Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Uterine Fibroids

Abstract

Lifestyle factors, such as alcohol intake, have placed a substantial burden on public health. Alcohol consumption is increasing globally due to several factors including easy accessibility of this addictive substance besides its legal status and social acceptability. In the US, alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of death (after tobacco, poor diet and physical inactivity) with an estimated 88,000 people dying from alcohol-related causes annually, representing 1 in 10 deaths among working adults. Furthermore, the economic burden of excess drinking costs the US around $249 billion ($191.1 billion related to binge drinking). Although men likely drink more than women do, women are at much higher risk for alcohol-related problems. Alcohol use is also considered to be one of the most common non-communicable diseases, which affects reproductive health. This review article summarizes the current knowledge about alcohol-related pathogenesis of uterine fibroids (UFs) and highlights the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the development of UFs in response to alcohol consumption. Additionally, the effect of alcohol on the levels of various factors that are involved in UFs pathogenesis, such as steroid hormones, growth factors and cytokines, are summarized in this review. Animal studies of deleterious alcohol effect and future directions are discussed as well.

Comprehensive Review of Uterine Fibroids: Developmental Origin, Pathogenesis, and Treatment

“…Moreover, a study of 1146 premenopausal African American and Caucasian women showed that current alcohol intake in Caucasian women is associated with an increased risk of uterine fibroids compared to African Americans and nondrinkers. Although no correlation between alcohol intake and uterine fibroid risk in African Americans was found, the relationship of current and past drinking history and uterine fibroid size was generally similar among African American and White women ( 35 ).…”

“…Other important risk factors include obesity ( 23-25 ), vitamin D deficiency ( 26-28 ), excessive vitamin E levels ( 29 ), altered reproductive tract microbiome ( 30 ), exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (eg, organophosphate esters and plasticizers) ( 31 , 32 ), and various early-life adverse environmental exposures ( 33 ). Individual and environmental risk factors associated with tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse can also contribute to the formation of uterine fibroids ( 34 , 35 ). More risk factors are associated with a higher probability of uterine fibroid formation and development ( 1 , 23 ).…”

“…Heavy alcohol consumption is a risk factor for uterine fibroids ( 35 ). The Nurses’ Health Study II revealed the positive association between current alcohol consumption and risk of uterine fibroids ( 35 , 218 ).…”

“…Heavy alcohol consumption is a risk factor for uterine fibroids ( 35 ). The Nurses’ Health Study II revealed the positive association between current alcohol consumption and risk of uterine fibroids ( 35 , 218 ). The Black Women Health Study concluded that uterine fibroids risk among African American women is positively correlated with past and current alcohol intake ( 219 ).…”

Vitamins and Uterine Fibroids: Current Data on Pathophysiology and Possible Clinical Relevance

“…Furthermore, the incidence of UFs has been shown to be greater in populations consuming more red meat, for example, beef [31]. The lesions have also been positively associated with the current consumption of alcohol, particularly beer [32,33], whereas a diet rich in green vegetables and citrus fruits seemed to be a protective factor [34]. Many people believe in the beneficial power of vitamins, both in isolated diseases, and for health in general.…”