elastin and Leiomyosarcoma

This report describes the glycosaminoglycans, collagen and elastin--composition of leiomyosarcoma. Studies were performed on leiomyosarcoma removed during surgery. The material was taken from 7 patients. Rearrangement of extracellular matrix in leiomyosarcoma has been found. There was an increase of total collagen content in comparison to control uterus. In both tissues type I collagen was found to be the predominant one. Both tissues, normal and neoplastic contain all known glycosaminoglycans types. Among them heparan sulphate was found to be the most abundant. A slight decrease in the content of this glycosaminoglycan was observed in leiomyosarcoma. A possible role of these alterations in tumour biology is discussed.

Topics: Adult; Collagen; Elastin; Female; Glycosaminoglycans; Humans; Leiomyosarcoma; Sulfates; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms