Serum transforming growth factor β and leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein 1 as potential biomarkers for diagnosis of uterine leiomyomas.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) play significant roles in the pathogenicity of uterine leiomyomas (ULMs). The current study aimed to assess the diagnostic values of serum TGF-β and LRG1 in terms of the presence and severity of ULMs. METHODS Premenopausal women with ULMs (n = 44) together with age-adjusted ULM-free individuals (n = 41) were incorporated into the study. ULMs were detected and evaluated using transvaginal ultrasonography. Serum levels of TGF-β and LRG1 were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Mean concentrations of serum TGF-β and LRG1 were significantly higher in the group of patients with ULMs compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The volume of the largest leiomyoma was positively correlated with the levels of TGF-β (r = 0.414, p =  0.005) and LRG1 (r = 0.341, p =  0.023). The receiver-operating characteristics analysis demonstrated moderate and robust values of area under the curve for TGF-β (0.755) and LRG1 (0.90), respectively. CONCLUSION Increases in serum levels of TGF-β and LRG1 is associated with the incidence and severity of ULMs. LRG1 in particular but also TGF-β may be able to serve as reliable biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of ULMs.