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Spinoni M, Porpora MG, Muzii L, Grano C. PAIN SEVERITY AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN ENDOMETRIOSIS-PATIENTS: MEDIATION OF NEGATIVE BODY AWARENESS AND INTEROCEPTIVE SELF-REGULATION. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024:104640. [PMID: 39032583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.104640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis-related pain may be associated with depressive symptoms. Although a growing body of evidence supports this association, the underlying mechanisms are still largely unclear. Impaired perceptions of bodily external and internal stimuli may be involved in this process. This study aims to assess the mediating role of two facets of interoception - the awareness of negative body signals and interoceptive self-regulation - in the association between pain severity and depressive symptoms among women with endometriosis. A total of 301 patients who reported a diagnosis of endometriosis were recruited from an endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain outpatient university clinic and through patient associations and completed self-reported instruments. A parallel mediation analysis was conducted. Almost half of women (48.2%) reported depressive symptoms above the self-rating scale cut-off values. Pain severity significantly predicted depressive symptoms (β =0.39, 95% bootstrap CI [0.719, 1.333]). Negative body awareness (β =0.121, 95% bootstrap CI [0.174, 0.468]) and interoceptive self-regulation (β = 0.05, 95% bootstrap CI [0.035, 0.252]) partially mediated this relationship. Our findings indicated that pain may interfere with the perception of the body as a source of calmness and safety, limiting the individual's ability to effectively regulate emotions. Future research should further explore these mechanisms and evaluate the efficacy of interventions focusing on interoceptive sensibility to enhance the psychological well-being of endometriosis patients. PERSPECTIVE: This article investigates for the first time the potential role of two facets of interoceptive sensibility in the relationship between pain severity and depressive symptoms in women with endometriosis. These findings may contribute to advancing knowledge about mechanisms involved in the complex pain-depression cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Spinoni
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Porpora
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Grano
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
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Tang T, Zhong Y, Xu S, Yu H. Causal effects of endometriosis on SLE, RA and SS risk: evidence from meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:162. [PMID: 38395801 PMCID: PMC10885476 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06347-9] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is an underdiagnosed disorder that affects an estimated 6-10% of women of reproductive age. Endometriosis has been reported in epidemiological studies to be associated with autoimmune diseases. However, the relationship remains controversial. METHODS A meta-analysis of observational studies was undertaken to evaluate the risk of autoimmune diseases in patients with endometriosis. The relevant studies were retrieved via the databases Medline, Embase and Web of Science until July 20, 2023. Mendelian randomization (MR) was subsequently utilized to scrutinize the causal influence of genetic predisposition toward endometriosis on three autoimmune diseases. RESULTS The meta-analysis findings revealed a relationship between endometriosis and the onset of SLE (cohort studies: RR = 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.47-2.13, I2 = 0%; Case-control and cross-sectional studies: OR = 5.23, 95% CI: 0.74-36.98, I2 = 98%), RA (cohort studies: RR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.85-2.55, I2 = 92%; Case-control and cross-sectional studies: OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.19-1.64, I2 = 0%) and SS (cohort studies: RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.34-1.66, I2 = 0%). Similarly, in our MR study, the results of the inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) model suggested that genetic predisposition to endometriosis was causally associated with an increased risk for SLE (OR = 1.915, 95% CI: 1.204-3.045, p = 0.006) and RA (OR = 1.005, 95% CI: 1.001-1.009, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS Both our meta-analysis and MR study indicate that endometriosis increases the risk of autoimmune diseases. These findings not only broaden our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying the comorbidity of endometriosis and autoimmune diseases, but also offer a new strategy for autoimmune disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyou Tang
- Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Yi Zhong
- Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sipei Xu
- The First Medicine College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huilin Yu
- The Second Medicine College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Hosseinzadeh R, Moini A, Hosseini R, Fatehnejad M, Yekaninejad MS, Javidan M, Changaei M, Feizisani F, Rajaei S. A higher number of exhausted local PD1+, but not TIM3+, NK cells in advanced endometriosis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23294. [PMID: 38173487 PMCID: PMC10761348 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23294] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMT) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the presence and growth of endometrial-like glandular epithelial and stromal cells outside the uterus. Natural Killer (NK) cell dysfunction/exhaustion has been shown in patients with EMT. In this case-control study, we compared the frequency of exhausted PD-1 or TIM-3 positive NK cells in peripheral blood (PB) and peritoneal fluid (PF) of women with advanced endometriosis to control fertile women. PB and PF were collected from women aged 25-40 who underwent the laparoscopic procedure, including 13 stages III/IV endometriosis and 13 control samples. Multicolor flowcytometry was used to compare the frequency of PD-1 or TIM-3 positive NK (CD3-CD56+) cells in PB and PF of two groups. We demonstrated a higher percentage of PD-1+ NK cells in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis rather than controls (P-value = 0.039). This significance was related to stage IV of endometriosis (P-value = 0.047). We can not show any significant difference in the number of PD-1 or TIM-3 positive NK cells in peripheral blood. Our results suggest a local exhausted NK cell response in endometriosis that can be a leading factor in the endometriosis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Moini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Hosseini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Fatehnejad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mir Saeed Yekaninejad
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Moslem Javidan
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Changaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Feizisani
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, Iran
