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Van Gestel H, Bafort C, Meuleman C, Tomassetti C, Vanhie A. The prevalence of endometriosis in unexplained infertility: a systematic review. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 49:103848. [PMID: 38943813 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.103848] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
In 15-30% of couples with infertility, no abnormalities are found after the initial diagnostic work-up. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of endometriosis in patients with unexplained infertility undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy in the current era of improved imaging and assisted reproductive technology. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central was conducted to identify all studies reporting on pelvic pathologies found by laparoscopy in couples diagnosed with unexplained infertility. Normal ovulatory cycles, normal semen analysis and an infertility period of ≥12 months were the minimum requirements for a study population to be included. The prevalence of endometriosis was 44%, and most lesions were classified as minimal or mild (74%). The prevalence rates of tubal factors and adhesions were 20% and 16%, respectively. The detection rate for pelvic abnormalities was higher in women with prior fertility treatment (75%) compared with women without prior fertility treatment (53%). Despite the significant improvements in imaging for the diagnosis of endometriosis and tubal factors over the last decades, the prevalence rates of endometriosis and tubal abnormalities remain high in patients with unexplained infertility. The high prevalence of endometriosis in this population is important for decision-making in patients who also suffer from pain symptoms suggestive of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Van Gestel
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Celine Bafort
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine; Department of Development and Regeneration, Group Biomedical Sciences, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christel Meuleman
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine; Department of Development and Regeneration, Group Biomedical Sciences, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carla Tomassetti
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine; Department of Development and Regeneration, Group Biomedical Sciences, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arne Vanhie
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine; Department of Development and Regeneration, Group Biomedical Sciences, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium.
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Slayden O, Luo F, Park Y, Moses AS, Demessie AA, Singh P, Korzun T, Taratula O, Taratula O. Targeted nanoparticles for imaging and therapy of endometriosis†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:1191-1200. [PMID: 38738758 PMCID: PMC11180615 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae073] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In this brief review, we discuss our efforts to validate nanoplatforms for imaging and treatment of endometriosis. We specifically highlight our use of nonhuman primates and primate tissues in this effort. Endometriosis is a painful disorder of women and nonhuman primates where endometrium-like tissue exists outside of the uterus. There are no reliable, specific, and noninvasive diagnostic tests for endometriosis. Laparoscopic imaging remains the gold standard for identifying small endometriotic lesions in both women and monkeys. Visualizing and surgically removing microscopic lesions remains a clinical challenge. To address this challenge, we have created nanoparticle reagents that, when administered intravenously, enter endometriotic lesions both passively and by targeting endometriotic cells. The particles can carry payloads, including near-infrared fluorescent dyes and magnetic nanoparticles. These agents can be used for imaging and thermal ablation of diseased tissues. We evaluated this approach on macaque endometriotic cells, human and macaque endometrium engrafted into immunodeficient mice, in endometrium subcutaneously autografted in macaques, and in rhesus monkeys with spontaneous endometriosis. Employing these models, we report that nanoplatform-based reagents can improve imaging and provide thermal ablation of endometriotic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ov Slayden
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Fangzhou Luo
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Youngrong Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Abraham S Moses
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ananiya A Demessie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Prem Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Tetiana Korzun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Olena Taratula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Oleh Taratula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA
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Watson C. Surge in endometriosis research after decades of underfunding could herald new era for women's health. Nat Med 2024; 30:315-318. [PMID: 38321217 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-02795-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Clare Watson
- Freelance science journalist, Wollongong, Australia
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