The Effects of Gonadotropins on the Development of Ovarian Cancer

Yoo, Hye Rhee; Yoon, Myung Keun; Park, Young Han; Park, Hye Rim; Jang, Pong Rheem

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
We performed immunohistochemistry for the evaluation of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) expression in the ovarian tumors and examined the blood level of the gonadotropins in ovarian cancer patients to investigate ovarian carcinogenesis process related to gonadotropins.
METHODS
Between January 2002 and July 2003, 25 patients with ovarian tumors were treated in the Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital. 25 ovarian tumors including 7 borderline tumors, 1 sex cord stromal tumor, 1 germ cell tumor, and 16 carcinomas were examined for FSHR, LHR expression by immunohistochemistry. Serum gonadotropins were collected from 13 cases of 25 ovarian tumors who were not taking hormones at the time of blood collection.
RESULTS
Followings are results summarized. 1. Mean FSH levels were lower among cases compared with controls. LH levels were lower among cases than controls, but the difference was not statistically significant. 2. The steady decline of FSHR, LHR expression from borderline tumor (86%, 100%) to carcinoma (56%, 43%) is observed. 3. Patients showing significant gonadotropins receptors expression showed lower serum FSH and LH levels when compared with patients with no detectable gonadotropins receptors.
CONCLUSION
The presence of FSHR, LHR in ovarian tumors provide additional evidence supporting the relation of gonadotropins and ovarian carcinogenesis. But, this study did not support the hypothesis that pituitary goandotropins increase the risk of ovarian cancer. The decline of receptor expression from borderline tumors to carcinoma suggests that FSH, LH may be needed in early ovarian cancer development. If further studies of gonadal peptides and gonadotropins are done, we can suggest the cut-off value of gonadotropins on ovarian carcinogenesis.