| | - Samira Rajaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zhou C, Feng M, Chen Y, Lv S, Zhang Y, Chen J, Zhang R, Huang X. Unraveling immunotherapeutic targets for endometriosis: a transcriptomic and single-cell analysis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1288263. [PMID: 38035102 PMCID: PMC10687456 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1288263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis (EMs), a common gynecological disorder, adversely affects the quality of life of females. The pathogenesis of EMs has not been elucidated and the diagnostic methods for EMs have limitations. This study aimed to identify potential molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of EMs. Methods Differential gene expression (DEG) and functional enrichment analyses were performed using the R language. WGCNA, Random Forest, SVM-REF and LASSO methods were used to identify core immune genes. The CIBERSORT algorithm was then used to analyse the differences in immune cell infiltration and to explore the correlation between immune cells and core genes. In addition, the extent of immune cell infiltration and the expression of immune core genes were investigated using single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing data. Finally, we performed molecular docking of three core genes with dienogest and goserelin to screen for potential drug targets. Results DEGs enriched in immune response, angiogenesis and estrogen processes. CXCL12, ROBO3 and SCG2 were identified as core immune genes. RT-PCR confirmed that the expression of CXCL12 and SCG2 was significantly upregulated in 12Z cells compared to hESCs cells. ROC curves showed high diagnostic value for these genes. Abnormal immune cell distribution, particularly increased macrophages, was observed in endometriosis. CXCL12, ROBO3 and SCG2 correlated with immune cell levels. Molecular docking suggested their potential as drug targets. Conclusion This study investigated the correlation between EMs and the immune system and identified potential immune-related biomarkers. These findings provided valuable insights for developing clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for EMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cankun Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Minqing Feng
- Department of Gynecology, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yonglian Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Side Lv
- Southern Medical University, Graduate School, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiebo Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Rujian Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaobin Huang
- Department of Gynecology, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
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Brouns F, Van Haaps A, Keszthelyi D, Venema K, Bongers M, Maas J, Mijatovic V. Diet associations in endometriosis: a critical narrative assessment with special reference to gluten. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1166929. [PMID: 37731404 PMCID: PMC10507348 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1166929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterus. The etiology remains largely unknown. Despite adequate treatment, patients can still experience symptoms or side effects resulting in therapy incompliance and in self-management strategies such as dietary measures is increasing. A gluten free diet is thought to be contributory in reducing endometriosis-related pain, thereby optimizing quality of life. However, data is conflicting and currently provides no evidence for causality. This narrative review aims to put the effect of dietary self-management strategies on endometriosis in a balanced perspective, especially the effect of gluten and a gluten free diet. Several studies have found a strong overlap in symptoms, metabolic and immune responses associated with endometriosis and those associated with celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome and non-celiac wheat sensitivity. However, it remains unclear whether these diseases and/or disorders are causal to an increased risk of endometriosis. Some studies have found a positive effect on the risk of endometriosis, endometriosis-related symptoms and quality of life (QoL) when women either avoided certain nutrients or foods, or applied a specific nutrient supplementation. This includes the avoidance of red meat and omega-3, an increasing intake of foods rich in anti-oxidants, micronutrients and dietary fibers (e.g., fruit, vegetables) and the appliance of a gluten free diet. However, data from the available studies were generally graded of low quality and it was noted that placebo and/or nocebo effects influenced the reported positive effects. In addition, such effects were no longer seen when adjusting for confounders such as overweight, when a translation was made from in vitro to in vivo, or when the nutrients were not supplemented as isolated sources but as part of a mixed daily diet. Finally, some studies showed that long-term adherence to a gluten free diet is often associated with an impaired diet quality and nutrient intake, leading to negative health outcomes and reduced QoL. Concluding, scientific evidence on the efficacy of dietary interventions on well-defined clinical endpoints of endometriosis is lacking and recommending a gluten free diet to women solely diagnosed with endometriosis should therefore not be advised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Brouns
- Department of Human Biology, School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Annelotte Van Haaps
- Endometriosis Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Daniel Keszthelyi
- Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Koen Venema
- Centre for Healthy Eating & Food Innovation (HEFI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Marlies Bongers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, Netherlands
- Grow-School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jacques Maas
- Grow-School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology MUMC+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Velja Mijatovic
- Endometriosis Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Yang YT, Jiang XY, Xu HL, Chen G, Wang SL, Zhang HP, Hong L, Jin QQ, Yao H, Zhang WY, Zhu YT, Mei J, Tian L, Ying J, Hu JJ, Zhou SG. Autoimmune Disease-Related Hub Genes are Potential Biomarkers and Associated with Immune Microenvironment in Endometriosis. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:2897-2921. [PMID: 37457751 PMCID: PMC10348380 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s417430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis, a common gynecological condition, can cause symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, infertility, and abnormal bleeding, which can negatively affect a woman's quality of life. In the current study, the pathophysiological mechanisms of endometriosis are unknown, but this study suggests that endometriosis is associated with dysregulation of the autoimmune system. This study identify hub genes involved in the prevalence, identification and diagnostic value of endometriosis and autoimmune diseases, and explore the central genes and immune infiltrates, the diagnosis of endometriosis provides a new sight of thinking about diagnosis and treatment. Methods and Results The relevant datasets for endometriosis GSE141549, GSE7305 and autoimmune disease-related genes (AIDGs) were downloaded from online database. Using the "limma" package and WGCNA to screen out the autoimmune disease related genes and endometriosis related genes, the autoimmune disease gene-related differential genes (AID-DEGs) progressive GO, KEGG enrichment analysis, and then using the protein interaction network and Cytoscape software to select hub genes (CXCL12, PECAM1, NGF, CTGF, WNT5A), using the "pROC" package to analyze the hub genes for the diagnostic value of endometriosis. The difference in the importance of hub genes for the diagnosis of endometriosis was analyzed by machine learning random forest, and the combined diagnostic value of hub genes was analyzed by using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm. The eutopic (EU) and ectopic endometrium (EC) immune microenvironment of endometriosis was evaluated using CIBERSORT, the correlation of hub genes to the immune microenvironment was analyzed. Conclusion The hub genes associated with AIDGs are differentially expressed in EC and EU of endometriosis and possess important value for the diagnosis of endometriosis. The hub genes have a very important impact on the immune microenvironment of endometriosis, which is important for exploring the connection between endometriosis and autoimmune diseases and provides a new insight for the subsequent study of immunotherapy and diagnosis of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Ting Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi-Ya Jiang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong-Liang Xu
