Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Uterine Fibroids: Evidence from Animal and Human Cell Studies

Introduction: Uterine fibroids are the most prevalent benign tumors among premenopausal women, often presenting with heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, pelvic pain, and infertility. Conventional treatments, including surgical interventions and systemic pharmacotherapy, are frequently limited by adverse effects and incomplete efficacy. Recent studies have emphasized the potential of nanoparticles as targeted drug delivery systems, offering enhanced drug stability and bioavailability, reduced dosages, and improved therapeutic outcomes. This review aims to examine the primary types of nanoparticles utilized in the treatment of uterine fibroids. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science was conducted to identify studies published between ۲۰۱۰ and ۲۰۲۵ that investigated the use of nanoparticles in uterine fibroid therapy. Keywords included “uterine fibroid,” “nanoparticles,” “therapy,” and related combinations. Both animal models and human cell studies were considered, with extracted data encompassing nanoparticle type, experimental model, dosage, therapeutic outcomes, and safety profiles, summarized in a comprehensive table. Review articles and preclinical studies lacking sufficient data were excluded. Results: The analysis revealed that metallic and polymeric nanoparticles effectively reduced fibroid growth, suppressed Ki۶۷ expression, and promoted apoptosis while enabling controlled drug release. Magnetic and peptide-based nanoparticles improved the efficiency of HSV-TK suicide gene delivery and selectively inhibited fibroid cell proliferation. Liposomal and electrospun nanoparticles enhanced cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, modulating proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways in a concentration- and drug-dependent manner. Conclusion: Nanoparticles represent a promising, minimally invasive approach for uterine fibroid management. Various nanoparticle classes—including metallic, polymeric, magnetic, peptide-based, and liposomal systems have demonstrated significant therapeutic effects in both animal models and human cell studies. However, clinical research remains limited, and long-term safety assessments are essential. Future studies should focus on pharmacokinetics, optimal dosing, and potential adverse effects in humans to facilitate the translation of these technologies into clinical practice.

کلیدواژه ها:

Uterine fibroids ، Nanoparticles ، Drug delivery systems ، Gene therapy ، Apoptosis ، Targeted therapy