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Bouzid K, Bourdon M, Bartkowski R, Verbanck M, Chapron C, Marcellin L, Batteux F, Santulli P, Doridot L. Menstrual Blood Donation for Endometriosis Research: A Cross-Sectional Survey on Women's Willingness and Potential Barriers. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1617-1625. [PMID: 38418666 PMCID: PMC11111534 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01481-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
An anonymous online survey in French was used to assess if endometriosis patients would be as ready as unaffected women to donate their menstrual blood for biological research on endometriosis and evaluate potential barriers to such donation. It was distributed in September 2022 by social media and two mailing lists, including a French patient organization. The questionnaire assessed participant age and brief medical history (hormonal contraception, endometriosis diagnosis, type of endometriosis), menstrual experience (menstrual blood abundance, dysmenorrhea), and whether participants would donate menstrual blood. Women who self-declared with an established endometriosis diagnosis versus no endometriosis were compared. Seven hundred seventy-eight women answered the survey. Among women with menstruation (n = 568), 78% are willing to donate menstrual blood for research. Importantly, this proportion was higher in women who declared having an established endometriosis diagnosis (83%, n = 299) compared to self-declared unaffected women (68%, n = 134, p < 0.001). The previous use of a menstrual cup and dysmenorrhea were significantly associated with the willingness to donate menstrual blood, while the use of hormonal contraception was significantly associated with an unwillingness to donate. Only the previous use of the menstrual cup had a predictive value for menstrual blood donation. No significant relationship was observed between menstrual blood donation and age, heavy menstrual bleeding and in endometriosis patients, endometriosis subtypes. In conclusion, women affected or not by endometriosis are largely willing to donate their menstrual blood for research on endometriosis, dysmenorrhea is not a barrier for donation, and women who use a menstrual cup are the more likely to donate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kheira Bouzid
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, Inserm, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Mathilde Bourdon
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, Inserm, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France
- Département de Gynécologie, Obstétrique Et Médecine de La Reproduction, AP-HP, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Roxane Bartkowski
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, Inserm, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Marie Verbanck
- UR 7537 - BioSTM Biostatistique, Traitement et Modélisation des données Biologiques, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Cité, F-75270, Paris, France
| | - Charles Chapron
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, Inserm, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France
- Département de Gynécologie, Obstétrique Et Médecine de La Reproduction, AP-HP, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Louis Marcellin
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, Inserm, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France
- Département de Gynécologie, Obstétrique Et Médecine de La Reproduction, AP-HP, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Frederic Batteux
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, Inserm, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France
- Service d'Immunologie Biologique, AP-HP, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Pietro Santulli
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, Inserm, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France
- Département de Gynécologie, Obstétrique Et Médecine de La Reproduction, AP-HP, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Ludivine Doridot
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, Inserm, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France.
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2
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Abraham JM, V R. Emotions of endometriosis in clinical encounters: An analysis of women's experiences of health care. J Eval Clin Pract 2024; 30:575-581. [PMID: 38368600 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large number of illnesses that lack physical visibility are characterised by troubled clinical encounters. Endometriosis is one such condition with very real and often debilitating symptoms that remain invisible to the clinician's eye, but are experienced and lived by the patient. METHOD This paper probes into two first person accounts of endometriosis to find out how endometriosis patients experience health care. The Tiger and the Cage: A Memoir of a Body in Crisis (2022) by Emma Bolden and Vagina Problems: Endometriosis, Painful Sex, and Other Taboo Topics (2020) by Lara Parker are both memoirs that details on the trivialisation and delegitimization of the women's accounts of their own lived reality by a health care system that often privileges medical evidence over lived experiences of the patients. After giving a brief introduction on the condition, the paper goes on to detail on the method and conceptual frameworks chosen for analysis. This is followed by an in-depth analysis into the two texts using thematic analysis proposed by Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke to identify shared patterns of meanings in the texts. DISCUSSION The identified themes take the form of emotions repeatedly narrated by the women. The findings indicate instances of disrespect, epistemic invalidation and compromised autonomy, due to which six shared categories of negative emotions are experienced by the patients: self-doubt, shame, fear, powerlessness, self-blame and anger. CONCLUSION The paper concludes by indicating the urgency of improved medical training, that better educates and facilitates health care professionals in dealing with conditions with complicated aetiology, difficult diagnosis and no cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Abraham
- School of Social Sciences and Languages, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, India
| | - Rajasekaran V
- School of Social Sciences and Languages, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, India
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Potolicchio A, Jehaes C, Merlot B, Assenat V, Dennis T, Roman H, Francois MO, Denost Q. Treatment techniques for rectovaginal fistulas after low rectal resection for deep endometriosis. Tech Coloproctol 2024; 28:51. [PMID: 38684547 DOI: 10.1007/s10151-024-02923-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a benign gynecologic affection that may lead to major surgeries, such as colorectal resections. Rectovaginal fistulas (RVF) are among the possible complications. When they occur, it is necessary to adapt the repair surgery as best as possible to limit their functional consequences. This video shows three different techniques for correcting RVF after rectal resection for endometriosis, with a combination of perineal surgery and laparoscopy: a mucosal flap, a transanal transection and single stapled anastomosis (TTSS) and a pull through. Supplementary file1 (MP4 469658 KB).
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Affiliation(s)
- A Potolicchio
- Clinique Tivoli-Ducos, Bordeaux Colorectal Institute, Bordeaux, France
| | - C Jehaes
- Clinique Tivoli-Ducos, Bordeaux Colorectal Institute, Bordeaux, France.
| | - B Merlot
- Clinique Tivoli-Ducos, Franco-European Multidisciplinary Endometriosis Institute, Bordeaux, France
| | - V Assenat
- Clinique Tivoli-Ducos, Bordeaux Colorectal Institute, Bordeaux, France
| | - T Dennis
- Clinique Tivoli-Ducos, Franco-European Multidisciplinary Endometriosis Institute, Bordeaux, France
| | - H Roman
- Clinique Tivoli-Ducos, Franco-European Multidisciplinary Endometriosis Institute, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - M-O Francois
- Clinique Tivoli-Ducos, Bordeaux Colorectal Institute, Bordeaux, France
| | - Q Denost
- Clinique Tivoli-Ducos, Bordeaux Colorectal Institute, Bordeaux, France
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Kanno K, Nakayama K, Razia S, Islam SH, Farzana ZU, Sonia SB, Yamashita H, Ishikawa M, Ishibashi T, Imamura K, Kiyono T, Kyo S. Association between KRAS and PIK3CA Mutations and Progesterone Resistance in Endometriotic Epithelial Cell Line. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:3579-3594. [PMID: 38666954 PMCID: PMC11049223 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46040224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Although endometriosis is a benign disease, it is associated with cancer-related gene mutations, such as KRAS or PIK3CA. Endometriosis is associated with elevated levels of inflammatory factors that cause severe pain. In a previous study, we demonstrated that KRAS or PIK3CA mutations are associated with the activation of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in a patient-derived immortalized endometriotic cell line, HMOsisEC10. In this study, we investigated the effects of these mutations on progesterone resistance. Since the HMOsisEC10 had suppressed progesterone receptor (PR) expression, we transduced PR-B to HMOsisEc10 cell lines including KRAS mutant and PIK3CA mutant cell lines. We conducted a migration assay, invasion assay, and MTT assay using dienogest and medroxyprogestrone acetate. All cell lines showed progesterone sensitivity with or without mutations. Regarding inflammatory factors, real-time quantitative RT-PCR revealed that the KRAS mutation cell line exhibited no suppression of Cox-2 and mPGES-1 on progesterone treatment, whereas IL-6, MCP-1, VEGF, and CYP19A1 were significantly suppressed by progesterone in both mutated cell lines. Our results suggest that KRAS mutation and PIK3CA mutation in endometriotic cells may not be associated with progesterone resistance in terms of aggressiveness. However, KRAS mutations may be associated with progesterone resistance in the context of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Kanno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-0021, Japan; (K.K.); (S.H.I.); (Z.U.F.); (S.B.S.); (H.Y.); (M.I.)
| | - Kentaro Nakayama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya City University East Medical Center, Nagoya 464-8547, Japan;
| | - Sultana Razia
- Department of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-0021, Japan;
| | - Sohel Hasibul Islam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-0021, Japan; (K.K.); (S.H.I.); (Z.U.F.); (S.B.S.); (H.Y.); (M.I.)
| | - Zahan Umme Farzana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-0021, Japan; (K.K.); (S.H.I.); (Z.U.F.); (S.B.S.); (H.Y.); (M.I.)
| | - Shahataj Begum Sonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-0021, Japan; (K.K.); (S.H.I.); (Z.U.F.); (S.B.S.); (H.Y.); (M.I.)
| | - Hitomi Yamashita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-0021, Japan; (K.K.); (S.H.I.); (Z.U.F.); (S.B.S.); (H.Y.); (M.I.)
| | - Masako Ishikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-0021, Japan; (K.K.); (S.H.I.); (Z.U.F.); (S.B.S.); (H.Y.); (M.I.)
| | - Tomoka Ishibashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya City University East Medical Center, Nagoya 464-8547, Japan;
| | - Kayo Imamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unnan City Hospital, Unnan 699-1221, Japan;
| | - Tohru Kiyono
- Project for Prevention of HPV-Related Cancer, National Cancer Center, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), Kashiwa 277-8577, Japan;
| | - Satoru Kyo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-0021, Japan; (K.K.); (S.H.I.); (Z.U.F.); (S.B.S.); (H.Y.); (M.I.)
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Öberg Westin M, Wikberg C, Björkelund C, Ariai N, Lindahl AC, Hange D. Laying the Groundwork: A Pilot Study Exploring Improved Endometriosis Management Strategies in Primary Healthcare. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:1325-1333. [PMID: 38596645 PMCID: PMC11003436 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s375279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate if a brief educational intervention for primary health care staff regarding endometriosis gives sustainable knowledge of endometriosis symptoms and if a brief questionnaire for women seeking care for common symptoms is feasible in the Swedish primary care context. Design Pilot study. Setting 3 primary care centres (PCCs) in Sweden. Exploring knowledge among staff about endometriosis at baseline and 3 months after an information workshop. Evaluation of feasibility of a brief questionnaire for women seeking care for common symptoms For PCC personnel: knowledge about endometriosis at baseline and after 3 months. For patient questionnaire: whether adequate, understandable, acceptable, and feasible. Participants Females in primary care centre waiting room, and staff members at participating PCCs. Results The knowledge level of endometriosis was improved or sustained after 3 months compared to baseline among staff at PCCs. Over 90% of the patients stated that the questionnaire was adequate, understandable, acceptable, and feasible. Conclusion We found that an educational programme improved the staff's knowledge about endometriosis. The programme together with the patient questionnaire could be a way to enhance knowledge about endometriosis among PCCs. This combined effort might facilitate earlier detection and treatment of women with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Öberg Westin
- Primary Health Care/School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carl Wikberg
- Primary Health Care/School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Research, Education, Development & Innovation, Primary Health Care, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Björkelund
- Primary Health Care/School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nashmil Ariai
- Primary Health Care/School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ann-Christine Lindahl
- Primary Health Care/School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Dominique Hange
- Primary Health Care/School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Research, Education, Development & Innovation, Primary Health Care, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Tsikouras P, Oikonomou E, Bothou A, Chaitidou P, Kyriakou D, Nikolettos K, Andreou S, Gaitatzi F, Nalbanti T, Peitsidis P, Michalopoulos S, Zervoudis S, Iatrakis G, Nikolettos N. The Impact of Endometriosis on Pregnancy. J Pers Med 2024; 14:126. [PMID: 38276248 PMCID: PMC10820275 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010126] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the increased frequency of endometriosis, it remains one of the most enigmatic disorders regarding its effects on pregnancy. Endometriosis adversely affects both natural and assisted conception. Impaired folliculogenesis, which causes follicular dysfunction and low egg quality, as well as luteal phase problems, reduced fertilization, and abnormal embryogenesis, are some of the mechanisms advocated to explain reproductive dysfunction. There is a rising need for a comprehensive study of the potential negative consequences of this condition on pregnancy outcomes, including the postpartum period, as more women with a medical history of endometriosis become pregnant. Obstetrical complications (small for gestational age [SGA], cesarean section [CS], miscarriage, hemorrhage, low placental adhesion, and preterm delivery) are statistically elevated in women with endometriosis. Furthermore, ruptured ovarian endometrioma, appendicitis, intestinal perforation, and hemoperitoneum have been described in pregnancy. Obstetricians are largely unfamiliar with these complications, as they have not been thoroughly investigated. The development and pathogenesis of endometriosis is an important field of study and has not yet been fully elucidated. Finding these mechanisms is crucial for the development of new and more effective strategies to treat this condition. Endometriosis can have an impact on obstetric and neonatal outcomes of pregnancy, in addition to its potential effects on conception. To date, no additional monitoring is recommended for pregnancies with a history of endometriosis. However, more studies are urgently needed to assess the need for the tailored pregnancy monitoring of women with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Tsikouras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (E.O.); (A.B.); (P.C.); (D.K.); (K.N.); (S.A.); (F.G.); (T.N.); (P.P.); (S.Z.); (G.I.); (N.N.)