- Department of Pathology, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guo Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sen-Lin Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics Center, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
| | - He-Ping Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Hong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qin-Qin Jin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Yao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-Yu Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Ting Zhu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Mei
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lu Tian
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Ying
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing-Jing Hu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shu-Guang Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
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Guo Y, Su Y, Zhang M, Ji H, Zhao C, Ling X, Shen R. Hydroxychloroquine improves pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer with positive serum autoantibodies. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13732. [PMID: 37382170 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13732] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Does hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) improve pregnancy outcomes after frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles in patients who are positive for autoantibodies? METHOD OF STUDY: This was a retrospective clinical study involving 128 patients who were positive for autoantibodies undergoing FET cycles between October 2017 and December 2022. Subjects were divided into two groups: a study group of 65 cycles with HCQ (HCQ was administered orally over 2 months before transplantation and continued during the first trimester) and a control group consisting of 63 cycles without HCQ (no HCQ was used throughout the FET cycle). Each patient was enrolled in the cohort only once. Then, we analyzed the clinical pregnancy outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS Analysis showed that HCQ was a factor that independently associated with clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) OR (Odds Ratio): 3.106; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.458-6.616; p = .003. Furthermore, the implantation rate (IR), CPR and ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) of the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The biochemical pregnancy rate (BPR) and early miscarriage rate (EMR) were significantly lower than that in the control group (p = .029, p < .001). CONCLUSION We found that HCQ improved clinical pregnancy outcomes and reduced the rate of first-trimester abortion in patients who were positive for autoantibodies during FET cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Guo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Su
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Mianqiu Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Ji
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiufeng Ling
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Rong Shen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
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Şerifoğlu H, Arinkan SA, Pasin O, Vural F. Is there an association between endometriosis and thyroid autoimmunity? REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2023; 69:e20221679. [PMID: 37255083 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20221679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It has been suggested that non-uterine endometrial implants can express thyroid-stimulating hormone receptors, thus inducing the formation of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin. We aimed to compare the autoantibody positivity in patients with and without endometriosis and to determine whether there is a difference in the incidence of thyroid diseases. METHODS This prospective observational study was conducted on 102 women who had been operated on for benign gynecological diseases. Cases enrolling in the study were divided into two groups: the study group with endometriosis (n=51) and the control group without endometriosis (n=51). The blood tests for thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin, and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody levels were checked. RESULTS The mean thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin level was found to be higher in the endometriosis group than in the control group. However, this difference was not statistically significant. No significant difference was detected between endometriosis and control groups in terms of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. The mean fT4 value (0.97±0.13 ng/dL) of the endometriosis patients was found to be significantly lower than the control group (1.08±0.21 ng/dL) (p=0.002; p<0.05). The mean anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody value of cases with bilateral endometrioma (82.21±252.29 IU/mL) was significantly higher than cases with unilateral endometrioma (15.81±83.13 IU/mL) (p=0.028; p<0.05). There is a positive and significant relationship between the size of endometriosis and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody values (p=0.011; p<0.05). CONCLUSION This study points to an association between endometrioma diameter and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody values which can be a stepping stone for new studies evaluating this hypothesis further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilal Şerifoğlu
- University of Health Sciences, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevcan Arzu Arinkan
- Central Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Ozge Pasin
- Bezmialem University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics - Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fisun Vural
- University of Health Sciences, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Istanbul, Turkey
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Ferrari-Souza JP, Pedrotti MT, Moretto EE, Farenzena LP, Crippa LG, Cunha-Filho JS. Endometriosis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:997-1005. [PMID: 35915351 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01045-3] [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: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological condition characterized by inflammatory and immune abnormalities. Likewise, these dysfunctions are important hallmarks of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a condition that also has a high prevalence among women in reproductive age. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between endometriosis and SLE. We searched Medline and Web of Science for articles published from database inception to March 1, 2021. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to provide a pooled risk ratio (RR). Individual study quality was evaluated following the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Quality Assessment Tools (NHLBI QAT). From the 225 articles identified through our search, five studies-assessing 152,355 women-were included. Included studies presented an overall poor or fair quality rating. We observed a significant association between endometriosis and SLE (RR = 2.47, 95% confidence interval: 1.33-4.59, P < 0.004, I2 = 54%). Sensitivity analyses stratifying articles by study design demonstrated that the association was significant in cross-sectional and case-control studies (RR = 5.07, 95% confidence interval: 1.42-18.11, P < 0.012), as well as in cohort studies (RR = 2.07, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-4.20, P < 0.044). In spite of the limited quality of included studies, our results suggest the existence of an association between endometriosis and SLE. These findings can aid medical assessment of patients with endometriosis, as well as provide further insights to better understand this gynaecological disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pedro Ferrari-Souza
