Methods and compounds for treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding

Abstract

The invention provides methods for treating abnormal uterine bleeding via application of compounds that block uterine stromal cell response to angiogenic growth factors by interfering with the growth factors themselves, by blocking receptors in the uterine epithelial or stromal cells to those growth factors, and/or by inhibiting other receptors to those growth factors. The compounds include interferons, particularly type I interferons, pirfenidone, heparin, heparin-like polyaromatic anionic compounds, heparin-sulfate-based compounds, secreted or soluble FGF receptors, and/or RGD-peptide. The angiogenic growth factors to which response is blocked include basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), FGF receptors (FGFR), acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF), transforming growth factor &bgr; (TGF-&bgr;), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), heparin binding epidermal growth factor (HBEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and/or prolactin. The methods contemplate introducing the aforementioned response-blocking compounds into the body of a patient either systemically, e.g., via injection or implant, or locally to the uterus, e.g., via medicated intrauterine devices, foams and the like. The invention also provides methods for female contraception comprising administering the aforementioned response-blocking compounds, along with progestin or a progestin-only contraceptive, to inhibit pregancy while reducing bleeding otherwise associated with such contraceptives.