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Martire FG, Giorgi M, D’Abate C, Colombi I, Ginetti A, Cannoni A, Fedele F, Exacoustos C, Centini G, Zupi E, Lazzeri L. Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis in Adolescence: Early Diagnosis and Possible Prevention of Disease Progression. J Clin Med 2024; 13:550. [PMID: 38256683 PMCID: PMC10816815 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020550] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis has a prevalence of 10% worldwide in premenopausal women. Probably, endometriosis begins early in the life of young girls, and it is commonly diagnosed later in life. The prevalence of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) in adolescence is currently unknown due to diagnostic limits and underestimation of clinical symptoms. Dysmenorrhea is a common symptom in adolescents affected by DIE, often accompanied by dyspareunia and chronic acyclic pelvic pain. Ultrasonography-either performed transabdominal, transvaginal or transrectal-should be considered the first-line imaging technique despite the potential for missed diagnosis due to early-stage disease. Magnetic resonance imaging should be preferred in the case of virgo patients or when ultrasonographic exam is not accepted. Diagnostic laparoscopy is deemed acceptable in the case of suspected DIE not responding to conventional hormonal therapy. An early medical and/or surgical treatment may reduce disease progression with an immediate improvement in quality of life and fertility, but at the same time, painful symptoms may persist or even recur due to the surgery itself. The aim of this narrative review is to report the prevalence of DIE in adolescents, describe the pathogenetic theories and discuss the management in adolescent women, including the challenging road to diagnosis and the treatment alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Giuseppe Martire
- Gynecological Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.G.M.); (C.E.)
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.G.); (C.D.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Matteo Giorgi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.G.); (C.D.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Claudia D’Abate
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.G.); (C.D.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Irene Colombi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.G.); (C.D.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Alessandro Ginetti
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.G.); (C.D.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Alberto Cannoni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.G.); (C.D.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Francesco Fedele
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione “Policlinico-Mangiagalli-Regina Elena” University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Caterina Exacoustos
- Gynecological Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.G.M.); (C.E.)
| | - Gabriele Centini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.G.); (C.D.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Errico Zupi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.G.); (C.D.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Lucia Lazzeri
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.G.); (C.D.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.L.)
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Vercellini P, Bandini V, Viganò P, Di Stefano G, Merli CEM, Somigliana E. Proposal for targeted, neo-evolutionary-oriented, secondary prevention of early-onset endometriosis and adenomyosis. Part I: pathogenic aspects. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1-17. [PMID: 37951243 PMCID: PMC10876119 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential for repeated ovulation and menstruation is thought to have provided a Darwinian advantage during the Palaeolithic. Reproductive conditions remained relatively stable until the pre-industrial era, characterized by late menarche, very young age at first birth, multiple pregnancies, and prolonged periods of lactational amenorrhoea. For hundreds of thousands of years, menstruators experienced few ovulatory cycles, even though they were genetically adapted to ovulate and menstruate every month. In the post-industrial era, the age at menarche gradually declined, the age at first birth progressively increased, and breastfeeding became optional and often of short duration. This created a mismatch between genetic adaptation and socio-environmental evolution, so that what was initially a probable reproductive advantage subsequently contributed to increased susceptibility to diseases associated with lifetime oestrogen exposure, such as ovarian, endometrial and breast cancer and, hypothetically, also those associated with the number of ovulatory menstruations, such as endometriosis and adenomyosis. The incidence of endometriosis shows a steep and progressive increase around the age of 25 years, but given the consistently reported delay in diagnosis, the actual incidence curve should be shifted to the left, supporting the possibility that the disease has its roots in adolescence. This raises the question of whether, from an evolutionary point of view, anovulation and amenorrhoea should not still be considered the physiological state, especially in the postmenarchal period. However, an increase in the frequency of endometriosis in recent decades has not been demonstrated, although this deserves further epidemiological investigation. In addition, as endometriosis occurs in a minority of individuals exposed to retrograde menstruation, other important pathogenic factors should be scrutinised. Research should be resumed to explore in more detail the transtubal reflux of not only blood, but also endometrial cells, and whether they are systematically present in the peritoneal fluid after menstruation. If repetitive ovulatory menstruation during the early reproductive years is shown to increase the risk of endometriosis and adenomyosis development and progression in susceptible individuals, hormonal interventions could be used as secondary prevention in symptomatic adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Vercellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Academic Centre for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Università degli Studi, Milano, Italy
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Veronica Bandini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Academic Centre for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Università degli Studi, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Viganò
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Academic Centre for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Università degli Studi, Milano, Italy
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Giorgia Di Stefano
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Academic Centre for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Università degli Studi, Milano, Italy
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
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9
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Lemardeley G, Porcu-Buisson G, Pirrello O, Gane J, Dieterlé S, Astrugue C, Charbonnier T, Lucas-Samuel S, Couchoud C. Contribution of medico-administrative databases to health vigilance: example of post-oocyte retrieval infections. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:190-200. [PMID: 37953342 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can we monitor post-oocyte retrieval infections in the French national health data system to complement the French ART vigilance system? SUMMARY ANSWER Medico-administrative databases provide a more comprehensive view of post-oocyte retrieval infections and can be used to detect abnormal increases in frequency and outlier ART centers as a complementary tool to the ART vigilance system. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The various studies of ART complications are reassuring, showing relatively low overall complication rates. Nonetheless, the European Union has set up a vigilance system to monitor these complications. However, this system is not an exhaustive source of information and does not provide a complete overview of post-ART complications. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study population was identified from the comprehensive French national hospital discharge database. It included women under 46 years of age undergoing an oocyte retrieval in 2019, classified into three population subgroups according to the indication of oocyte retrieval: infertility (IF) , fertility preservation (FP), and oocyte donation (OD) . The study population included 52 098 women who had undergone 65 948 oocyte retrievals in 2019. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Hospital stays and delivery of antibiotics within 31 days after oocyte retrieval were analyzed. Women and infections were characterized according to various characteristics (age, comorbidities, indication of oocyte retrieval, type of hospital stay, length of hospital stay, type of antibiotherapy, etc.). Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the relation between the occurrence of infection and women's characteristics, and results are expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CI. A funnel plot and a box plot were used to compare the infection rate per center with the national average and to detect outliers. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Infections in the month following the oocyte retrieval represented 6.9% of the procedures in 2019 (n = 4522). Of these infections, 112 were hospitalized (0.2% of oocyte retrievals), and 4410 were non-hospitalized (6.7% of oocyte retrievals). The hospitalized infections were essentially gynecological infections (40.9%) and urinary tract infections (23.5%). In 87.9% of non-hospitalized infections, a single antibiotic therapy was prescribed. Mixed-effect model analysis showed that the risk of infection was significantly higher in women under 30 years of age, in the FP population, in supplementary universal health coverage (CMU-C) beneficiaries, and women with endometriosis. Funnel plot and box plot analysis showed that three ART centers have an infection rate significantly higher than the national average. In the three centers that stand out from all the others, the objective is to return to these centers to understand the possible reasons for this observed rate and to implement corrective measures. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Despite all its advantages, the French national health data system presents some limitations, such as the risk of inappropriate coding. Another limitation of this study is that we cannot confirm an attributable relation between the infection and the ART procedure, even if the delay of 31 days after oocyte retrieval is consistent with the occurrence of a post-retrieval complication. In addition, antibiotics may be prescribed as a 'precautionary' measure in certain situations (women with a susceptibility to infection, complicated procedures), or as antibiotic prophylaxis for embryo transfer. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Despite the limits in identifying post-ART infections in medico-administrative databases, this approach is a promising way to complement the ART vigilance reporting system. This concept developed for infections will also be generalized to other complications with regular feedback to professionals. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No specific funding was sought for the study. The study was supported by the Agence de la biomédecine, France. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lemardeley
- Medical and Scientific Department, Agence de la biomédecine, Saint Denis La Plaine, France
| | - G Porcu-Buisson
- Reproductive Medicine, Institut de Médecine de la Reproduction (IMR), Marseille, France
| | - O Pirrello
- Gynecology Department, CMCO, Schiltigheim, France
| | - J Gane
- Medical and Scientific Department, Agence de la biomédecine, Saint Denis La Plaine, France
| | - S Dieterlé
- Medical and Scientific Department, Agence de la biomédecine, Saint Denis La Plaine, France
| | - C Astrugue
- Medical and Scientific Department, Agence de la biomédecine, Saint Denis La Plaine, France
| | - T Charbonnier
- Medical and Scientific Department, Agence de la biomédecine, Saint Denis La Plaine, France
| | - S Lucas-Samuel
- Medical and Scientific Department, Agence de la biomédecine, Saint Denis La Plaine, France
| | - C Couchoud
- Medical and Scientific Department, Agence de la biomédecine, Saint Denis La Plaine, France
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10
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Walkden SM. "So It's Like a Painful Period?" Living with Endometriosis: My Journey. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023:1-5. [PMID: 38111219 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2296189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
This essay details the author's personal process of being diagnosed with endometriosis, including her experience of medical gaslighting and societal attitudes toward "period pain." Many people who experience excessive menstrual pain report dismissive attitudes and/or trivialization of their symptoms, from both the public and health professionals. The author recalls conversations from throughout her diagnostic journey, which evidence the ingrained beliefs and attitudes of gendered observations of pain. Ultimately, the author contends that the "burden of proof" is with the patient, being forced to continually fight for their right to be heard in an archaic medical system. The people experiencing this condition are experts-by-experience, who are continually providing knowledge about endometriosis, and self-advocating to rewrite the societal narratives concerning menstrual pain. The goal of this essay is not to blame or cause discomfort, but rather to raise awareness and encourage everyone to talk more openly about menstrual related issues. The following prose is written as a first-person account of my experience with this condition, drawing on appropriate support from academic literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Marie Walkden
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Education, Leeds Trinity University
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11
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Zarbo C, Compare A, Frigerio L, Secomandi R, Bellia A, Betto E, Candeloro I, Dessi V, Malandrino C, Peduzzi C, Ventura M, Brugnera A. Going beyond the surface: a mixed-method exploration of infertility-related quality of life of women with endometriosis. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:2832-2847. [PMID: 36535893 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2159456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Literature about the impact of infertility and endometriosis on Quality of Life (QoL) is scarce and needs further investigation. Our aim was to deeply investigate the QoL of women with diagnoses of both endometriosis and infertility with failed Assisted Reproductive Treatments (ART). We conducted a concurrent mixed-method study composed of both quantitative and qualitative surveys. The quantitative survey included 22 women who completed the FertiQoL. The qualitative survey included 15 of them who provided written answers to open-ended questions aimed at deeply exploring their QoL. Data were initially analyzed separately and then combined in a meta-matrix. From the quantitative survey emerged that women at higher risk for low QoL were those who have experienced previous spontaneous miscarriages and that the domains of the FertiQoL related to fertility treatment (i.e. increased pain severity, disturbed daily life routine, and dissatisfaction with services) were the most critical. From the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of qualitative survey, narrations about the physical, relational, social, emotional-cognitive, and behavioural impact of the diseases emerged. Mixed findings showed that the QoL of this population was scarce and that different levels (the inner world, the behaviours, the relational context, and the environmental context) are strictly connected and interact between them in influencing QoL. Multi-level preventive or supportive programs (with specific attention to pain experience, coping strategies, quality of services and governmental support) are required for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zarbo
- Unit of Epidemiological and Evaluation Psychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Angelo Compare
- Department of Human and Social Science, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Luigi Frigerio
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Rita Secomandi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Adriano Bellia
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Enrico Betto
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ilario Candeloro
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Valentina Dessi
- Department of Human and Social Science, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Chiara Malandrino
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Chiara Peduzzi
- Department of Human and Social Science, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Agostino Brugnera
- Department of Human and Social Science, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
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12
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Yela DA, Silva MSS, Eloy L, Benetti-Pinto CL. Correlation between Anatomopathological Aspects and Pelvic Pain in Women with Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRÍCIA 2023; 45:e770-e774. [PMID: 38141597 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1772473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To correlate the morphological aspects with pelvic pain in women with deep infiltrating endometriosis. METHODS A retrospective study with 67 women with deep endometriosis who underwent surgical treatment in a tertiary hospital from 2007 to 2017. The following variables were considered: age, parity, body mass index, site of involvement, hormonal treatment before surgery, pelvic pain, and morphometric analysis. The histological slides of the surgical specimens were revised and, using the ImageJ software for morphometric study, the percentages of stromal/glandular tissues were calculated in the histological sections. RESULTS The mean age of the women was 38.9 ± 6.5 years. The mean pain score was 8.8 ± 1.9 and the mean time of symptomatology was 4.7 ± 3.5 years, with 87% of the patients undergoing hormone treatment prior to surgery. The average expression of CD10, CK7, and S100 markers was 19.5 ± 11.8%, 9.4 ± 5.9%, and 7.9 ± 5.8% respectively. It was found that the greater the expression of CD10, the greater the level of pain (p = 0.02). No correlation was observed between the expression of CD10, CK7, and S100 markers and age and duration of symptoms. CONCLUSION Women with deep infiltrating endometriosis have a positive association between the level of pain and the fibrosis component in the endometrial tissue's histological composition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Larissa Eloy
- School of Medicine, University of Campinas, Campinas - SP, Brazil
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13
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Giese N, Kwon KK, Armour M. Acupuncture for endometriosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Integr Med Res 2023; 12:101003. [PMID: 38033648 PMCID: PMC10682677 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2023.101003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Current endometriosis treatments do not always provide symptom relief, with many using complementary approaches. This study examined the effectiveness of acupuncture on pain and quality of life in people with endometriosis. Methods Searches were conducted on Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED) and Embase (Ovid), Epistemonikos, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL; EBSCOhost) on 20 March 2023. Trials were included if they used penetrating acupuncture. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane RoB2 and GRADE for overall evidence certainty. Random-effects meta-analyses were undertaken, using Hedges' g or mean difference (MD) both with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Results Six studies involving a total of 331 participants were included. Evidence for benefit was found for acupuncture compared to non-specific acupuncture on overall pelvic pain (g = 1.54, 95 % CI 0.92 to 2.16, 3 RCTs, n = 231, low certainty evidence, p<0.001), menstrual pain (g = 1.67, 95 % CI 1.23 to 2.12, 1 RCT, n = 106, moderate certainty evidence, p<0.001), and non-specified pelvic pain (MD -2.77, 95 % CI 2.15 to 3.38, 2 RCTs, n = 125, low certainty evidence, p<0.001), and compared to usual care on menstrual pain (g = 0.9, 95 % CI 0.15 to 1.64, 1 RCT, n = 19, very low certainty evidence, p = 0.02). Most studies reported low rates of adverse events. Conclusion Acupuncture treatment for endometriosis demonstrated clinically relevant improvements in pelvic pain and should be considered as a potential treatment intervention. Study registration PROSPERO ID: CRD42023408700.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Giese
- Praxis für Chinesische Medizin, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ki Kyung Kwon
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Mike Armour
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ), Wellington, New Zealand
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14
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Reinhardt A, Eitze S. Breaking the endometriosis silence: a social norm approach to reducing menstrual stigma and policy resistance among young adults. Psychol Health 2023:1-23. [PMID: 37921431 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2023.2277838] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endometriosis is a menstrual disorder that affects one in ten women. Diagnosis often takes several years due to low awareness and menstrual stigma. In this study, we employed a social norm approach (SNA) to investigate the effects of an educational leaflet on endometriosis knowledge, menstrual stigma, and acceptance of paid menstrual leave among women and men. METHODS The 3 × 2 online experiment tested the influence of either descriptive norm messages or both descriptive and injunctive norm messages (compared to a control group, factor 1) in an educational leaflet by taking the role of addressee's sex into account (quasi-experimental factor 2). The study included 796 German participants aged 16-35. RESULTS Men exhibited significantly poorer knowledge, stronger menstrual stigma, and weaker policy acceptance compared to women. No significant main effect of the social norm messages on menstrual stigma was found. In contrast, the combined norm messages seem to be beneficial when addressing policy acceptance. Moreover, compared to the control group, the intervention material indirectly influenced stigma and policy acceptance through increased knowledge. CONCLUSIONS Providing information about social norms appears to be an effective strategy for educating not only women but especially men about menstrual disorders like endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Reinhardt
- Department of Communication, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Eitze
- Department of Media and Communication Science, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
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15
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Delli Carpini G, Giannella L, Di Giuseppe J, Montik N, Montanari M, Fichera M, Crescenzi D, Marzocchini C, Meccariello ML, Di Biase D, Vignini A, Ciavattini A. Homozygous C677T Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Polymorphism as a Risk Factor for Endometriosis: A Retrospective Case-Control Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15404. [PMID: 37895084 PMCID: PMC10607746 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T homozygous polymorphism as a risk factor for endometriosis. A retrospective case-control study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2022 on all patients attending the gynecological outpatient clinic of our institution who had performed an MTHFR polymorphisms test. Patients with endometriosis were considered cases, while those without endometriosis were considered controls. The presence of an MTHFR C677T homozygous polymorphism was defined as exposure. Risk factors for endometriosis were considered confounders in a binomial logistic regression, with endometriosis diagnosis as the dependent variable. Among the 409 included patients, 106 (25.9%) cases and 303 (74.1%) controls were identified. A higher rate of MTHFR C677T homozygous polymorphism was found in patients with endometriosis (24.5% vs. 15.8%, p = 0.0453), with an adOR of 1.889 (95% CI 1.076-3.318, p = 0.0269) at the binomial logistic regression. A history of no previous pregnancy was associated with an endometriosis diagnosis (adOR 2.191, 95% CI 1.295-3.708, p = 0.0035). An MTHFR C677T homozygous polymorphism could be considered a risk factor for endometriosis. Epigenetic modifications may be the most important mechanism explaining the observed association through the processes of altered DNA methylation and reduced activity of antioxidant systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Delli Carpini
- Gynecologic Section, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60213 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.C.); (L.G.); (J.D.G.); (N.M.); (M.M.); (M.F.); (D.C.); (C.M.); (M.L.M.); (D.D.B.)
| | - Luca Giannella
- Gynecologic Section, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60213 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.C.); (L.G.); (J.D.G.); (N.M.); (M.M.); (M.F.); (D.C.); (C.M.); (M.L.M.); (D.D.B.)
| | - Jacopo Di Giuseppe
- Gynecologic Section, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60213 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.C.); (L.G.); (J.D.G.); (N.M.); (M.M.); (M.F.); (D.C.); (C.M.); (M.L.M.); (D.D.B.)
| | - Nina Montik
- Gynecologic Section, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60213 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.C.); (L.G.); (J.D.G.); (N.M.); (M.M.); (M.F.); (D.C.); (C.M.); (M.L.M.); (D.D.B.)
| | - Michele Montanari
- Gynecologic Section, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60213 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.C.); (L.G.); (J.D.G.); (N.M.); (M.M.); (M.F.); (D.C.); (C.M.); (M.L.M.); (D.D.B.)
| | - Mariasole Fichera
- Gynecologic Section, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60213 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.C.); (L.G.); (J.D.G.); (N.M.); (M.M.); (M.F.); (D.C.); (C.M.); (M.L.M.); (D.D.B.)
| | - Daniele Crescenzi
- Gynecologic Section, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60213 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.C.); (L.G.); (J.D.G.); (N.M.); (M.M.); (M.F.); (D.C.); (C.M.); (M.L.M.); (D.D.B.)
| | - Carolina Marzocchini
- Gynecologic Section, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60213 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.C.); (L.G.); (J.D.G.); (N.M.); (M.M.); (M.F.); (D.C.); (C.M.); (M.L.M.); (D.D.B.)
| | - Maria Liberata Meccariello
- Gynecologic Section, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60213 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.C.); (L.G.); (J.D.G.); (N.M.); (M.M.); (M.F.); (D.C.); (C.M.); (M.L.M.); (D.D.B.)
| | - Donato Di Biase
- Gynecologic Section, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60213 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.C.); (L.G.); (J.D.G.); (N.M.); (M.M.); (M.F.); (D.C.); (C.M.); (M.L.M.); (D.D.B.)
| | - Arianna Vignini
- Section of Biochemistry, Biology and Physics, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Andrea Ciavattini
- Gynecologic Section, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60213 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.C.); (L.G.); (J.D.G.); (N.M.); (M.M.); (M.F.); (D.C.); (C.M.); (M.L.M.); (D.D.B.)
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16
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Tian W, Wang C, Chu R, Ge H, Sun X, Li M. Injectable hydrogel nanoarchitectonics with near-infrared controlled drug delivery for in situ photothermal/endocrine synergistic endometriosis therapy. Biomater Res 2023; 27:100. [PMID: 37805518 PMCID: PMC10560439 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00442-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease in women of childbearing age. Commonly used treatment methods, such as endocrine and surgical therapies, display poor therapeutic effects with a high relapse probability. Thus, novel treatments for endometriosis are required. METHODS In our study, polydopamine (PDA), letrozole (LTZ), and agarose (AG) hydrogels were combined to construct an injectable hydrogel with near-infrared controlled drug delivery named LTZ-PDA@AG hydrogel for endometriosis treatment. The release of letrozole can be accurately controlled by the near-infrared light intensity, exposure duration, polydopamine concentration, and hydrogel composition. Meanwhile, we isolated endometrial stromal cells from endometrium in patients with endometriosis, and constructed the rats' model of endometriosis to verify the biological effects of LTZ-PDA@AG hydrogel. RESULTS Owing to the sufficiently deep penetration of near-infrared light, the LTZ-PDA@AG hydrogel displayed a high temperature increase for efficient photothermal therapy. In addition, high local temperatures can further enhance the diffusion and penetration of letrozole, thereby achieving excellent therapeutic effect in vivo. Importantly, the in vivo and vitro test demonstrated the capacity of the nanocomposite hydrogel for endocrine-photothermal synergistic therapy and the biocompatibility. CONCLUSION Our work proposes a novel concept for precision endometriosis therapy by photothermal-enhanced endocrine therapy for endometriosis, which is proposed for the first time for the treatment of endometriosis and demonstrates excellent potential for further clinical translation. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable. LTZ-PDA@AG hydrogels were synthesized and displayed a high temperature increase for efficient photothermal therapy under NIR. The present study shows the capacity of the nanocomposite hydrogel for endocrine-photothermal synergistic therapy and the biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Tian
- Department of Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chenyu Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ran Chu
- Department of Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Haiyan Ge
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao Sun
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.
| | - Mingjiang Li
- Department of Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Hernández Cardona MI, Ajewole C, Lewis H, Carrillo JF, Castellanos ME, Barish S, Echeverri JDV, Lamvu G. Time to move beyond surgical classification systems for endometriosis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 163:58-62. [PMID: 37101408 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common condition associated with chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Its pathogenesis is poorly understood, diagnosis relies on laparoscopy, and staging is based on extent of disease. Unfortunately, the current staging systems do not correlate well with pain severity and impact, nor do they predict prognosis, i.e., treatment success and recurrence of disease. In this article, we discuss the strengths and limitations of current staging systems and propose modifications that will enable better classification systems to be developed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hannah Lewis
- University of Central Florida College of Medicine/HCA Healthcare Consortium of Greater Orlando, Kissimmee, Florida, USA
| | - Jorge F Carrillo
- Orlando VA Healthcare System, Orlando, Florida, USA
- University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | | | | | - Juan Diego Villegas Echeverri
- Unidad de Laparoscopia Ginecológica Avanzada ALGIA, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
- Clínica Comfamiliar, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
- FIGO (the International Federation of Gynecology & Obstetrics) Director of the Division of Benign Surgery, London, UK
| | - Georgine Lamvu
- Orlando VA Healthcare System, Orlando, Florida, USA
- University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida, USA
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18
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Cetera GE, Merli CEM, Boero V, Caia C, Vercellini P. Topical estrogens for the treatment of superficial dyspareunia related to genitourinary syndrome of menopause in women with a history of endometriosis: A clinical dilemma. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 288:12-17. [PMID: 37421742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen withdrawal, which occurs with the cessation of ovulation, causes genitourinary syndrome of menopause in up to 50-85% of women. Symptoms may profoundly impact quality of life and sexual function, interfering with enjoyment of sex in up to three out of four individuals. Topical estrogens have been found to provide symptom relief with minimal systemic absorption and appear to be superior to systemic therapy as what regards genitourinary symptoms. However, conclusive data on their appropriateness in postmenopausal women with a history of endometriosis is not available and the hypothesis that exogenous estrogen stimulation may reactivate endometriotic foci or even promote their malignant transformation is still open. On the other hand, endometriosis affects around 10% of premenopausal women, many of which may be exposed to an acute hypoestrogenic depletion even before spontaneous menopause occurs. This considered, excluding on principle patients with a history of endometriosis from first-line treatment for vulvovaginal atrophy would mean excluding a considerable percentage of the population from adequate care. More robust evidence is urgently needed in these regards. Meanwhile, it would appear reasonable to tailor the prescription of topical hormones in these patients, taking into account the entity of symptoms and the impact such symptoms have on patients' quality of life, as well as the form of endometriosis and the possible risks hormonal may entail. Moreover, the application of estrogens on the vulva instead of the vagina could be efficacious, while outweighing the possible biological cost of hormonal treatment in women with a history of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G E Cetera
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - C E M Merli
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - V Boero
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - C Caia
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - P Vercellini
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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19
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Diniz ALL, Resende JAD, de Andrade CM, Brandão AC, Gasparoni MP, Favorito LA. Urological knowledge and tools applied to diagnosis and surgery in deep infiltrating endometriosis - a narrative review. Int Braz J Urol 2023; 49:564-579. [PMID: 37450770 PMCID: PMC10482465 DOI: 10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2023.9907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This review discusses deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) diagnosis and surgery using current urological knowledge and technologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS Narrative review of deep infiltrating endometriosis that result in urological issues. We examined manuscripts from Pubmed, Embase, and Scielo's database using the following MeSH terms: ('endometriosis') AND ('urology' OR 'urological' OR 'urologist') AND ('bladder' OR'vesical') AND ('ureteral' OR 'ureter').Selection followed PRISMA guidelines. Sample images from our records were brought to endorse the findings. RESULTS Thirty four related articles were chosen from 105. DIE may affect the urinary system in 52.6% of patients. Lower urinary tract symptoms may require urodynamic examination. Ultrasonography offers strong statistical yields for detecting urinary tract lesions or distortions, but magnetic resonance will confirm the diagnosis. Cystoscopy can detect active lesions, although any macroscopic visual appeal is pathognomonic. Endourology is utilized intraoperatively for bladder and ureteral assessment, however transurethral endoscopic excision of bladder lesions had higher recurrence rates. Laparoscopy is the route of choice for treatment; partial cystectomy, and bladder shaving were the most prevalent surgical treatments for bladder endometriosis. Regarding the ureteral treatment, the simple ureterolysis and complex reconstructive techniques were described in most papers. Using anatomical landmarks or neuronavigation, pelvic surgical systematization allows intraoperative neural structure identification. CONCLUSIONS DIE in the urinary system is common, however the number of publications with high level of evidence is limited. The initial tools for diagnosis are ultrasonography and cystoscopy, but magnetic resonance is the most reliable tool. When the patient has voiding symptoms, the urodynamic examination is crucial. Laparoscopy improves lesion detection and anatomical understanding. This approach must be carried out by professionals with high expertise, since the surgery goes beyond the resection of lesions and includes the preservation of nerve structures and urinary tract reconstruction techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- André L. Lima Diniz
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de JaneiroUnidade de Pesquisa UrogenitalRio de JaneiroRJBrasilUnidade de Pesquisa Urogenital - Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - Uerj, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - José Anacleto D. Resende
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de JaneiroUnidade de Pesquisa UrogenitalRio de JaneiroRJBrasilUnidade de Pesquisa Urogenital - Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - Uerj, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Cláudio M. de Andrade
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de JaneiroUnidade de Pesquisa UrogenitalRio de JaneiroRJBrasilUnidade de Pesquisa Urogenital - Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - Uerj, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Alice C. Brandão
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de JaneiroUnidade de Pesquisa UrogenitalRio de JaneiroRJBrasilUnidade de Pesquisa Urogenital - Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - Uerj, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Mauro P. Gasparoni
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de JaneiroUnidade de Pesquisa UrogenitalRio de JaneiroRJBrasilUnidade de Pesquisa Urogenital - Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - Uerj, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Luciano A. Favorito
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de JaneiroUnidade de Pesquisa UrogenitalRio de JaneiroRJBrasilUnidade de Pesquisa Urogenital - Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - Uerj, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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20
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Son D, Park H, An G, Park S, Hwang DW, Park SJ, Kim HS, Lim W, You S, Song G. Establishment of Immortalized Human Endometriotic Stromal Cell Line from Ectopic Lesion of a Patient with Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2703-2714. [PMID: 37067725 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01225-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissues containing endometrial stromal cells and glandular epithelium outside the uterine cavity. An insufficient response to progesterone contributes to disease progression and systemic inflammation during the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Patients with endometriosis usually experience painful symptoms, dysmenorrhea, and infertility, which contribute to a significant reduction in their quality of life. To determine the possible molecular mechanisms of endometriosis and explore novel therapeutic targets, we derived primary human ovarian endometriotic stromal cells (hOESCs) from a patient of reproductive age with ovarian endometriosis. In this study, we successfully established immortalized human ovarian endometriotic stromal cell lines (ihOESCs) using primary stromal cells obtained from endometriotic lesions to overcome short lifespan and growth inhibition. Immortalization of hOESCs with human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) transfection led to cells that maintained a proliferative state under passage culture conditions without mutagenesis during cellular senescence. The morphology and karyotype of ihOESCs were unchanged compared with those of hOESCs. Moreover, ihOESCs were continuously positive for vimentin and negative for E-cadherin expression. Following decidual stimuli and inflammatory responses, both hOESCs and ihOESCs sensitively express decidualization markers and proinflammatory cytokines. Collectively, we characterized ihOESCs to maintain their phenotypic and functional properties with a longer lifespan and normal physiological responses than those of hOESCs. These immortalized cells could aid in a detailed understanding of the pathological mechanisms of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daryeon Son
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology and Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hahyun Park
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology and Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Garam An
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology and Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunwoo Park
- Department of Plant & Biomaterials Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongnam, 52725, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Won Hwang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Jin Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Seung Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Whasun Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seungkwon You
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology and Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Gwonhwa Song
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology and Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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21
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Herbert SL, Staib C, Wallner T, Löb S, Curtaz C, Schwab M, Wöckel A, Häusler S. Morphokinetic analysis of early human embryonic development and its relationship to endometriosis resection: a retrospective time-lapse study using the KIDScore™ D3 and D5 implantation data algorithm. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 308:587-597. [PMID: 37179499 PMCID: PMC10293388 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07008-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does complete resection of endometriosis improve embryo quality as assessed by morphokinetic parameters using time-lapse microscopy? DESIGN For this retrospective study we analysed 237 fertilised, cultured and transferred embryos from 128 fresh IVF and/ or ICSI transfer cycles. Endometriosis was confirmed or excluded by laparoscopy. Patients were stimulated with recombinant FSH using GnRH agonist and antagonist protocols. After fertilisation, a time-lapse incubation system was used for observation. Embryo quality was assessed using the KIDScore™ D3 and D5 implantation data algorithm. RESULTS The analysis showed a median KIDScore™ D5 of 2.6 (on a scale of 1 to 9.9) for embryos from patients with endometriosis without complete resection. The control group without endometriosis achieved a score of 6.8 (p = 0.003). The median score for embryos from endometriosis patients with complete resection was 7.2, which was a significant increase compared to embryos from patients without complete resection (p = 0.002). We observed an effect size of r = 0.4 for complete resection versus no resection of endometriosis using the KIDScore™ D5. There were no differences in KIDScore™ D3 between the three patient groups. Pregnancy and miscarriage rates showed the same clinical trends. In three of our four case series of patients who underwent IVF/ ICSI cycles before and after complete resection, we found a marked improvement in embryo quality after complete resection. CONCLUSIONS Complete resection of endometriosis could significantly improve the otherwise poor embryo quality of patients undergoing IVF-procedures. The data, therefore, strongly support recommending surgery to patients with endometriosis prior to assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia-Laureen Herbert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Claudia Staib
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Theresa Wallner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sanja Löb
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Curtaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Schwab
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Achim Wöckel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Häusler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
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Chandel PK, Maurya PK, Hussain S, Vashistha D, Sharma S. Endometriosis and Depression: A Double Agony for Women. Ann Neurosci 2023; 30:205-209. [PMID: 37779548 PMCID: PMC10540762 DOI: 10.1177/09727531231152022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis is defined as a condition in which a formation of abnormal endometrial tissue outside the uterus takes place. Irrespective of any ethnic and socioeconomic class, the prevalence of the diseases has been seen among women of reproductive age. Endometriosis has been seen adversely affect the physical, psychological, social, and career of women. Summary This paper aims to identify and describe the experiences and outcomes of endometriosis healthcare by reviewing the existing literature on social and psychological effects of endometriosis. The study serves the purpose of providing insights on women's dual suffering (mental and social health) and critical comments on the present state of knowledge in order to make future recommendations for psycho-social research. The review included systematic search of the articles from various disciplines like, biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, etc. A structured process of screening with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria was used to select the articles. The analysis of the articles resulted that woman diagnosed with endometriosis reported poor quality of life and the following symptoms such as anxiety, stress, Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP), anxiety, dyspareunia, and dysmenorrhea. However, depression appears prominent among women diagnosed with endometriosis. There are few strategies mentioned that can be used to deal with endometriosis. Key Message The most promising causes of endometriosis include abnormality in immune functioning, atypical endometriotic growth, genetics, epigenetic, embryogenetic theory, and endocrine disruptors. The ill effects have been noted in the following domains of women's life such as work, close relationships, social well-being, and education, deteriorating their quality-of-life manifold. Psychological intervention is required to deal with the disorder as only medical treatment with pain may not be sufficient. Though, the condition can be improved by providing awareness regarding the severity of the disorder at the school and community levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payal Kanwar Chandel
- Department of Psychology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh, Haryana, India
| | - Pawan Kumar Maurya
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh, Haryana, India
| | | | - Divya Vashistha
- Department of Psychology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh, Haryana, India
| | - Shreya Sharma
- Department of Psychology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh, Haryana, India
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23
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Rangi S, Hur C, Richards E, Falcone T. Fertility Preservation in Women with Endometriosis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4331. [PMID: 37445365 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Several mechanisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of endometriosis-related infertility. For patients considering surgery, the risk of iatrogenic injury is among the most important factors in the context of fertility preservation, along with age and individual reproductive goals. In the case of endometrioma excision, evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates the negative impact of surgery on ovarian reserve, with significant reductions in antimullerian hormone (up to 30% in unilateral versus up to 44% in bilateral endometriomas). The surgical endometriosis patient should be thoroughly counseled regarding fertility preservation and discussion should include tissue, embryo, and oocyte cryopreservation options. For the latter, data support cryopreservation of 10-15 oocytes in women ≤35 years and over 20 for those >35 years for a realistic chance to achieve one or more live births. When performing surgical interventions for endometriosis, reproductive surgeons should employ fertility-conserving surgical methods to reduce the likelihood of postoperative iatrogenic diminished ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Rangi
- Cleveland Clinic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Health Institute, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Christine Hur
- Cleveland Clinic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Health Institute, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Elliott Richards
- Cleveland Clinic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Health Institute, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Tommaso Falcone
- Cleveland Clinic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Health Institute, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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24
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Veth VB, van de Kar MM, Duffy JM, van Wely M, Mijatovic V, Maas JW. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues for endometriosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 6:CD014788. [PMID: 37341141 PMCID: PMC10283345 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd014788.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a common gynaecological condition affecting 6 to 11% of reproductive-age women and may cause dyspareunia, dysmenorrhoea, and infertility. One treatment strategy is medical therapy with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHas) to reduce pain due to endometriosis. One of the adverse effects of GnRHas is a decreased bone mineral density. In addition to assessing the effect on pain, quality of life, most troublesome symptom and patients' satisfaction, the current review also evaluated the effect on bone mineral density and risk of adverse effects in women with endometriosis who use GnRHas versus other treatment options. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of GnRH analogues (GnRHas) in the treatment of painful symptoms associated with endometriosis and to determine the effects of GnRHas on bone mineral density of women with endometriosis. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility (CGF) Group trials register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and the trial registries in May 2022 together with reference checking and contact with study authors and experts in the field to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which compared GnRHas with other hormonal treatment options, including analgesics, danazol, intra-uterine progestogens, oral or injectable progestogens, gestrinone and also GnRHas compared with no treatment or placebo. Trials comparing GnRHas versus GnRHas in conjunction with add-back therapy (hormonal or non-hormonal) or calcium-regulation agents were also included in this review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodology as recommended by Cochrane. Primary outcomes are relief of overall pain and the objective measurement of bone mineral density. Secondary outcomes include adverse effects, quality of life, improvement in the most troublesome symptoms and patient satisfaction. Due to high risk of bias associated with some of the studies, primary analyses of all review outcomes were restricted to studies at low risk of selection bias. Sensitivity analysis including all studies was then performed. MAIN RESULTS Seventy-two studies involving 7355 patients were included. The evidence was very low to low quality: the main limitations of all studies were serious risk of bias due to poor reporting of study methods, and serious imprecision. Trials comparing GnRHas versus no treatment We did not identify any studies. Trials comparing GnRHas versus placebo There may be a decrease in overall pain, reported as pelvic pain scores (RR 2.14; 95% CI 1.41 to 3.24, 1 RCT, n = 87, low-certainty evidence), dysmenorrhoea scores (RR 2.25; 95% CI 1.59 to 3.16, 1 RCT, n = 85, low-certainty evidence), dyspareunia scores (RR 2.21; 95% CI 1.39 to 3.54, 1 RCT, n = 59, low-certainty evidence), and pelvic tenderness scores (RR 2.28; 95% CI 1.48 to 3.50, 1 RCT, n = 85, low-certainty evidence) after three months of treatment. We are uncertain of the effect for pelvic induration, based on the results found after three months of treatment (RR 1.07; 95% CI 0.64 to 1.79, 1 RCT, n = 81, low-certainty evidence). Besides, treatment with GnRHas may be associated with a greater incidence of hot flushes at three months of treatment (RR 3.08; 95% CI 1.89 to 5.01, 1 RCT, n = 100, low-certainty evidence). Trials comparing GnRHas versus danazol For overall pain, for women treated with either GnRHas or danazol, a subdivision was made between pelvic tenderness, partly resolved and completely resolved. We are uncertain about the effect on relief of overall pain, when a subdivision was made for overall pain (MD -0.30; 95% CI -1.66 to 1.06, 1 RCT, n = 41, very low-certainty evidence), pelvic pain (MD 0.20; 95% CI -0.26 to 0.66, 1 RCT, n = 41, very low-certainty evidence), dysmenorrhoea (MD 0.10; 95% CI -0.49 to 0.69, 1 RCT, n = 41, very low-certainty evidence), dyspareunia (MD -0.20; 95% CI -0.77 to 0.37, 1 RCT, n = 41, very low-certainty evidence), pelvic induration (MD -0.10; 95% CI -0.59 to 0.39, 1 RCT, n = 41, very low-certainty evidence), and pelvic tenderness (MD -0.20; 95% CI -0.78 to 0.38, 1 RCT, n = 41, very low-certainty evidence) after three months of treatment. For pelvic pain (MD 0.50; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.90, 1 RCT, n = 41, very low-certainty evidence) and pelvic induration (MD 0.70; 95% CI 0.21 to 1.19, 1 RCT, n = 41, very low-certainty evidence), the complaints may decrease slightly after treatment with GnRHas, compared to danazol, for six months of treatment. Trials comparing GnRHas versus analgesics We did not identify any studies. Trials comparing GnRHas versus intra-uterine progestogens We did not identify any low risk of bias studies. Trials comparing GnRHas versus GnRHas in conjunction with calcium-regulating agents There may be a slight decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) after 12 months treatment with GnRHas, compared to GnRHas in conjunction with calcium-regulating agents for anterior-posterior spine (MD -7.00; 95% CI -7.53 to -6.47, 1 RCT, n = 41, very low-certainty evidence) and lateral spine (MD -12.40; 95% CI -13.31 to -11.49, 1 RCT, n = 41, very low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: For relief of overall pain, there may be a slight decrease in favour of treatment with GnRHas compared to placebo or oral or injectable progestogens. We are uncertain about the effect when comparing GnRHas with danazol, intra-uterine progestogens or gestrinone. For BMD, there may be a slight decrease when women are treated with GnRHas, compared to gestrinone. There was a bigger decrease of BMD in favour of GnRHas, compared to GnRHas in conjunction with calcium-regulating agents. However, there may be a slight increase in adverse effects when women are treated with GnRHas, compared to placebo or gestrinone. Due to a very low to low certainty of the evidence, a wide range of outcome measures and a wide range of outcome measurement instruments, the results should be interpreted with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle B Veth
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - James Mn Duffy
- King's Fertility, The Fetal Medicine Research Institute, London, UK
| | - Madelon van Wely
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Velja Mijatovic
- Academic Endometriosis Center, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jacques Wm Maas
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, Netherlands
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25
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Helfenstein F, Kohl Schwartz AS, Imesch P, Rauchfuss M, Wölfler MM, Haeberlin F, von Orelli S, Leeners B. Comparison of male and female perspective in couples involved in sexual relationships and facing endometriosis. Sex Med 2023; 11:qfad013. [PMID: 37256216 PMCID: PMC10226817 DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfad013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background While the sexuality of patients with endometriosis is an established topic in research, the possible effect of endometriosis on partnership sexuality has come to the fore only recently. To improve counseling, more information is needed on how both partners experience sexuality in the context of endometriosis. Aim Previous research regarding endometriosis and sexuality normally focused on one partner to explore couples' intimate relations, whereas this study provides a comparison on both partners' perspectives on their common sexuality. Methods An overall 302 couples received a questionnaire based on the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning and Sexual History Form, which was modified by endometriosis specialists to better focus on endometriosis-specific aspects. To detect different perspectives on common sexuality within the couple, the Wilcoxon test and the Pearson chi-square test were performed. Outcomes Various aspects of couple sexuality were assessed by both partners to investigate divergent perspectives between the man and the woman within a couple. Results On one hand, male and female partners seem to have divergent perspectives on sexual satisfaction in general, desired frequency of sexual contacts, and the question of the female partner engaging in sexual activity despite discomfort. On the other, they have similar perspectives on who takes initiative in sexual contacts, satisfaction with variety in the sexual relationship, and the impact of sexual limitations on their satisfaction within the partnership. Clinical implications Endometriosis research addressing issues related to sexuality should include male partners; the same applies to consulting women with endometriosis in the context of their relationships rather than as individuals. Strengths and Limitations This is the first analysis conducted on a larger scale of data from both partners in couples dealing with endometriosis. As it provides quantitative information only, some qualitative information remains unexplored. Conclusion As both partners showed tendencies to overestimate their partners' sexual satisfaction and had different perspectives on sensitive topics in sexuality, such as the female partner engaging in sexual activity despite discomfort, addressing sexual communication could be a starting point in counseling couples dealing with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Helfenstein
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8910 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra S Kohl Schwartz
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8910 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Canton Hospital Lucerne, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Imesch
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Zurich, 8910 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Monika M Wölfler
- Division of Gynecology, Endocrinology, and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Felix Haeberlin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Canton Hospital St Gallen, 9000 St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie von Orelli
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Triemli Hospital Zurich, 8063 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Brigitte Leeners
- Corresponding author: Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zürich, Frauenklinikstr 10, 8910 Zürich, Switzerland.
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26
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Monnin N, Fattet AJ, Koscinski I. Endometriosis: Update of Pathophysiology, (Epi) Genetic and Environmental Involvement. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030978. [PMID: 36979957 PMCID: PMC10046867 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic disease caused by ectopic endometrial tissue. Endometriotic implants induce inflammation, leading to chronic pain and impaired fertility. Characterized by their dependence on estradiol (via estrogen receptor β (ESRβ)) and their resistance to progesterone, endometriotic implants produce their own source of estradiol through active aromatase. Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1) is a key transcription factor that promotes aromatase synthesis. The expression of SF1 and ESRβ is enhanced by the demethylation of their promoter in progenitor cells of the female reproductive system. High local concentrations of estrogen are involved in the chronic inflammatory environment favoring the implantation and development of endometriotic implants. Similar local conditions can promote, directly and indirectly, the appearance and development of genital cancer. Recently, certain components of the microbiota have been identified as potentially promoting a high level of estrogen in the blood. Many environmental factors are also suspected of increasing the estrogen concentration, especially prenatal exposure to estrogen-like endocrine disruptors such as DES and bisphenol A. Phthalates are also suspected of promoting endometriosis but throughmeans other than binding to estradiol receptors. The impact of dioxin or tobacco seems to be more controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Monnin
- Majorelle Clinic, Atoutbio Laboratory, Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Anne Julie Fattet
- Majorelle Clinic, Atoutbio Laboratory, Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Isabelle Koscinski
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Hospital Saint Joseph, 13008 Marseille, France
- NGERE Inserm 1256, 54505 Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
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Bashir ST, Redden CR, Raj K, Arcanjo RB, Stasiak S, Li Q, Steelman AJ, Nowak RA. Endometriosis leads to central nervous system-wide glial activation in a mouse model of endometriosis. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:59. [PMID: 36879305 PMCID: PMC9987089 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02713-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common symptom of endometriosis. Women with endometriosis are also at a high risk of suffering from anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders. Recent studies indicate that endometriosis can affect the central nervous system (CNS). Changes in the functional activity of neurons, functional magnetic resonance imaging signals, and gene expression have been reported in the brains of rat and mouse models of endometriosis. The majority of the studies thus far have focused on neuronal changes, whereas changes in the glial cells in different brain regions have not been studied. METHODS Endometriosis was induced in female mice (45-day-old; n = 6-11/timepoint) by syngeneic transfer of donor uterine tissue into the peritoneal cavity of recipient animals. Brains, spines, and endometriotic lesions were collected for analysis at 4, 8, 16, and 32 days post-induction. Sham surgery mice were used as controls (n = 6/timepoint). The pain was assessed using behavioral tests. Using immunohistochemistry for microglia marker ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (IBA1) and machine learning "Weka trainable segmentation" plugin in Fiji, we evaluated the morphological changes in microglia in different brain regions. Changes in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) for astrocytes, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin-6 (IL6) were also evaluated. RESULTS We observed an increase in microglial soma size in the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, and hypothalamus of mice with endometriosis compared to sham controls on days 8, 16, and 32. The percentage of IBA1 and GFAP-positive area was increased in the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, and hypothalamus in mice with endometriosis compared to sham controls on day 16. The number of microglia and astrocytes did not differ between endometriosis and sham control groups. We observed increased TNF and IL6 expression when expression levels from all brain regions were combined. Mice with endometriosis displayed reduced burrowing behavior and hyperalgesia in the abdomen and hind-paw. CONCLUSION We believe this is the first report of central nervous system-wide glial activation in a mouse model of endometriosis. These results have significant implications for understanding chronic pain associated with endometriosis and other issues such as anxiety and depression in women with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Tauseef Bashir
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 W. Gregory Drive, Room 314 ASL, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Catherine R Redden
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 W. Gregory Drive, Room 314 ASL, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Kishori Raj
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 W. Gregory Drive, Room 314 ASL, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Rachel B Arcanjo
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 W. Gregory Drive, Room 314 ASL, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Sandra Stasiak
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 W. Gregory Drive, Room 314 ASL, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Quanxi Li
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Andrew J Steelman
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 W. Gregory Drive, Room 314 ASL, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Romana A Nowak
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 W. Gregory Drive, Room 314 ASL, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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Giese N, Heirs MK. Development of Provisional Acupuncture Guidelines for Pelvic Pain in Endometriosis Using an e-Delphi Consensus Process. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2023; 29:169-180. [PMID: 36454211 PMCID: PMC10039271 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Growing evidence suggests that acupuncture can improve pelvic pain in women with endometriosis. The treatments used in research vary considerably. It remains unclear which treatment could be recommended for clinical practice. This research project aimed at clarifying how acupuncture could be used when treating this condition. Methods: This research comprised two phases: a systematized literature review to extract acupuncture treatment details from published research, and an e-Delphi study to gain knowledge about details as used by expert acupuncturists. Review: Four databases were searched using predefined eligibility criteria. Data were extracted based on the STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) criteria. e-Delphi: Purposeful sampling from colleagues and international experts. An open first round gathered qualitative data, analyzed with the Framework method. In rounds 2 and 3, experts rated statements to build group consensus, defined as a rating of ≥5 on a 7-point Likert scale by ≥70% of the experts. The strength of agreement was graded using the median score and interquartile range. Results from the literature review and the e-Delphi were compared using the STRICTA items. Results: The literature review (n = 29 unique studies) found a wide range of treatment details with little agreement. The e-Delphi of international experts (n = 20) resulted in agreement on 94 statements (such as key factors for effectiveness); disagreement on a further 29 (such as acupressure); and absence of consensus on 55 statements (such as the number of needle insertions). A comparison of the review and e-Delphi results found little agreement. Conclusions: Details of acupuncture treatment for endometriosis-related pelvic pain were presented. In the absence of acupuncture guidelines for this condition, the researchers of this e-Delphi recommend using the treatment details on which experts agreed as guidance for good practice. The effectiveness of these guidelines should be evaluated in future research. Study registration: Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS00022215, June 30, 2020, retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Giese
- Department of Advanced Oriental Medicine, Northern College of Acupuncture, York, United Kingdom
- Praxis für Chinesische Medizin, Bonn, Germany
| | - Morag K Heirs
- Department of Advanced Oriental Medicine, Northern College of Acupuncture, York, United Kingdom
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The Abundance and Function of Neutrophils in the Endometriosis Systemic and Pelvic Microenvironment. Mediators Inflamm 2023; 2023:1481489. [PMID: 36762287 PMCID: PMC9904898 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1481489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common inflammatory illness in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterine cavity. Immune dysfunction is now widely acknowledged as the primary cause of endometriosis. The immune cell population represented by neutrophils is thought to play an essential role in the etiology, pathophysiology, and associated clinical outcome. There is growing evidence that neutrophils have a role in chronic and aseptic inflammatory diseases, and endometriosis patients have increased levels of neutrophils in plasma, peritoneal fluid, and ectopic endometrium. Here, we sought to review the function of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, with an emphasis on the role of neutrophils in regulating endometrial angiogenesis and the local inflammatory microenvironment.
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Brandes I, Kleine-Budde K, Heinze N, Binder S, Klug C, Schippert C, Ebert AD, Halis G. Cross-sectional study for derivation of a cut-off value for identification of an early versus delayed diagnosis of endometriosis based on analytical and descriptive research methods. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:521. [PMID: 36514039 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-02044-x] [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: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a benign, hormone-dependent, chronic inflammatory gynecological disease accompanied by cyclic and acyclic pelvic pain and other complaints. The long lists of research recommendations in the AWMF guideline (Burghaus et al., Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 81:422-46, 2021) and ESHRE Endometriosis Guideline (ESHRE Endometriosis Guideline Development Group, Endometriosis: Guideline of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, 2022) show that there is still a great need for research in all aspects of the disease. Diagnostic delay, defined as the mean time between symptom onset and confirmed diagnosis, is a particular problem associated with endometriosis. Some quantitative and qualitative studies have investigated possible reasons for this. A range of physician-related (Dixon et al., Br J Gen Pract 71:e668-e676, 2021; van der Zanden and Nap, Reprod Biomed Online 32:527-31, 2016) and patient-related factors (Sayer-Jones and Sherman, Health Psychol Behav Med 9:456-79, 2021) as well as stigmatization of the topic of menstruation by society have been identified (Kruckenberg, Frauenarzt 59:2-5, 2018; Seear, Soc Sci Med 69:1220-7, 2009). The consequences of the disease being diagnosed late (or too late) on the course of disease, the quality of life and the costs of the disease have already been documented in studies (Sims Int J Environ Res Public Health 18(15):8210, 2021; Surrey Adv Ther 37:1087-99, 2020). However, a systematically derived cut-off value that clearly distinguishes between short and long delay is still lacking. Therefore, the aim of our study was to derive a threshold value for the definition of a target corridor for endometriosis diagnosis based on descriptive and analytical methods. METHODS Since our review of the rather sparse publications on diagnostic delay did not yield satisfactory results, we used descriptive statistics and location parameters to calculate a cut-off value for German population data from the EndoCost study. Statistical methods were used for correlation analysis of shortDD versus longDD (correlation analysis and logistic regression) and group membership (discriminant analysis). RESULTS Five years was identified as the cut-off value that significantly differentiated between shortDD and longDD based on various disease-related variables. This suggests that endometriosis should be definitively diagnosed within less than five years to minimize the risk of an unfavorable course of the disease. CONCLUSION Our findings confirmed that an early onset of endometriosis-related symptoms is the most important risk factor for a long diagnostic delay. Consequently, adolescent females should receive increased attention as an especially vulnerable group. Evidently, there is an urgent need to develop adequate concepts to improve the endometriosis education and care among this target group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Brandes
- Department of Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health System Research, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany.
| | | | - Nicole Heinze
- Department of Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health System Research, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Binder
- German Rheumatism Research Centre Berlin (DRFZ), Berlin, Germany
| | - Constanze Klug
- Institute of Medical Management and Health Sciences (IMG), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Cordula Schippert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
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Akkol EK, Karpuz B, Türkcanoğlu G, Coşgunçelebi FG, Taştan H, Aschner M, Khatkar A, Sobarzo-Sánchez E. The Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activity of Malva neglecta Wallr. in Surgically Induced Endometriosis Model in Rats. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27227869. [PMID: 36431970 PMCID: PMC9695446 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Leaves and aerial parts of Malva neglecta Wallr. have been traditionally used in Anatolia for the treatment of pain, inflammation, hemorrhoids, renal stones, constipation, and infertility. This study investigated the effects of M. neglecta leaves in a rat endometriosis model. The dried plant material was extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol, successively. Experimental endometriosis was surgically induced in six-week-old female, non-pregnant, Wistar albino rats by autotransplant of endometrial tissue to the abdominal wall. After twenty-eight days, rats were evaluated for a second laparotomy. Endometrial foci areas were assessed, and intraabdominal adhesions were scored. Rats were divided into five groups as control, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and aqueous extracts, as well as reference. At the end of the treatment, all rats were sacrificed and endometriotic foci areas and intraabdominal adhesions were re-evaluated and compared with the previous findings. Moreover, peritoneal fluid was collected to detect tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, and cDNA synthesis, and a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was done. The phytochemical content of the most active extract was determined using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Both endometrial volume and adhesion score decreased significantly in the group treated with methanol extract. In addition, significant decreases were observed in TNF-α, VEGF, and IL-6 levels in animals administered methanol extract. HPLC results showed that the activity caused by the methanol extract of M. neglecta was due to the polyphenols. Taken together, these novel findings indicate that M. neglecta may be a promising alternative for the treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Küpeli Akkol
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330 Ankara, Turkey
- Correspondence: (E.K.A.); (E.S.-S.); Tel.: +90-(31)-22023185 (E.K.A.); +90-(56)-953972783 (E.S.-S.)
| | - Büşra Karpuz
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Başkent University, 06810 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gizem Türkcanoğlu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330 Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Hakkı Taştan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gazi University, 06560 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Anurag Khatkar
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak 124001, India
| | - Eduardo Sobarzo-Sánchez
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad Central de Chile, Santiago 8330507, Chile
- Correspondence: (E.K.A.); (E.S.-S.); Tel.: +90-(31)-22023185 (E.K.A.); +90-(56)-953972783 (E.S.-S.)
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Role of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and therapeutic implications. J Cannabis Res 2022; 4:54. [PMID: 36207747 PMCID: PMC9540712 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-022-00163-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis patients experience debilitating chronic pain, and the first-line treatment is ineffective at managing symptoms. Although surgical removal of the lesions provides temporary relief, more than 50% of the patients experience disease recurrence. Despite being a leading cause of hysterectomy, endometriosis lacks satisfactory treatments and a cure. Another challenge is the poor understanding of disease pathophysiology which adds to the delays in diagnosis and overall compromised quality of life. Endometriosis patients are in dire need of an effective therapeutic strategy that is both economical and effective in managing symptoms, while fertility is unaffected. Endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids possess anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and anti-proliferative properties that may prove beneficial for endometriosis management, given that inflammation, vascularization, and pain are hallmark features of endometriosis. Endocannabinoids are a complex network of molecules that play a central role in physiological processes including homeostasis and tissue repair, but endocannabinoids have also been associated in the pathophysiology of several chronic inflammatory diseases including endometriosis and cancers. The lack of satisfactory treatment options combined with the recent legalization of recreational cannabinoids in some parts of the world has led to a rise in self-management strategies including the use of cannabinoids for endometriosis-related pain and other symptoms. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of endocannabinoids with a focus on their potential roles in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. We further provide evidence-driven perspectives on the current state of knowledge on endometriosis-associated pain, inflammation, and therapeutic avenues exploiting the endocannabinoid system for its management.
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Strömberg C, Olovsson M, Grundström H. Age-related differences in experienced patient-centred care among women with endometriosis. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2022; 42:3356-3361. [PMID: 36194085 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2125796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Younger women with endometriosis report lower quality of life and seek more care. Patient-centeredness is a central part of quality of care. The aim of this study was to investigate if women younger than 35 years experience endometriosis care as less patient-centred than women 35 years and older. The ENDOCARE Questionnaire was sent to 1000 randomly selected women with verified endometriosis from 10 clinics in Sweden. Answers from 469 women were analysed using Mann-Whitney's U-test and Spearman's correlation. Our findings show that younger women experience care as less patient-centred regarding 'Physical comfort,' 'Continuity,' 'Access to care,' 'Technical skills,' and overall patient-centeredness score in comparison with older women. On the contrary, younger women experience more patient-centeredness in 'Emotional support'. Positive correlations were found for age and 'Access to care' and 'Technical skills', while a negative correlation was found for age and 'Emotional support'. Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? There is a need for improvement of quality of endometriosis care. Patient-centeredness is an important part of care improvement work. Many factors have an impact on experienced patient-centeredness in endometriosis care, whereof age is one possible determinant. Given the impact of age on QoL and care seeking behaviour, age may also have influence on the experience patient-centeredness.What do the results of this study add? Our findings show that younger women experience their endometriosis care as less patient-centred than older women.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our results highlight the need of improvement of endometriosis care, especially for younger women. The results contribute to the understanding of the experience of patient-centeredness, which may be used as a guidance to how healthcare recourses should be allocated. Further research is needed to identify other factors contributing to the experience of patient-centeredness. Future studies could also evaluate how different interventions can improve patient-centeredness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Strömberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Matts Olovsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hanna Grundström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Norrköping, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Muacevic A, Adler JR. Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Comprehensive Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e30691. [PMID: 36465795 PMCID: PMC9709590 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30691] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is explained as a complaint of cyclic or non-cyclic pelvic pain lasting for at least six months with or without dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dysuria, and dyschezia. The etiology of symptoms can be categorized according to organ system involvement. Gynecological causes typically involve endometriosis-related pain, pelvic congestion syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, adenomyosis, hydrosalpinx, etc. Endometriosis-related pain is seldom non-cyclic and may present due to recurrent bleeding in endometriotic implants. Engorgement of veins leads to inadequate venous washout and presents chronic pelvic pain in pelvic congestion syndrome. The pressure effect of benign lesions of the uterus and cervix may lead to cyclic pain, as in uterine fibroids. Often presentation of diseases like hydrosalpinx may not present until it has overdistended or may at times present as acute pelvic pain if it undergoes torsion. Long-standing untreated pelvic inflammatory diseases in sexually active females is another cause of pelvic pain. The complaint of CPP is also shared due to the involvement of the gastrointestinal system in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, long-standing abdominal hernias, colorectal cancer, etc. Alteration of the gut biome and dysregulated brain-gut associations lead to typical manifestations of chronic lower back pain and pelvic pain in irritable bowel syndrome. Colorectal tumors, when in the advanced stage, may spread to nearby tissues creating fistulas and affecting nearby nerves, causing pelvic, perineal, and sacral pain. Abdominal hernias with small bowel prolapse are always related to pelvic pain symptoms. Infections in the urinary tract like urethral syndrome, chronic prostatitis, and chronic recurrent cystitis present with CPP and voiding problems. Musculoskeletal etiologies, though varying in degrees, are responsible for isolated complaints of CPP. Examples include pelvic girdle pain, levator syndrome, coccygodynia, and pelvic floor prolapse.
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Pascoal E, Wessels JM, Aas-Eng MK, Abrao MS, Condous G, Jurkovic D, Espada M, Exacoustos C, Ferrero S, Guerriero S, Hudelist G, Malzoni M, Reid S, Tang S, Tomassetti C, Singh SS, Van den Bosch T, Leonardi M. Strengths and limitations of diagnostic tools for endometriosis and relevance in diagnostic test accuracy research. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2022; 60:309-327. [PMID: 35229963 DOI: 10.1002/uog.24892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic systemic disease that can cause pain, infertility and reduced quality of life. Diagnosing endometriosis remains challenging, which yields diagnostic delays for patients. Research on diagnostic test accuracy in endometriosis can be difficult due to verification bias, as not all patients with endometriosis undergo definitive diagnostic testing. The purpose of this State-of-the-Art Review is to provide a comprehensive update on the strengths and limitations of the diagnostic modalities used in endometriosis and discuss the relevance of diagnostic test accuracy research pertaining to each. We performed a comprehensive literature review of the following methods: clinical assessment including history and physical examination, biomarkers, diagnostic imaging, surgical diagnosis and histopathology. Our review suggests that, although non-invasive diagnostic methods, such as clinical assessment, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, do not yet qualify formally as replacement tests for surgery in diagnosing all subtypes of endometriosis, they are likely to be appropriate for advanced stages of endometriosis. We also demonstrate in our review that all methods have strengths and limitations, leading to our conclusion that there should not be a single gold-standard diagnostic method for endometriosis, but rather, multiple accepted diagnostic methods appropriate for different circumstances. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pascoal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - J M Wessels
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- AIMA Laboratories Inc., Hamilton, Canada
| | - M K Aas-Eng
- Department of Gynecology, Oslo University Hospital Ulleval, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - M S Abrao
- Gynecologic Division, BP-A Beneficencia Portuguesa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetricia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - G Condous
- Acute Gynecology, Early Pregnancy and Advanced Endosurgery Unit, Sydney Medical School, Nepean Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - D Jurkovic
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - M Espada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Blue Mountains ANZAC Memorial Hospital, Katoomba, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, Sydney, Australia
| | - C Exacoustos
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - S Ferrero
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - S Guerriero
- Centro Integrato di Procreazione Medicalmente Assistita (PMA) e Diagnostica Ostetrico-Ginecologica, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria-Policlinico Duilio Casula, Cagliari, Italy
| | - G Hudelist
- Department of Gynecology, Center for Endometriosis, St John of God Hospital, Vienna, Austria
- Scientific Endometriosis Foundation (SEF), Westerstede, Germany
| | - M Malzoni
- Endoscopica Malzoni, Center for Advanced Endoscopic Gynecologic Surgery, Avellino, Italy
| | - S Reid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - S Tang
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - C Tomassetti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven University Fertility Centre, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S S Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
| | - T Van den Bosch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Leonardi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Sydney Medical School, Sydney, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Roles of microRNAs in Regulating Apoptosis in the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12091321. [PMID: 36143357 PMCID: PMC9500848 DOI: 10.3390/life12091321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a gynecologic disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial tissues outside the uterine cavity affecting reproductive-aged women. Previous studies have shown that microRNAs and their target mRNAs are expressed differently in endometriosis, suggesting that this molecule may play a role in the development and persistence of endometriotic lesions. microRNA (miRNA), a small non-coding RNA fragment, regulates cellular functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis by the post-transcriptional modulation of gene expression. In this review, we focused on the dysregulated miRNAs in women with endometriosis and their roles in the regulation of apoptosis. The dysregulated miRNAs and their target genes in this pathophysiology were highlighted. Circulating miRNAs as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of endometriosis have also been identified. As shown by various studies, miRNAs were reported to be a potent regulator of gene expression in endometriosis; thus, identifying the dysregulated miRNAs and their target genes could help discover new therapeutic targets for treating this disease. The goal of this review is to draw attention to the functions that miRNAs play in the pathophysiology of endometriosis, particularly those that govern cell death.
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Salman BI, Hassan AI, Hassan YF, Saraya RE. Ultra-sensitive and selective fluorescence approach for estimation of elagolix in real human plasma and content uniformity using boron-doped carbon quantum dots. BMC Chem 2022; 16:58. [PMID: 35922841 PMCID: PMC9351230 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-022-00849-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Elagolix (ELX) is an orally administered non-peptidic GnRH antagonist that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2018 for the treatment of endometriosis pain. A sensitive and selective method for estimating elagolix (ELX) in human plasma and content uniformity was developed and validated. The spectrofluorimetric technique was used to investigate ELX utilizing boron-doped carbon quantum dots (B@CQDs). After gradually adding ELX, the quantum dots fluorescence was enhanced with LOQ of 1.74 ng mL−1, the calibration curve between ELX and corresponding fluorescence intensity was found over a range of 4–100 ng mL−1. The method was successfully applied in real human plasma with pharmacokinetic study and content uniformity test. The pharmacokinetic parameters as Cmax were found to be 570 ± 5.32 ng. mL−1 after 1 h, t1/2 was found to be 6.50 h, and AUC was found to be 1290 ± 30.33 ng. h. mL−1. B@CQDs were characterized using variety of instruments. The strategy is simple to implement in clinical labs and therapeutic drug monitoring systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baher I Salman
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, 71524, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed I Hassan
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Yasser F Hassan
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Roshdy E Saraya
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port Said University, Port Said, 42511, Egypt
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Barretta M, Savasta F, Pietropaolo G, Barbasetti A, Barbera V, Vignali M. COVID-19 susceptibility in endometriosis patients: a case control study. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13602. [PMID: 35867851 PMCID: PMC9349658 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Starting from November 2019, the world has had to face a devastating pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Various studies have identified potential risk factors facilitating the infection, however it hasn't been demonstrated whether endometriosis might represent one of them. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if patients with endometriosis had a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 infection and, in such case, whether they developed a more severe infection than the general population. Furthermore, this study evaluated the possible correlation with the stage of endometriosis, based on the r-ASRM score, and the potential worsening of the disease during the SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHOD OF STUDY A case-control study was conducted from March 2020 to April 2021 at Macedonio Melloni Hospital, in Milan. A total of 401 women were recruited. The cases were 201 women with clinical or surgical diagnosis of endometriosis. The control group consisted of 200 women, without the disease. All women completed a self-administered questionnaire which evaluated their demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as a potential diagnosis of Covid-19. RESULTS Comparison between the two groups showed that women with endometriosis had a higher frequency of COVID-19 than the control subjects (23% vs 13.5%, P = 0.014), with a greater prevalence of fever (14.4% vs 6%, P = 0.008) and myalgias or arthralgias (11.4% vs 4.5%, P = 0.01). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, women with endometriosis had a higher risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR = 2.11, 95% IC: 1.20-3.80), regardless the stage of the disease. CONCLUSION Endometriosis increases the susceptibility to COVID-19, and women who suffer from it should be considered as fragile patients, worthy of prior access to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Barretta
- Department of Biomedical Science for the Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Savasta
- Department of Biomedical Science for the Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana Pietropaolo
- Department of Biomedical Science for the Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Allegra Barbasetti
- Department of Biomedical Science for the Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Barbera
- Department of Biomedical Science for the Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Vignali
- Department of Biomedical Science for the Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Illum LRH, Forman A, Melgaard A, Hansen KE, Hansen SN, Nyegaard M, Hummelshoj L, Rytter D. Temporal and regional differences in the incidence of hospital-diagnosed endometriosis: a Danish population-based study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2022; 101:737-746. [PMID: 35434780 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Due to diagnostic challenges, normalization of symptoms and an overall lack of awareness among both patients and physicians, endometriosis is an underdiagnosed disease. This can result in delayed treatment and potentially worsening of the disease. Despite initiatives, such as patients' support organizations and specialized endometriosis referral centers, differences in awareness, socioeconomic factors and lifestyle, combined with varying distances to specialized referral centers, could result in regional differences in the degree of underdiagnosing. This study aims to explore temporal and regional variations in the incidence of endometriosis based on the Danish hospital discharge register, and shed light on the degree of underdiagnosing of endometriosis in Denmark. MATERIAL AND METHODS This registry-based cohort study included all women aged 15-55 living in Denmark from 1990-2017. Participants were identified through the Danish Civil Registration system and endometriosis diagnoses received at a hospital were obtained from the Danish National Patient Registry. Incidence rates of diagnosed endometriosis were calculated for each year of the study period and for each municipality in Denmark. A Cox regression analysis, stratified by calendar time and adjusted for ethnic origin, household composition, highest educational level and family socioeconomic status, was performed to estimate the association between residence and likelihood of receiving a hospital-based diagnosis of endometriosis. RESULTS The nationwide incidence rate of hospital-diagnosed endometriosis was 7.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.80-7.99) per 10 000 person-years and the prevalence in 2017 was 1.63%. The results showed an overall increase in the incidence of diagnosed endometriosis of 46.8% (95% CI 32.9-62.2) during the study period and also displayed significant regional differences. After adjustments, women living in northern Jutland had the highest probability of receiving a hospital-based diagnosis of endometriosis (hazard ratio 1.13, 95% CI 1.09-1.18), whereas women living in northern Zealand had the lowest probability (hazard ratio 0.63, 95% CI 0.60-0.67) compared with eastern Jutland. These regional differences have become more evident over time. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal significant regional differences in the incidence of hospital-diagnosed endometriosis, suggesting that a significant number of women may be left behind without a diagnosis. Further studies are needed to assess the underlying reasons for the significant regional differences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Axel Forman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anna Melgaard
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Karina E Hansen
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Stefan N Hansen
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mette Nyegaard
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Dorte Rytter
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Gale J, Singh SS. A Practical Approach to Fertility Considerations in Endometriosis Surgery. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2022; 49:241-256. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Kyejo W, Ismail A, Rubagumya D, Bakari R, Kaguta M, Matillya N. Shortness of breath in a young lady, rare case report of thoracic endometriosis. Int J Surg Case Rep 2022; 95:107226. [PMID: 35598337 PMCID: PMC9127588 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE Endometrial glandular tissue can implant in the thorax of women suffering from endometriosis. The clinical presentation is depends on site of implantation. Complications include pneumothorax, pneumohemothorax or hemothorax. CASE PRESENTATION A 31 year old woman with history of infertility presented with shortness of breath and was found to have a significant right sided pneumohemothorax. Drainage was done followed by chemical pleurodesis using bleomycin with resolution of symptoms on her follow up. CLINICAL DISCUSSION Thoracic endometriosis tend to present with chronic or sub-acute symptoms which are non-specific symptoms leading to late diagnosis. Video Assisted Thoracoscopic surgery offer both diagnostic and therapeutic in thoracic endometriosis. However in limited settings chemical pleurodesis can be carried out done to prevent recurrence of shortness of breath due to thoracic endometriosis. CONCLUSION Therefore, clinical suspicion of thoracic endometriosis in evaluation of shortness of breath in a young lady with history of infertility or pelvic surgery is indispensable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willbroad Kyejo
- Department of Family Medicine, Aga Khan University, P.O. Box 38129, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Allyzain Ismail
- Department of General Surgery, Aga Khan University, P.O. Box 38129, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Davis Rubagumya
- Department of Family Medicine, Aga Khan University, P.O. Box 38129, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Family Medicine, Premier Care Clinic Masaki, PO Box 220, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rahma Bakari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aga Khan Hospital, P.O. Box 2289, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Munawar Kaguta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aga Khan Hospital, P.O. Box 2289, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Nancy Matillya
- Department of Family Medicine, Aga Khan University, P.O. Box 38129, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
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Friedrich C, Francke K, Gashaw I, Scheerans C, Klein S, Fels L, Smith JA, Hummel T, Morice A. Safety, Pharmacodynamics, and Pharmacokinetics of P2X3 Receptor Antagonist Eliapixant (BAY 1817080) in Healthy Subjects: Double-Blind Randomized Study. Clin Pharmacokinet 2022; 61:1143-1156. [PMID: 35624408 PMCID: PMC9349145 DOI: 10.1007/s40262-022-01126-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objective There is no licensed treatment for refractory chronic cough; off-label therapies have limited efficacy and can produce adverse effects. Excessive adenosine triphosphate signaling via P2X3 receptors is implicated in refractory chronic cough, and selective P2X3 receptor antagonists such as eliapixant (BAY 1817080) are under investigation. The objective of the study was to investigate the safety and tolerability of ascending repeated oral doses of eliapixant in healthy volunteers. Methods We conducted a repeated-dose, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in 47 healthy male individuals. Subjects received repeated twice-daily ascending oral doses of eliapixant (10, 50, 200, and 750 mg) or placebo for 2 weeks. The primary outcome was frequency and severity of adverse events. Other outcomes included pharmacokinetics and evaluation of taste disturbances, which have occurred with the less selective P2X3 receptor antagonist gefapixant. Results Peak plasma concentrations of eliapixant were reached 3–4 h after administration of the first and subsequent doses. With multiple dosing, steady-state plasma concentrations were reached after ~ 6 days, and plasma concentrations predicted to achieve ≥ 80% P2X3 receptor occupancy (the level required for efficacy) were reached at 200 and 750 mg. Increases in plasma concentrations with increasing doses were less than dose proportional. After multiple dosing, mean plasma concentrations of eliapixant showed low peak–trough fluctuations and were similar for 200- and 750-mg doses. Eliapixant was well tolerated with a low incidence of taste-related adverse events. Conclusions Eliapixant (200 and 750 mg) produced plasma concentrations that cover the predicted therapeutic threshold over 24 h, with good safety and tolerability. These results enabled eliapixant to progress to clinical trials in patients with refractory chronic cough. Clinical Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03310645 (initial registration: 16 October, 2017). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40262-022-01126-1. There are few effective treatments for patients with a long-term (chronic) cough. It is thought that chronic cough is caused by nerves becoming oversensitive, wrongly causing a cough when there is no need. We tested a new drug called eliapixant in 47 healthy men. Eliapixant reduces the excessive nerve signaling responsible for chronic cough. We looked for side effects of eliapixant and measured how it behaves in the body. In particular we looked for side effects relating to the sense of taste because gefapixant, a similar drug to eliapixant, can affect taste. Participants took one of four eliapixant doses or a placebo twice daily for 2 weeks. The highest levels of eliapixant in the blood were seen 3–4 h after taking the drug, and stable concentrations were seen after about 6 days. At the two highest doses, eliapixant reached concentrations in the body that should be high enough to work in patients with chronic cough. Side effects were generally similar between eliapixant and placebo. Taste-related side effects were mild and went away without needing treatment. The positive results of this study meant that eliapixant could be tested in patients with chronic cough.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Friedrich
- Bayer AG Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals Clinical Pharmacology, 1 Building M004, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Klaus Francke
- Bayer AG Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals Clinical Pharmacology, 1 Building M004, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabella Gashaw
- Bayer AG Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals Clinical Pharmacology, 1 Building M004, 13353, Berlin, Germany.,Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Ingelheim, Germany
| | - Christian Scheerans
- Bayer AG Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals Clinical Pharmacology, 1 Building M004, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Klein
- Bayer AG Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals Clinical Pharmacology, 1 Building M004, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lueder Fels
- Bayer AG Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals Clinical Pharmacology, 1 Building M004, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jaclyn A Smith
- University of Manchester, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alyn Morice
- Centre for Clinical Sciences, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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Orlov S, Jokubkiene L. Prevalence of endometriosis and adenomyosis at transvaginal ultrasound examination in symptomatic women. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2022; 101:524-531. [PMID: 35224723 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prevalence of endometriosis is commonly reported based on surgery findings and varies widely depending on study population and indication for surgery. Symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, dyspareunia, dysuria, and dyschezia can be associated with endometriosis and adenomyosis. Transvaginal ultrasound examination is proposed to be the first-line diagnostic method, nevertheless there are no published ultrasound-based studies reporting prevalence of endometriosis and adenomyosis in symptomatic women other than those scheduled for surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of endometriosis and adenomyosis as assessed by transvaginal ultrasound in women with symptoms suggestive of endometriosis and adenomyosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS This is a retrospective cross-sectional study performed at a tertiary-care center including 373 symptomatic women who were systematically examined with transvaginal ultrasound by an experienced ultrasound examiner. Before ultrasound examination women filled in a questionnaire including self-assessment of the severity of their symptoms (dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, dysuria, dyschezia) using a visual analog scale. Abnormal findings in the uterus, ovaries, bowel, urinary bladder, uterosacral ligaments, and rectovaginal septum were noted, and their size and location were described. Prevalence of endometriosis, adenomyosis, endometrioma, and deep endometriosis in different anatomical locations was reported. RESULTS Prevalence of ovarian endometrioma and/or deep endometriosis was 25% and of adenomyosis was 12%. Prevalence of endometrioma was 20% and of deep endometriosis was 9%, for each location being 8% in the bowel, 3% in the uterosacral ligaments, 3% in the rectovaginal septum and 0.5% in the urinary bladder. CONCLUSIONS In symptomatic women examined with transvaginal ultrasound by an experienced ultrasound examiner, ovarian endometrioma and/or deep endometriosis was found in one of four women and adenomyosis in one of nine women. Deep endometriosis was present in one of 11 women. Despite having symptoms, half of the women had no abnormal ultrasound findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Orlov
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ystad Hospital, Ystad, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Ligita Jokubkiene
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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Kamrani S, Amirchaghmaghi E, Ghaffari F, Shahhoseini M, Ghaedi K. Altered gene expression of VEGF, IGFs and H19 lncRNA and epigenetic profile of H19-DMR region in endometrial tissues of women with endometriosis. Reprod Health 2022; 19:100. [PMID: 35459174 PMCID: PMC9034598 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01406-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis, as chronic estrogen-dependent disease, is defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Proliferation of endometrial tissue and neoangiogenesis are critical factors in development of endometriosis. Hence, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as well as insulin‐like growth factor 1 and 2 (IGF1, 2) may be involved as inducers of cellular proliferation or neoangiogenesis. Imprinted long noncoding RNA H19 (lncRNA H19) has been suggested to be involved in pathogenesis of endometriosis via regulation of cellular proliferation and differentiation. Epigenetic aberrations appear to play an important role in its pathogenesis. The present study was designed to elucidate VEGF, IGF1, IGF2 and H19 lncRNA genes expression and epigenetic alterations of differentially methylated region (DMR) of H19 (H19-DMR) regulatory region in endometrial tissues of patients with endometriosis, in comparison with control women. Methods In this case–control study, 24 women with and without endometriosis were studied for the relative expression of VEGF, IGF1, IGF2 and H19 lncRNA genes using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Occupancy of the MeCP2 on DMR region of H19 gene was assessed using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), followed by real-time PCR. Results Genes expression profile of H19, IGF1 and IGF2 was decreased in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues of endometriosis group, compared to the control tissues. Decreased expression of H19 in ectopic samples was significant in comparison with the controls (P < 0.05). Gene expression of VEGF was increased in eutopic tissues of endometriosis group, compared to control group. Whereas its expression level was lower in ectopic lesions versus eutopic and control endometrial samples. ChIP analysis revealed significant and nearly significant hypomethylation of H19-DMR region II in eutopic and ectopic samples, compared to the control group respectively. This epigenetic change was aligned with expression of IGF2. While methylation of H19-DMR region I was not significantly different between the eutopic, ectopic and control endometrial samples. Conclusion These data showed that VEGF, IGF1, IGF2 and H19 lncRNA genes expression and epigenetic alterations of H19 lncRNA have dynamic role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, specifically in the way that hypomethylation of H19-DMR region II can be involved in IGF2 dysregulation in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Kamrani
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Hezar Jerib Ave, Azadi Square, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Elham Amirchaghmaghi
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Regenerative Biomedicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Firouzeh Ghaffari
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shahhoseini
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, P.O.Box: 19395-4644, Tehran, Iran. .,Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Kamran Ghaedi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Hezar Jerib Ave, Azadi Square, Isfahan, Iran.
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Habibi S, Ramazanali F, Favaedi R, Afsharian P, Amirchaghmaghi E, Shahhoseini M. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a potent pro-inflammatory mediator which is epigenetically deregulated in endometriosis. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 151:103515. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Burden of Endometriosis: Infertility, Comorbidities, and Healthcare Resource Utilization. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11041133. [PMID: 35207404 PMCID: PMC8880408 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of our study was to evaluate the burden of endometriosis in the community by comparing healthcare resource utilization, total direct medical costs, infertility, and comorbidity rates of women with and without a diagnosis of endometriosis. A retrospective case–control study was performed using the databases of a 2.1 million-member nationwide healthcare plan. The study population included women aged 15–55 years enrolled in the healthcare plan. Women with a diagnosis (ICD-9) of endometriosis were compared to controls without diagnosed endometriosis. Women were individually matched (1:4) on age and residence area. Patient characteristics were described, including infertility, comorbidities, and annual healthcare resource utilization. Total direct medical costs were analyzed in a generalized linear model adjusting for age. Women with endometriosis (n = 6146, mean age ± SD: 40.4 ± 8.0 y) were significantly more likely than controls (n = 24,572) to have a lower BMI and a higher socioeconomic status. After adjusting for BMI and socioeconomic status, endometriosis was significantly associated with infertility (OR = 3.3; 95% CI 3.1–3.5), chronic comorbidities, higher utilization of healthcare services (hospitalization: OR = 2.3; 95% CI 2.1–2.5), pain medications, and antidepressants. Women aged 15–19 y with endometriosis had substantially higher utilization of primary care visits (57.7% vs. 14.4%) and oral contraceptive use (76.9% vs. 9.6%). Direct medical costs associated with endometriosis were higher than those for controls (OR = 1.75; 95% CI 1.69–1.85). Endometriosis is associated with a high burden of comorbidities, increased healthcare resource utilization, and excess costs, particularly for younger patients whose healthcare needs may differ widely from the older population.
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Ball E, Karavadra B, Kremer-Yeatman BJ, Mustard C, Lee KM, Bhogal S, Dodds J, Horne AW, Allotey J, Rivas C. Systematic review of patient-specific pre-operative predictors of pain improvement to endometriosis surgery. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 2:69-80. [PMID: 35128434 PMCID: PMC8812445 DOI: 10.1530/raf-20-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Up to 28% of endometriosis patients do not get pain relief from therapeutic laparoscopy but this subgroup is not defined. Objectives To identify any prognostic patient-specific factors (such as but not limited to patients’ type or location of endometriosis, sociodemographics and lifestyle) associated with a clinically meaningful reduction in post-surgical pain response to operative laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis. Search strategy PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases were searched from inception to 19 May 2020 without language restrictions. Backward and forward citation tracking was used. Selection criteria, data collection and analysis: Cohort studies reporting prognostic factors, along with scores for domains of pain associated with endometriosis before and after surgery, were included. Studies that compared surgeries, or laboratory tests, or outcomes without stratification were excluded. Results were synthesised but variation in study designs and inconsistency of outcome reporting precluded us from doing a meta-analysis. Main results Five studies were included. Quality assessment using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale graded three studies as high, one as moderate and one as having a low risk of bias. Four of five included studies separately reported that a relationship exists between more severe endometriosis and stronger pain relief from laparoscopic surgery. Conclusion Currently, there are few studies of appropriate quality to answer the research question. We recommend future studies report core outcome sets to enable meta-analysis. Lay summary Endometriosis is a painful condition caused by displaced cells from the lining of the womb, causing inflammation and scarring inside the body. It affects 6–10% of women and there is no permanent cure. Medical and laparoscopic surgical treatments are available, but about 28% of patients do not get the hoped-for pain relief after surgery. Currently, there is no way of predicting who gets better and who does not. We systematically searched the world literature to establish who may get better, in order to improve counselling when women choose treatment options. We identified five studies of variable quality showing: More complex disease (in specialist hands) responds better to surgery than less, but more studies needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Ball
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.,Women's Health Research Unit, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Babu Karavadra
- Department of Gynecology, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | | | - Connor Mustard
- Barts and the London Pragmatic Clinical Trials Unit, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Kim May Lee
- Barts and the London Pragmatic Clinical Trials Unit, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Sharandeep Bhogal
- Women's Health Research Unit, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Julie Dodds
- Women's Health Research Unit, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Andrew W Horne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - John Allotey
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research and Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Carol Rivas
- UCL Social Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
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del Mar Salinas-Asensio M, Ocón-Hernández O, Mundo-López A, Fernández-Lao C, Peinado FM, Padilla-Vinuesa C, Álvarez-Salvago F, Postigo-Martín P, Lozano-Lozano M, Lara-Ramos A, Arroyo-Morales M, Cantarero-Villanueva I, Artacho-Cordón F. 'Physio-EndEA' Study: A Randomized, Parallel-Group Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effect of a Supervised and Adapted Therapeutic Exercise Program to Improve Quality of Life in Symptomatic Women Diagnosed with Endometriosis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031738. [PMID: 35162761 PMCID: PMC8834829 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aim: The ‘Physio-EndEA’ study aims to explore the potential benefits of a therapeutic exercise program (focused on lumbopelvic stabilization and tolerance to exertion) on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of symptomatic endometriosis women. Design: The present study will use a parallel-group randomized controlled trial design. Methods: A total of 22 symptomatic endometriosis women will be randomized 1:1 to the Physio-EndEA or usual care groups. The ‘Physio-EndEA’ program will consist of a one-week lumbopelvic stabilization learning phase followed by an eight-week phase of stretching, aerobic and resistance exercises focused on the lumbopelvic area that will be sequentially instructed and supervised by a trained physiotherapist (with volume and intensity progression) and adapted daily to the potential of each participant. The primary outcome measure is HRQoL. The secondary outcome measures included clinician-reported outcomes (pressure pain thresholds, muscle thickness and strength, flexibility, body balance and cardiorespiratory fitness) and patient-reported outcomes (pain intensity, physical fitness, chronic fatigue, sexual function, gastrointestinal function and sleep quality). Discussion: Findings of this study will help to identify cost-effective non-pharmacological options (such as this exercise-based intervention) that may contribute to the improvement of HRQoL in symptomatic endometriosis women.
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Affiliation(s)
- María del Mar Salinas-Asensio
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain; (C.F.-L.); (P.P.-M.); (M.L.-L.); (M.A.-M.); (I.C.-V.)
- Biohealth Research Institute in Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; (O.O.-H.); (F.M.P.); (C.P.-V.)
- “Cuídate” Support Unit for Oncology Patients (UAPO), Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), E-18016 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.d.M.S.-A.); (F.A.-C.)
| | - Olga Ocón-Hernández
- Biohealth Research Institute in Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; (O.O.-H.); (F.M.P.); (C.P.-V.)
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics Unit, ‘San Cecilio’ University Hospital, E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | | | - Carolina Fernández-Lao
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain; (C.F.-L.); (P.P.-M.); (M.L.-L.); (M.A.-M.); (I.C.-V.)
- Biohealth Research Institute in Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; (O.O.-H.); (F.M.P.); (C.P.-V.)
- “Cuídate” Support Unit for Oncology Patients (UAPO), Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco M. Peinado
- Biohealth Research Institute in Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; (O.O.-H.); (F.M.P.); (C.P.-V.)
| | - Carmen Padilla-Vinuesa
- Biohealth Research Institute in Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; (O.O.-H.); (F.M.P.); (C.P.-V.)
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics Unit, ‘San Cecilio’ University Hospital, E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | | | - Paula Postigo-Martín
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain; (C.F.-L.); (P.P.-M.); (M.L.-L.); (M.A.-M.); (I.C.-V.)
- Biohealth Research Institute in Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; (O.O.-H.); (F.M.P.); (C.P.-V.)
- “Cuídate” Support Unit for Oncology Patients (UAPO), Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Mario Lozano-Lozano
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain; (C.F.-L.); (P.P.-M.); (M.L.-L.); (M.A.-M.); (I.C.-V.)
- Biohealth Research Institute in Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; (O.O.-H.); (F.M.P.); (C.P.-V.)
- “Cuídate” Support Unit for Oncology Patients (UAPO), Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Lara-Ramos
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics Unit, ‘Virgen de las Nieves’ University Hospital, E-18012 Granada, Spain;
| | - Manuel Arroyo-Morales
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain; (C.F.-L.); (P.P.-M.); (M.L.-L.); (M.A.-M.); (I.C.-V.)
- Biohealth Research Institute in Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; (O.O.-H.); (F.M.P.); (C.P.-V.)
- “Cuídate” Support Unit for Oncology Patients (UAPO), Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Irene Cantarero-Villanueva
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain; (C.F.-L.); (P.P.-M.); (M.L.-L.); (M.A.-M.); (I.C.-V.)
- Biohealth Research Institute in Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; (O.O.-H.); (F.M.P.); (C.P.-V.)
- “Cuídate” Support Unit for Oncology Patients (UAPO), Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Artacho-Cordón
- Biohealth Research Institute in Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; (O.O.-H.); (F.M.P.); (C.P.-V.)
- “Cuídate” Support Unit for Oncology Patients (UAPO), Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), E-18016 Granada, Spain
- Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), E-28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.d.M.S.-A.); (F.A.-C.)
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Ciggaar IA, Henneman OD, Oei SA, J.S.M.L. Vanhooymissen I, Blikkendaal MD, Bipat S. Bowel preparation in MRI for detection of endometriosis: comparison of the effect of an enema, no additional medication and intravenous butylscopolamine on image quality. Eur J Radiol 2022; 149:110222. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Zhou Y, Jin Y, Wang Y, Wu R. Hypoxia activates the unfolded protein response signaling network: An adaptive mechanism for endometriosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:945578. [PMID: 36339404 PMCID: PMC9630844 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.945578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMS) is a chronic gynecological disease that affects women of childbearing age. However, the exact cause remains unclear. The uterus is a highly vascularized organ that continuously exposes endometrial cells to high oxygen concentrations. According to the "planting theory" of EMS pathogenesis, when endometrial cells fall from the uterine cavity and retrograde to the peritoneal cavity, they will face severe hypoxic stress. Hypoxic stress remains a key issue even if successfully implanted into the ovaries or peritoneum. In recent years, increasing evidence has confirmed that hypoxia is closely related to the occurrence and development of EMS. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) can play an essential role in the pathological process of EMS by regulating carbohydrate metabolism, angiogenesis, and energy conversion of ectopic endometrial cells. However, HIF-1α alone is insufficient to achieve the complete program of adaptive changes required for cell survival under hypoxic stress, while the unfolded protein response (UPR) responding to endoplasmic reticulum stress plays an essential supplementary role in promoting cell survival. The formation of a complex signal regulation network by hypoxia-driven UPR may be the cytoprotective adaptation mechanism of ectopic endometrial cells in unfavorable microenvironments.
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