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande do Sul, RS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Medical School, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | - João Sabino Cunha-Filho
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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10
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Anastasi E, Scaramuzzino S, Viscardi MF, Viggiani V, Piccioni MG, Cacciamani L, Merlino L, Angeloni A, Muzii L, Porpora MG. Efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine on Endometriosis-Related Pain, Size Reduction of Ovarian Endometriomas, and Fertility Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4686. [PMID: 36981595 PMCID: PMC10048621 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064686] [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] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent, inflammatory disease, whose pivotal symptoms are dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Besides the usual medical treatments, recent evidence suggests there are potential benefits of oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on endometriotic lesions and pain. The primary objective of this prospective single-cohort study was to confirm the effectiveness of NAC in reducing endometriosis-related pain and the size of ovarian endometriomas. The secondary objective was to assess if NAC may play a role in improving fertility and reducing the Ca125 serum levels. METHODS Patients aged between 18-45 years old with a clinical/histological diagnosis of endometriosis and no current hormonal treatment or pregnancy were included in the study. All patients received quarterly oral NAC 600 mg, 3 tablets/day for 3 consecutive days of the week for 3 months. At baseline and after 3 months, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and CPP were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale score (VAS), while the size of the endometriomas was estimated through a transvaginal ultrasound. Analgesics (NSAIDs) intake, the serum levels of Ca125 and the desire for pregnancy were also investigated. Finally, the pregnancy rate of patients with reproductive desire was evaluated. RESULTS One hundred and twenty patients were recruited. The intensity of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and CPP significantly improved (p < 0.0001). The use of NSAIDs (p = 0.001), the size of the endometriomas (p < 0.0001) and the serum levels of Ca125 (p < 0.0001) significantly decreased. Among the 52 patients with reproductive desire, 39 successfully achieved pregnancy within 6 months of starting therapy (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Oral NAC improves endometriosis-related pain and the size of endometriomas. Furthermore, it decreases Ca125 serum levels and may improve fertility in patients with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Anastasi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Scaramuzzino
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Federica Viscardi
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Viggiani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Piccioni
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Cacciamani
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Merlino
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Porpora
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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11
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Coloma JL, Martínez-Zamora, Tàssies D, Reverter JC, Espinosa G, Cervera R, Carmona F. Serological autoimmune profile of systemic lupus erythematosus in deep and non-deep endometriosis patients. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 156:103827. [PMID: 36773494 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103827] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several studies have reported a high prevalence of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in endometriosis patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the SLE autoimmune antibody profile in patients with deep (DE) and non-deep endometriosis (Non-DE). MATERIALS AND METHODS Four groups of premenopausal patients were evaluated: patients with DE (n = 50); patients with ovarian endometriomas (Non-DE; n = 50); healthy patients without endometriosis (C group; n = 45); and SLE patients without endometriosis (SLE group; N = 46). Blood samples were obtained and the standard SLE autoimmune profile was evaluated in all patients. Pain symptoms related to endometriosis and clinical SLE manifestations were also recorded. RESULTS The DE group presented a statistically significant higher proportion of patients with antinuclear antibodies (ANA) (20%) compared to the Non-DE group (4%) and C group (2.2%). Levels of complement were more frequently lower among DE and Non-DE patients although differences did not reach statistical significance. Similarly, anti-dsDNA antibodies and anticoagulant lupus were positive in more patients of the DE group but did not reach statistical significance. The DE group complained of more arthralgia and asthenia compared to the Non-DE and C groups. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study showed higher positivity of ANA and greater arthralgia and asthenia in patients with DE compared with Non-DE patients and healthy controls, suggesting that they may have a higher susceptibility to autoimmune diseases and present more generalized pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Coloma
- Department of Gynaecology, Institut Clínic of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Faculty of Medicine-University of Barcelona, Institut d´Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Martínez-Zamora
- Department of Gynaecology, Institut Clínic of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Faculty of Medicine-University of Barcelona, Institut d´Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - D Tàssies
- Department of Hemotherapy and Hemostasis, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - J C Reverter
- Department of Hemotherapy and Hemostasis, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Espinosa
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Cervera
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Carmona
- Department of Gynaecology, Institut Clínic of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Faculty of Medicine-University of Barcelona, Institut d´Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Gómez-Pereira E, Burgos J, Mendoza R, Pérez-Ruiz I, Olaso F, García D, Malaina I, Matorras R. Endometriosis Increases the Risk of Placenta Previa in Both IVF Pregnancies and the General Obstetric Population. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:854-864. [PMID: 35999442 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01054-2] [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: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Is there a relationship between endometriosis and placenta previa (PP)? To investigate if there is a relationship between endometriosis and PP, a retrospective study was carried out, using prospectively recorded data from two different databases from Cruces University Hospital. Two different populations were included in the study. The ART (assisted reproduction techniques) population consisted of 246 cesarean sections (CS), from a total of 1170 deliveries, and the obstetric population consisted of 7045 CS, from a total of 50,298 deliveries. A representative subset from the obstetric population was established selecting 4 CS without PP for each CS with PP. In our ART population, the PP rate was 1.71% among all deliveries and 8.13% among CS. In our general obstetric population, the PP rate was 0.34% among all deliveries and 2.41% among the CS. Among the CS in ART pregnancies, the PP rate was 20% in the women with endometriosis vs 5.47% in women without endometriosis (OR = 4.32; 95% CI = 1.67-11.17), while considering all ART deliveries, the PP rates were 6.43% and 1.07%, respectively (OR = 6.36; 95% CI = 2.59-15.65). In the CS-obstetric population, the rate of PP was 9.61% among women with endometriosis vs 2.19% among women without endometriosis (OR = 4.74; 95% CI = 2.91-7.73). Considering all deliveries, the PP rate was 1.35% among women with endometriosis vs 0.30% in women without endometriosis. Differences persisted when adjusting for age, IVF, multiplicity, and previous deliveries. In the CS-obstetric population with PP, mean surgical time and hospital stay were significantly higher in women with endometriosis. Endometriosis is associated with a higher risk of PP even after adjusting for other parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eider Gómez-Pereira
- Reproduction Unit, Cruces Hospital, Biocruces Health Research Institute, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Jorge Burgos
- Obstetrics Service, Cruces Hospital, Biocruces Health Research Institute, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Rosario Mendoza
- Reproduction Unit, Cruces Hospital, Biocruces Health Research Institute, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Irantzu Pérez-Ruiz
- Reproduction Unit, Cruces Hospital, Biocruces Health Research Institute, Vizcaya, Spain.
| | - Fátima Olaso
- Reproduction Unit, Cruces Hospital, Biocruces Health Research Institute, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - David García
- Reproduction Unit, Cruces Hospital, Biocruces Health Research Institute, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Iker Malaina
- Applied Mathematics, Statistics, and Operative Research Department, University of the Basque Country, Biocruces Health Research Institute, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Roberto Matorras
- Reproduction Unit, Cruces Hospital, Biocruces Health Research Institute, Vizcaya, Spain.,IVI, IVIRMA, Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain
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13
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Laudański P, Rogalska G, Warzecha D, Lipa M, Mańka G, Kiecka M, Spaczyński R, Piekarski P, Banaszewska B, Jakimiuk A, Issat T, Rokita W, Młodawski J, Szubert M, Sieroszewski P, Raba G, Szczupak K, Kluz T, Kluza M, Neuman T, Adler P, Peterson H, Salumets A, Wielgos M. Autoantibody screening of plasma and peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:629-643. [PMID: 36749097 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead011] [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: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are there specific autoantibody profiles in patients with endometriosis that are different from those in controls? SUMMARY ANSWER This study did not reveal a significantly higher prevalence of autoantibodies in the studied groups of patients. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Various inflammatory factors are postulated to be involved in the pathomechanisms of endometriosis, and a potential link exists with autoimmune diseases, which may also play an important role. As the diagnosis of endometriosis remains invasive, it can only be confirmed using laparoscopy with histopathological examination of tissues. Numerous studies have focused on identifying useful biomarkers to confirm the disease, but without unequivocal effects. Autoantibodies are promising molecules that serve as potential prognostic factors. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A multicentre, cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months (between 2018 and 2019), at eight Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in several cities across Poland on 137 patients undergoing laparoscopic examination for the diagnosis of endometriosis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS During laparoscopy, we obtained plasma samples from 137 patients and peritoneal fluid (PF) samples from 98 patients. Patients with autoimmune diseases were excluded from the study. Autoantibody profiling was performed using HuProt v3.1 human proteome microarrays. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We observed no significant differences in the expression of autoantibodies in the plasma or PF between the endometriosis and control groups. The study revealed that in the PF of women with Stage II endometriosis, compared with other stages, there were significantly higher reactivity signals for ANAPC15 and GABPB1 (adj. P < 0.016 and adj. P < 0.026, respectively; logFC > 1 in both cases). Comparison of the luteal and follicular phases in endometriosis patients revealed that levels of NEIL1 (adj. P < 0.029), MAGEB4 (adj. P < 0.029), and TNIP2 (adj. P < 0.042) autoantibody signals were significantly higher in the luteal phase than in the follicular phase in PF samples of patients with endometriosis. No differences were observed between the two phases of the cycle in plasma or between women with endometriosis and controls. Clustering of PF and plasma samples did not reveal unique autoantibody profiles for endometriosis; however, comparison of PF and plasma in the same patient showed a high degree of concordance. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although this study was performed using the highest-throughput protein array available, it does not cover the entire human proteome and cannot be used to study potentially promising post-translational modifications. Autoantibody levels depend on numerous factors, such as infections; therefore the autoantibody tests should be repeated for more objective results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Although endometriosis has been linked to different autoimmune diseases, it is unlikely that autoimmune responses mediated by specific autoantibodies play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of this inflammatory disease. Our study shows that in searching for biomarkers of endometriosis, it may be more efficient to use higher-throughput proteomic microarrays, which may allow the detection of potentially new biomarkers. Only research on such a scale, and possibly with different technologies, can help discover biomarkers that will change the method of endometriosis diagnosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by a grant from the Polish Ministry of Health (grant no. 6/6/4/1/NPZ/2017/1210/1352). It was also funded by the Estonian Research Council (grant PRG1076) and the Horizon 2020 Innovation Grant (ERIN; grant no. EU952516), Enterprise Estonia (grant no. EU48695), and MSCA-RISE-2020 project TRENDO (grant no. 101008193). The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Laudański
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,OVIklinika Infertility Center, Warsaw, Poland.,Women's Health Research Institute, Calisia University, Kalisz, Poland.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Gabriela Rogalska
- Clinic of Gynecology, Oncological Gynecology and Obstetrics, Municipal Polyclinical Hospital in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Damian Warzecha
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Lipa
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Robert Spaczyński
- Center for Gynecology, Obstetrics and Infertility Treatment Pastelova, Poznan, Poland
| | - Piotr Piekarski
- Division of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Beata Banaszewska
- Chair and Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Artur Jakimiuk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tadeusz Issat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Rokita
- Collegium Medicum Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Kielce, Poland.,Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Provincial Combined Hospital in Kielce, Kielce, Poland
| | - Jakub Młodawski
- Collegium Medicum Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Kielce, Poland.,Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Provincial Combined Hospital in Kielce, Kielce, Poland
| | - Maria Szubert
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,Department of Surgical Gynecology and Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr Sieroszewski
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,Department of Fetal Medicine and Gynecology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Raba
- Clinic of Obstetric and Gynecology in Przemysl, Przemysl, Poland.,University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Kamil Szczupak
- Clinic of Obstetric and Gynecology in Przemysl, Przemysl, Poland.,University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kluz
- Department of Gynecology, Gynecology Oncology and Obstetrics, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Marek Kluza
- Department of Gynecology, Gynecology Oncology and Obstetrics, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Rzeszow, Poland
| | | | - Priit Adler
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Hedi Peterson
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Miroslaw Wielgos
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Crespi BJ, Evans SF. Prenatal Origins of Endometriosis Pathology and Pain: Reviewing the Evidence of a Role for Low Testosterone. J Pain Res 2023; 16:307-316. [PMID: 36762368 PMCID: PMC9904225 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s389166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a polygenic, estrogen-dependent, inflammatory disorder of uncertain aetiology associated with pain, infertility and reduced quality of life. While the positive association between endometriosis and estrogen is established, a suite of recent studies has demonstrated an inverse association between the presence of endometriosis lesions and levels of testosterone both prenatally and postnatally. The following narrative review provides new insights into the roles of testosterone in the aetiology, diagnosis, and management of endometriosis and associated symptoms, especially pain. A relatively short anogenital distance (AGD) is indicative of lower levels of testosterone during fetal development. A shorter AGD has recently been correlated with both a higher risk of developing endometriosis in adult life, and with known correlates of endometriosis including earlier onset of reproductive cycling, lower ovarian follicle number, lower postnatal testosterone, and premature ovarian insufficiency. During adult life, lower levels of testosterone are positively associated with key comorbidities of endometriosis, including days per month of pelvic pain and increased pain sensitivity. Biochemically, lower levels of testosterone are associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory IL-1β and lower levels of β-endorphin. In rodents, prenatal administration of testosterone to females reduces their pain sensitivity in adulthood. The emerging convergent links of endometriosis with low prenatal and postnatal testosterone provide evidence of a centrally mediated effect beginning in early prenatal development, and persisting through adult life, with notable effects on pain sensitivity. They generate a novel conceptual framework for understanding, studying and treating this disorder, whereby endometriosis is mediated by a combination of high estrogen in endometrial tissue with low systemic and ovarian testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard J Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada,Correspondence: Bernard J Crespi, Email
| | - Susan F Evans
- Adelaide Medical School, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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15
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Moslehi Z, Derakhshan R, Chaichian S, Mehdizadeh Kashi A, Sabet B, Rokhgireh S. Correlation of High-Risk Human Papilloma Virus with Deep Endometriosis: A Cross-Sectional Study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:6793898. [PMID: 37082187 PMCID: PMC10113060 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6793898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Background Recently, it has been suggested that microbial infections play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. One of the most commonly suggested infections associated with the pathogenesis of endometriosis is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The present study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence, types, and risk factors for HPV infection in women with endometriosis and at investigating the association of upper and lower genital tract involvement with HPV and the severity of endometriosis. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 81 patients with endometriosis, referred to Rasool Akram Medical Complex in Tehran, Iran, for laparoscopic surgery. The patients' demographic, clinical, and anthropometric data were extracted from their medical records, as well as interviews. The stage of disease was scored based on the revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine (rASRM) classification. The HPV-positive and HPV-negative cases were compared using the chi-square test for categorical variables and Student t-test for continuous variables. Results Twenty (24.69%) out of 81 women with endometriosis were infected with HPV (nine cases of pelvic HPV, nine cases of vaginal HPV, and two cases of both pelvic and vaginal HPV). The HPV-infected women had a significantly lower infertility rate (15% vs. 45.9%; P = 0.014). The VAS scores for dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia were relatively the same in the two groups (P > 0.05). HPV 6 and HPV 11 were the most common types of HPV, reported in 35% and 30% of endometriosis cases, respectively. Conclusion The prevalence of HPV was 24.69%, and low-risk genotypes were dominant. No significant association was found between HPV and the severity of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Moslehi
- Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Derakhshan
- Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahla Chaichian
- Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Babak Sabet
- Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Smart University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Rokhgireh
- Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Svensson A, Roth B, Kronvall L, Ohlsson B. TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) - A potential new biomarker for endometriosis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 278:115-121. [PMID: 36152376 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.09.013] [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: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The prevalence of several autoimmune diseases, including thyroid dysfunction, has been reported to be increased in patients with endometriosis. Upregulated thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH) receptors in ectopic endometrium and elevated serum titers of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) IgG in endometriosis patients indicates an overlap in pathophysiology. However, cross-reactivity with other antibodies must be excluded. The objective of this study was to compare the expression of autoantibodies in women with endometriosis and two control groups to evaluate the potential of TRAb IgG as a diagnostic marker for endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN This cross-sectional study was carried out in 172 women with surgically confirmed endometriosis and two control groups consisting of 50 healthy blood donors and 114 women from Malmö Offspring Study consisting of people from the general population. Serum levels of thyroid hormones, TSH and TRAb autoantibodies, AXIN1, and autoantibodies against follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), luteinizing hormone (LH), and their receptors, were analyzed. The patients answered a questionnaire and estimated their gastrointestinal symptoms using the Visual Analogue Scale for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. RESULTS Of the endometriosis patients, 29.1 % had TRAb IgG above the present detection limit of ≥ 1.0 IE/L compared to 2.6 % of the controls from MOS (p < 0.001) and 94.5 % had levels of TRAb over the previous detection limit ≥ 0.3 IE/L compared to 7.9 % of the controls (p < 0.001). Titers of both TRAb IgG and IgM were increased in patients compared to controls from MOS and blood donors, respectively (p < 0.001). There was no increase of autoantibodies against FSH, FSH receptor (FSHR), hCG, LH, LH receptor (LHR) or TSH compared to the blood donor controls. TRAb titers did not correlate with age, disease duration, AXIN1, TSH, thyroid hormones or gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSION TRAb IgG and IgM are slightly elevated in patients with endometriosis with no cross-reactivity with other autoantibodies. The results indicate that TRAb is truly elevated and thereby has the potential to be used to support the diagnosing of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Svensson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms street 15, floor 5, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Bodil Roth
- Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms street 15, floor 5, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Linnea Kronvall
- Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms street 15, floor 5, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Bodil Ohlsson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms street 15, floor 5, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden.
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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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18
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Ansariniya H, Yavari A, Javaheri A, Zare F. Oxidative stress-related effects on various aspects of endometriosis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13593. [PMID: 35781369 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic and relatively common disease in women of childbearing age. Complications of this disease include a wide range of disorders. The cause of this disease is not known for sure, but several hypotheses have been proposed for it. In this disease, the entry of endometrial tissues into the peritoneal cavity causes oxidative stress through the Fenton reaction and inflammation in this site. Oxidative stress can be associated with many complications of endometriosis. In this review, an attempt has been made to discuss the effects of oxidative stress on various complications of this disease. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Ansariniya
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Yavari
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Atiyeh Javaheri
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fateme Zare
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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19
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Chao YH, Liu CH, Pan YA, Yen FS, Chiou JY, Wei JCC. Association Between Endometriosis and Subsequent Risk of Sjögren's Syndrome: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study. Front Immunol 2022; 13:845944. [PMID: 35592328 PMCID: PMC9110644 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.845944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The relationship between endometriosis and the ensuing risk of Sjögren’s syndrome has remained unclear. This study aims to present epidemiological evidence for this connection. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of endometriosis patients (ICD-9-CM 617.0-617.9 and 621.3) and matched comparison group between 2000 and 2012 in the National Taiwan Insurance Research Database. After age matching, we analyzed the association between endometriosis and Sjögren’s syndrome (ICD-9-CM 710.2). We used the Cox proportional hazard model to examine the hazard ratio of incidental Sjögren’s syndrome. Subgroup analyses on age, comorbidities, and disease duration were also performed. Results A total of 73,665 individuals were included in this study. We identified 14733 newly diagnosed endometriosis patients and 58,932 non-endometriosis comparison group. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for incidental Sjögren’s syndrome was 1.45 (95% confidence interval CI=1.27-1.65) in the endometriosis group, compared to the non-endometriosis comparison group. In subgroup analysis, the adjusted HR was 1.53 (95% CI=1.25-1.88) in the age group of 20-39 and 1.41 (95% CI =1.18-1.68) in the age of 40-64. Time-vary analysis showed that endometriosis who have a follow-up time of fewer than five years (adjusted HR=1.57, 95% CI=1.32-1.87) have a significantly highest risk of having subsequent Sjögren’s syndrome. Conclusion This population-based cohort study indicated that having a history of endometriosis puts patients at an increased risk of getting Sjögren’s syndrome afterward, especially in the age group of 20-39 and within the first five years after the diagnosis of endometriosis. Clinicians should recognize this possible association in managing endometriosis or Sjögren’s syndrome patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Hsiang Chao
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Hsiu Liu
- Department of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-An Pan
- Department of Sociomedical Science, The Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Jeng-Yuan Chiou
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - James Cheng-Chung Wei
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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20
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Effects of Breastfeeding on Endometriosis-Related Pain: A Prospective Observational Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010602. [PMID: 34682348 PMCID: PMC8535640 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a gynecological estrogen-dependent disease whose commonest pain symptoms are dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and acyclic chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Hormonal changes occurring during breastfeeding seem to reduce pain and disease recurrence. The aim of this observational prospective study was to assess the effect of breastfeeding on pain and endometriotic lesions in patients with endometriosis and to evaluate a possible correlation between the duration of breastfeeding, postpartum amenorrhea, and pain. Out of 156 pregnant women with endometriosis enrolled, 123 who breastfed were included in the study and were monitored for 2 years after delivery; 96/123 exclusively breastfed for at least 1 month. Mode of delivery, type and duration of breastfeeding, intensity of pain symptoms, and lesion size before pregnancy and during the 24-month follow-up were analyzed. All patients experienced a significant reduction in dysmenorrhea proportional to the duration of breastfeeding. CPP was significantly reduced only in women who exclusively breastfed. No significant improvement in dyspareunia was observed. Ovarian endometriomas were significantly reduced. Therefore, breastfeeding, particularly if exclusive, may cause improvement in dysmenorrhea and CPP proportional to the duration of breastfeeding, as well as a reduction in the size of ovarian endometriomas.
