Serum Inflammatory Marker Changes in Women with Uterine Fibroids before and after Treatment

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the clinical symptoms associated with UFs and to evaluate dynamic, longitudinal changes in serum inflammatory markers before and after treatment in women diagnosed with UFs compared with healthy controls.

In this retrospective observational study, 90 women including 60 women diagnosed with UFs and 30 age-matched healthy controls. Uterine fibroids were confirmed by ultrasonography and histopathology. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interferon β (IFN-β), IFN-γ, C-reactive protein (CRP), and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) were measured using standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Lymphocyte subsets were analyzed via flow cytometry. Patients with UFs underwent medical or surgical treatment based on clinical indications, and inflammatory markers were reassessed 3 months posttreatment.

There were various symptoms such as pelvic pain (66.67%), abnormal bleeding (66.67%), organ-compression symptoms (45%), infertility (26.67%), and miscarriage (18.33%) compared with controls. Women diagnosed with UFs showed a higher lymphocyte count, proinflammatory mediators, and decreased level of interleukins as compared with the healthy population of females.

The observed dynamic pretreatment and posttreatment shifts in serum inflammatory markers suggest involvement of adaptive immunity and angiogenic pathways, highlighting the potential role of inflammatory regulation in improving reproductive outcomes, including preparation for assisted reproductive technologies.