Menstrual blood VEGF, IL-6, TGF and nerve fiber as markers of adenomyosis: a literature review

ABSTRACT
Background. Adenomyosis is a benign uterine disease characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma in the myometrium. It lacks classic physical or laboratory examination findings, which hinders clinical diagnosis. Although unlikely to replace hysterectomy, transvaginal ultrasound, or MRI, menstrual blood based-biomarker testing is expected to aid in early adenomyosis detection and consequently earlier initiation of clinical management strategies.

Objective. This literature review aims to review and summarize the expression of VEGF, IL-6, TGF, and menstrual blood nerve fiber as biomarkers of adenomyosis.

Methods. We searched for literature using four database sources, published in English within the last 10 years using the following keywords: “adenomyosis” AND “VEGF” AND “IL-6” AND “TGF” AND “Nerve fiber”. Data was extracted independently by the authors and then selected based on specified inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results. Expression of VEGF, IL-6, TGF, and endomyometrial nerve fibers in patients with adenomyosis were significantly increased in patients with adenomyosis.

Conclusions. Most research results point to the expression of VEGF, IL-6, TGF, and endomyometrial nerve fibers as potential biomarkers for adenomyosis. However, future research with better methodology still needs to be conducted before routine clinical implementation.