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Kar A, Bano S, Pradhan D, Behera P, Mishra A, Kar T. Diagnosis of endometriosis by detection of nerve fibers using protein gene product 9.5 immunohistochemistry. JOURNAL OF CURRENT RESEARCH IN SCIENTIFIC MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/jcrsm.jcrsm_25_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Vallvé-Juanico J, Houshdaran S, Giudice LC. The endometrial immune environment of women with endometriosis. Hum Reprod Update 2019; 25:564-591. [PMID: 31424502 PMCID: PMC6737540 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis, a common oestrogen-dependent inflammatory disorder in women of reproductive age, is characterized by endometrial-like tissue outside its normal location in the uterus, which causes pelvic scarring, pain and infertility. While its pathogenesis is poorly understood, the immune system (systemically and locally in endometrium, pelvic endometriotic lesions and peritoneal fluid) is believed to play a central role in its aetiology, pathophysiology and associated morbidities of pain, infertility and poor pregnancy outcomes. However, immune cell populations within the endometrium of women with the disease have had incomplete phenotyping, thereby limiting insight into their roles in this disorder. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objective herein was to determine reproducible and consistent findings regarding specific immune cell populations and their abundance, steroid hormone responsiveness, functionality, activation states, and markers, locally and systemically in women with and without endometriosis. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive English language PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar search was conducted with key search terms that included endometriosis, inflammation, human eutopic/ectopic endometrium, immune cells, immune population, immune system, macrophages, dendritic cells (DC), natural killer cells, mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, B cells and T cells. OUTCOMES In women with endometriosis compared to those without endometriosis, some endometrial immune cells display similar cycle-phase variation, whereas macrophages (Mø), immature DC and regulatory T cells behave differently. A pro-inflammatory Mø1 phenotype versus anti-inflammatory Mø2 phenotype predominates and natural killer cells display abnormal activity in endometrium of women with the disease. Conflicting data largely derive from small studies, variably defined hormonal milieu and different experimental approaches and technologies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Phenotyping immune cell subtypes is essential to determine the role of the endometrial immune niche in pregnancy and endometrial homeostasis normally and in women with poor reproductive history and can facilitate development of innovative diagnostics and therapeutics for associated symptoms and compromised reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Vallvé-Juanico
- Department of Gynecology, IVI Barcelona S.L., 08017, Barcelona, Spain
- Group of Biomedical Research in Gynecology, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) and University Hospital, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94193, USA
| | - Sahar Houshdaran
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94193, USA
| | - Linda C Giudice
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94193, USA
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Rahmawati E, Yang WCV, Lei YP, Maurya PK, Chen HW, Tzeng CR. Decreased Level of Neurotrophic Factor Neuritin 1 in Women with Ovarian Endometriosis after Receiving Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4352. [PMID: 31491902 PMCID: PMC6770869 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) treatment on the expression of neuritin 1 (NRN1) in women with ovarian endometriosis. We collected tissues and serum from women with endometriosis treated with (n = 45) or without (n = 37) GnRHa. NRN1 mRNA and protein levels were measured using qPCR and Western blot. Immunolocalization of NRN1 in endometriotic tissues was examined using immunohistochemistry. In addition, a follow-up study was carried out to monitor the serum level of NRN1 in patients before and after GnRHa treatment. Both mRNA (p = 0.046) and protein (p = 0.0155) levels of NRN1 were significantly lower in endometriotic tissues from patients receiving GnRHa treatment compared to the untreated group. Both epithelial and stromal cells of endometriotic tissues from untreated women with endometriosis exhibited stronger staining of NRN1 but not in those who were treated with GnRHa. The follow-up study showed that the serum level of the NRN1 concentration decreased significantly from 1149 ± 192.3 to 379.2 ± 80.16 pg/mL after GnRHa treatment (p = 0.0098). The expression of NRN1 was significantly lower in women with ovarian endometriosis treated with GnRHa. These results suggest that NRN1 may be a biomarker response to the effect of GnRHa treatment for patients with ovarian endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endah Rahmawati
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia.
| | - Wei-Chung Vivian Yang
- The PhD Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Yen-Ping Lei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Pawan Kumar Maurya
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh 123031, India.
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan.
| | - Huei-Wen Chen
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan.
| | - Chii-Ruey Tzeng
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Kiesel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - M. Sourouni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Giray B, Esim-Buyukbayrak E, Hallac-Keser S, Karageyim-Karsidag AY, Turkgeldi A. Comparison of Nerve Fiber Density between Patients with Uterine Leiomyoma with and without Pain: a Prospective Clinical Study. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2018; 78:407-411. [PMID: 29720746 PMCID: PMC5925689 DOI: 10.1055/a-0591-1751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
We aimed to compare the presence and the amount of nerve fibers in endometrial, myometrial and leiomyoma tissues using protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) and neurofilament (NF) immunohistochemical staining in uterine leiomyoma patients with and without pain complaint.
Methods
Patients undergoing hysterectomy for uterine leiomyoma were prospectively enrolled in the study. Twenty-five uterine leiomyoma patients without pelvic pain complaint (visual analog scale (VAS) < 5) were assigned to Group 1; 23 uterine leiomyoma patients with pelvic pain complaint (VAS ≥ 5) were assigned to Group 2. Endometrial, myometrial and leiomyoma tissues obtained from hysterectomy specimens were stained immunohistochemically using PGP 9.5 and NF dyes. The presence and density of nerve fibers were compared between the two groups.
Results
None of the endometrial samples in either groups stained with PGP 9.5 and NF dyes. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of nerve fibers in myometrial and leiomyoma tissues between the two groups with either of the stains (PGP 9.5: p = 0.39 and p = 0.29; NF: p = 0.83 and p = 0.65, respectively). There was agreement between PGP 9.5 and NF immunohistochemical staining for nerve fiber detection in myometrial and leiomyoma tissues (p < 0.05/κ = 0.622 and p < 0.05/κ = 0.388, respectively).
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that the quantity and density of nerve fibers in myometrial and leiomyoma tissue in patients with pain were similar to that in patients without pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Giray
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Zeynep Kamil Women's and Children's Disease Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esra Esim-Buyukbayrak
- Department of Perinatology, Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevinc Hallac-Keser
- Department of Pathology, Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Aysegul Turkgeldi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Yan D, Liu X, Guo SW. Nerve fibers and endometriotic lesions: partners in crime in inflicting pains in women with endometriosis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2016; 209:14-24. [PMID: 27418559 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2016.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
One of major objectives in treating endometriosis is to alleviate pain since dysmenorrhea and other types of pain top the list of complaints from women with endometriosis who seek medical attention. Indeed, endometriosis-associated pain (EAP) is the most debilitating of the disease that negatively impacts on the quality of life in affected women, contributing significantly to the burden of disease and adding to the substantial personal and societal costs. Unfortunately, the mechanisms underlying the EAP are still poorly understood. In the last two decades, one active research field in endometriosis is the investigation on the distribution and genesis of nerve fibers in eutopic and ectopic endometrium, and the attempt to use endometrial nerve fiber density for diagnostic purpose. Since EAP presumably starts with the terminal sensory nerves, in or around endometriotic lesions, that transduce noxious mediators to the central nervous system (CNS) which ultimately perceives pain, this field of research holds the promise to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the EAP, thus opening new avenues for novel diagnostics and therapeutics. In this review, we shall first briefly provide some basic facts on nerve fibers, and then provide an overview of some major findings in this filed while also note some conflicting results and expose areas in need of further research. We point out that since recently accumulated evidence suggests that endometriotic lesions are wounds undergoing repeated tissue injury and repair, the relationship between endometriotic lesions and nerve fibers is not simply unidirectional, i.e. lesions promote hyperinnervations. Rather, it is bidirectional, i.e. endometriotic lesions and nerve fibers engage active cross-talks, resulting in the development of endometriosis and pain. That is, nerve fibers and endometriotic lesions are actually partners in crime in inflicting pains in women with endometriosis, aided and abetted possibly by other culprits, some yet to be identified. We provide a list of possible perpetrators likely to be involved in this crime. Finally, we discuss possible implications when viewing the relationship from this vista.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingmin Yan
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Gupta D, Hull ML, Fraser I, Miller L, Bossuyt PMM, Johnson N, Nisenblat V. Endometrial biomarkers for the non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 4:CD012165. [PMID: 27094925 PMCID: PMC6953323 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 10% of reproductive-aged women suffer from endometriosis, which is a costly, chronic disease that causes pelvic pain and subfertility. Laparoscopy is the gold standard diagnostic test for endometriosis, but it is expensive and carries surgical risks. Currently, there are no non-invasive tests available in clinical practice that accurately diagnose endometriosis. This is the first diagnostic test accuracy review of endometrial biomarkers for endometriosis that utilises Cochrane methodologies, providing an update on the rapidly expanding literature in this field. OBJECTIVES To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the endometrial biomarkers for pelvic endometriosis, using a surgical diagnosis as the reference standard. We evaluated the tests as replacement tests for diagnostic surgery and as triage tests to inform decisions to undertake surgery for endometriosis. SEARCH METHODS We did not restrict the searches to particular study designs, language or publication dates. To identify trials, we searched the following databases: CENTRAL (2015, July), MEDLINE (inception to May 2015), EMBASE (inception to May 2015), CINAHL (inception to April 2015), PsycINFO (inception to April 2015), Web of Science (inception to April 2015), LILACS (inception to April 2015), OAIster (inception to April 2015), TRIP (inception to April 2015) and ClinicalTrials.gov (inception to April 2015). We searched DARE and PubMed databases up to April 2015 to identify reviews and guidelines as sources of references to potentially relevant studies. We also performed searches for papers recently published and not yet indexed in the major databases. The search strategies incorporated words in the title, abstract, text words across the record and the medical subject headings (MeSH). SELECTION CRITERIA We considered published peer-reviewed, randomised controlled or cross-sectional studies of any size that included prospectively collected samples from any population of reproductive-aged women suspected of having one or more of the following target conditions: ovarian, peritoneal or deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently extracted data from each study and performed a quality assessment. For each endometrial diagnostic test, we classified the data as positive or negative for the surgical detection of endometriosis and calculated the estimates of sensitivity and specificity. We considered two or more tests evaluated in the same cohort as separate data sets. We used the bivariate model to obtain pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity whenever sufficient data were available. The predetermined criteria for a clinically useful test to replace diagnostic surgery was one with a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 79%. The criteria for triage tests were set at sensitivity at or above 95% and specificity at or above 50%, which in case of negative results rules out the diagnosis (SnOUT test) or sensitivity at or above 50% with specificity at or above 95%, which in case of positive result rules in the diagnosis (SpIN test). MAIN RESULTS We included 54 studies involving 2729 participants, most of which were of poor methodological quality. The studies evaluated endometrial biomarkers either in specific phases of the menstrual cycle or outside of it, and the studies tested the biomarkers either in menstrual fluid, in whole endometrial tissue or in separate endometrial components. Twenty-seven studies evaluated the diagnostic performance of 22 endometrial biomarkers for endometriosis. These were angiogenesis and growth factors (PROK-1), cell-adhesion molecules (integrins α3β1, α4β1, β1 and α6), DNA-repair molecules (hTERT), endometrial and mitochondrial proteome, hormonal markers (CYP19, 17βHSD2, ER-α, ER-β), inflammatory markers (IL-1R2), myogenic markers (caldesmon, CALD-1), neural markers (PGP 9.5, VIP, CGRP, SP, NPY, NF) and tumour markers (CA-125). Most of these biomarkers were assessed in single studies, whilst only data for PGP 9.5 and CYP19 were available for meta-analysis. These two biomarkers demonstrated significant diversity for the diagnostic estimates between the studies; however, the data were too limited to reliably determine the sources of heterogeneity. The mean sensitivities and specificities of PGP 9.5 (7 studies, 361 women) were 0.96 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91 to 1.00) and 0.86 (95% CI 0.70 to 1.00), after excluding one outlier study, and for CYP19 (8 studies, 444 women), they were were 0.77 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.85) and 0.74 (95% CI 0.65 to 84), respectively. We could not statistically evaluate other biomarkers in a meaningful way. An additional 31 studies evaluated 77 biomarkers that showed no evidence of differences in expression levels between the groups of women with and without endometriosis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We could not statistically evaluate most of the biomarkers assessed in this review in a meaningful way. In view of the low quality of most of the included studies, the findings of this review should be interpreted with caution. Although PGP 9.5 met the criteria for a replacement test, it demonstrated considerable inter study heterogeneity in diagnostic estimates, the source of which could not be determined. Several endometrial biomarkers, such as endometrial proteome, 17βHSD2, IL-1R2, caldesmon and other neural markers (VIP, CGRP, SP, NPY and combination of VIP, PGP 9.5 and SP) showed promising evidence of diagnostic accuracy, but there was insufficient or poor quality evidence for any clinical recommendations. Laparoscopy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of endometriosis, and using any non-invasive tests should only be undertaken in a research setting. We have also identified a number of biomarkers that demonstrated no diagnostic value for endometriosis. We recommend that researchers direct future studies towards biomarkers with high diagnostic potential in good quality diagnostic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Louise Hull
- The University of AdelaideDiscipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research InstituteKing William RoadAdelaideSouth AustrailaAustralia
| | - Ian Fraser
- University of New South WalesSchool of Women's and Children's Health, Royal Hospital for WomenBarker StSydneyNSWAustralia2131
| | - Laura Miller
- Fertility PlusDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyAuckland District Health BoardAucklandNew Zealand1142
| | - Patrick MM Bossuyt
- Academic Medical Center, University of AmsterdamDepartment of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and BioinformaticsRoom J1b‐217, PO Box 22700AmsterdamNetherlands1100 DE
| | - Neil Johnson
- The University of AdelaideDiscipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research InstituteKing William RoadAdelaideSouth AustrailaAustralia
| | - Vicki Nisenblat
- The University of AdelaideDiscipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research InstituteKing William RoadAdelaideSouth AustrailaAustralia
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Ping S, Ma C, Liu P, Yang L, Yang X, Wu Q, Zhao X, Gong B. Molecular mechanisms underlying endometriosis pathogenesis revealed by bioinformatics analysis of microarray data. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2015; 293:797-804. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-015-3875-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Update on Biomarkers for the Detection of Endometriosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:130854. [PMID: 26240814 PMCID: PMC4512573 DOI: 10.1155/2015/130854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is histologically characterized by the displacement of endometrial tissue to extrauterine locations including the pelvic peritoneum, ovaries, and bowel. An important cause of infertility and pelvic pain, the individual and global socioeconomic burden of endometriosis is significant. Laparoscopy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of the condition. However, the invasive nature of surgery, coupled with the lack of a laboratory biomarker for the disease, results in a mean latency of 7–11 years from onset of symptoms to definitive diagnosis. Unfortunately, the delay in diagnosis may have significant consequences in terms of disease progression. The discovery of a sufficiently sensitive and specific biomarker for the nonsurgical detection of endometriosis promises earlier diagnosis and prevention of deleterious sequelae and represents a clear research priority. In this review, we describe and discuss the current status of biomarkers of endometriosis in plasma, urine, and endometrium.
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Morotti M, Vincent K, Brawn J, Zondervan KT, Becker CM. Peripheral changes in endometriosis-associated pain. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:717-36. [PMID: 24859987 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain remains the cardinal symptom of endometriosis. However, to date, the underlying mechanisms are still only poorly understood. Increasing evidence points towards a close interaction between peripheral nerves, the peritoneal environment and the central nervous system in pain generation and processing. Recently, studies demonstrating nerve fibres and neurotrophic and angiogenic factors in endometriotic lesions and their vicinity have led to increased interest in peripheral changes in endometriosis-associated pain. This review focuses on the origin and function of these nerves and factors as well as possible peripheral mechanisms that may contribute to the generation and modulation of pain in women with endometriosis. METHODS We conducted a systematic search using several databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL) of publications from January 1977 to October 2013 to evaluate the possible roles of the peripheral nervous system in endometriosis pathophysiology and how it can contribute to endometriosis-associated pain. RESULTS Endometriotic lesions and peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis had pronounced neuroangiogenic properties with increased expression of new nerve fibres, a shift in the distribution of sensory and autonomic fibres in some locations, and up-regulation of several neurotrophins. In women suffering from deep infiltrating endometriosis and bowel endometriosis, in which the anatomical distribution of lesions is generally more closely related to pelvic pain symptoms, endometriotic lesions and surrounding tissues present higher nerve fibre densities compared with peritoneal lesions and endometriomas. More data are needed to fully confirm a direct correlation between fibre density in these locations and the amount of perceived pain. A better correlation between the presence of nerve fibres and pain symptoms seems to exist for eutopic endometrium. However, this appears not to be exclusive to endometriosis. No correlation between elevated neurotrophin levels and pain severity appears to exist, suggesting the involvement of other mediators in the modulation of pain. CONCLUSIONS The increased expression of neurotrophic factors and nerve fibres in endometriotic lesions, eutopic endometrium and the peritoneum imply a role of such peripheral changes in the pathogenesis of endometriosis-associated pain. However, a clear link between these findings and pain in patients with endometriosis has so far not been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Morotti
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Genoa, Genoa 16100, Italy
| | - Katy Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Jennifer Brawn
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Krina T Zondervan
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Christian M Becker
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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Wand S, Weissman A, Sagiv R, Schreiber L, Boaz M, Horowitz E, Ravhon A, Seadia S, Barkat J, Golan A, Lavran D. Endometrial nerve fibre density in patients undergoing IVF: a pilot study. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 28:761-5. [PMID: 24745833 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2013] [Revised: 12/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The presence of nerve fibres in the functional layer of the endometrium has been strongly associated with endometriosis. Presence of nerve fibres in the endometrium of women undergoing IVF has not been previously assessed. This prospective pilot study assessed the presence of nerve fibres in endometrium of women undergoing IVF due to various causes and examined the correlation between the presence of nerve fibres and IVF success. A total of 32 IVF patients underwent endometrial biopsy during days 21-23 of the menstrual cycle. Nerve fibres were identified by immunohistochemical staining. Correlations between the presence and density of nerve fibres and aetiology of infertility and IVF success were measured. Nerve fibres were identified in the endometrium of 10/31 (32.3%) women with a satisfactory biopsy. Presence of nerve fibres was not correlated with cause of infertility. Clinical pregnancy was achieved in 12/32 (37.5%) patients, without correlation to presence of nerve fibres in the endometrium. Nerve fibres were identified in a substantial percentage of women undergoing IVF, possibly reflecting underdiagnosis of endometriosis in this population. The presence of nerve fibres does not appear to interfere with implantation. The significance of nerve fibres in the endometrium of IVF patients warrants further research. The presence of nerve fibres in the functional layer of the endometrium has been strongly associated with endometriosis. The presence of nerve fibres in the endometrium of women undergoing IVF has not been previously assessed. Our aim was to assess the presence of nerve fibres in endometrium of women with various causes of infertility undergoing IVF and to examine the association between the presence of nerve fibres in the endometrium and IVF success. In a prospective study, 32 IVF patients underwent endometrial biopsy during days 21-23 of the menstrual cycle. Nerve fibres were identified by immunohistochemical staining. Associations between the presence and density of nerve fibres and the aetiology of infertility and IVF success were measured. Nerve fibres were identified in the endometrium of 10/31 (32.3%) women with a satisfactory biopsy. No association was found between the presence of nerve fibres and the cause of infertility. Clinical pregnancy was achieved in 12/32 (37.5%) patients, without association with the presence of nerve fibres in the endometrium. Nerve fibres can be identified in a substantial percentage of women undergoing IVF, possibly reflecting underdiagnosis of endometriosis in this population. Their presence does not interfere with embryo implantation. The significance of nerve fibres in the endometrium of IVF patients warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanna Wand
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ariel Weissman
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Ron Sagiv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Letizia Schreiber
- Department of Pathology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mona Boaz
- Epidemiology and Research Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Horowitz
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amir Ravhon
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sarit Seadia
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jonathan Barkat
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Abraham Golan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - David Lavran
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Kobayashi H, Yamada Y, Morioka S, Niiro E, Shigemitsu A, Ito F. Mechanism of pain generation for endometriosis-associated pelvic pain. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2013; 289:13-21. [PMID: 24121693 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-013-3049-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Endometriosis-associated pelvic pain appears due to persistent nociceptive stimulation, but the precise mechanisms remain poorly understood. METHODS A search was conducted to screen and select articles from PubMed. MAIN RESULTS Neurotrophins (NTs), a family of neuronal growth factors, are overexpressed in endometriosis and encompass NGF, BDNF and NT-3 and NT-4/5. NT receptors, TrkA and p75NTR, and NT receptor-interacting proteins, MAGE and NDN, were also expressed. NTs and their receptors play a role in the development and maintenance of neural tissues in non-neuronal cell types such as endometriosis. Nerve fibers contain unmyelinated sensory C, myelinated sensory Adelta and adrenergic nerve fibers that innervate abnormal cell growths. An increased release of proinflammatory cytokines from endometriotic lesions is responsible for the excessive sensory innervation and development of chronic pelvic pain. CONCLUSIONS The preponderance of the inflammatory milieu and subsequent hyperinnervation might be involved in the pathophysiology of pain generation in women with endometriosis.
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Is the detection of endometrial nerve fibers useful in the diagnosis of endometriosis? Int J Gynecol Pathol 2013; 32:149-55. [PMID: 23370651 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0b013e31825b0585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Laparoscopy is currently considered to be the gold standard investigation in patients suspected to have endometriosis, but this is an invasive and relatively costly procedure and there may be significant delays in diagnosis. As the eutopic endometrium is recognized to be abnormal in patients with endometriosis, it has been suggested that endometrial sampling could provide an indirect diagnostic approach. In particular, recent reports have suggested that the presence of nerve fibers within the endometrial functional layer could represent a specific and sensitive marker of concurrent peritoneal endometriosis. However, such studies have been performed in select patient groups and using novel sampling and analytic techniques that are not used routinely in clinical pathology laboratories. The present study was performed upon conventional endometrial biopsies from 68 patients who underwent laparoscopy for suspected endometriosis. The biopsies were stained immunohistochemically for the neural marker PGP 9.5 and examined in a blinded manner. Endometrial functional layer nerve fibers were identified in 15 (22%) biopsies overall including 9/47 (19%) cases with histologically confirmed peritoneal endometriosis and 6/21 (29% cases) without endometriosis. There was no correlation between the presence of functional layer nerve fibers and the presenting symptoms, endometrial histology, or current hormonal therapy. In our experience, endometrial functional layer nerve fibers assessment performed using standard immunohistochemical techniques on routine biopsy specimens proved neither sensitive nor specific for the diagnosis of endometriosis. Pathologists and gynecologists considering this diagnostic approach should carefully consider the methodological factors that may influence its reliability.
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Newman TA, Bailey JL, Stocker LJ, Woo YL, Macklon NS, Cheong YC. Expression of neuronal markers in the endometrium of women with and those without endometriosis. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:2502-10. [PMID: 23820422 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How do the expression patterns of neuronal markers differ in the endometrium of women with and without endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER The neuronal markers, PGP9.5, NGFp75 and VR1, are expressed in the endometrium at levels that do not differ between women with and without endometriosis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Aberrant neuronal growth within the uterus may contribute to abnormal fertility and uterine dysfunction. However, controversy still exists as to whether aberrant innervation in the endometrium is associated with gynaecological pathology such as endometriosis. This may reflect the use of subjective methods such as histology to assess the innervation of the endometrium. We, therefore, employed a quantitative method, western blotting, to study markers of endometrial innervation in the presence and absence of endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study included 45 women undergoing laparoscopic examination for the diagnosis of endometriosis. Endometrial samples were analysed by western blot for the expression of neuronal and neurotrophic markers, PGP9.5, VR1 and NGFp75. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Endometrial pipelle biopsies were obtained from patients with (n = 20, study group) and without (n = 25, control group) endometriosis. Tissue was analysed by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis for the expression of pan-neuronal marker, PGP9.5, sensory nociceptive marker, TPVR1, and low-affinity neurotrophic growth factor receptor, NGFRp75. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE PGP9.5, NGFp75 and VR1 were expressed in the endometrium of women, independent of the presence of endometriosis. Furthermore, the expression level of PGP9.5, VR1 and NGFp75 did not alter between the two cohorts of women. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Studies of this nature are subject to the heterogeneous nature of patient population and tissue samples despite attempts to standardize these parameters. Hence, further studies using similar methodology will be required to confirm our results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results highlight that sensory neuronal markers are present in women with and without endometriosis. Future work will assess what the targets of the endometrial nerves are and investigate their function, their impact on endometrial biology and, in particular, whether aberrant neuronal function, rather than the mere presence of neuronal function, could be the root cause of subfertility and/or pain affecting many endometriosis sufferers. Our results do not, however, confirm the previous paradigm of increased innervation in the endometrium of women with endometriosis, nor the use of nerve cell detection from pipelle biopsies to diagnose endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Newman
