterine leiomyomas compared to normal myometrium, and to correlate their expression with clinical and histopathological features. Methods:: A case-control study was conducted on ninety cases retrieved (60 leiomyoma cases, thirty normal myometrium controls). Immunohistochemical staining was performed to assess the expression of MT1 and MT2 receptors. Clinical data were collected, and statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between receptor expression and demographic, clinical, and histological features. Results:: MT1 and MT2 were significantly overexpressed in leiomyomas compared to controls (MT1: 70% vs. 30%, p < 0.0001; MT2: 60% vs. 16.7%, p < 0.0001). A strong positive correlation was observed between MT1 and MT2 expression (r = 0.6, p < 0.0001). MT1 score varied significantly with age (p = 0.03), tumor location (p = 0.04), and presenting symptoms (p = 0.03), while MT2 expression was positively associated with the number of lesions (p = 0.033). Conclusion:: Melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 are significantly upregulated in uterine leiomyomas, suggesting a potential role in their pathogenesis. These findings support further investigation into melatonin-based therapies as adjunctive treatments for leiomyomas.
SN - 1513-7368
SN - 2476-762X
ER -