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21
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Gruber TM, Mechsner S. Pathogenesis of Endometriosis: The Origin of Pain and Subfertility. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061381. [PMID: 34205040 PMCID: PMC8226491 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) and adenomyosis (AM) are common conditions with pain and infertility as the principal symptoms. The pathophysiology of pain in EM and AM comprises sensory and somatoform pain mechanisms. Over time, these may aggravate and lead to individual complex disease patterns if not diagnosed and treated. Despite the known facts, several years often pass between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis. Chronic pain disorders with changes on a neuronal level frequently arise and are linked to depressive disorders, with the process becoming a vicious cycle. Additionally, women with EM and AM suffer from sub- and infertility. Low fecundity rates are caused by anatomical changes in combination with behavioral changes in the sexual activity of women with chronic pain as well as local proinflammatory factors that not only decrease implantation rates but also promote early abortions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Mira Gruber
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Obstetrics, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Sylvia Mechsner
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Endometriosis Centre Charité, Department of Gynaecology, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence:
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22
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Masciullo L, Viscardi MF, Piacenti I, Scaramuzzino S, Cavalli A, Piccioni MG, Porpora MG. A deep insight into pelvic pain and endometriosis: a review of the literature from pathophysiology to clinical expressions. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2021; 73:511-522. [PMID: 33904687 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.21.04779-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. Its clinical manifestations are highly heterogeneous, but pelvic pain is the most frequent, causing functional disability. Cyclic or acyclic chronic pelvic pain (CPP), dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia are frequent symptoms which often compromise all aspects of the women's quality of life (QoL). The pathophysiology of endometriosis-related pain is extremely complex and not always clear. The aim of this literature review is to focus on recent updates on the clinical presentation, the pathophysiology and the most important mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of pelvic pain in endometriosis. A literature search in the Cochrane library, PubMed, Scopus and web of Science databases has been performed, identifying articles from January 1995 to November 2020. Several processes seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of pain, but many aspects are still unclear. Scientific evidence has shown that a correlation between pain severity and stage of endometriosis rarely occurs, whereas there is a significant correlation between pain and the presence of deep endometriosis. Onset and intensity of pain may be due to a complex process involving central sensitization and peripheral activation of nociceptive pathways as well as dysfunction of the immune system and of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. A deeper understanding of these different pathogenetic mechanisms may improve future treatments in women with painful endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Masciullo
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria F Viscardi
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Piacenti
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Scaramuzzino
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cavalli
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria G Piccioni
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria G Porpora
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy -
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Suszczyk D, Skiba W, Jakubowicz-Gil J, Kotarski J, Wertel I. The Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) in the Development and/or Progression of Endometriosis-State of the Art. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030677. [PMID: 33803806 PMCID: PMC8003224 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMS) is a common gynecological disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Approximately 10% of women around the world suffer from this disease. Recent studies suggest that endometriosis has potential to transform into endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC). Endometriosis is connected with chronic inflammation and changes in the phenotype, activity, and function of immune cells. The underlying mechanisms include quantitative and functional disturbances of neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages (MO/MA), natural killer cells (NK), and T cells. A few reports have shown that immunosuppressive cells such as regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) may promote the progression of endometriosis. MDSCs are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells (dendritic cells, granulocytes, and MO/MA precursors), which play an important role in the development of immunological diseases such as chronic inflammation and cancer. The presence of MDSCs in pathological conditions correlates with immunosuppression, angiogenesis, or release of growth factors and cytokines, which promote progression of these diseases. In this paper, we review the impact of MDSCs on different populations of immune cells, focusing on their immunosuppressive role in the immune system, which may be related with the pathogenesis and/or progression of endometriosis and its transformation into ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Suszczyk
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (D.S.); (W.S.)
| | - Wiktoria Skiba
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (D.S.); (W.S.)
| | - Joanna Jakubowicz-Gil
- Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jan Kotarski
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16, 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Iwona Wertel
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (D.S.); (W.S.)
- Correspondence:
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WITHDRAWN: Endometriosis is a risk factor of placenta previa: consistence between two different registers of cesarean sections from one same hospital. Reprod Biomed Online 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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