- CES, Medicine, Institute of Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Renner S, Burghaus S, Hackl J, Hartmann P, Knoll M, Küpker W. Endometriose. GYNAKOLOGISCHE ENDOKRINOLOGIE 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10304-013-0556-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Lessey BA, Higdon HL, Miller SE, Price TA. Intraoperative detection of subtle endometriosis: a novel paradigm for detection and treatment of pelvic pain associated with the loss of peritoneal integrity. J Vis Exp 2012:4313. [PMID: 23288271 DOI: 10.3791/4313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common disease affecting 40 to 70% of reproductive-aged women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and/or infertility. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the use of a blue dye (methylene blue) to stain peritoneal surfaces during laparoscopy (L/S) to detect the loss of peritoneal integrity in patients with pelvic pain and suspected endometriosis. Forty women with CPP and 5 women without pain were evaluated in this pilot study. During L/S, concentrated dye was sprayed onto peritoneal surfaces, then aspirated and rinsed with Lactated Ringers solution. Areas of localized dye uptake were evaluated for the presence of visible endometriotic lesions. Areas of intense peritoneal staining were resected and some fixed in 2.5% buffered gluteraldehyde and examined by scanning (SEM) electron microscopy. Blue dye uptake was more common in women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain than controls (85% vs. 40%). Resection of the blue stained areas revealed endometriosis by SEM and loss of peritoneal cell-cell contact compared to normal, non-staining peritoneum. Affected peritoneum was associated with visible endometriotic implants in most but not all patients. Subjective pain relief was reported in 80% of subjects. Based on scanning electron microscopy, we conclude that endometrial cells extend well beyond visible implants of endometriosis and appear to disrupt the underlying mesothelium. Subtle lesions of endometriosis could therefore cause pelvic pain by disruption of peritoneal integrity, allowing menstrual or ovulatory blood and associated pain factors access to underlying sensory nerves. Complete resection of affected peritoneum may provide a better long-term treatment for endometriosis and CPP. This simple technique appears to improve detection of subtle or near invisible endometriosis in women with CPP and minimal visual findings at L/S and may serve to elevate diagnostic accuracy for endometriosis at laparoscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Greenville Hospital System.
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Li X, Gong X, Zhu L, Leng J, Fan Q, Sun D, Lang J, Fan Y. Stretch magnitude- and frequency-dependent cyclooxygenase 2 and prostaglandin E2 up-regulation in human endometrial stromal cells: Possible implications in endometriosis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2012; 237:1350-8. [DOI: 10.1258/ebm.2012.012060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis, with a prevalence rate ranging from 6% to 10%, is the major contributor to pelvic pain and subfertility, and considerably reduces the quality of life in affected women. However, the pathogenesis of this disease remains largely unknown. The present study aimed to uncover the role of hyperperistalsis in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, by exploring the response of human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) to the cyclic stretch in vitro. ESCs isolated from 18 different endometrium biopsies undergoing hysterectomy for myoma were subjected to uniaxial cyclic stretches with different magnitude and frequency using the Uniaxial Tension System. Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1) in stretched and unstretched ESCs were assessed by realtime quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the culture medium was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The cyclic stretch mimicking hyperperistalsis in endometriosis (5% elongation at 4 cycles/min) stimulated quick up-regulations of COX-2 and mPGES-1 simultaneously on both transcriptional and translational levels, and delayed PGE2 overproduction was also noted in ESCs. As the stretch magnitude or frequency increased, so did overexpression of COX-2 and PGE2 ( P < 0.05). By contrast, the cyclic stretch mimicking physiological peristalsis (3% elongation at 2 cycles/min) did not induce significant COX-2, mPGES-1 or PGE2production within 12 h. Both COX-2 and mPEGS-1 are PGE2 synthases, and the aberrant COX-2 and PGE2 production play important roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Therefore, the present findings revealed that increased stretch stimuli from the hyperperistalsis of endometriosis were capable of causing the aberrant COX-2 and PGE2 expression in the endometrium by mechanotransduction, in a magnitude and frequency-dependent manner. It implied possible roles of hyperperistalsis in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, particularly in the view of COX-2 and PGE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochuan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College,1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng 100730
| | - Xianghui Gong
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, XueYuan Road No. 37, Haidian District 100191, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College,1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng 100730
| | - Jinhua Leng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College,1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng 100730
| | - Qingbo Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College,1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng 100730
| | - Dawei Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College,1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng 100730
| | - Jinghe Lang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College,1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng 100730
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, XueYuan Road No. 37, Haidian District 100191, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Wu Y, Wang LP, Pan JQ. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists may be a novel therapy for endometriosis. Med Hypotheses 2011; 77:745-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2011.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Revised: 07/07/2011] [Accepted: 07/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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