Introduction/Background The role of sex hormones in ovarian cancer (OC) pathogenesis is indisputable. Serotonin and histamine perform neuroendocrine regulation of reproductive processes. Our aim was to study sex hormones and biogenic amines in tumorous and contralateral ovaries of OC patients.

Methodology Levels of estradiol (E₂), testosterone (T), progesterone (P₄), histamine (H) and serotonin (5HT) (Hema, Russia) and enzyme activity of MAO-A and DAO were measured in tissues of cystadenocarcinomas and contralateral non-tumorous ovaries of 24 patients (mean age 56.5±2.6 years) with stage III–IV OC using standard ELISA kits. Visually and morphologically unchanged ovaries removed during surgery for uterine fibroids in 21 women of similar age were studied as intact tissues. All patients gave their voluntary informed consent for the study.

Results Levels of P4 in tumorous ovaries, compared to intact organs, were 1.5 times lower, E2 - 2.1 times higher, 5HT and H - 3.5 and 2 times lower, MAO-A activity - 2.5 times higher, and DAO activity - 3.4 times higher. In histologically unchanged contralateral ovaries, P4 levels were 1.6 times lower than in intact tissues, E2 - 2.3 times higher, 5HT - 2.6 times lower, H - 2 times lower, MAO-A activity - 1.9 times higher, and DAO activity - 4.1 times higher. Levels of T in tumorous and contralateral ovaries were similar and did not differ from the norm. Both tumorous and contralateral ovaries showed hyperestrogenism, hypoprogestinemia, and serotonin and histamine deficiency with an increased activity of amine oxidases.

Conclusion Contralateral morphologically unchanged ovaries demonstrated similar hormonal and metabolic profile, compared to the organ affected by malignant tumors. The metabolic profile in the ovaries underwent changes similar to the tumor process even before the malignant transformation. The results indicate a systemic reproductive system lesion in OC.

Disclosure Nothing to disclose.